The Podcast by Adam Rippon: Episode 5 – "I Can't Smell the Salad Bar"
In Episode 5 of "The Podcast by Adam Rippon", host Adam Rippon delves into a variety of engaging and thought-provoking topics, blending humor with insightful commentary. This episode, titled "I Can't Smell the Salad Bar," covers online scams involving celebrities, insights into the world of Shark Tank, the escalating costs of daily coffee indulgences, and intriguing listener calls that showcase Rippon's unique perspective.
1. Online Scams and Celebrity Involvement
Adam kicks off the episode by discussing a peculiar online video he stumbled upon. The video features a young entrepreneur flaunting his luxurious lifestyle—complete with a mansion, dream cars like Maserati and Lamborghini, and a lavish pool—all purportedly funded by a questionable business model: buying and reposting viral videos to earn $30,000 a month.
Notable Quote:
"It's like you're a bootleg poster, right? You're on Canal Street selling bootleg DVDs. That's basically what's happening." (02:15)
Rippon expresses skepticism, comparing the scheme to a modern-day Ponzi scheme. His intrigue deepens when he discovers that Debra Messing, the acclaimed actress from "Will & Grace," is among the commenters seeking to replicate this dubious income stream.
Notable Quote:
"I can't tell you the range of emotions I went through when I saw the real Debra Messing is commenting on this video because she wants to be a part of the action." (05:40)
This revelation serves as a cautionary tale for Rippon, highlighting that regardless of one's success, susceptibility to online scams remains a significant risk.
2. Insights into Shark Tank and Kevin O'Leary's Influence
Transitioning from online scams, Rippon shares his observations on Kevin O'Leary, one of the prominent sharks from Shark Tank. He critiques O'Leary's approach, describing him as less desirable to negotiate deals with compared to other sharks like Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban.
Notable Quote:
"You don't want Kevin near that deal. You want him far away from it." (10:20)
Rippon praises Lori Greiner for her knack in turning simple products into multimillion-dollar successes, citing her investment in Scrub Daddy as a prime example. He contrasts this with his perception of O'Leary as someone more interested in royalties than genuine business growth.
Notable Quote:
"When you get Lori really into your product, and she kind of moves her eyes, they kinda jet over to Mark Cuban, and when he gets interested, you want those two together. I think that's your best deal." (12:45)
3. The Escalating Cost of Vanilla Lattes
Rippon shifts gears to address a relatable everyday concern: the rising prices of vanilla lattes. He breaks down the cost disparity between a simple black coffee and a flavored latte from popular coffee chains.
Notable Quote:
"I'm thinking, how can I buy half a gallon of milk for $5, but I'm paying $9 for a cup of it in my black coffee." (14:10)
He critiques the justification for the price hike, questioning the need to pay premium prices for what essentially boils down to milk and syrup. Rippon muses on the value proposition of café ambiance versus the cost, ultimately leaning towards making lattes at home to save money.
Notable Quote:
"For $9, I can get a gallon of milk. Do you know how many vanilla lattes that is?" (16:05)
4. Listener Calls and Rippon's Responses
a. The Allure of Fabuloso in Pennsylvania
The first listener call revolves around Rippon's affection for the scent of Fabuloso, a popular multi-purpose cleaner, and its connection to his Pennsylvania roots.
Caller Comment:
"You're from Pennsylvania and that means sense. So I was wondering if you could speak a little bit more about why you think people from Pennsylvania like Strong Sense." (14:33)
Rippon responds by nostalgically linking the scent to the hardworking culture of Pennsylvania's coal mining towns, emphasizing the desire for fresh and appealing smells in a landlocked state.
Notable Quote:
"If you were in that dark space day in, day out, that some people would want a nice cold beer at the end of the day. But what I would want is a nice clean floor that smelled like Fabuloso." (15:05)
b. Training Swimmers in Denser Mediums
The second call presents a creative idea: training Olympic swimmers in a medium denser than water, such as a colloid resembling Jello, to enhance their training effectiveness.
Caller Comment:
"Why swimmers, like professional Olympic swimmers, don't swim in a medium that's harder, more dense than water." (18:25)
Rippon engages with humor, appreciating the innovative thought but ultimately leaving the question open-ended, highlighting the unconventional nature of the suggestion.
Notable Quote:
"I love the way your brain works, but I am scared of you because there is a part of you that is serious." (19:03)
Conclusion
Episode 5 of "The Podcast by Adam Rippon" offers a blend of critical analysis, personal anecdotes, and lighthearted banter. Rippon effectively navigates through discussions on online scams involving celebrities, provides candid insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurial investments on Shark Tank, critiques the inflation of everyday beverage prices, and engages with listener calls that showcase his personable and thoughtful nature. This episode exemplifies Rippon's ability to entertain while delivering meaningful commentary on contemporary issues.