⌚ “Watch University” — Rolex’s apprenticeship. Advent Calendar Marketing. Ken Burns’ loooong strategy. +3am Cyber Monday.

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Best One Yet

Hosted by Nick & Jack Studios

Episode: “Watch University” — Rolex’s Apprenticeship. Advent Calendar Marketing. Ken Burns’ loooong strategy. + 3am Cyber Monday.

Date: December 1, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode delivers the top three pop-business stories you need to know, mixing witty banter and sharp insights. Nick and Jack start by marking "Cyber Monday" and its late-night shopping surge before diving into three major topics:

1. A rare interview with Rolex’s CEO and the company’s secretive apprenticeship program.
2. Brands' adoption of Advent calendars as a modern marketing tool.
3. Ken Burns' lengthy American Revolution documentary and how long-form storytelling endures in a TikTok world.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

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1. Rolex’s Secret to Success: Apprenticeship Over Algorithms

(Story begins at 04:56)

• Rare Interview with Secretive Leadership

  • Rolex CEO Jean Frederic DeFour rarely gives interviews, but recently spoke to Esquire. Renault does not use focus groups or data-driven decisions, but trusts instinct and tradition.
    • “Rolex doesn’t to him interviews, he avoids them. Decisions based on data? Nope.” — Jack (05:40)

• Rolex’s Record-Breaking Sales

  • Estimated sales up 31% over four years, now at $13B—twice Swatch’s revenue.
    • “Sales are estimated to have jumped 31% in the last four years to a record $13 billion.” — Jack (06:01)

• The Rolex Apprenticeship/Education Model

  • Runs a 3-year apprentice program (“Watch University”) with 900 courses and paid on-the-job learning; 500 apprentices are in training.
    • “Rolex runs an apprentice program that trains an entire luxury watch industry.” — Nick (06:25)
    • “Rolex’s apprenticeship is three years long, offers 900 different courses, and pays you while you’re learning.” — Jack (06:58)
  • No obligation for apprentices to stay at Rolex—they often join competitors, but the CEO believes a strong Swiss watch industry benefits all.
    • “So these apprentices with the Rolex secrets go on to work for Rolex rivals...And yet the CEO of Rolex doesn’t even care about that. He says it’s better for Rolex if the whole Swiss watch industry is healthy.” — (07:35, 07:44)

• Apple Watch as a Boon, Not Threat

  • Contrary to expectations, the Apple Watch has increased demand for wristwatches—especially among youth—expanding the luxury market.
    • “Turns out the best thing to happen to role was the Apple Watch.” — Nick (00:29)
    • “The Apple watch helped us in a way by getting young people to wear something on their wrist...and increased people’s willingness to pay.” — Jack (08:30, 08:37)
  • Takeaway: Sometimes, competition (even from tech disruptors) actually grows the total market and benefits traditional players.

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2. Advent Calendars: From Faith to Full-Blown FOMO Marketing

(Story begins at 08:42)

• Advent Calendars’ Origins and Evolution

  • Began in 1800s Germany, counting down to Christmas with images and prayers, then evolved to chocolates/treats post-war for brightness.
    • “It began with the German Protestants in the 1800s...Kids would open a door each day to reveal an image, a poem, or a prayer.” — Jack (09:26, 09:32)
  • Now, in the U.S., Advent calendars are reimagined as product-driven, capitalist marketing stunts.
    • “In America, we have separation between church and state...there is no separation between religion and capitalism.” — Jack (10:02, 10:05)

• Explosion Across Industries

  • Examples: Bon Maman jams (sold out, ramped up 400%), Kraft Heinz cheese ($250 calendar, sold out), Armani perfumes, Lego, Skims underwear ($315), Johnny Walker whiskey ($700), Swarovksi crystals ($1,200).
    • “Consumers are praying for more. What about Kraft Heinz, Jack? No way they’re doing an advent calendar. They do fake cheese...24 days worth 250 bucks per calendar. Also sold out.” — Nick (10:41), Jack (10:49)
  • Advent calendars now range from luxury to vice, with marketers pushing patience and anticipation.
    • “Add it all up and the Advent calendar is the hottest marketing hack since the ten Commandments. Can I say that?” — Nick (11:25)

• The Power of Patience in Instant Times

  • Consumers used to instant gratification; the Advent calendar is a “slow drip” of reward that builds tension and joy—increasing product excitement and loyalty.
    • “The reason why the Advent Calendar is so beloved by consumers is that it’s the opposite of everything else we buy these days.” — Jack (11:54)
    • “Those limitations create tension which make every dopamine hit even more intense.” — Jack (12:30)

• Takeaway: Patience is profitable. Advent calendars thrive thanks to their forced anticipation in the age of instant everything.

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3. Ken Burns’ Documentary vs. TikTok: The Enduring Allure of Story

(Story begins at 15:09)

• Ken Burns and the Longform Documentary

  • Ken Burns has reigned as America’s top documentarian, with works spanning the Civil War, Jazz, Baseball, and more. He’s never gotten “mega rich” (approx. $3.5M net worth) due to working with PBS and high research costs.
    • “Ken Burns is the most famous documentarian ever...At least not mega rich. This New Hampshire resident, his net worth is believed to be three and a half million dollars.” — Jack (15:57, 16:19)
  • His new American Revolution documentary took 9 years, is 12 hours long—longer than the actual revolution.
    • “The American Revolution...took Ken and his team nine years to create, which is longer than the actual American Revolution.” — Jack (16:39, 16:50)

• Visual Strategy and Star Power

  • New techniques: Paintings, maps, voice actors (including 8 Oscar winners like Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep), and classic “Ken Burns effect” of panning photographs.
    • “He uses so many photographs in his movies that panning the camera across the photograph gives you a sense of, like, dynamic visuals.” — Jack (18:03)
    • “Eight Oscar awards and 46 Oscar nominations are there among the voice acting cast. Including Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.” — Jack (17:49, 17:55)

• Longform Isn’t Dead—If It’s Engaging

  • Burns’ films outlasted MTV and may outlast TikTok because “narrative beats noise.”
    • “No matter the platform, narrative beats noise.” — Jack (18:54)
    • “It’s not that our attention spans have gotten shorter. It’s just that we demand more engaging content.” — Nick (19:35)

• Takeaway: People commit to long form if the storytelling is compelling. Platforms change, but well-told stories endure—whether in books, movies, or podcasts.

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Other Notable Moments & Quotes

• Cyber Monday Shopping at 3AM
  • “The shopping actually spikes at 3am get this. According to Zip Finance, 48% of shoppers now make their big buys after midnight.” — Jack (01:26, 01:30)
  • “The bigger the product buy, the more likely it’s past midnight...airfare at 1am, coffee tables at 2am—call it vampire shopping or midnight mastercarding.” — Nick (02:07, 02:13)
• Playful Banter
  • “Dad, is there 1.5x speed? 2x speed?” — Nick, teasing about the Ken Burns doc’s length (00:59)
  • “Add it all up and the Advent calendar is the hottest marketing hack since the ten Commandments.” — Nick (11:25)
• Listeners Called to Name a New Holiday
  • “Is tomorrow the only day in the seven days without a nickname? Yes. Is Sunday after Thanksgiving.” — Jack (21:31)
  • “Drop in the comments. What America should formally call the Sunday after Thanksgiving.” — Jack (22:08)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:24 — Rolex CEO’s rare interview and the Apple Watch impact
• 01:20 — 3AM Cyber Monday shopping insight
• 04:56 — Rolex “Watch University” apprenticeship deep dive
• 08:42 — Advent calendar trend and brand marketing strategies
• 15:09 — Ken Burns’ American Revolution, storytelling vs. TikTok
• 21:31 — Discussion on post-Thanksgiving “nameless” Sunday

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Memorable Quotes

• “Rolex, it doesn’t show you the time. It actually shows you your net worth.” — Nick (05:19)
• “Sometimes, the competition can actually be a catalyst.” — Nick (08:42)
• “In America, we have separation between church and state...there is no separation between religion and capitalism.” — Jack (10:02, 10:05)
• “It’s not that our attention spans have gotten shorter. It’s just that we demand more engaging content.” — Nick (19:35)
• “No matter the platform, narrative beats noise.” — Jack (18:54)

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Episode Takeaways

1. Rolex’s Success Formula: Leaning on tradition and apprenticeship sustains their brand—and rivals like Apple have actually expanded their market.
2. Advent Calendars’ Modern Power: The slow-burn, 24-day reveal is bucking the instant gratification trend, driving demand and profits across industries.
3. Long Storytelling Still Wins: Even in a TikTok world, truly engaging stories command viewers’ time—narrative always beats noise.

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This lively episode is packed with sharp, playful takes on how legacy methods, slow anticipation, and classic storytelling can still triumph in a business world obsessed with disruption and speed.

Transcript

[A]

This is Nick.

[B]

This is Jack.

[A]

Welcome back. It is Monday, December 1st. 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]

Oh, Yetis, Jack and I are dropping something big this week on Wednesday.

[B]

Mark your calendars. It's gonna be huge. Huge day.

[A]

You gotta tune in. But in the meantime, Jack, we got three fantastic stories for today's pod. What do we got on the show?

[B]

For our first story, the CEO of Rolex just gave a super rare interview and dropped a huge surprise.

[A]

Turns out the best thing to happen to role was the Apple Watch.

[B]

For our second story, the marketing move every brand is doing today is actually biblical.

[A]

The Advent calendar. It ain't Christian, it's capitalist.

[B]

And our third and final story. Over Thanksgiving, someone in your family made you watch the new Ken Burns documentary.

[A]

Mom, turn off the subtitles.

[B]

Ken Burns the American Revolution proves how a really long documentary can beat a 15 second TikTok.

[A]

Dad, is there 1.5x speed? 2x speed?

[B]

But Yetis, before we hit that wonderful mix of stories.

[A]

What a mix of stories. Love coming back to this mix, Jack.

[B]

Happy Cyber Monday to all those who celebrate.

[A]

And those who celebrated dropped $13.3 billion, a record number in last year's Cyber.

[B]

Monday, the biggest E Commerce day in American history.

[A]

But besties, pause the pod. Cause this should really be called Cyber middle of the night.

[B]

Because the shopping actually spikes at 3am get this.

[A]

According to Zip Finance, 48% of shoppers now make their big buys after midnight.

[B]

And it's not even just a Cyber Monday thing.

[A]

True.

[B]

Overall, 1 out of 15 e commerce purchases happens between midnight and 6am yeah.

[A]

You know who you are. There are a few reasons for this. One, being that you're just too busy during the day.

[B]

Two, being that you're scrolling your phone in bed even though you shouldn't.

[A]

And three, awkwardly, the more you drink, the more you buy.

[B]

Yeah, drunk shopping peaks at 2am but.

[A]

Here'S the wild twist. The bigger the product buy, the more likely it's past midnight.

[B]

Airfare purchases tend to happen at 1am.

[A]

Coffee tables are getting bought at 2am.

[B]

3Am in the morning.

[A]

Yeah, Jack, Big appliance. Time for a new fridge. Call it vampire shopping or midnight mastercarding.

[B]

I like Z Commerce because you should be sleeping.

[A]

So, besties, our college coaches used to tell us that nothing good ever happens after midnight.

[B]

But Coach, the brand disagrees.

[A]

Yeah, they do. Let's make it two handbags, Jack. 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 culture Natural storm is the best one yet but the best is annoying. Jack.

[A]

Nick.

[C]

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 read to go we can't wait no more so just start the show. Start the show.

[A]

First, 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 write back to the guy?

[B]

I responded that I went to the University of Michigan for two graduate degrees. Nick. It turns out he did too. In fact, we worked in the same econ department when I was a TA there.

[A]

It's a match made in platform history.

[B]

Man, this guy hasn't arrived yet. But I love these personal connections I've made as a host on Airbnb and Besties.

[A]

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

[B]

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[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 life satisfaction, whether you're a Wolverine or a Buckeye.

[A]

Besties. No joke. Jack's very satisfied.

[B]

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

[A]

Now a quick break.

[B]

Switching topics to one of our favorite sponsors, Vital Proteins.

[A]

Now, Jack, my mom does not use most of the products we promote. Like, 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 are delicious. 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, so yetis.

[B]

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, Rolex is doing record sales right now. And their CEO just made a rare public comment.

[B]

The biggest surprise the that the Apple watch is actually good for Rolex sales.

[A]

But Jack, let's start this story with the billionaires bingo card. What do we got on it, man?

[B]

Birkin bag, Cucinelli cashmere Rolex. Check, check, check.

[A]

Rolex, it doesn't show you the time. It actually shows you your net worth.

[B]

But while Rolex brand is known, their CEO isn't at all. This dude is super secretive. And Swiss.

[A]

Yeah, super Swiss. In a rare interview though, with Esquire magazine, Jean Frederic DeFore, CEO of Rolex, revealed he basically does the opposite of every other business. CEO focus groups.

[B]

Rolex doesn't to him interviews, he avoids them. Decisions based on data.

[A]

Nope.

[B]

For Rolex, it's 100% based on the CEOs.

[A]

Oh, spreadsheet. Not possible, Jack.

[B]

But Jean Luc can say whatever he wants because it's working.

[A]

Again, Rolex is a super secretive company. It's Swiss, so they don't report the numbers, but they've been estimated. And Jack, what do they look like?

[B]

Sales are estimated to have jumped 31% in the last four years to a record $13 billion.

[A]

Yeah, those are Gucci number numbers. Rolex is putting up twice as much revenue as Swatch these days.

[B]

But Rolex's greatest product may not be the $30,000 cosmograph with quartz encrusted dials.

[A]

You're gonna drop a batik Philippe on us next, Jack.

[B]

Rolex's greatest product is their school, because.

[A]

Rolex runs an apprentice program that trains an entire luxury watch industry.

[B]

Yetis. In America, education and job training tend to be separate, but in Europe, they're often combined.

[A]

Companies over there sponsor trainees and pay them while they learn a trade.

[B]

They're called apprenticeships. And they actually go back to the guilds of the middle ages.

[A]

Rolex began their Watch Guild about 50.

[B]

Years ago because during the 1970s, Rolex needed to hire watchmakers. But nobody in the country knew how to make watches.

[A]

Right. So Rolex launched this apprentice program to teach a chronometer from a caliber.

[B]

Rolex's apprenticeship is three years long, offers 900 different courses, and pays you while you're learning.

[A]

Yeah, in case you were curious how this is different from an internship, all of that.

[B]

So Now Rolex has 500 apprentices learning the secrets of priming a bezel.

[A]

And now, Jack, we should point out that some American companies with European roots are introducing the apprentice model here in.

[B]

The United States, like Volkswagen, which partners with Chattanooga State Community College to train their workers.

[A]

But besties pause the pot, because the wildest part here is what happens after the apprenticeship program.

[B]

Well, they have no commitment to work for Rolex, the company that just trained them.

[A]

So these apprentices with the Rolex secrets go on to work for Rolex rivals.

[B]

They could.

[A]

And yet the CEO of Rolex doesn't even care about that.

[B]

He says it's better for Rolex if the whole Swiss watch industry is healthy.

[A]

In fact, this CEO of Rolex even thinks an even bigger threat is actually its biggest booster. So, Jack, can you just check the time and let us know what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Rolex?

[B]

Rolex is waiting, not despite, but because of the Apple watch Yetis.

[A]

When Apple launched their watch years ago, it felt like a disruption moment that would kill, crush, and disrupt the whole luxury watch industry.

[B]

Just like Apple killed the regular camera, it was going to kill the regular watch.

[A]

But Rolex accurately predicted early on that this would not be a bad. And why is that, Jack?

[B]

Because an Apple watch isn't actually a watch. It's, as the CEO says, an iPhone you strapped to your wrist, which is a totally different category.

[A]

In fact, he said the Apple watch helped us in a way by getting young people to wear something on their wrist.

[B]

Apple watch increased the size of the wrist market and increased people's willingness to pay.

[A]

And that is why Rolex actually loves the Apple watch. Sometimes the competition can actually be a catalyst for our second story. The hot new marketing trend begins today. The branded Advent calendar. You've seen them.

[B]

We'll tell you how a religious artifact became a marketing hack for whiskey, perfume, and even lingerie.

[A]

December 1st, when every email starts ghosting you with, let's circle back next year.

[B]

I love this excuse. I know it kind of bothers you, dude, but it's a nice little escape for me.

[A]

I mean, guys, just pick up the phone, let's talk. But 121 December 1 also is the start of the Advent, which, Jack, I have no context on this, so why don't you sprinkle it on?

[B]

Well, it's the tradition of counting down the 24 days until Christmas.

[A]

Why don't you sprinkle on some historical context for us, too, please?

[B]

It began with the German Protestants in the 1800s, the Germans actually came up with a lot of our Christmas traditions.

[A]

Thank you, Santa. And in this case with the Advent calendar, kids would open a door each day to reveal an image, a poem, or a prayer. Amen.

[B]

But after their defeats in the wars, Germany needed some brightness.

[A]

They did.

[B]

So they swapped out the prayers for some treats and some chocolate instead.

[A]

And that sweet treat version caught the attention of American consumers in the middle of the last century. And now it's caught the attention of our American marketers.

[B]

In America, we have separation between church and state. Yes, we do.

[A]

Besties.

[B]

There is no separation between religion and capitalism.

[A]

No, there is not. One second, Jack. Yeah, I was looking for that button.

[B]

This year we are experiencing peak advertorial advent gap.

[A]

Brands are filling their calendars with 24 samples of whatever their product is. And Jack and I are noticing it everywhere.

[B]

Bon Maman, the French jam brand, started a 24 day mini fruit jam calendar in 2017.

[A]

And how is it doing now, Jack?

[B]

It sold out. So they've increased their production by 400%.

[A]

Consumers are praying for more. What about Kraft Heinz, Jack? No way they're doing an advent calendar. They do fake cheese.

[B]

No, they have a calendar with real cheese. I think probably fake. Actually. 24 days worth 250 bucks per calendar. Also sold out.

[A]

Yetis. This is across industries. Armani perfumes, Stouffer's frozen food, Legos, the toy, all doing Advent calendars.

[B]

Kim Kardashian skims, has a $315 underwear advent calendar. 24 nights. Yeah, 24 surprises.

[A]

The advent calendar has even gone 180 degrees from virtue to vices.

[B]

Johnnie Walker's whiskey advent calendar can be yours for 700 bucks.

[A]

Jack. Over the weekend I walked into bergdorf's, found a $1,200 Swarovski crystal calendar. It's a real thing.

[B]

I'd rather have one big crystal than 24 tiny ones, though.

[A]

Besties. Add it all up and the Advent calendar is the hottest marketing hack since the ten Commandments. Can I say that? I don't know if I can say that. Either way, Jack, I'm surprised there's not a Hanukkah version. Like, how is there no menorah with like eight nights of Christian Dior perfume spoiler?

[B]

There probably is.

[A]

So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies seeing the advent of calendar trend? And I believe this is a quote from Spider Man.

[B]

With great patience comes great marketability. It's not Spider Man. It's his uncle.

[A]

Great call. Yetis. The reason why the Advent Calendar is so beloved by consumers is that it's the opposite of everything else we buy these days.

[B]

We live in an instant gratification economy. You can impulse buy anything asap overnight.

[A]

On Amazon, same day on doordash, watch any video on YouTube, on anything, anytime.

[B]

The Advent calendar started with a religious element. But even without it, it's about patience, delay and discipline.

[A]

Because this calendar spreads out over 24 days and can only be opened one time a day. And it limits you to a tiny little sample.

[B]

Thanks for explaining what an Advent calendar is.

[A]

Thank you, Jack. Well, those limitations create tension which make every dopamine hit even more intense.

[B]

The attraction of the 24 day advent calendar is the opposite of everything else we consumers buy.

[A]

Besties the Advent calendar market and trend. It proves the powerful profitability of patience. Now a quick word from our sponsor.

[B]

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[A]

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[B]

Or old enough Nick. I still remember. You could give your MySpace page a soundtrack. Music started playing when someone visited the webpage.

[A]

Blink 182, the official music of young Jack. But besties. If we built a website today, we'd use Framer because they focused on the small things.

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Framer.com design promo code T Boy Rules and restrictions may apply. Audible Yetis I just listened to a wild audiobook on my flight back to New York. Here's what it's called. Gods of New York.

[B]

It's about four men. The four men who ruled New York City the year that you were born.

[A]

Nick. I got to give my parents credit, Jack. New York in 1988 was insane. It was like mob bosses, gang fights, and all these subway cars covered in graffiti. It's like seeing how the city was running when my mom was like pregnant with me. I'm blown away by this whole new imagination.

[B]

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[A]

Because Audible has an incredible selection of over a million audiobooks, podcasts and audio originals all in one easy app.

[B]

Explore bestsellers, new releases, or find a wild story that takes you back to the year that your mom gave birth to you.

[A]

Yeah, last night while I was doing the dishes, Jack, I listened to a story about the abysmal late 1980s New York Yankees.

[B]

Yeah, I feel bad for you, dad. At least the Giants were winning back then.

[A]

Besties. There is more to imagine when you listen.

[B]

Sign up for a free 30 day audible trial and your first audiobook is free, so visit audible.comtboy.

[A]

For our third and final story. Ken Burns just gave America a documentary worthy of its 250th birthday.

[B]

But his past documentaries competed with books. This documentary competes with TikTok.

[A]

Jack, you know, we just had dinner with your dad the other week. Can you please share with the Yetis what you think the ultimate embarrassing dad.

[B]

Move is pausing the whole 4th of July party to stand on a picnic table and recite the entire Declaration of Independence?

[A]

Yeah, that does seem like a dad move. Maybe Big Ted would do that.

[B]

Ken Burns does that every single Independence Day.

[A]

So Yetis, as two people who appreciated history, and personally, as someone who went as Thomas Paine three times for Halloween. When Ken Burns finally began working on the American Revolution film, we said it's about time.

[B]

Ken Burns is the most famous documentarian ever. His past works include the Civil War, baseball, Lewis and Clark, American Jazz, Mark Twain, Muhammad Ali and the Brooklyn Bridge.

[A]

Yeah, it's your favorite one, isn't it, Jack?

[B]

It is. That was his first one too.

[A]

But we should point out Ken Burns, despite his talents, has not gotten rich producing these epic tales of America.

[B]

At least not mega rich. This New Hampshire resident, his net worth is believed to be three and a half million dollars.

[A]

And what's the reason for that, you think, Jack?

[B]

Well, all of his documentaries he does with pbs, a non profit, and he lets people watch for free.

[A]

Another reason Ken Burns isn't rich. Well, his movies are costly to research, to write, to film, and to edit.

[B]

The American Revolution, the one he just published, it took Ken and his team nine years to create, which is longer.

[A]

Than the actual American Revolution.

[B]

Is that true?

[A]

Yeah, by one year, Jack. So Basties, if you're from a history family like we are, you probably watched an episode or 12 over the last weekend.

[B]

Did you know that George Washington was the richest American and He was also the head of the army.

[A]

I had no picturing Elon Musk fighting in the U.S. army. I can't do that, Jack. Now, besties, this begs a really interesting strategy question, like, how do you bring to the big screen something that happened before screens even existed?

[B]

Yeah, this is a documentary, after all. He's not gonna hire actors to go perform fights on the field, is he?

[A]

So Jack and I jumped in t boy style. We watched the first two episodes, and we noticed how Ken Burns got creative.

[B]

First. He uses copious amounts of paintings and maps.

[A]

Yeah, the battle of Long island really comes to life when you see the Brits marching down what's now the Long Island Expressway.

[B]

And for the first time in this film, Ken Burns used reenactors.

[A]

You actually see red coats for the first time wearing real red coats.

[B]

But Ken also used voice actors to read actual letters written during the American Revolution.

[A]

Oh, but not just any actors, Jack. Right.

[B]

Eight Oscar awards and 46 Oscar nominations are there among the voice acting cast.

[A]

Including Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. Plus, Jack, you have the Ken Burns effect, an actual style that is named after Ken Burns himself.

[B]

Yeah, he uses so many photographs in his movies that panning the camera across the photograph gives you a sense of, like, dynamic visuals.

[A]

Okay, Jack, pause the pod and the revolution for a moment, though still, this documentary is six episodes, two hours each, 12 hours. That is 1,000 TikToks, man.

[B]

And to fill up all that space, Ken had to use the same painting of young George Washington seven different times.

[A]

Now, besties. In the past, critics have told Ken Burns that nobody would watch his documentaries because they were more interested in watching mtv.

[B]

But MTV just shut down while Ken Burns is still making documentaries.

[A]

And yet now they're telling Ken Burns that no one will watch his films because of TikTok.

[B]

Well, Ken's got a response for that.

[A]

Too, and we thought it was fascinating. So it's our takeaway. So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies watching 12 hours of a documentary?

[B]

No matter the platform, narrative beats noise.

[A]

Yetis. Ken Burns told Vanity Fair that he's not a documentarian or a historian. He's actually a storyteller.

[B]

And he'd argue that just because it's long doesn't mean it's boring.

[A]

And we agree, the best YouTubers, TikTokers, authors, filmmakers, podcasters, they're all really just storytellers.

[B]

Books and films don't go viral as easily, but each platform can still produce mega hits, even today.

[A]

This drives us nuts, Jack. And I Always hear how millennials only watch 60 second videos these days.

[B]

But didn't you watch every episode of eight seasons of Game of Thrones?

[A]

And didn't you watch all of Stranger Things in one day?

[B]

Those aren't 60 seconds. Those are 60 hours.

[A]

Besties. It's not that our attention spans have gotten shorter. It's just that we demand more engaging content.

[B]

And no matter the platform, narrative beats noise.

[A]

Hear, hear. Jack, could you whip up the takeaways for us?

[B]

To kick off the month, Rolex's CEO did a rare interview and glorified their watchmaking apprentice program.

[A]

Rolex says that the Apple Watch actually helped their watch sales. Didn't hurt them. Sometimes competition could be a catalyst.

[B]

For our second story. Brands are using the Advent calendar format to drive excitement and sales over the holidays.

[A]

It's the Advent advertising hack of the season. It's patiently profitable.

[B]

And our third and final story. Ken Burns gifted America a 12 hour documentary that's competing with your TikTok feed.

[A]

But he says he's not a documentarian, he's a storyteller.

[B]

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

[A]

First, Zuck caused Nvidia's stock to drop. Get this. Meta is reportedly switching from Nvidia chips to Google chips.

[B]

Google is everywhere right now.

[A]

Googly, googly, googly.

[B]

Google's mojo is relentless. It should ask Siri out on a date right now.

[A]

Jack, maybe Apple should start paying Google to be the default search these days.

[B]

Yeah, pull the old switch.

[A]

And second, American Eagle just signed Martha Stewart to a sponsorship deal.

[B]

America's queen of domesticity is American Eagle's newest denim diva.

[A]

If you want to know the resurgence of anyone with Gen Z, it's Martha Stewart.

[B]

And finally, Amazon did something that their head of AI and robotics probably hated.

[A]

Get this. Amazon hired 250,000 seasonal human workers to handle the holiday shopping search.

[B]

Just that 250,000 seasonal workforce would be the 23rd biggest company in America by workers.

[A]

Boom. Drop that in your next conference call. Now time for the best fact yet. Which because it's Trivia Monday, Jack and I thought we would mix things up a bit. Jack, what are we thinking over here?

[B]

Well, there's Green Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving. There's Thanksgiving Thursday. There's Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Then Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. Is tomorrow the only day in the seven days without a nickname? Yes. Is Sunday after Thanksgiving.

[A]

It's Sunday. And therein we believe lies in opportunity.

[B]

Drop in the comments. What the Sunday of Thanksgiving should be called because it's the only day without a nickname.

[A]

Because currently it's like slacking Sunday. Nothing's happening. You're, like, sleeping in Sunday. That's what's going on right now.

[B]

Well, slacking Sunday might imply you're working, but I don't think that's what you're getting at.

[A]

Sundays are for the toys. I don't know, maybe you buy toys on Sundays. There's, like, a lot of opportunities here.

[B]

Drop in the comments. What America should formally call the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We'll give the best answer on tomorrow's.

[A]

Pod Sunday Bun day. It's when you actually go out and you buy buns for baking. There's, like, a lot we can work with here. What is the answer? Yetis?

[B]

Nick's suggestions are for illustrative purposes only.

[A]

Yetis, you look fantastic. To kick off December. Jack, you are glowing over there. And so is our Yeti doll right here. Jack. I got him with us. Here he is. I'm holding him. He's squishy and soft.

[B]

Yeah, it's cyber Monday. I guess we're supposed to to push our product.

[A]

Yeah. Yetis, if you are looking for a gift for a buddy out there, then you can buy our Yeti doll. Jack and I are selling it on our website right now.

[B]

Tboypod.com shop give it a squeeze.

[A]

It's an economic support toy. When the markets go down, you squeeze the Yeti doll.

[B]

Great to be back, Yetis. Nick and I will see you tomorrow.

[A]

And before we go, a happy birthday to Trevor Baldwin down in Hotlanta, Georgia. Listening since 2021. Thank you for being with us, Trevor.

[B]

Happy birthday to Karen Hobbs in Brooklyn.

[A]

New York and Kimmin's Not Nast. Congratulations on the new job down in Mountain View, California.

[B]

And good luck to Brandon Nemo of Cheyenne, Wyoming who just moved from New York to Texas to take on a new job.

[A]

You got this, Brandon.

[B]

And to anyone else who's celebrating something today, make it a T, boy.

[A]

Celebrate the wins.

[B]

This is Jack. Nick and I both own stock of Apple. If you like the best one yet, you can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery plus 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 survey at wondery. Com Survey.

[A]

We want to get to know you.