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.
• 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)

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."