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
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.
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)
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.
- Death & Co began as a craft cocktail bar in NYC's East Village in 2007, launched by two art students.
- 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)
- No venture capital. Instead, customers can invest and get perks:
- 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)
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)
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)
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.
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.
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)
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
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."
