🥃 “Negroni Hotel” — Death & Co’s hotel chain. Costco’s 9am DINK hour. Apple acquires Intel? +Ad-supported Toilet Paper

Summary

The Best One Yet – Episode Summary

🥃 “Negroni Hotel” — Death & Co’s hotel chain. Costco’s 9am DINK hour. Apple acquires Intel? +Ad-supported Toilet Paper

Date: September 29, 2025
Hosts: Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell

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Overview

In this lively Monday episode, Nick and Jack dive into the three most intriguing pop-business stories of the day. The show explores Death & Co’s unconventional launch into the hotel industry, contemplates Apple’s potential acquisition of Intel to reshape American tech manufacturing, and breaks down how Costco's exclusive early shopping hour reflects a new “clubification” trend among young shoppers. Along the way, they riff on ad-supported public toilet paper and share fun, witty banter designed to make business news engaging and snackable.

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Ad-Supported Toilet Paper: The Bizarre Business Model (00:10–02:53)

• Situation: In some public restrooms in China, toilet paper is dispensed only after the user watches an ad, effectively making TP ad-supported.
  • Users must scan a QR code, watch a 30-second commercial, and then receive only three sheets of toilet paper.
  • Want more? Watch more ads.
  • Option to pay-to-skip, akin to streaming services.
• Hosts’ Take:
  • "This sounds like a Black Mirror episode but in the form of an Onion post on Instagram." – Jack (02:05)
  • “From the business perspective…ad-supported toilet paper makes sense. Someone going to the bathroom is the definition of a captive audience.” – Nick (02:26)
  • Ethical issues: both express strong distaste, calling it “a crime against humanity.” (02:47)
• Memorable Moment:
  • "Jack, the only thing standing between you and buttoning those pants back up is watching a 30 second Jeep commercial.” – Nick (02:15)
  • “Sorry, Nick, I can’t spare a square.” – Jack (02:51, referencing Seinfeld)

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Story 1: Death & Company’s Hotel Chain—Pioneering the “Anti-Brand Brand” (05:11–10:04)

• Background:
  • Death & Co began as a craft cocktail bar in NYC's East Village in 2007, launched by two art students.
    • Known for complex, expensive cocktails and a trendsetting, theatrical bar experience.
  • Over 20 years, they’ve opened 50 bars worldwide and have been the creative force behind many boutique hotel bars.
• The Move: Death & Co is now launching a hotel chain—but with a major twist: none of the hotels will carry the Death & Co name.
  • Each hotel will have its unique, locally relevant name and character.
  • First location: the “Municipal Grand Hotel” in Savannah, Georgia.
• Funding:
  • No venture capital. Instead, customers can invest and get perks:
    • $5,000 = 10% off drinks for life.
    • $50,000 = a cocktail named after the investor.
    • $500,000 = co-founder title, 25% off for life, a permanent private table, and influence over location selection.
  • “You used to imbibe at Death and Company. Now you can invest in Death and Company and get perks if you do invest.” – Nick (07:57)
• Takeaway:
  • “Death and Company is pioneering an anti-brand brand now.” – Jack (09:01)
  • Rather than banking on a recognizable brand name, they’re betting on authenticity and individuality.
  • “It’s the first hotel chain with no name. They’re prioritizing individuality and authenticity instead.” – Nick (09:51)
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Picture this, Yetis: a mustachioed bartender dressed as a 19th century chemist.” – Jack (06:22)
  • “That’s the risky but clever move here.” – Nick (09:51)

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Story 2: Should Apple Acquire Intel? Making Apple America's Tech Champion (10:04–14:16)

• Context:
  • Apple’s stock is flat, with whispers of the company losing its “iMojo.”
  • Intel’s stock, though long struggling, is up 76% this year after the US government (10%) and Nvidia (4%) took stakes.
  • Rumors swirl: Apple may invest in Intel
• Jack & Nick’s Bold Take:
  • “Apple shouldn’t just invest in Intel. Apple should buy Intel.” – Nick (12:00)
  • The move would help Apple become the ultimate “Made in America” brand, align with national security goals, and meet political pressures.
  • “Designed in California, but made in China” has defined Apple for 20 years. Acquiring Intel could start to change that script.
• Feasibility:
  • Price tag? Estimated $200B – not excessive given Apple’s scale.
  • “That’s like Tim Cook’s landscaping bill at Apple HQ.” – Nick (12:29)
  • Could improve Apple’s DC relations and reduce tariff threats; Intel’s American manufacturing is a key asset.
  • “Buying Intel could get Apple out of the White House doghouse after all.” – Jack (12:09)
• Risks & Rewards:
  • Worst case: They “waste” $200B.
  • Best case: Apple gets its groove back and becomes "Captain America" of tech.
• Takeaway:
  • “Apple could reverse the script on ‘designed in California, made in China’.” – Jack (13:04)
  • Could signal the beginning of real American tech manufacturing leadership.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Apple becomes Captain America and gets its iMojo back.” – Nick (12:53)
  • “America needs a chip champion and Apple could raise that champion.” – Jack (13:38)

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Story 3: Costco’s 9am “Early DINK Special” and the Clubification of America (15:46–20:26)

• Background:
  • Costco did $86B in sales last quarter – its fastest growth is among young members.
  • "Half of new members are under 40." – Jack (16:45)
• Experiment:
  • Early DINK Special: Executives can pay for an exclusive early hour of shopping (9–10am), before regular members.
  • Huge response: 9% jump in executive membership upgrades; this is where Costco makes virtually all its profit.
  • "People liked the idea so much, Costco saw a 9% jump in membership upgrades to the executive tier." – Jack (17:59)
• Analysis:
  • “Costco is now open from 9 to 10am just for executive cardholders, which led to a surge in membership upgrades.” – Nick (20:11)
  • The trend reflects broader American “clubification”—consumers paying more for exclusivity, fewer crowds, and perks.
    • Examples: Amex's $895 fee for lounge access, private city clubs, rising country/surf/pickleball clubs.
    • "More people want to be with fewer people and are willing to pay for it." – Jack (19:34)
• Takeaway:
  • “This is the clubification of America. People are paying more to be with fewer people.” – Nick (20:20)

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Headlines & Quick Hits (20:26–22:01)

• Government Shutdown Watch: Deadline is midnight Tuesday; debate centers on Medicaid funding and potential federal worker layoffs.
• K-pop Bands as Investment: Smaller bands are getting VC funding amid global K-pop mania, in part thanks to Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunter.”
• Hershey’s Lawsuit Win: Judge rules Hershey’s Halloween chocolates were not misleading, despite disappointed trick-or-treaters.

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Fun Fact & Lighter Fare (22:05–23:40)

• Fat Bear Week:
  • It's the last day to vote for the bear most ready for hibernation.
  • “It’s basically a body positive competition.” – Nick (22:21)
  • “For the next five to seven months, bears will not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate.” – Jack (22:27)
  • Joke: Bear's hibernation is “quiet quitting” in corporate America or a sabbatical in academia.
• Listener Interaction:
  • Poll: Should Nick join Costco? He defers, saying he’s saving for an Erewhon (upscale grocery) membership.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Death & Co Funding:
  • “You get a cocktail named after you—a Jack Teeny. I’ll take two.” – Nick (08:17)
• On Clubification:
  • “In fitness, country clubs are booming, surf clubs are now a thing, and the pickleball clubs—get in line if you want to get in.” – Nick (19:20)
• On Apple Buying Intel:
  • “That’s what Zuck spends on a few AI talents over the weekend. Easy.” – Nick (12:41)
• On Costco Crowds:
  • “You have to look both ways before you cross an aisle.” – Nick (17:33)
• On Ad-Supported TP:
  • “No point in your life are you more captive than when you are sitting on a toilet. Hopefully.” – Jack (02:33)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ad-Supported Toilet Paper: 00:10–02:53
• Death & Co’s Hotel Chain: 05:11–10:04
• Apple and Intel Discussion: 10:04–14:16
• Costco’s Early Dink Special/Clubification: 15:46–20:26
• Headlines & News Roundup: 20:26–22:01
• Bear Week Facts & Light Banter: 22:05–23:40

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Conclusion

Nick and Jack serve up enthusiastic, insightful, and often playful takes on the day’s business stories, making complex trends like hospitality disruption, tech reshoring, and exclusivity-driven retail feel fresh and relevant. As always, they close with community shoutouts, fun polls, and a reminder to "celebrate the wins."

Transcript

[A]

This is Nick.

[B]

This is Jack.

[A]

Welcome back. It is Monday, September 29, 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]

Welcome back to everyone's favorite business show. Jack, the stories are so good today. What do you say we just hit.

[B]

The pod for our first story. Death Company is the bar that started the craft cocktail trend 20 years ago, and today they run 50 bars worldwide.

[A]

But now Death and Company is launching hotels, and if you help fund them, they'll name a cocktail.

[B]

For our second story, everyone says that Apple is in a slump. The stock has been flat this year. They've lost their eye mojo.

[A]

But we think Apple can make a surprise move to become the ultimate American brand. Acquire Harley Davidson. No, just kidding. Just kidding. Acquire Intel.

[B]

Very interesting story, Nick. And our third and final story. Last quarter, Costco ran an experiment. Would you pay extra to shop at Costco when it's less crowded?

[A]

Because every young Costco member said yes. So we're calling it the Early Dink special.

[B]

But yetis, before we hit that wonderful.

[A]

Mix of stories, fantastic mix of stories to kick off the week.

[B]

Jack, have you ever walked into the bathroom, done your business, and then reached for the tp?

[A]

And then you have to wait because.

[B]

Before you get the toilet paper, you must watch an advertisement.

[A]

No TP until you finish the commercial. What's going on?

[B]

This has never happened to me. But do they at least give you the skip this ad in five seconds button besties?

[A]

It's bizarre, but for some public bathrooms over in China, the toilet paper is not now ad supported.

[B]

True story. And it's actually even worse than it sounds because first you must scan a QR code with your phone. And then you have to watch the commercial.

[A]

And then 30 seconds after all that, does a door finally open, revealing the tp?

[B]

And not a whole roll, just three sheets of TP to be precise.

[A]

Only three squares to spare, Jack.

[B]

And if the barbacoa from last night's really bothering you, then you need more toilet paper.

[A]

Next. Oh, then you're gonna have to watch more ads, my friend.

[B]

This sounds like a black mirror epis, but in the form of an onion post on Instagram, apparently.

[A]

Jack, the only thing standing between you and button those pants back up is.

[B]

Watching a 30 second Jeep commercial.

[A]

Although, yes, you can pay to skip like a Netflix ad supported tier.

[B]

And I guess you could always BYO toilet paper, right?

[A]

But in theory, besties, we gotta admit, you know what? Ad supported toilet paper.

[B]

It makes sense Someone going to the bathroom is the definition of a captive audience.

[A]

I mean, Jack, at no point in your life are you more captive than when you are sitting on a toilet. Hopefully.

[B]

So probably they could force you to watch 50 commercials for TP.

[A]

So that's from the business perspective, but from an ethical perspective, what are we thinking? Man, we hate this.

[B]

Feels like a crime against humanity.

[A]

I'm sorry, Jack, can't you spare a square?

[B]

Sorry, Nick, I can't spare a square.

[A]

There's no square to spare. Yetis, let's hit our three stories.

[C]

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 a norm. 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, Liz. If you know, you know. Cause we ready to go. We can't wait no more.

[A]

So just start the show.

[C]

Start the show.

[A]

First, a quick word from our sponsor.

[B]

Airbnb.

[A]

Yetis. Our show actually started as a side hustle over 10 years ago. It began in secret outside of our bank jobs.

[B]

We were worried we'd get fired, so we didn't tell our bosses and we even left our names off the website.

[A]

Now, that was our side Hustle, a media startup. But there are other side hustles that are a lot less risky than that.

[B]

And that have 0% chance of getting you fired. Like being a host on Airbnb.

[A]

In this economy, it's a fun and rewarding way to make money off the thing you're already paying for. Your house or your apartment.

[B]

Hosted two previous apartments and my current chalet on Airbnb.

[A]

And when no one's using it, why not welcome a family, A couple that just got engaged.

[B]

You already have an Airbnb. You just didn't realize it yet.

[A]

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

[B]

Quick break, switching topics to one of our favorite sponsors, Vital Proteins.

[A]

Yeah, it is. We've told you about vital proteins. They help support our hair, skin, nail, bone, and joint health with those collagen peptides.

[B]

But after doing their ads for a few months, we told Vital Proteins, hey, we like to shake things up, okay?

[A]

But then they took us too literally. And guess what product Vital Proteins just launched?

[B]

A ready to drink collagen protein shake with a smooth chocolate taste.

[A]

They shook it up too much. We're talking 30 grams of protein. Enough to grow a third bicep, I think.

[B]

Nick. I've been using vital proteins for my coffee. Now I use it for my bicep curls too.

[A]

It's all the benefits of vital proteins collagen. But in an 11 ounce shake, you can grab, go and shake.

[B]

So 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 first story. Death and Company is the East Village bar in New York that started the craft cocktail movement and now they're pivoting to hotels.

[B]

But Death company is doing something surprising. The hotel chain they're launching has no brand.

[A]

Zero brand Yetis. If you were hanging out in downtown New York circa 2010 to 2015, like we were in the East Village, Jack, what was the trend you noticed?

[B]

The city didn't run on Dunkin'. It ran on expensive craft cocktails I could not afford.

[A]

We're talking eight ingredients in a drink, 15 minutes to make, and minimum 34 bucks for that puppy.

[B]

The kind of cocktail that you wake up the next morning, you're like, I can't believe I ordered three cocktails. Why did I offer to pay for that round?

[A]

I'm sorry, Jack. Did he just crack a raw duck egg into that thing?

[B]

Dude, I like raw egg white cocktails. I don't know how those are sanitary.

[A]

Full disclosure, Eddies. Jack and I have both been to Death and Company. After waiting hours in line to get in, it is the impressive date night spot of the East Village. When we were living there, we can.

[B]

Vouch the cocktail menu is longer than Moby Dick.

[A]

I ordered a Sazerac there once, Jack. And the list of ingredients had its own bibliography. It was like a Supreme Court ruling.

[B]

Picture this yetis a mustachioed bartender dressed as a 19th century chemist.

[A]

Okay, my martini is garnished with a gooseberry. I don't even know what that is, but I will try it.

[B]

So this bar on East 6th street in New York City near Tompkins Square park started the craft cocktail Trend back in 2007.

[A]

It wasn't started by business guys, MBAs, or anyone with a business plan. It was founded by two art students who had no idea what they were doing. But they did know what they were.

[B]

Doing because they anticipated the millennial trend of craft everything that was about to come.

[A]

Well, two decades later, Death and Company has now opened 50 bars worldwide. It's one of the most successful chains of bars in the if you've been.

[B]

To a boutique hotel with an intimate bar with great lighting that made you feel like James Bond meets Wes Anderson. These guys designed that bar.

[A]

But here's the news now. The Death and Company guys are launching their own hotel chain.

[B]

Two craft mixologists with no experience outside of the bar are taking on Ritz Carlton.

[A]

Nick, they're trying to make the four seasons of old fashions out there.

[B]

And it actually makes sense. They understand hospitality. They have opened 50 bars in other hotels before.

[A]

And Death and Company owns four bars here in America today that are doing 14 million bucks in revenue.

[B]

But they just did an interview on CNN that surprised us. They decided to fund the construction of their dozen hotels that they want to build. They're turning down venture capital money and asking the customers to fund it instead.

[A]

That's right. As they go from martini to motel, they want the customers to pay for the expansion. And honestly, it's the biggest crowdsourcing we've ever seen.

[B]

You used to imbibe at Death and Company. Now you can invest in Death and Company and get perks if you do invest.

[A]

Okay, get this. What happens if you invest $5,000 in the new Death & Co. Hotel? Jack?

[B]

10% off drinks at any Death and Company forever.

[A]

What about $50,000 investment?

[B]

A cocktail named after you at that hotel bar for one year.

[A]

The Jack Teeny. I'll take two. What about a half a million, $500 grand investment in Death and Company's hotel?

[B]

You'll be listed as a co founder of that hotel. You'll get 25% off everything for life for you and your family. You'll get a cocktail named after you, a permanent private table you can use.

[A]

And you basically get to pick the next city that they expand to.

[B]

No, you do. You get to like, steer where your money's going. Like Detroit, for example.

[A]

But besties, before you choke on that sprig of rosemary in your drink, the biggest surprise here isn't the custom Nick Ronies. It's the name of Death and Co's first hotel. So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Death and Company?

[B]

Death and Company is pioneering an anti brand brand now.

[A]

Yetis. When Jack and I first heard that the creator of the craft cocktail movement was opening a hotel chain, we were intrigued.

[B]

But our surprise was that the biggest name in cocktails is not gonna use their name for the hotel chain.

[A]

Because get this, none of the new Death Company hotels or bars in those hotels will be called Death and Company.

[B]

Instead, each of the new hotels will have its own unique name. Unlike all the other ones.

[A]

That is a totally different strategy than the other boutique chains out there like the W, the Standard or the Ace.

[B]

Death and Company wants each of their locations to have an authentic name relevant to that hotel's story.

[A]

Hey, Alec. Their first one is going to be the Municipal Grand Hotel because it's in a building in Savannah, Georgia that used to be a municipal building.

[B]

Each location will have a totally different name, different style. You'll have no idea. This is part of a train.

[A]

And that's the risky but clever move here. You see, despite the brand equity of Death and Company, they are prioritizing individuality and authenticity instead.

[B]

I like it. I'd love to think that my hotel is one of a kind.

[A]

You're just trying to get a cocktail named after you. Right now, besties added up. And Death and Company is pioneering a new thing, the anti brand brand. For our second story, Apple is in talks to follow Nvidia and the United States of America's lead by investing in Intel.

[B]

We'll do you one more. Apple should acquire intel and finally become a Made in America company.

[A]

Now, yetis the biggest stock market surprise of this year. It isn't Build a Bear. Although that toy stock has surged as we told you last week. Build a Bear.

[B]

The biggest stock surprise of this year is boring old Intel. The flailing chip maker is up 76% this year.

[A]

Intel, it's like the Labubu doll of the tech industry these days.

[B]

First because the US government became a big shareholder, now owning 10% of the company.

[A]

And then because Nvidia bought 4% of the company.

[B]

Intel inside. Yeah, Intel's Intel's got insiders.

[A]

But in the last week, Intel's chip stock has jumped another 20% because of one big surprise.

[B]

Apple. Here's the report from Bloomberg. Intel approached Apple about making an investment into America's biggest chip maker.

[A]

Now best you sprinkle on some context here. Apple and intel, they actually go way back, don't they, Jack? They got a history.

[B]

From 2006 to 2020, intel was the chip that was inside Macs and MacBooks.

[A]

But then Apple broke up with intel because their chips just weren't cutting it. Now Apple does its own cooking and designs its own chips.

[B]

But Apple's problem today isn't chips. Its problem today is China and India and the fact that no iPhones are made in the United States.

[A]

Which leads not to the news, but to our bold statement. For all the intelligentsia intel workers out there, here's what we're thinking. Apple shouldn't just invest in Intel. Apple should buy Intel.

[B]

Yetis intel is now Trump's company after his administration bought 10% of the stock.

[A]

But if Apple acquired Intel, then Apple could become Trump's company, too.

[B]

Apple acquiring intel could get Apple out of the White House doghouse after all.

[A]

Jack, in order to please Trump, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, did pledge that he would invest $600 billion in American manufacturing.

[B]

Instead of doing that, which sounds like a lot of work. Yeah, they could just acquire intel, which would cost far less, probably $200 billion or so.

[A]

$200 billion. That's like Tim Cook's budget for the landscaping bill at Apple Head.

[B]

These days, Apple's valuation moves $200 billion in one day. Sometimes this acquisition would not be that big a deal.

[A]

That's what Zuck spends on a few AI talents over the weekend. Easy.

[B]

And if Apple did it, it might stop getting all the tariff threats every day.

[A]

What's the worst that could happen with a deal like this, Apple wastes 200 billion bucks.

[B]

But what's the best that could happen with Apple acquiring Intel? Apple becomes Captain America and gets its imojo back.

[A]

So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Apple?

[B]

Apple could reverse the script on designed in California, made in China.

[A]

Yetis those six words, they're on the back of basically every Apple device, and they sum up the modern American economy. We design it, but China makes it.

[B]

We design it. China makes it. Has been extraordinarily lucrative for shareholders of Apple. And it's given Americans low priced iPhones.

[A]

But that arrangement has also given us massive inequality, economic anxiety, and the new trade war.

[B]

With Apple helping guide R and D, maybe Intel could return to being a.

[A]

Great tech company for national security. America needs a chip champion, and Apple could raise that champion.

[B]

And for Apple, it could go from China and India outsourcer to US Manufacturing leader now.

[A]

Yeah, Apple would still make their iPhones abroad, right, Jack? But if the chips were made in the usa, that'd be a huge change.

[B]

It would earn Apple major political brownie points. It could boost Apple's brand perception here in the States. And it might even be a profitable move, too.

[A]

Besties buying Intel. That could begin to reverse the script on the six words that have defined Apple's success for two decades.

[B]

Designed in California, but made in China.

[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[A]

For our third and final story last quarter Costco ran a very interesting experiment. Would you pay extra money to shop at Costco when it's less crowded?

[B]

And because every young Costco member said.

[A]

Hell yeah, I would enthusiastically, we're calling.

[B]

It the Early Dink Special.

[A]

Now besties, before we begin this story, a quick update. We still don't know if the Costco Nike Collab sneaker shoe is real, right Jack?

[B]

Well, since neither company has confirmed it, I think it's not real.

[A]

But we do know that Costco just did $86 billion in sales last quarter. Jack, you sprinkle on some context, please.

[B]

That's almost enough to acquire Nike. Like the whole company. Amazon calls itself the everything store. Costco is the anything store.

[A]

So let's dive into those earnings because sales rose 8% last quarter to that $86 billion. But where was the growth at Costco? Interestingly, coming from youths.

[B]

The youths.

[A]

The CEO of Costco highlighted young people three times in the earnings call we.

[B]

Noticed he pointed out that the average age of a Costco member has come down significantly and today half of new members are under the age of 40.

[A]

But besties. Here's what Jack and I found fascinating about this story. Costco pulled off a timing experiment last quarter.

[B]

They basically tested out an early Bird special and wondered how people would react.

[A]

We'Re calling it the early Dink special because Costco executive members can now get special access to the stores before they open at 9am From 9 to 10am.

[B]

Executive members can shop at Costco without the, not to be crude here, riff raff of regular old Costco members like me. Now I am a regular member and Nick, when I shop there, I have to like tell my family to stay near me and be safe. Their shopping carts are everywhere. They're huge.

[A]

You have to look both ways before.

[B]

You cross an aisle.

[A]

Jack's a people pleaser, so he does not like confrontation in aisle six. Right. Jack did not want to toss elbows for a 12 pack of Kirkland Tequila.

[B]

Honestly dude, it's become such an ordeal shopping there that we actually use Instacart now. They let me get my Costco discount and it's like not an expensive fee at all to do delivery.

[A]

Which has led Jack to this early dink special. How did Costco's experiment go when they offered this opportunity?

[B]

People liked the idea so much, Costco saw a 9% jump in membership upgrades to the executive tier.

[A]

And now besties remember this. The membership fees at Costco are pretty much where Costco makes all their profits every quarter.

[B]

Yeah, everything they sell in the store, they sell it at close to break even prices.

[A]

Therefore, the 9% jump in membership upgrades for this service of early bird special, it resulted in an equally sized jump in the profits.

[B]

So it appears young people like me upgraded their Costco membership to executive so they could shop there when it's less crowded.

[A]

Plus Costco added an extra open hour on Saturdays to all their members as well.

[B]

And spoiler, that hour is now packed Saturday nights.

[A]

Probably gonna upgrade your membership. Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Costco?

[B]

There's a bigger trend here and we call it clubification Clubification.

[A]

Yetis. It's not just Costco where people are willing to pay a premium these days to get exclusive treatment.

[B]

It's a trend we've been talking about for a couple years now. Clubification across America, across many different industries.

[A]

For example, the Amex fee, it's gone up to 895 bucks. That credit card is basically a shopping club now with exclusive lounge access.

[B]

In New York City, there's been a huge rise in members only clubs. There's the chief club, the Kith Club, more Soho Houses, more Casa Ciprianis in fitness.

[A]

Jack. Country clubs are booming. Surf clubs are now a thing, and the pickleball clubs get in line. If you want to get in. The rise in demand for exclusivity. It began during the pandemic, but back then it was for safety concerns and.

[B]

It'S only accelerated since more people want to be with fewer people and are willing to pay for it.

[A]

That's clubification. Jack, could you whip up the takeaways for us to kick off the week?

[B]

Death company started the Kraft cocktail trend and now they're launching a hotel chain.

[A]

But it's the first hotel chain with no name. They're pioneering the anti brand brand.

[B]

For our second story. Apple shouldn't just invest in Intel. We think they should acquire the company and rescue America's only major chip maker.

[A]

That would begin to reverse those six words we've all seen designed in California, but made in China.

[B]

And our third and final story, Costco is now open from 9 to 10am Just for executive cardholders, which led to a surge in membership upgrades.

[A]

This is the clubification of America. People are paying more to be with fewer people.

[B]

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

[A]

First, the big news that Wall street is watching this week. It's the government shutdown.

[B]

The government must pass a new funding bill before October begins. So the government funding deadline is midnight Tuesday night.

[A]

And Here are the two sides. The Democrats are demanding a restoration of the $1 trillion Medicaid spending that was cut by Trump's big beautiful bill.

[B]

Republicans are threatening that if the government shuts down, they'll fire a whole bunch of federal workers.

[A]

Wall street will be watching. And second, the hottest new investing trend abroad is K pop bands.

[B]

Korean pop bands were already publicly traded entities on the Korean stock market.

[A]

Interestingly, we found a couple of them. But now smaller K pop bands are getting venture capital funding and yeah, they're making bank.

[B]

And it all may be thanks to Netflix's K Pop demon hunter that a lot of our yetis and besties love.

[A]

If you want a K pop bubble like butter. And finally, Hershey just won its biggest lawsuit in years. The false Halloween advertising lawsuit.

[B]

Last year, an angry, angry trick or treater sued Hershey's for misleading them on the packaging of a bag of Halloween candy.

[A]

Okay, apparently the package looked like a pumpkin shaped chocolate, but the reality was like the chocolate just looked like a circle, not a pumpkin. Which is kind of true.

[B]

The judge rules that Hershey's did not violate name, image and sweetness rules.

[A]

Yeah, apparently the pumpkin shaped ball was actually close enough to a pumpkin.

[B]

The circle was close enough to a pumpkin that the judge thinks it Was. Wasn't misleading.

[A]

It's a roundup situation.

[B]

I don't know about that, but I'm not a judge, apparently.

[A]

Now time for the best fact yet. This one sent in by Smokey Bear because this is the last day to vote for Fat Bear Week.

[B]

Fat Bear Week. A competition to see who is the fattest looking bear in America's national parks.

[A]

Tomorrow is the last day to vote in the most important election of our lifetimes. And it's basically a body positive competition. Right, Jack, we'll put a link in the episode description for you.

[B]

But here's a fun fact about bears. The reason they're so fat is that they're preparing for hibernation, which begins in October.

[A]

That's right. For the next five to seven months, bears will not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate for that hibernation period.

[B]

How their bodies are able to just sit in that status quo for five to seven months, that's a story for another pod.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Bear hibernation. In corporate America, this is called a quiet quitting, by the way.

[B]

In academics, it's called a sabbatical.

[A]

Yetis, you look fantastic today. And Jack, what do you think? What should we ask the yetis in the poll today on Spotify? What should we go with today?

[B]

How about, should Nick join Costco? I mean, obviously the answer is yes. So if you agree, give us a specific reason. Nick is persuadable on this.

[A]

I mean, you know, I have nothing against Costco, huge respect for Costco, But Jack, I am. I am saving my membership money for another lover.

[B]

Oh, God.

[A]

I'm waiting for an Erewhon membership because I'm just a sucker for smoothies.

[B]

Nick also has huge pantries, but for some reason they're not full.

[A]

You know, when you grow up in New York, you don't grow up with the pantry, Jack. So like the pantry we have now, I feel like it's spoiling. I'm not comfortable with it.

[B]

Sounds like you've worked that through with.

[A]

Your therapist in the process. Yetis, you look fantastic. Remember to tap to follow us to get us every single day. And Jack and I will see you tomorrow. And beat. Before we go, a congratulations to legendary yeti's Dirk and Emily, who got married over the weekend in lovely park city, Utah.

[B]

Happy 60th birthday to Dr. David Kohler in Jacksonville, Florida.

[A]

And a happy birthday to yeti Pratu Ramkumar, who's celebrating the big one over in Mumbai, India.

[B]

And happy 30th birthday to Ashley Andreou in New York City.

[A]

And Alicia Ren is celebrating the best birthday yet down in Fremont, California.

[B]

And a happy ninth birthday to Evie in West Dundee, Illinois.

[A]

And Jack, you better jump on the Metro north because Tate bridges is turning 21 years old over in Palisades, New York. Congratulations, Tate. Upstate. Oh, upstate. Upstate.

[B]

Dude, I can see the Palisades from Manhattan. It's not upstate.

[A]

Pretty far north, Jack.

[B]

And to anyone else who celebrated something today, making a tea.

[A]

Boy, you can't take a subway there.

[B]

Celebrate the wins. This is Jack. I own stock of Amazon, Intel, Netflix and Instacart. And Nick and I both own stock in Apple. 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 go, tell us a.

[B]

Little bit about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey we want to get to know you.

[D]

Shopify's point of Sale system helps you sell at every stage of your business. Need a fast and secure way to take payments in person? We've got you covered. How about card readers you can rely on anywhere you sell? Thanks. Have a good one. Yep, that too. Want one place to manage all your online and in person sales? That's kind of our thing wherever you sell. Businesses that grow grow with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 a month [e-mail] listen shopify.com listen.