Podcast Summary: The Best One Yet — Ep. “$2 to Hire Me” — Venmo’s resumés. Raising Cane’s secret sauce. Google’s MJ moment. + Bitcoin Home Heaters

Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell

Episode Overview

In this brisk and lively 20-minute business news episode, Nick and Jack break down three unique and pop-culture-infused business stories: Google’s dramatic comeback (and MJ-level moment) with its new AI, Gemini 3; the almost mythic protection around Raising Cane’s secret sauce; and a wild, new job-hunting hack involving Venmo. The duo maintains their signature witty banter and energetic delivery, making business news accessible and entertaining.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Google’s “MJ Moment” — Gemini 3 and the Comeback (06:08 - 10:38)

Context:

• While the broader stock market is down, Google hits an all-time high after launching Gemini 3, their new AI.
• Google’s AI efforts had lagged post-ChatGPT but have rebounded, drawing on wartime CEO energy from Sundar Pichai.

Key Discussion Points:

• AI Race Backstory:
  • ChatGPT’s release in 2022 was Google’s “Pearl Harbor moment” ([00:57]), spurring a crisis and internal restructuring.
  • “Google thought they were leading in AI and then boom. Sam Altman comes out of nowhere.” – Nick ([06:33])
• Comeback Factors:
  • Won two major antitrust lawsuits; government let Google off.
  • Gemini 3 seen as better than ChatGPT 5 by tech insiders.
  • Even ChatGPT “admitted” Gemini was better: “Gemini was a 4.6 out of 5... ChatGPT was just a 4.2.” – Jack ([07:30])
  • Shift in Sundar Pichai’s image: “The wizard of Warden... he’s grown a beard. That’s some confidence.” – Nick ([08:25])
• Powerful Analogy:
  • OpenAI is chasing Google, just as the NBA chased Michael Jordan. “Everything OpenAI aspires to be, Google already is. Google is its Michael Jordan.” – Nick ([09:37])
  • Google has the ecosystem that OpenAI dreams of: browser (Chrome), chatbot (Gemini), hardware (Pixel/Home), and massive profits.
• Investor Confidence:
  • Warren Buffett bought $4.3B of Google stock, only his second major tech buy after Apple.
• Takeaway:
  • “OpenAI would say I want to be like Google. But Google already is Google, so its stock is at an all time high.” – Jack ([10:29])

2. Raising Cane’s Secret Sauce — Business Built on (Literal) Myths (10:38 - 15:44)

Context:

• Raising Cane’s, America’s fastest-growing chicken chain, is surging thanks to its legendary secret sauce.

Key Discussion Points:

• Growth Stats:
  • $5B in annual sales—bigger than KFC in the US ([11:13]-[11:22]).
  • Simple menu—just five items, but the sauce sets it apart.
• Secrecy Protocol:
  • Recipe written down once, held in a secret vault ([12:14]).
  • Employees/managers sign NDAs; only managers mix the sauce from coded, factory-sent tubs.
  • “It’s like the Manhattan Project or James Bond or a CIA novel, whichever you prefer.” – Jack ([13:16])
  • Key blend of spices comes from HQ, so even managers don’t fully know the secret ([13:09]).
• Consumer Pull:
  • Sauce is a massive driver—800 million servings last year.
  • Customers even pay $8 for a cup of sauce—use it for tailgates or dipping entire burritos ([14:00]).
  • “We watched a video on TikTok of an entire Chipotle burrito being dipped into Raising Cane secret sauce.” – Jack ([14:20])
• Why Not Patent?
  • Revealing ingredients in a patent exposes secrets to competitors after 20 years.
  • High cost and complexity of secrecy pays off: creates myth, drives brand loyalty.
• Takeaway:
  • “It turns the sauce from a mystery into a myth. And myths are unifying. Myths are for heroes.” – Nick ([15:33])

3. The Venmo Resume — Getting Noticed in an AI-Controlled Job Market (17:37 - 21:20)

Context:

• Gen Z job-seekers are bypassing traditional applications (and AI screeners) by Venmoing potential bosses with their resumes.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Darshan Patel Story:
  • Used every normal channel to apply for a film internship—was ghosted.
  • “So he randomly had the idea: what if I look up my favorite movie director’s name on Venmo?... sent him 50 cents with a link to his resume.” – Nick ([18:26])
  • It worked: caught attention, scored the interview and internship.
• Why the Hack Works:
  • Most big employers now use AI to weed out applicants: “AI has become the new job gatekeeper...” – Jack ([19:03])
  • Candidates use keyword hacks, TikTok video pitches, anything to stand out.
  • Wild comparison: Like Will Smith stalking a hiring manager in “The Pursuit of Happiness”.
  • “Benign borderline stalking? That’s how I’d describe it too.” – Jack ([20:03])
• Career Advice:
  • “Do not be afraid to bother people.” – Darshan (as quoted by Nick [20:07])
  • Jack’s tweak: “Do not be afraid to bother the right people.” ([20:13])
• Takeaway:
  • “Getting the attention of the decision maker is like catching the golden snitch.” – Jack ([20:28])
  • “In the attention economy, it’s harder than ever to get decision makers to notice you. But creative ideas like Venmoing your future boss – for the moment at least – that’s one of the creative ideas that could work for you.” – Nick ([21:09])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “ChatGPT was Google’s Pearl Harbor moment. Gemini 3 is its Battle of the Bulge.” – Nick ([00:57])
• “The sauce is their secret business sauce.” – Jack ([12:00])
• “Myths are unifying. Myths are for heroes.” – Nick ([15:33])
• “Getting the attention of the decision maker is like catching the golden snitch.” – Jack ([20:28])

Bonus Mini-Stories (“What Else You Need to Know Today”) (22:13 - 23:39)

• Meta (Instagram/WhatsApp):
  • Meta wins a major antitrust case, no need to sell off apps ([22:13]).
• Anthropic AI Raises Funds:
  • Anthropic now valued at $350B following a $15B investment ([22:42]).
• Paul McCartney’s “Anti-AI” Song:
  • McCartney drops a 2:45 silent track to protest AI’s use of human artists’ work ([23:04]).
• Apple CEO Search:
  • Apple may look to replace Tim Cook in 2026 as the AI era dawns ([23:23]).

Quick Recap of Takeaways (21:27 - 22:08)

1. Google’s MJ Moment:
   • OpenAI wants to be Google; Google already is Google.
2. Raising Cane’s Mythical Secrets:
   • Secret sauce’s myth fuels brand and revenue.
3. Venmo Job Hack:
   • The real job market edge is getting the decision maker’s attention.

Endnote:
Jack and Nick sign off with some cheerful shoutouts and birthday messages, previewing an upcoming interview with Jim Cramer.

Perfect for anyone who craves sharp, witty business analysis on their morning oatmeal ritual.