💫 “Viva La Profits” — Coldplay’s record-breaking tour. Coke’s Mexican Coke. Cetaphil’s AI skin hack.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Best One Yet Hosted by Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell | Released on July 23, 2025

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Introduction: Backstage Buzz in Chicago

Nick and Jack kick off the episode backstage at the historic Vick Theater in Chicago, sharing their excitement about their upcoming live show. The hosts engage in playful banter about their stage outfits, setting a lively tone for the episode.

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1. Coca-Cola’s Return to Cane Sugar: The Mexican Coke Phenomenon

Headline: President Trump Requests Cane Sugar Coke; Coca-Cola Complies

Key Points:

• Trump’s Request: President Trump publicly asked Coca-Cola to revert to using cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in their beverages.

• Coca-Cola’s Response: In response, Coca-Cola announced the launch of a new Coke variant sweetened with US-grown cane sugar, reminiscent of the long-standing Mexican Coke.

• Historical Ironies:

  • Trade Policies: In the 1980s, Coca-Cola shifted from cane sugar to HFCS in the US due to corn subsidies and imposed tariffs on Mexican sugar, creating a divergent product line between the US and Mexico.
  • Cultural Impact: Despite political tensions, Mexican Coke has garnered a cult following in the US, often perceived as a premium product due to its distinct taste and packaging.

Notable Quotes:

• Nick (07:02): "If the most powerful person in the world who controls nuclear weapons requests a certain flavor, you do the plan faster."

• Jack (09:10): "Trump is deporting illegal Mexican immigrants right now, but he just asked Coca Cola to make Mexican Coke for America."

Takeaway: Nick and Jack suggest that Coca-Cola could rebrand the new cane sugar variant as a premium product, leveraging its superior taste and nostalgic appeal to capture the market segment that already adores Mexican Coke.

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2. Coldplay’s Spheres Tour: A Billion-Dollar Success Fueled by Viral Moments

Headline: Coldplay’s Spheres Tour Becomes the Second Highest-Grossing Concert Tour of All Time

Key Points:

• Financial Milestone: Coldplay’s ongoing Spheres Tour has grossed an impressive $1.25 billion, ranking it just behind Taylor Swift's Eras Tour as one of the highest-grossing tours ever.

• Viral Marketing: The band's strategic engagement of fans during concerts has been pivotal. Notably, during a Singapore concert, Coldplay created a memorable moment by spotlighting and serenading two fans on stage, leading to viral content.

• Memes and Social Media: These authentic, unscripted interactions have led to increased online traction, with several of Coldplay’s songs climbing the Spotify charts following these events.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack (12:21): "That's the number one concert tour ever for rock and roll. And it's number two all time. Only behind T. Swift."

• Nick (14:15): "Every brand would kill for the attention Coldplay has gotten from this whole Astronomer affair."

Takeaway: Coldplay exemplifies how fostering genuine fan interactions can seed viral moments that significantly boost a tour's success. While memes can't be manufactured, creating opportunities for authentic fan engagement can lead to organic viral content that benefits the band's popularity and revenue.

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3. Cetaphil’s AI Skin Hack: Pioneering Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)

Headline: Cetaphil Transforms Online Marketing Through AI-Driven Answer Engine Optimization

Key Points:

• Shift from SEO to AEO: Traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) focused on ranking high in search engine results. However, with the rise of AI-driven chatbots like ChatGPT, Cetaphil is adopting Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) to optimize their content for AI recommendations.

• Strategic Content Overhaul: Cetaphil is rewriting product descriptions and website content to sound more authoritative and include clinical references, aiming to impress AI algorithms that power chatbots.

• User Trust and Validation: As AI recommendations become more prevalent, consumers are turning to platforms like TikTok to validate AI-driven suggestions through human testimonials and reviews.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack (19:51): "AI Rewards Authority."

• Nick (21:08): "As brands beyond Cetaphil try to game AI, our trust in AI's answers could erode."

Takeaway: Cetaphil's transition to AEO highlights the evolving landscape of digital marketing, where AI-driven recommendations are paramount. However, this also emphasizes the increasing need for human validation to maintain consumer trust amidst automated content optimization.

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4. Additional Business News

a. U.S. House of Representatives Early Recess

• Context: The House has closed a day early for a five-week vacation recess.
• Implication: This move is seen as a strategic effort to block a vote calling for the release of the Epstein files, aiming to bury the politically sensitive issue during the summer break.

b. General Motors Faces Tariff Challenges

• Impact: GM reported a $1.1 billion hit to their quarterly profits due to tariffs.
• Market Reaction: The company’s stock plummeted by 8%, with expectations of further financial strain in the upcoming quarter.
• Details: Imported car and parts tariffs stand at 25%, significantly higher than the average 10%, forcing GM to absorb costs instead of raising prices.

c. Ryanair’s Bounty Program for Oversized Luggage

• Initiative: Ryanair has introduced a bounty program incentivizing employees to identify passengers attempting to board with oversized luggage.
• Rewards: Employees receive a $1.75 bonus for each identified bag, while passengers face a $90 fine for non-compliance.

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5. Fun Fact: Two Decades of Podcasting

Jack and Nick celebrate the 20th anniversary of the term "podcast" being added to the Oxford American Dictionary, reflecting on their journey from high school aspirations to successful podcast hosts.

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Conclusion

Nick and Jack wrap up the episode with well-wishes to their listeners celebrating various personal milestones and encourage attendance at their live show in Chicago. They also promote their sponsors and tease future content, maintaining an engaging and community-focused atmosphere.

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Notable Quotes Compilation:

• Nick (07:02): "If the most powerful person in the world who controls nuclear weapons requests a certain flavor, you do the plan faster."
• Jack (09:10): "Trump is deporting illegal Mexican immigrants right now, but he just asked Coca Cola to make Mexican Coke for America."
• Jack (12:21): "That's the number one concert tour ever for rock and roll. And it's number two all time. Only behind T. Swift."
• Nick (14:15): "Every brand would kill for the attention Coldplay has gotten from this whole Astronomer affair."
• Jack (19:51): "AI Rewards Authority."
• Nick (21:08): "As brands beyond Cetaphil try to game AI, our trust in AI's answers could erode."

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This episode of The Best One Yet delivers insightful analyses of major business stories, blending humor with in-depth discussion. Whether it's exploring the legacy of Mexican Coke, dissecting Coldplay's marketing genius, or delving into the future of AI in digital marketing, Nick and Jack provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the latest pop-business trends.

Transcript

[Nick]

This is Nick.

[Jack]

This is Jack.

[Nick]

It's Wednesday. Ceviche Wednesday, July 23rd. And today's pod is the best one yet. This is a T, boy.

[Jack]

The top three pop business news stories you need to know today.

[Nick]

Yetis. Jack and I just finished the walkthrough of our Chicago live show. We're recording. We're backstage right now. We are backstage. Look at this, Jack.

[Jack]

We're at the Vick Theater in Chicago. Built in 1912, Nick classic. This place is historic.

[Nick]

Older than Wrigley.

[Jack]

We got the live show tonight, so we wanted to get used to it for this preview.

[Nick]

And now, last second. Sally's tickets are still available, so you can snag them right now. We got a link in the episode description.

[Jack]

We'll see you on stage in Chicago tonight.

[Nick]

But, Jack, before we do, I got one surprise for you.

[Jack]

What?

[Nick]

Do you know what we're gonna be wearing on stage? Get this. You ready?

[Jack]

I don't know what this is.

[Nick]

I know, I know. Oh, look at the back.

[Jack]

Oh.

[Nick]

Chicago Cubs jersey. I abs.

[Jack]

I like the Yankees pinstripes more, but this looks good with the best one yet on the.

[Nick]

Wow. Guess what? I'm gonna be we Chicago White Sox jersey.

[Jack]

I'm so glad you got me the Cubs.

[Nick]

I thought you'd want Cubs. I do want White Sox. A little more fashionable.

[Jack]

The Pope's a White Sox fan.

[Nick]

But, Jack, we've got three fantastic stories for today's pod. What do we got on the tea bar?

[Jack]

For our first story, President Trump asked Coca Cola to change the recipe to cane sugar. So they did.

[Nick]

But Coke's new soda made us discover the wild business story of Mexican Coke.

[Jack]

For our second story, Coldplay's viral kiss cam affair made the headlines. But can we talk about Coldplay?

[Nick]

Can we please talk about Coldplay, Jack?

[Jack]

Because Coldplay's tour is now the most lucrative rock concert in history. And we'll tell you how.

[Nick]

Yes, we will.

[Jack]

And our third and final story, the skincare brand Cetaphil is doing a complete makeover.

[Nick]

Is it Cetaphil?

[Jack]

Not of its face. Of its websites. Why?

[Nick]

AI, that's why. Because websites aren't read by people anymore. They're read by chatbots.

[Jack]

But yetis, before we hit that wonderful mix of stories.

[Nick]

Fantastic mix of stories. Although, funny thing, Jack, really big year for sharks. Yeah, Bitcoin's at an all time high. Stocks just hit an all time high.

[Jack]

And sharks have, too.

[Nick]

The great white, the basking, the hammerhead.

[Jack]

Is it just me? My Instagram feed is full of, like, real Life. Shark videos being too close to the beach.

[Nick]

Not just you, Jack. 2025 has been the biggest year for sharks since the Megalodon.

[Jack]

Now, of course, it is Shark Week this week.

[Nick]

Yeah, yeah.

[Unknown]

So.

[Jack]

Which should be a national holiday for all those who celebrate, which we do.

[Nick]

And nothing boosts GDP quite like a Sharknado viewing party.

[Jack]

But seriously, the 2025 surge is creating an economic boom. First, we had the 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws.

[Nick]

They relaunched the film in theaters. Martha's Vineyard. The hotels were sold out.

[Jack]

Then, as per my Instagram feed, we're seeing record numbers of shark sightings, including.

[Nick]

The biggest great white ever tagged, spotted 50 miles off of Nantucket.

[Jack]

Even the San Jose Sharks hockey team are setting records.

[Nick]

Yeah, San Jose Sharks, longest losing streak in hockey history.

[Jack]

But, Nick, Shark Week, the TV series, it's also setting records, too.

[Nick]

Talk to me, Jack.

[Jack]

Last year, shark week had 25 million viewers, which is a record high. And there's actually a strategy under the water for the Discovery Channel, because get.

[Nick]

This, Shark Week is strategically placed during the slowest season of the TV calendar.

[Jack]

And did you hear the newest programming in Shark Week?

[Nick]

Oh, this is too good. You gotta share it.

[Jack]

Dancing with the Sharks. How did they come up with this real show? Dancing with the Sharks.

[Nick]

Real ratings booster at this point.

[Jack]

Shark should be added to the s and P500.

[Nick]

It's not hot girl, SummerJack.

[Jack]

It's hot food.

[Nick]

Finn. Summer.

[Jack]

Wait a minute. Have you been hearing this?

[Nick]

My God. Be careful.

[Jack]

Where are you? Oh, my.

[Nick]

Oh. Oh, God.

[Jack]

Everybody get out of the water.

[Nick]

Get out of the arena. Everybody out of the theater.

[Jack]

No seals were hurt in the filming of this show.

[Nick]

Let's hit our three stories.

[Unknown]

Fifteen years before this song, two boys from the Northeast met in the dorm. They had an idea to cause a cultural storm. It's the best one yet, but the.

[Jack]

Best is the norm.

[Unknown]

Jack, Nick, that's it. I don't even think they need to practice. 50%. That's a fat tip. T Boy City on your at list if you know you. Cause we ready to go we can't wait no more so just start the show, Start the show.

[Nick]

Start the show. First, a quick word from our sponsor.

[Jack]

Now a quick break, switching topics to one of our favorite sponsors, vital Proteins.

[Nick]

All right, Yeti. So Jack has become an extreme collagen user. This guy's adding vital proteins collagen to each morning coffee. And Jack drinks a lot of morning coffee, I should point out.

[Jack]

Yeah, I have three cups a day. I have a tub of mocha and a tub of chocolate. Both make my coffee taste chocolatey.

[Nick]

So Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a supplement that has four benefits all in 1. Helping support healthy hair, skin, nails, bones and joints.

[Jack]

That is how my face got dewier than a donut.

[Nick]

Mix it into your coffee, to your smoothie, or just go straight to your face.

[Jack]

By taking collagen peptides daily, you can support your hair, skin, nail, bone and joint health.

[Nick]

Get 20% off by going to vitalproteins.com and entering promo code T Boy at checkout.

[Jack]

That's vitalproteins.com promo code T Boy for 20% off.

[Nick]

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

[Jack]

Airbnb Yetis.

[Nick]

There is nothing more powerful in life or in business than the double dip.

[Jack]

Dip that chip twice and don't end it.

[Nick]

But the ultimate money Double Dip hosting on Airbnb. Jack's talked so much about being a host, his friends are asking him about it. I'm getting asked about it all the time.

[Jack]

One buddy is about to get married. He has no kids yet. He wants to travel the country dink style with his new wife. How is he going to pay for it? He's going to list his house on Airbnb.

[Nick]

So, Basties, if you're going on vacation this summer, join the millions who host on Airbnb.

[Jack]

Host your whole space. Host your extra space. Host any space.

[Nick]

The income from putting your home on Airbnb could pay for your whole vacay.

[Jack]

I've been doing it for three different properties now.

[Nick]

Yeah, and it's easy to set booking availability. And then when the booking comes in, Jack, you always say it just shows up in your Google calendar.

[Jack]

And if you're not sure what to price your place at, check Airbnb and look at similar listings. It's very easy.

[Nick]

You can double dip that chip.

[Jack]

Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail] host.

[Nick]

For our first story, Coca Cola confirmed it will launch a new Coke made with real cane sugar, just as the President requested. I mean demanded. I mean requested.

[Jack]

But, Nick, this product already exists. It's called Mexican Coke. And it's got a wildly ironic story.

[Nick]

Wait till you hear about Mexican Coke. But yetis a thing Jack and I have learned about product launches from working in the tech industry is they are sacred. They're complex. They take years in the making.

[Jack]

Vanilla Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero. They were planned like royal weddings but.

[Nick]

If the most powerful person in the world who controls nuclear weapons requests a certain flavor, you do the plan faster, you speed up the plan.

[Jack]

And last week, Trump posted that he asked Coke to pursue a Coke made with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.

[Nick]

Kind of fits with RFK Jr. S natural ingredient. Maha push right now.

[Jack]

Now, the state of Iowa was not happy with this idea from the President at all.

[Nick]

No, they were not.

[Jack]

Because Coca Cola uses high fructose corn syrup. Thousands of jobs in Iowa, Illinois, a bunch of other states depend on corn.

[Nick]

And Coke was silent about this until.

[Jack]

One week later, on Tuesday, Coca Cola confirmed it.

[Nick]

Here's the news. This fall, Coke will launch a new Coke sweetened with US Grown cane sugar.

[Jack]

Now, we should clarify the old Coke with high fructose corn syrup, that's still gonna be on the shelves. They're just adding a new product that will have cane sugar as an option.

[Nick]

And we also should clarify that both of these options are very unhealthy. Oh, yeah.

[Jack]

High fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, it's the same thing. Glucose and fructose.

[Nick]

Yeah. Nutritionists say it's basically the same calories, gram for gram.

[Jack]

So real sugar. Coke is not healthier per se, although it is less processed.

[Nick]

But here's what Jack and I found fascinating about this story. Cane sugar Coke already exists. In fact, it has a bunch of ironic plot twists that you will not believe.

[Jack]

Yeah, Coke with cane sugar, that's Mexican Coke.

[Nick]

It's Mexican Coke.

[Jack]

Some call it Mexico.

[Nick]

Yeah, basically, they've been serving Coke the same way south of the border for a century with pure cane sugar.

[Jack]

But then in 1984, there was a split between US Coke and Mexican Coke.

[Nick]

Because the United States introduced a corn subsidy. And what did that mean, Jack?

[Jack]

It meant that corn was cheaper to produce than sugar. So Coke quietly switched Coke in the United States to high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar.

[Nick]

And here's a plot twist. At the same time, the United States introduced a tariff on Mexican grown sugar.

[Jack]

So for Coke, corn syrup switcheroo was a no brainer. For American Coke products, it was just.

[Nick]

Cheaper to use high fructose corn syrup in America, but stick with cane sugar down in Mexico.

[Jack]

So the first ironic twist in the story is that Coke has two versions of Coke. And because of a trade war in the 1980s.

[Nick]

And what's the second ironic twist in the Mexican Coke story?

[Jack]

I mean, Trump is deporting illegal Mexican immigrants right now, but he just asked Coca Cola to make Mexican Coke for America.

[Nick]

Yeah, he didn't call it Mexican Coke, but he's asking for Mexican Coke babies.

[Jack]

And the third ironic twist is that Mexican Coke is popular in the US Already.

[Nick]

That's right. Coke already imports some of the cane sugar stuff from its Mexican factories in limited quantities.

[Jack]

And the result is that there's a cult following in America from Mexico.

[Nick]

We tracked it. Google searches for Mexican Coke have risen every single year for the last two decades.

[Jack]

I've never seen a bottle before.

[Nick]

It's kind of like Santa Barbara sea urchin. It's like Mexican Coke. It's a thing.

[Jack]

Well, it'll become easier this fall once domestic sugar cane Coke hits the shelves.

[Nick]

Which leads to our takeaway. So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Coca Cola?

[Jack]

Coke should brand this. Real sugar Coke, Premium Coke Yeties.

[Nick]

The way Jack and I see it, Mexican Coke is actually Coca Cola's most premium product. But Coca Cola never realized it.

[Jack]

First of all, it's the preferred flavor.

[Nick]

The Washington Post did a survey, and it was the preferred flavor by 5 out of 6 tasters. It's more complex and sweeter.

[Jack]

Second, it has a premium packaging.

[Nick]

Mexican Coke comes in a thicker glass bottle so it feels higher quality.

[Jack]

Those two reasons are why people pay more for Mexican Coke. Up to $2 a bottle. More, actually.

[Nick]

Okay, you want more evidence that Mexican Coke is a premium product? What did we discover, Jeff?

[Jack]

The Michelin star restaurant chain Momofuku serves Mexican Coke on the menu like it.

[Nick]

Says on the menu. Mexican Coke, like French champagne.

[Jack]

Yeah, it ain't cheap. Now, Coca Cola has not said whether this new flavor of Coke, the real sugar version, whether it will be pricier than the regular one. They also haven't said what it will.

[Nick]

Be called, but if they wanted to, we think they could launch this as a premium product. Lean into the natural ingredients, the fancier bottle, the nostalgia vibes.

[Jack]

We think real sugar Coke could be positioned with a little bit of luxury.

[Nick]

For our second story, here's a headline about Coldplay that you haven't heard this week. Their current concert tour is the second highest grossing of all time because Coldplay's.

[Jack]

Lead man, Chris Martin is in the manufacturing industry. He manufactures memes.

[Nick]

Full disclosure here. Apparently this isn't a cool thing to say, but like both Jack and I have been to Coldplay concerts.

[Jack]

Fix. You actually broke me emotionally.

[Nick]

Now, Coldplay's kiss cam outing a corporate affair. You saw that this week. It's still in the zeitgeist. Even your aunt offline.

[Jack]

It's about shame. Schadenfreude. Eat the rich and tech CEOs thinking that the rules they write don't apply to them. But Nick and I aren't gonna wrap our arms around that story.

[Nick]

No, no.

[Jack]

What we're gonna do instead is dive into the business of Coldplay.

[Nick]

Because Yeti's Coldplay's Spheres tour has passed every single concert ever in re except the eras tour.

[Jack]

In 2022, Chris Martin and his bandmates began a three year 225 set tour that wraps up this September. It's the Spheres tour.

[Nick]

And get the numbers. This thing has grossed $1.25 billion so far. Jack, could you sprinkle on some context please?

[Jack]

That's the number one concert tour ever for rock and roll. And it's number two all time. Only behind T. Swift.

[Nick]

How about we compare that tour to Taylor Swift?

[Jack]

So Taylor Swift did $2 billion in revenue in the eras tour, which is 60% more revenue than Coldplay on 25% fewer shows.

[Nick]

So at the end of the day, yeah, Taylor is the bigger profit puppy.

[Jack]

Taylor's the goat. But Coldplay hasn't gotten any attention for this epic tour and we think they should.

[Nick]

And you know what? Here are the top five concert tours, all time by revenue.

[Jack]

All you trivia fans out, there you go.

[Nick]

What do we got?

[Jack]

Taylor Swift is number one, Coldplay is number two. Elton John's number three. Ed Sheeran's number four. Number five. You too.

[Nick]

But besties, if you look closely at Coldplay's concerts, you'll notice that they actually manufacture virality.

[Jack]

In fact, Coldplay was founded before social media. They're from way back in 1997. But no band utilizes Instagram for a better ROI than Coldplay does.

[Nick]

And here's how they do it. Last January at a concert in Singapore, Coldplay turned the fans in the stadium into the co stars of the show.

[Jack]

Chris Martin asked the arena to dim the lights and and point the camera onto only two fans faces.

[Nick]

And then Coldplay's lead man proceeded to serenade them like a private song until the lovebirds kissed. He got right up against the microphone like this and was like, just singing like this.

[Jack]

And when they did kiss, the crowd went nuts.

[Nick]

Oh, and then the cam turned to some dude who according to Chris Martin, looked really effing relaxed. And here's the key. What he did was make the fans feel like they are part of the show rather than just attending the show.

[Jack]

The typical concert is the fans looking at the artist, right? But Coldplay has achieved the opposite. Fans looking at other fans for at least part of the show.

[Nick]

And Chris Martin is so good at it. Just remember what he said when that CEO was caught on the kiss cam at the concert in Boston.

[Jack]

Yeah, he said either they're having an affair or they just really are really shy.

[Nick]

Now, not every artist is willing to or capable of being that nimble with 80,000 fans looking at them.

[Jack]

But Chris Martin is.

[Nick]

And that. That is how this Gen Xer has been winning Gen Z. And we got the receipts. So Jack Lights will guide you to our takeaway. What's the takeaway for our buddies over at Coldplay?

[Jack]

You can't manufacture a meme, but you can seed them.

[Nick]

Yetis, every brand would kill for the attention Coldplay has gotten from this whole Astronomer affair.

[Jack]

The attention of the last week has driven five of Coldplay's songs onto the Spotify top US Charts.

[Nick]

But here's the funny thing. Chris Martin also went viral weeks earlier when he sang Sparks with the emotional strain of a man who is in the middle of a relationship breakup.

[Jack]

That moment became a meme.

[Nick]

It did.

[Jack]

It got 3 million views on TikTok. And then Sparks broke the top 100 list for the first time in 25 years.

[Nick]

So what's the learning here? Well, we think memes can't actually be manufactured. That's actually an oxymoron.

[Jack]

But they can be seeded by fostering unscripted, potentially awkward moments.

[Nick]

When Coldplay's lead singer works the crowd. 99% of the material does not go viral, but the 1% that does goes big.

[Jack]

He plants a lot of seeds with all those unscripted fan moments we were telling you about. And the 1% that blossoms into a meme ends up lining the band's pockets.

[Nick]

So, Bastiff, you can't manufacture a meme, but you can seed them by inviting the unexpected. Now, a quick word from our sponsor.

[Jack]

ZipRecruiter.

[Nick]

Ah, speed and quality. Not typically a combo you get together.

[Jack]

I mean, Nick, you can get a fast food hamburger, but we hope you like it well done.

[Nick]

Or Jack, you can get a 10 second haircut, but we hope you like bangs.

[Jack]

Well, there is an exception to this unwritten rule. If you're hiring, you can find candidates fast who are also extremely qualified for your job. Just use ZipRecruiter.

[Nick]

And right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com tboy.

[Jack]

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[Nick]

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[Jack]

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[Nick]

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[Jack]

And if you go to ZipRecruiter.comt boy right now, you can try it out.

[Nick]

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[Jack]

Ziprecruiter the smartest way to hire yes.

[Nick]

It is Audible T Boy Trivia Here we go. Yetis, what is the biggest thing you can pack for vacation but not have to check your luggage?

[Jack]

I think it's a leading question based on my Audible I just said a second ago.

[Nick]

Yeah, yeah. The answer is the Audible app. It's the Audible app.

[Jack]

Audible has the deepest selection of audiobooks, podcasts and Audible originals all in one app.

[Nick]

You got to stick all your clothes in a suitcase, but you get thousands of audio titles in your pocket.

[Jack]

Right now I'm on a World War II kick. I'm listening to Doris Kearns Goodwin on FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt.

[Nick]

How we created the Arsenal of Democracy. It is Jack's Roman Empire right now.

[Jack]

Now when we're packing for our summer vacation, we don't forget our toothbrush and we don't forget our Audible.

[Nick]

There's more to imagine when you listen.

[Jack]

Sign up for a free 30 day Audible trial and your first audiobook is free.

[Nick]

Visit audible.comtboy that's audible.comtboy for our third and final story. Skincare brand Cetaphil is a case study in the future of online marketing.

[Jack]

Because cetaphil shoppers aren't Googling anymore, they're chatgpting. So the web is being rewritten for chatbots now.

[Nick]

Yetis, the most lucrative abbreviation in the digital age is three letters. SEO.

[Jack]

SEO, Search Engine Optimization. It's the industry of gaming Google so that your company's result comes up first.

[Nick]

In someone's Google search. So Jack, you have a 43 step skincare routine now. Why don't you walk us through an example of Google SEO with Skincare?

[Jack]

The Google search for sensitive skin cleanser is a royal rumble of skincare brands trying to show up first.

[Nick]

If you Google sensitive skin cleanser, Cerave, Ursa Major, Aveeno, they're all scratching each other to show up number one using keywords.

[Jack]

But cetaphil, the brand for budget conscious but paraben hating zillennials, they're trying a different strategy. They're trying to get out of that royal rumble.

[Nick]

Forget Google search and SEO. Their customers are using AI chatbots for discovery.

[Jack]

According to Adage, on Prime Day, referrals from chatbots jumped 3,300% from last year.

[Nick]

Basically, what we're saying is your buy in is based on a bot's recommendations.

[Jack]

Which leads to the creation of a brand new industry, aeo.

[Nick]

Aeo? Answer Engine Optimization.

[Jack]

AEO is the successor to SEO. And right now both are relevant. But AEO is the eating SEO as the adoption of artificial intelligence grows.

[Nick]

And here's why Google was always a black box, right?

[Jack]

Nobody knew for sure what words Google's algorithm would like and get you to number one in search.

[Nick]

Like if you're a skincare brand, you just mentioned the word Dewey a dozen times on your website and hopefully Google ranks you number one.

[Jack]

But with AI, marketers from cetaphil actually do know what the algorithm likes.

[Nick]

And what is that, Jack?

[Jack]

AI Rewards Authority.

[Nick]

Authority. That's right. If ChatGPT shows you an answer, it's based on the site that they scraped sounding authoritative.

[Jack]

So cetaphil executives right now are rewriting all of their product descriptions and their websites to speak with as much authority as possible. Because that's what impresses the chatbots like.

[Nick]

To get credibility that will be recognized by AI, they'll refer to clinical journals because that looks like authoritative to the AI.

[Jack]

Another thing that ChatGPT likes and recognizes and rewards.

[Nick]

This is good. This is good.

[Jack]

Bullet points. Bullet points. So cetaphil is using bullet points and short paragraphs to help AI summarize on their behalf.

[Nick]

Yeah, websites, they aren't actually for us humans. They're for large language models to tell us humans to go to those websites and buy things. So Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies over at cetaphil? Skincare?

[Jack]

What's old will become new again. In this case, human expertise.

[Nick]

So yetis, it's kind of ironic here. As brands beyond Cetaphil try to game AI, our trust in AI's answers could erode.

[Jack]

Yeah, a chatbot recommending a product doesn't mean it's the best product. It might just mean it's the product that used bullet points in authoritative language the most.

[Nick]

Well, it's the same thing we saw Jack with SEO. As brands gamed Google, we stopped trusting the result that showed up number one.

[Jack]

And the antidote to distrust in AI's recommendations. Ironically, it's humans.

[Nick]

In fact, ad age reporting shows that Gen Z shoppers are corroborating their AI recommendations on TikTok by seeing if a real life human unboxed and used the.

[Jack]

Product, basically it's like, okay, chatgpt, that's what you think. Let me make sure this is an actual good product by hearing it from a human's mouth.

[Nick]

So, besties. It is encouraging news for those worried about AI taking over as AI drives.

[Jack]

More discovery and takes over more of the Internet. But we're going to rely more on human experts to validate them.

[Nick]

Or the way Jack and I see it, what's old will become new again. Human expertise. Jack, could you whip up the takeaways for us? For ceviche Wednesday, Coca Cola is doing.

[Jack]

What the President asked. A version with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, AKA Mexican Coke.

[Nick]

But we think real sugar Coke could be branded as premium Coke, a luxury product.

[Jack]

For our second story, Coldplay Spheres Tour has generated one and a quarter billion in revenues. Number two, all time for any concert tour supported by memeable moments.

[Nick]

Now you can't manufacture a meme, but you can seed one.

[Jack]

And our third and final story is Cetaphil. They're pioneering AEO answer engine optimization. They're rewriting their website so that ChatGPT will be impressed and recommend your skincare.

[Nick]

As more companies game, AI will ironically rely more on humans for validation.

[Jack]

But yetis, this pod's not over yet. Here's what else you need to know today.

[Nick]

First, the US House of Representatives has closed a day early for their five week vacation recess.

[Jack]

Why is Congress leaving early for summer vacation? The Epstein files.

[Nick]

Yeah, they actually said that by leaving early, the speaker of the House will block a vote that is calling for their release.

[Jack]

He's probably hoping the summer break will kill this now politically inconvenient conspiracy.

[Nick]

And second, General Motors just revealed the cost of tariffs. A $1.1 billion hit in their quarterly profits.

[Jack]

The stock fell 8% as GM warned that the tariff impact will be even worse next quarter.

[Nick]

Here's the numbers. Basically, most country specific tariffs are at like 10%. But imported car and car part tariffs, they get a 25% tax.

[Jack]

And instead of raising prices so far GM has just shrank their profits.

[Nick]

Yeah, that Jeep is eating away at gm. And finally, Ryanair is so sick and tired of people sneaking on luggage that's too large. People like me that they have a very creative option.

[Jack]

They're offering a bounty program to their employees.

[Nick]

We repeat, a bounty program for each bag that a gate agent IDs as too big. They'll get a $1.75 bonus and the.

[Jack]

Passenger gets a $90 fine for trying to sneak something that's definitely bigger than a carry on.

[Nick]

Now time for the best fact yet. This one whipped up by Jack and me because we saw it and we wanted to share it with you this week.

[Jack]

Twenty years ago, the word podcast was added to the new Oxford American Dictionary.

[Nick]

That's right, exactly two decades ago. In 2005, podcast officially became a word in Merriam Webster.

[Jack]

Nick and I were in high school deciding what we wanted to be when we grew up and the word that became the answer was just invented.

[Nick]

It's like I can't believe we get to do this for our jobs. Like right now we are backstage at the live venue where we're gonna be doing a show tomorrow and 10 years ago we didn't even know we would be doing this right.

[Jack]

It's pretty wild.

[Nick]

It's absolutely insane. Speaking of which, Yetis, you look fantastic and if you are in the Midwest, we would love to see you tonight at our show at the Vic. Two blocks from Wrigley Field. Actually a few blocks. It's like six blocks from Wrigley Field, but it's close enough.

[Jack]

We got some tickets still available. Grab the link in the episode description and we'll see you tonight.

[Nick]

Tell a buddy, Hyh Tboy, have you.

[Jack]

Had the best one yet?

[Nick]

If you know, you know. And Jack and I will see you there. And before we go, a happy 29th birthday to Yeti Harrison Makary from lovely San Diego running his company New Way van conversions.

[Jack]

Happy 22nd birthday to Nick Telma who just moved to Chicago.

[Nick]

And Brian Quinn also in Chicago is celebrating a little logistical birthday.

[Jack]

Happy 51st birthday to Masoud Makar in Plano, Texas. The best dad yet.

[Nick]

It's a fact. And Steve Hamilton From Clifton Park, New York is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Yankee Distillers. That stuff tastes fantastic.

[Jack]

Congratulations to Dominique Quinn of Cleveland, Ohio who's expecting a baby boy and is coming to the live show.

[Nick]

Can't wait to see you. Dominique and Colin and Ashley Becker have got their one year anniversary over in Chicago looking fantastic.

[Jack]

Congratulations to Tyrone and Talent in San Mateo, California who got engaged in the Cayman Islands.

[Nick]

Let's see some ring picks. Congrats guys. And Thomas Kurtzinger has got the one year anniversary of his company Vantage Point over in Kentucky. Congrats.

[Jack]

And finally, Mariana Fonseca, seven months anniversary since moving from Miami to Mexico City.

[Nick]

Jack, I heard she did it for the Mexican coke. It's that good. I'm telling you, it's that good.

[Jack]

And to anyone else celebrating something today, make it a T boy.

[Nick]

Celebrate the wins.

[Jack]

This is Jack, Nick and I both own Stock and Spotify and we both own ETFs of the S&P 500. If you like the best one yet, you can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery and the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.

[Nick]

Prime. Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Jack]

And before you go, tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey.

[Nick]

We want to get to know you.

[D]

In the summer of 1925, a small Tennessee town became the battleground for the fight between science and faith in America's public schools. Hi, I'm Lindsey Graham, host of Wondery's podcast, American Historytellers. We take you to the events, times and people that shaped America and Americans, our values, our struggles and our dreams. In our latest series, when a young science teacher agrees to participate in a test case orchestrated by the ACLU to challenge Tennessee's ban on teaching evolution, he lands in the center of a raucous spectacle, the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial. Legendary attorneys Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan face off in a sweltering Tennessee courtroom as the world watches fundamentalist Christianity clash with modern science, setting the stage for battles over education and religious freedom for decades to come. Follow American Historytellers on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad free and be the first to binge the newest season only on Wondery. Join Wondery in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today.