🤡 “Forced Fun!” — Target’s Smile Rule. Trump’s $2k Tariff Dividend. OneSkin’s dude beauty. +Starbucks’ Bear-ista.

Summary

The Best One Yet — Episode Summary

Podcast: The Best One Yet
Hosts: Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell
Episode: 🤡 “Forced Fun!” — Target’s Smile Rule. Trump’s $2k Tariff Dividend. OneSkin’s dude beauty. +Starbucks’ Bear-ista.
Date: November 11, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this brisk, high-energy edition, Jack and Nick break down three major pop-biz stories making headlines: President Trump’s attention-grabbing promise of a $2,000 “tariff dividend” check to Americans, Target’s new “forced fun” smile policy for employees (and the broader trend of mandated cheerfulness in corporate America), and the rise of OneSkin, a male-focused, science-y skincare startup targeting techies. The show also touches on Starbucks’ sold-out “Bear-ista” cups drama and closes with quick business news hits and a Veterans Day-themed best fact yet.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s $2,000 Tariff Dividend (05:26-09:28)

• Announcement & Hype
  Trump announced (via social media) a $2,000 “tariff dividend” check per person, excluding high-income Americans. The promise instantly moved markets and revived memories of 2020-2021 stimulus checks.
• Reality Check: Four Key Errors
  The hosts dissected Trump’s promise, pointing out inaccuracies:
  • Tariff revenue numbers: Trump claimed “trillions”; it’s actually $30B/month, so a trillion would take three years (06:37).
  • Paying off the national debt: A one-time $2,000 check to eligible Americans would cost $600B—two years’ worth of tariff collections (07:08).
  • Who pays tariffs: Contrary to the claim that “foreign countries” pay, U.S. businesses and consumers pay 82% (Goldman Sachs data) (07:18).
  • Inflation ignored: Trump claimed “almost no inflation,” but current inflation is around 3% (07:36). Any mass cash payout would likely push it higher.
• Political Reality: 12% Odds
  The policy would require Congressional approval; prediction markets give it just a 12% chance (08:14).
• The 'Trump Put' Effect
  Trump’s real impact: sparking “animal spirits” in the stock market (“When stocks fall, the president acts” - 08:34). Monday’s market rebounded on the mere possibility of cash windfalls.
• Notable Quote
  • “It seems more likely that the New York Jets are going to win the Super Bowl this year than you actually get a $2,000 dividend check.” — Nick, (08:17)
  • "When stocks fall, the President acts." — Jack, (08:34)

2. Target & “Forced Fun” — The 10/4 Rule (09:28-14:10)

• Target’s Struggles & New CEO Strategy
  Amid lagging sales (stock down 65% from 2021 high), Target is implementing a strict new customer engagement policy this holiday:
  • The 10/4 Rule:
    • Employees must smile, make eye contact, or wave at customers within 10 feet.
    • At 4 feet, employees must ask, “How’s your day going? Can I help you?” (10:18)
  • The goal: engineer a “friendly,” upbeat in-store experience.
• The Rise of Forced Fun at Work
  Not just Target; similar morale-boosting mandates are everywhere:
  • Starbucks: Baristas told to add “you’re amazing” on cups (11:41)
  • Tiffany & Co.: Staff required to use a “Tiffany Joy” morale app (11:56)
  • Google: Office return framed as “about boosting fun” (12:07)
  • Japan: A grocery chain uses AI to literally detect and enforce smiles (12:23)
• Cultural Critique: Emotional Labor
  Workers are being tasked with “emotional labor”—putting on smiles they may not feel (“Smiling when you’re not feeling smiley. That’s emotionally laborious.” — Nick, 13:14)
• Does It Work?
  No, the hosts argue. Customers can easily spot fake friendliness; such policies rarely lead to genuine morale or better customer experience.
• Best Practices
  Companies like Trader Joe’s, Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, and In-N-Out are cited as doing it right—they foster good jobs, leading to real smiles.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “That scares me. Mandatory smiles, compulsory courtesy. Be friendly or you will be fired.” — Nick, (10:32)
  • “You can’t mandate a smile. You can’t manufacture a laugh. But you can design a better place to work.” — Jack, (14:03)

3. The Rise of OneSkin — From “Clean” to “Clinical” (16:07-20:10)

• Viral Skincare for Tech Bros
  OneSkin, a San Francisco startup founded by four Brazilian women, targets a new consumer: techie men with biohacker instincts.
  • Claims: Their product is a “topical supplement” built on the science of anti-aging peptides (17:59).
• Celebrity & VC Following
  Kevin Rose (Digg), Tony Robbins, Matthew McConaughey—among its customers/investors. Just closed a $20M round with Unilever Ventures.
• Strategy: Science, Not Beauty
  Unlike most brands pitching “clean beauty for women,” OneSkin sells clinical results and “prolonged skinspan” to men. Vanity is being recast as “longevity enthusiasm.”
• Trend Shift: Clean → Clinical
  The segment argues that the millennial era’s obsession with “clean, organic, pure” is being replaced among Gen Z and new consumers with an embrace of chemistry, synthetics, and clinical results:
  • Botox over honey serums (19:42)
  • Ozempic over SoulCycle (19:46)
  • Protein additives in food over “5 ingredient bars” (19:53)
• Notable Quotes:
  • “The age of Millennial Inn is over. Clean is out. Clinical is in.” — Jack, (20:06)
  • “Oneskin has created a new cosmetics category for guys to shamelessly compete over. Not lifespan… skinspan.” — Nick, (19:09)

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Bonus Segments

Starbucks’ $500 Bear-ista Cup Mania (01:11-02:56)

• Starbucks’ limited edition “Bear-ista” cups (bear-shaped with green beanie) caused pre-dawn crowds and instant sellouts. Now resold for up to $500 on eBay.
• “Starbucks, we’re bullish on the bullshit Bearista cups. Let’s make them happen.” — Nick, (02:56)

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Other News (21:01-22:10)

• Government Shutdown Set to End: After 42 days, a deal is imminent—attributed to “shutdown fatigue.”
• Sesame Street turns 56: Moves from HBO Max to Netflix; minor format changes incoming.
• Warren Buffett’s final CEO letter: Focused on succession and legacy after 60 years at Berkshire Hathaway.

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Best Fact Yet: Bob Ross, Veteran (22:33-23:22)

• Listener-submitted fact: Bob Ross was once an Air Force drill sergeant. His legendary calm on “The Joy of Painting” was a direct reaction to years of “yelling” in the military.
• “Bob Ross, the drill sergeant. Oh my god, can’t imagine him.” — Nick, (23:08)

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Notable Quotes, Moments & Timestamps

• “A $2,000 check to 260 million... would cost $600 billion.” — Jack, (07:08)
• “The President said tariffs are being paid by foreign countries, but… 82% are paid by American businesses and U.S. consumers.” — Jack, (07:18)
• “If a customer comes within 10ft … smile, make eye contact, and/or wave.” — Jack, (10:18)
• “Starbucks, we’re bullish on the bullshit Bearista cups.” — Nick, (02:56)
• “You can’t mandate a smile. You can’t manufacture a laugh. But you CAN design a better place to work.” — Jack, (14:03)
• “Oneskin created a new cosmetics category for guys to shamelessly compete: skinspan.” — Nick, (19:09)
• “Clean is out, clinical is in.” — Jack, (20:06)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:26] Trump’s $2,000 Tariff Dividend: Breakdown & market impact
• [09:28] Target’s 10/4 Smile Rule and “forced fun” in Corporate America
• [16:07] OneSkin: Clinical skincare goes viral among techies
• [01:11] Starbucks Bear-ista Cup Shortage & Hype
• [21:01] Quick Biz News Summary (shutdown, Sesame Street, Buffett)
• [22:33] Best Fact Yet: Bob Ross’ military roots

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Overall Tone & Language

• Energetic and witty, with generous use of puns, playful banter, and pop culture references (“Trump put,” “BS Bearista cups,” “mandatory dance party”).
• Emphasis on clear, digestible takeaways with actionable insights and a light-hearted vibe.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode covers the spectacle and substance in today’s business news: how an improbable Trump “tariff check” proposal can jiggle markets and spark debate, why Target is doubling down on “customer delight” even as retail labor sours, and how the new face of skincare is a science-forward, male-fanatic, startup darling. Plus, you’ll hear the saga of a $500 Starbucks cup and how Bob Ross mellowed out after the military. Fast-paced, funny, and loaded with takeaway lines for your next watercooler chat.

Transcript

[A]

This is Nick.

[B]

This is Jack.

[A]

It's Tuesday. T Boy Tuesday, November 11, Veterans Day. And today's pod is the best one yet. This is a T boy.

[B]

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

[A]

Yetis. Welcome back to the Mecca markets. Jack, you missed the Christmas tree in Rockefeller center by one day. You were right there, Newman. But stocks are up nonetheless, and it's because of our first story. Jack, what do we got on the pod?

[B]

For our first story, it's President Trump's tariff dividends. He said on Sunday that 2,000 doll checks are coming to most Americans, but.

[A]

These $2,000 checks actually have just a 12% chance of happening, and yet they've.

[B]

Already achieved their goal. For our second story, Target is requiring their store workers to smile at anyone who comes within 10ft of them.

[A]

That's right. It's forced fun and it's taken over corporate America. We'll explain why.

[B]

And our third and final story. There is a viral skincare product targeting dudes who work in tech.

[A]

One Skin Cosmetics is showing how the millennial age of CLE thing is over.

[B]

But Yetis, before we hit that wonderful.

[A]

Mix of stories, fantastic mix of stories. Love the T Boy Tuesday mix, Jack.

[B]

Hoarder's Almanac Week 294.

[A]

Oh, things we're running outta in the economy. Jack and I have been keeping track for you this week.

[B]

We're running out of Starbucks Bareista cups.

[A]

That is Bear Easter cups, as in coffee cups shaped like bears.

[B]

Because, Yetis, last week I was in San Francisco and I witnessed something very strange at 5am when I was getting my coffee.

[A]

Yeah, Jack stays on east coast time when he's visiting me. And S.F. and Jack, what did you discover at the Starbucks?

[B]

I was at Starbucks, and right as it opened, I expected to be the only one there, but there were dozens of people there.

[A]

But, Jack, they weren't there for the early morning lattes, were they?

[B]

They were there for the barista cup.

[A]

Ah, barista, not barista cups.

[B]

It's a double entendre to hold your double espresso.

[A]

Starbucks CEO even name dropped this barista cup on the last earnings call.

[B]

It's a honey bear bottle, but with a Starbucks green beanie hat on top.

[A]

There's a straw sticking out. It's kind of like a hipster glassware situation.

[B]

It's adorable. But here's the drama. That holiday merch sold out instantly.

[A]

And the situation's gotten so bad, Starbucks just issued a public apology.

[B]

Mea culpa on the bear cuppa.

[A]

Cause besties The Bear cup demand was so high, they're now selling for 500 bucks on eBay.

[B]

$500 for a glass cup that looks like Yogi Bear's Nalgene bottle?

[A]

Now, Starbucks said they're sorry, but it was probably a shortage on pur, wasn't it, Jack?

[B]

Cause they have a track record of causing pandemonium for their limited edition plastic mugs.

[A]

Remember the 2019 cup craze? They got a pink mug from Starbucks now going for 1,000 bucks on eBay.

[B]

I mean, it was studded with crystals, Nick.

[A]

And the Stanley Cup, Starbucks collab. It broke the Internet. It's now in a museum somewhere.

[B]

Forget the Frappuccino. Starbucks make more merch. Seems to sell really well.

[A]

Hey, Starbucks, we're bullish on the bullshit barista cups. Let's make them happen.

[B]

Wilder wrote his first letter to Santa yesterday.

[A]

What'd he ask for this cup?

[B]

I thought he was a standard guy.

[A]

J let's hit our three stories. 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 best is the norm. Jack. Nick. That's it. I don't even think they need to practice.

[B]

50%.

[A]

That's a fat tip. T boy city on your at Liz if you know, you know. Cause we read to go. We can't wait no more so just start the show Start the show Start the show the show. First, a quick word from our sponsor.

[B]

This show is brought to you by Better Help.

[A]

Yeah, it is. You know what time of year it is? It ain't engagement season. It's postponement season.

[B]

Not like postponing your wedding. We're just talking about postponing a social event.

[A]

Yeah, like days getting shorter, air is getting colder, you're taking a rain check.

[B]

Winter is coming. It's the time of the year that people start to get disconnected from friends.

[A]

Okay? But then when you do finally meet up with your buddy Timmy and your friends, it's exactly what you needed. And you think, why didn't I do this sooner?

[B]

And for us, that's what starting therapy was like.

[A]

That's right. Jack and I are in way better control of our feelings. We know ourselves much better today than we did five years ago in our pre therapy era.

[B]

Well, over 5 million people worldwide have chosen BetterHelp to start therapy with over 30,000 therapists on that single platform.

[A]

Jack, you can't postpone those numbers this month.

[B]

Don't wait to reach out whether you're Checking in on a friend or reaching out to a therapist yourself. BetterHelp makes it easier to take that first step.

[A]

And our listeners, you, you get 10% off your first [e-mail] T boy that's BetterHelp.

[B]

H E L P.com/T boy Netsuite Yeti's.

[A]

New thing, the AI Flex. Acting like you're using AI all the time.

[B]

But are you really?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What if your competitors use it more than you?

[A]

That's sweet. It's the number one AI Cloud ERP trusted by over 43,000 businesses.

[B]

It's a suite of services that brings your financials, inventory, commerce, h r into one source of truth. Besties.

[A]

If we needed this product, it's what.

[B]

We would use because it's the ultimate AI flex.

[A]

And right now you can get their free business guide demystifying AI at netsuite.com t boy the guide is free to.

[B]

You at netsuite.com tboy that's netsuite.com tboi.

[A]

For our first story, would you like to receive a two thousand dollar check from the government? Yeah. Oh, you probably would.

[B]

Of course you would. So we're looking at Trump's latest policy idea, the tariff dividend.

[A]

The tariff dividend. It probably won't happen, but it's already had the intended effect.

[B]

Yetis Here was a post from the President on Sunday.

[A]

Jack, read it off to us.

[B]

A dividend of at least $2,000 per person, not including high income people will be paid to everyone.

[A]

Besties. That was a post on President Trump's social media platform talking about the tariff dividend.

[B]

Now, there were some major factual errors in this post, but it's still a really exciting idea.

[A]

And it's also like a really simple concept, right?

[B]

Jack, take the revenue that Americans are collecting from tariffs and pay them out to Americans.

[A]

Basically, we're tariff and French champagne. 15% already. Why not send some of that wine tax over to us everyday beer drinking Americans.

[B]

Good call.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Are stimulus checks back?

[A]

Should I be buying Gamestop right now?

[B]

Jeff, is bitcoin going to the moon again, baby?

[A]

But besties, before you get too excited about a $2,000 stimulus check known as the tariff dividend, we should sprinkle on.

[B]

Some context about those errors. Error number one, President Trump said that we're collecting trillions of dollars in tariffs, but we're actually collecting $30 billion a month.

[A]

Yeah, by this calculus, we won't actually get to $1 trillion in tariff revenue for another three years.

[B]

Which leads to error number two. He said that with the money left over after this tariff dividend, he would pay down the nation's debt.

[A]

But a $2,000 check to 260 who qualify as low or mid income, that would cost $600 billion.

[B]

So it would take two years of tariff collection just to pay for one round of these tariff dividends.

[A]

Now, let's move on to error number three. This one is a bit more economic, right, Jack?

[B]

The President said that the tariffs are being paid by foreign countries, but according to Goldman Sachs, 82% are paid by American businesses and U.S. consumers.

[A]

And the fourth and final error that we should point out to you is the one about the Godzilla monster of the economy the last few years. Inflation.

[B]

Trump's post boasted that there is, quote, unquote, almost no inflation in the economy.

[A]

But there is inflation. Inflation is about 3% right now. And American consumers remain pretty unhappy with price levels these days.

[B]

And any economist will tell you that a $2,000 handout to 200 million Americans will almost certainly cause inflation to rise.

[A]

You're gonna buy a lot of eggs over there. But finally, we should also point out this isn't an error, but this is just a clarification.

[B]

The logistics, $2,000 tariff dividends would require congressional approval. The President can't do this solo.

[A]

So add it all up. And Jack, what do prediction markets think of the new tariff dividend opportunity?

[B]

Prediction markets think there's just a 12% chance they actually happen.

[A]

It seems more likely that the New York jets are going to win the super bowl this year then you actually get a $2,000 dividend check.

[B]

But I got some leftover stimulus check from 2021, and I'm putting it all in on that 12%, baby.

[A]

There you go. So what's the takeaway for all our buddies waiting on a tariff dividend check.

[B]

When st the President acts?

[A]

Yeah, it is. In the first Trump presidency, there was an interesting trend. You see, if a policy hurt the stock markets, President Trump would reverse it.

[B]

And then we saw it again this past April when he blinked on his Liberation Day tariffs because they caused markets to tank.

[A]

Now, the Wall Street Journal calls this the Trump put. And you know what? We just saw it again with this tariff dividend announcement because the s and.

[B]

P500 fell last week by 2.5% and the Nasdaq fell by 4% last week. It was a really bad week for the stock market.

[A]

And that's important because we' Trump's favorite measuring stick of success is the stock market.

[B]

So on Sunday, he sparked the stock market's Animal spirits again by bringing back memories of stimulus checks.

[A]

Because each of the three times we got stimmies back in 2020 and 2021. Oh, yeah, you bought stocks.

[B]

So on Monday, the stock market rebounded, erasing most of last week's losses.

[A]

Because when stocks fall, the president acts. For our second story, put on that smile. Because Target has a new rule for mandatory smiling. That's right. But it's not just Target.

[B]

Forced fun is taking over corporate America at the same time that workers are having the least fun.

[A]

But yetis. Let's start with some context. Jack. The Target tumble. What's going on?

[B]

Target Stock is off 65% from its 2021 all time highs.

[A]

Sales are flat, and you're doing your Target runs at Costco these days.

[B]

So this holiday season is critical if the new CEO of Target wants to turn the company to the news.

[A]

Bloomberg reporters got their hands on Target's new strategy, the 104 rule. Jack, what the heck is it?

[B]

If a customer comes within 10ft of a store employee, they must smile, make eye contact, and or wave at them.

[A]

Okay, Jack, What? If a customer comes within 4ft of a Target employee, then they must ask.

[B]

How'S your day going? And can I help you?

[A]

That scares me. Mandatory smiles, Compulsory courtesy. Be friendly or you will be fired.

[B]

Nick, if the store associate was already the friendly type. Oh, yeah. This is basically clearance to hug anybody who comes.

[A]

You're gonna break a rib in aisle six, Jack. Now, of course, Bessie's. The first thing Jack and I thought.

[B]

Of with this story was office space, right? Remember the flare? 18 pieces. Little Johnny over there has 26. Push and play.

[A]

We need to talk. Do you know what this is about? My flare?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or your lack of flare, because I'm counting and I. I only see 15 pieces. Well, the Midwest Yetis, it is famous for its kindness.

[B]

And Target is trying to scale the smile nationwide. They want to go from Target to Target.

[A]

But besties. Here's what Jack and I find fascinating about this story. We call this kind of policy forced fun. But HR teams are doing it nationwide.

[B]

Over at Starbucks, their turnaround plan depends on baristas acting like your besties.

[A]

Yeah, Remember we did a story last year around how Starbucks bought 200,000 Sharpies for their cut messages.

[B]

Well, the CEO wrote in a memo to baristas to write things on the cups like quote, unquote, you're amazing, and quote, unquote, seize the day.

[A]

Apparently there's a joi KPI. Oh, and it's not just chains doing the forced fun. It's luxury brands too.

[B]

Tiffany's Jewelry launched an internal app to boost company morale and called it Tiffany Joy.

[A]

But Tiffany's is requiring employees to post in the app to make the joy happen.

[B]

Nick, look at Google.

[A]

Google.

[B]

They told Googlers that mandatory return to office wasn't about boosting productivity. It's also about boosting fun.

[A]

I'm so grateful I get to come into work and have fun with you guys.

[B]

But the most extreme case of forced fun is a grocery store we found in Japan.

[A]

Get this, this Japanese grocery store is using AI to enforce smiles.

[B]

It's a full on black mirror episode. The AI analyzes workers to ensure consistent grins across the aisles.

[A]

I mean, Jack, wait, have you seen severance yet?

[B]

I have not.

[A]

There's a scene in season two where the Macro Data refinement team has mandatory dance party.

[B]

I mean, mandatory dance party sounds fun as a joke. Uh huh. Not as a company HR policy.

[A]

Again, it's a horror show, not a comedy. So Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies who are smiling in the forced fun?

[B]

Corporate America, customers can tell a real smile from a fake one.

[A]

Yet it's actually a wild moment for this rise in forced fun at work. Because work happiness is actually at a low.

[B]

Gallup did a poll of employees that found the great detachment employee engagement with their jobs in America is at a 10 year low.

[A]

And there's even a technical term for this forced fund requirement. It's called emotional labor.

[B]

Smiling when you're not feeling smiley. That's emotionally laborious.

[A]

It's costly, and now it's become part of the job. Doing the job. 50% of companies are actually guilty of this emotional labor.

[B]

The biggest issue with forced fun or emotional labor isn't the cost on employees. Actually, it's that it doesn't work.

[A]

Doesn't work. Customers, they can see right through a fake smile.

[B]

Starbucks customers in the past couple years, they say those messages on the cups, they're meaningless because they know the bosses are telling them to be written.

[A]

But besties, if you really want employees to have fun, then you need to make the job fun or pay more. It's that simple.

[B]

Trader Joe's, Costco, Shake Shack, In N Out, Burger, Chick Fil A. They all do this famously.

[A]

Well, their associates are known to smile too. But those are real smiles.

[B]

You can't mandate a smile. You can't manufacture a laugh. But you can design a better place to work.

[A]

Now, a quick word from our sponsor.

[B]

I recently got a booking request from somebody who said I'm a 75 year old professor from Michigan. Me and my academic pals are having a ski trip. I love your place.

[A]

Lovely. So what'd you say back? You went back to the guy?

[B]

I responded that I went to the University of Michigan for two graduate degrees.

[A]

Nick.

[B]

It turns out he did too. In fact, we worked in the same econ department when I was a TA there.

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It's a match made in platform history.

[B]

Man, this guy has arrived yet. But I love these personal connections I've made as a host on Airbnb.

[A]

And Besties. We've told you that your place is probably perfect for someone else to stay at as well.

[B]

We haven't told you about the wonderful human interactions you can have as an Airbnb host like mine with this 75 year old PhD who loves the Michigan Wolverines as much as I do.

[A]

Yeah, it just feels good knowing that while you're making money, someone else is enjoying your place too. And you got a connection.

[B]

Hosting on Airbnb can provide you with another income stream and another source of.

[A]

Life satisfaction, whether you're a Wolverine or a Buckeye. Besties. No joke, Jack's very satisfied.

[B]

Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail] host now a quick break, switching topics to one of our favorite sponsors, Vital Proteins.

[A]

Now, Jack, my mom does not use most of the products we promote. She's not building a website. She's not downloading a stock trading app.

[B]

No, she's not.

[A]

But she did call me this weekend and here's what she said. She said, I need to know the promo code for your collagen peptide sponsor because I just bought more of it.

[B]

It was Vital Proteins and their no sugar added collagen peptide products. Delicious. Especially the new 30 gram protein shake.

[A]

Now, I don't know if my mom's into the taste or the health benefits or she's trying to get jacked, but she's got healthy hair, skin, nails and joints right now. Dude, I'd say it's all of them.

[B]

So yetis. Go to www.vitalproteins.com to learn more and where to buy. Get 20% off your next order by entering promo code T boy at checkout.

[A]

For our third and final story, the newest viral skincare brand is Oneskin, because it's winning over dudes and tech CEOs.

[B]

But OneSkin Reveale a bigger shift with millennial consumers. From clean to clinical. Speaking of clean, Nick, I think you have a few examples to share.

[A]

Oh, Jack, I got a menu here. Welcome to the T Boy Spa. Jack, can I please hook you up with a salmon sperm facial?

[B]

That's not a real thing.

[A]

We also offer a snail slime serum.

[B]

No, thank you.

[A]

Okay, how about a pulsing Korean hair removal mask? Jack, Jack, I'm sorry to tell you, all of those three things are real spa treatments in real places.

[B]

Unfortunately, because beauty trends have gone to the extremes and if you want the latest, you have to fly to France or fly to South Korea.

[A]

So, besties, Jack and I were kind of shocked when we found the most viral skincare brand right now is actually based in San Francisco and they're targeting techies. Now, we don't know a lot of engineers with a 42 step nighttime skincare routine. Not a judgment, just an observation and a fact.

[B]

But Oneskin, this startup we're covering right now, is betting that they exist.

[A]

Yeah, Oneskin was found in 2016 by four Brazilian women in the city of San Francisco.

[B]

And they combined the anti aging appeal of the beauty industry with the live forever desire of Silicon Valley.

[A]

Interestingly, they found this rare combo of customers who are tech, beauty and celebrity.

[B]

Right, Jack? Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg, is a customer.

[A]

Tony Robbins, the motivational speaker, is a customer.

[B]

And Matthew McConaughey, the motivational stud buy, is a cousin.

[A]

Besties, add it all up and if Marc Andreessen starts looking like a 21 year old, it's probably because he invested in this company, Oneskin.

[B]

Now, Oneskin describes their product as a topical supplement to avoid FDA regulations.

[A]

It gets very scientific from there. And we're not scientists, but we should sprinkle on this context, Jack.

[B]

Well, as us humans age, our damaged skin cells stop dividing like they used to, leaving behind zombie cells that cause inflammation and the appearance of aging.

[A]

But one skin claims to target that natural. Stop it. With a customized peptide, they've created a.

[B]

Type of protein, basically a biohacking sold in a bottle.

[A]

But besties, while Jack and I are not scientists, we are business guys and we know the numbers here.

[B]

Sales are up 50% compared to last year.

[A]

Actually, sales for One Skin are up 50% each of the last three years. And now they've gone viral and got.

[B]

A Bloomberg article and they just raised $20 million from Unilever Ventures.

[A]

But here's what we find fascinating. Yeti's. It's the strategy of the company. According to Bloomberg, most of the industry.

[B]

Markets beauty to women, but one skin markets science to men.

[A]

Remember all those customers that they highlighted earlier on when we were telling the story at the beginning?

[B]

Kevin, Tony McConaughey they're all dudes.

[A]

And the pitch to these dudes, what is it?

[B]

Jack, it's not about looks or aging. It's a different type of vanity. Living forever.

[A]

So Oneskin has created a new cosmetics category for guys to shamelessly compete over. Not lifespan, not wingspan, skin span. I know you're beating me on skin, jack. It's that 42 step.

[B]

Don't look at the space in between my eyebrows. Don't.

[A]

Now I'm looking at it. So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Oneskin?

[B]

The millennial obsession with clean is out, clinical is in.

[A]

Yetis, the theme of everything we millennials consumed in the last decade was all about clean, natural, organic.

[B]

It was purity core, clean branding, clean ingredients, clean and transparent supplies chains.

[A]

But Gen Z, they've driven a shift to chemistry. Core, synthetic. Yeah, that is no longer a dirty word.

[B]

In beauty, Botox chemicals have replaced honey serums.

[A]

In wellness, Ozempic shots have replaced soul cycle classes.

[B]

And in food, protein additives are now sprinkled into everything.

[A]

Jack, remember the five ingredient Rx bars we used to eat, like, years ago?

[B]

Yeah. It's from a different era. Today, the Same founder has 26 ingredient David Bars.

[A]

Jack, Millennials. We used to buy Everlane, Gen Z, they're going with Shein.

[B]

The age of Millennial Inn is over. Clean is out. Clinical is in.

[A]

Purity, core to chemical core. Jack, could you whip up the takeaways for us for T boy?

[B]

Tuesday, President Trump's $2,000 tariff dividend has just a 12% chance of happening, according to prediction markets.

[A]

But announcing the tariff dividend already did the trick, because when stocks fall, the President acts.

[B]

For our second story, Target's 104 policy mandates. Smiles, waves, or. Or. How's your day going? Depending on the distance from the customer.

[A]

It was going well until now.

[B]

Man, you can't mandate a smile or manufacture a laugh, but you can design a better place to work. And our third and final story. Oneskin is the viral skin cream that defies aging, and it targets the biohacking VC techie crowd.

[A]

It's growing 50% because clean is out and clinical is in.

[B]

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

[A]

First, any moment now. The government shutdown is finally expected to end today after 42 days, the longest in history.

[B]

Eight Democratic senators basically just have shutdown fatigue and want to get federal workers paid and working again.

[A]

Now, the Democrats did get a promise to vote on the expiring health care subsidies next month. In the Senate, but the FAA is.

[B]

Still canceling flights because it will take time to get air traffic control back to normal.

[A]

And second, or I'm sorry, number two, Sesame street just had its birthday yesterday. Big bird is now 56 years old.

[B]

But Sesame street also just moved from HBO Max to Netflix.

[A]

Jack and I actually did a whole deep dive history of Sesame Street's business and its content strategy, which is inspired.

[B]

By a magazine that was an episode of the Best Idea yet. And full disclosure, I cried when I read the script.

[A]

What an amazing story. Well, on Netflix, there will now be some changes. Minor changes, but changes to Sesame Street.

[B]

Fewer characters, more music. And they're bringing back Elmo's Corner classic.

[A]

And finally, Warren Buffet just published his annual Thanksgiving letter a couple weeks early.

[B]

It's all about his legacy, leaving money for his kids and the new CEO, Greg Abel.

[A]

And now it's important because this is Warren's last CEO letter after 60 years of leading Berkshire Hathaway.

[B]

If you want to hear more about it, leave a comment and we'll make it a whole story in tomorrow's pod.

[A]

Yeah, let us know what you think. We could dive into this T boy style. Now time for the best fact yet. This one sent in by Melody Tackett from lovely Aurora, Colorado. It's actually an oldie sent to us years ago, but Jack and I wanted to whip it up for Veterans Day.

[B]

Push them up. Hello, Nick and Jack. For Veterans Day, I wanted to highlight someone you may not have known was in the military. As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for his military service, the world may never have heard of Bob Ross. Bob was a drill sergeant in the Air Force, and since his military career involved quite a bit of yelling post military, he carefully chose not to do so. Which is why the calm, happy Bob Ross is what you remember from his PBS show. In honor of Veterans Day, I'll close with the words of Jeff Miller. The willingness of Americans veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Wow.

[A]

I mean, there's just so much in that little fact.

[B]

Bob Ross, the drill sergeant.

[A]

Oh, my God. Can't imagine him.

[B]

I cannot picture that.

[A]

Hop down, give me 20 and then.

[B]

Put a little cloud over here. Thank you to all the veterans listening or all the veteran families listening, we appreciate your service.

[A]

Thank you for being the best ones yet. And before we go, a happy birthday to big time yeti Rico Lamar turning five years old down in Hotlanta, Georgia.

[B]

Rico, pumped to have you listening to the show.

[A]

And Varsha Bandham's turning 30 years old down in lovely San Diego commuting to work right now. We see you, Varsha, celebrate the wins.

[B]

Happy third anniversary to Cade Allen in.

[A]

Omaha, Nebraska and a happy birthday to Jen Casey over in New York City. This fellow Brown Bear alum is celebrating the best belated one yet.

[B]

Get that girl a slice of dental. And to anyone else celebrating something today, make it a T, boy.

[A]

Celebrate the wins.

[B]

This is Jack. I own stock of Berkshire Hathaway and Netflix. Nick owns stock of Shake Shack. 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.

[A]

Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music. And before you you go, tell us.

[B]

A little bit about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery. Com Survey.

[A]

We want to get to know you.