The Rundown – Episode Summary
Podcast: The Rundown
Host: Zaid Admani
Date: February 17, 2026
Episode Title: Apple Brings Video to Podcasts, Warner Reopens Paramount Talks
Episode Overview
In this fast-paced episode, host Zaid Admani delivers a concise stock market update, highlights major business headlines, and shares his take on the latest industry trends—all designed to inform and entertain investors in under 10 minutes. Key topics include continued stock market declines despite strong economic data, escalating acquisition drama over Warner Brothers, Apple’s long-awaited push into video podcasts, noteworthy stock movers, and a fun commentary on the eye-popping sale of a rare Pokemon card.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Market Recap & Investor Sentiment
[00:18 – 02:30]
- The S&P 500 fell 1.4% and Nasdaq dropped 2.1% last week, marking Nasdaq’s fifth consecutive losing week, a stretch not seen since 2022.
- Big tech stocks (the “MAG7”) are off more than 10% from highs; some, like Microsoft and Amazon, are down over 20%.
- “Tech stocks have been taking a beating lately. The market is freaking out about AI, the existing business model of software companies.” (Zaid Admani, 00:36)
- The “SaaS apocalypse” is causing concern. Zaid references his recent deep dive episode addressing fears that AI will upend existing software business models, but he maintains that current reactions might be overblown.
- “I think that it’s an overreaction.” (Zaid Admani, 01:19)
- Despite market turmoil, economic fundamentals remain strong:
- January jobs: +130,000 jobs (well above expectations).
- CPI at 2.4%, showing cooling inflation, nearing the Fed’s 2% target.
- Zaid predicts ongoing volatility but notes upcoming earnings (Walmart, DoorDash, Figma, Carvana) will be key drivers this week.
2. Warner Brothers Takeover Saga
[02:32 – 04:27]
- Netflix granted Warner Brothers a 7-day waiver to renegotiate with Paramount/Skydance after Paramount countered Netflix’s prior bid ($30/share vs. Netflix’s $27.75/share, with a possible raise to $31).
- “This is turning into a full blown bidding war for the company.” (Zaid Admani, 03:32)
- Deadline: February 23 for Warners to get a “best and final” offer from Paramount; Netflix then has the right to match.
- Regulatory approval remains a significant hurdle, no matter who wins.
- Netflix stock has slipped 30% since the first takeover announcement in December. Zaid speculates Netflix might be content to let Paramount overpay.
- “I wonder if Netflix saw that and might be okay with just backing out of this deal completely and letting Paramount overpay for the company.” (Zaid Admani, 04:09)
3. Apple Enters the Video Podcast Space
[04:29 – 06:09]
- Apple will soon support fully integrated video podcasts in their app—a long-awaited catch-up as Spotify and YouTube have surged ahead in video podcasting.
- “Apple literally invented modern podcasting ... but they stopped caring about podcasts lately, which allowed Spotify and YouTube to take market share.” (Zaid Admani, 04:54)
- Spotify launched video podcasting in 2020 and now hosts over 530,000 video shows; YouTube is now the U.S.’s #1 podcast platform.
- Zaid notes The Rundown itself pivoted to daily video podcasts last summer, reflecting the 37% of Americans age 12+ who now watch video podcasts monthly (Edison Research).
- “At this point, video is pretty much required for podcasting now.” (Zaid Admani, 05:41)
- Apple’s move is welcomed but Zaid wonders if it’s “too late” for them to reclaim market share from YouTube/Spotify.
Notable Quotes
-
“I’m just glad to see Apple is embracing video podcasts. I wonder if they’re going to start taking market share back … I kind of think it might be too late, though.” (Zaid Admani, 06:00)
-
Apple will hold a product launch event March 4; expected new Macs, iPads, and possibly a budget iPhone. Rumors persist about a major Siri revamp.
4. Stocks Making Moves
[06:12 – 07:37]
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Shares surge over 5% after activist investor Elliott Management takes a 10% stake, urges operational changes, and board shakeup.
- Elliott’s involvement previously led to a stock price surge at Southwest Airlines following strategic changes.
- “Elliott is coming in. They’re ready to shake things up ... They do have a strong track record.” (Zaid Admani, 07:00)
- General Mills: Shares drop over 5% following lowered annual sales/profit forecasts, citing weak consumer sentiment and economic uncertainty.
- Zaid notes similar warnings from Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola; consumer staples are under pressure.
5. Collectibles Craze: The Pokémon Card Bubble?
[07:40 – 09:04]
- Logan Paul sold a Pikachu Illustrator card (1 of 39, only PSA 10 in the world) for a staggering $16.5 million, the most expensive trading card sale ever.
- Paul purchased the card for $5.2M in 2021, tripling his investment in five years (compare: S&P 500 rose 75% in the same span).
- “Logan Paul called it the Mona Lisa of collectibles.” (Zaid Admani, 08:09)
- Zaid is skeptical—believes we’re in a “trading card bubble,” seeing runaway prices for Pokémon, sports, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic cards.
- “Honestly, I think we might be in a trading card bubble here … sports cards, Yu Gi oh cards, Magic the Gathering cards, all kinds of collectibles. I think we’re in a bubble.” (Zaid Admani, 08:22)
- He questions whether buyers expect further price appreciation and doubts the card’s value will double again. He invites listener opinions.
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
-
“Tech stocks have been taking a beating lately. The market is freaking out about AI...”
– Zaid Admani, [00:36] -
“I think that it’s an overreaction... So if you want to learn more about that, go check out that episode.”
– Zaid Admani, [01:19] -
“This is turning into a full blown bidding war for the company.”
– Zaid Admani, [03:32] -
“Apple literally invented modern podcasting... but they stopped caring about podcasts lately, which allowed Spotify and YouTube to take market share.”
– Zaid Admani, [04:54] -
“At this point, video is pretty much required for podcasting now.”
– Zaid Admani, [05:41] -
“Honestly, I think we might be in a trading card bubble here ... I think we’re in a bubble.”
– Zaid Admani, [08:22]
Important Timestamps
- Market Recap & Tech Selloff: [00:18 – 02:30]
- Warner-Paramount-Netflix Bidding War Update: [02:32 – 04:27]
- Apple Announces Video Podcasts: [04:29 – 06:09]
- Stock Movers (Norwegian, General Mills): [06:12 – 07:37]
- Logan Paul’s Pokémon Card Sale & Collectibles Bubble: [07:40 – 09:04]
Tone & Style
Zaid delivers the news with a friendly, conversational, and slightly irreverent style. He balances sharp financial analysis with pop culture touchstones and practical investor perspective. The episode is concise, energetic, and loaded with context, making complex topics accessible for all listeners.
Conclusion
This episode of The Rundown distills major market movements, deal drama, and technology shifts into a snappy, insightful briefing. Zaid Admani offers investor-relevant takeaways and an engaging look at the headlines shaping business and culture—from Apple’s podcast ambitions to wild trading-card auctions—making it a valuable daily listen for anyone invested in the market’s pulse.