Podcasts about Beanie Babies

This week's guest is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and global advisor at the forefront of data and AI. She is the founder & CEO of Mantis Group, a consulting-led tech firm helping organizations unlock the power of artificial intelligence. Her entrepreneurial spark showed early at just 12 years old, she turned a Beanie Babies hustle into $20,000, foreshadowing a lifelong drive for innovation and growth. Today, that spirit extends beyond business, co-founding Superclub, a BIPOC networking community, and Filling the Gap, a Toronto-based nonprofit conference. Alongside sitting on three boards, she continues to invest in startups, advise businesses worldwide, and champion diversity and inclusion in every space she leads. Welcome, Janice Liu.Janice LiuThe Mantis Group InstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTubeMena MassoudAlex Maryuen

In this tender and soul-stirring episode of Taking Flight, Megan shares how a childhood storybook, a beloved stuffed animal, and a deep belief in possibility sparked a lifelong understanding of manifestation. Through the tale of her first dog, Taz (who, yes, was visualized into her life with the help of a very well-loved copy of The Velveteen Rabbit), Megan explores how open-hearted imagination and small, intentional actions can turn dreams into reality. Spoiler: she may have manifested a job, too—and not just any job, but one she could vividly see herself thriving in before it ever existed.But this episode goes far beyond visualization. Megan invites listeners to embrace the magic of being "real"—through acceptance, action, and a willingness to stay open even when life feels wobbly. Whether you're curious about manifestation, skeptical but intrigued, or someone who's always believed in the quiet power of childhood wonder, this episode wraps it all in love, laughter, and realness (with just the right amount of sass and sparkle).Keywords:Hashtags: #ManifestThatMagic #ChildhoodWonder #VelveteenRabbitWisdom #TakingFlightPodcast #MeganHollyCreates #EnergyAlignment #OpenHeartOpenLife #ConfidenceInClarity #SmallStepsBigDreams #WorthyAndCapable #SparkleManifestRepeat #TrustTheTimeline #ImaginationIsPower #FeelItIntoReality #ManifestationJourney

Rules Americans Ditch On VacationHalf (49%) of respondents intentionally avoid reading work emails when traveling and 59% skip normal to-dos, like working out and tidying up.Two-thirds say they eat out for every single meal and 23% have dessert with every meal on a trip.54% admit they rarely stick to a budget on a getaway, and 48% confess to using credit cards more than usual. Nearly two-thirds (63%) believe that returning texts or calls is completely optional in non-emergency situations and 33% admit they ignore texts and emails altogether.A big part of the vacation mindset is saying “yes” more often, as 82% say traveling is a time to embrace the extras, from dessert to new adventures.“Treat yourself” is the top vacation motto for 41% who say it describes their approach to time off, while others relate to “Try everything once,” (18%) and “No alarms, no plans” (12%).Favorite parts of traveling include sleeping in (42%), forgetting what day of the week it is (36%) and wearing comfy clothes 24/7 (30%).And the best part? Nearly three-quarters (72%) say they don't feel guilty at all about overindulging on vacation.Gen Z RegretsThese are the trends that make the over 35 crowd yell “What are you guys thinking?!”"Dubai chocolate. It is $$$, and maybe it's just me, but it does not look appealing to me at all.""Giant pants. People are wearing jeans that could fit a family of three in each leg hole...why? They also often wear them with a t-shirt that's two sizes too small. It's so goofy looking!""In the past few years, I've noticed there is no shame anymore. It's 'cool' and 'funny' to make a fool of yourself for views. Stop pranking employees who are just trying to work, stop making a mess at Walmart to be funny, stop singing and dancing in public while filming yourself, etc. I refuse to watch any creator that pulls that sh*t.""Labubus. They're just Beanie Babies.""Mullets. Like, I get the irony standpoint, but no, they're genuinely fashionable and attractive right now, and that confounds the hell out of me."These Sleep Hacks Sound A Bit Wild, But People Swear They WorkRedditors are here to help share their best sleep hacks. Some may sound weird, but they supposedly work!"Relax your toes, relax your ankles, follow all body parts...By the time you reach your forehead you're asleep.""Reading something boring. The minute I start, I fall asleep. Also having a cold room.""World building! I like to just imagine the same fantasy world of my own every night. I go over every little detail until I fall asleep! It works wonders — you just keep making new rules or places!""I listen to something boring! On Spotify, there is a podcast called ‘I Can't Sleep'. It's a guy who reads Wikipedia pages on various topics. His voice is quite relaxing and puts me out every time. 10/10 Highly recommend!""I use a red color filter on my phone screen (if I do scroll before bed).""Do a pose called legs up the wall. It's exactly how it sounds, but Google it if you're not familiar. Try 5-10 minutes. It'll reset your nervous system and help make ya sleepy.""Straw breathing works wonderfully for me. 10 breaths with a very slow exhale is good. Yoga nidra works as well.""I take a piece of paper and write the word sleep over and over, usually about a half page. If you wanna try it, just take your time, and if it turns into other writings, just let it flow...and hopefully it's calming to your mind."Second Date UpdateRosa called us about Miguel. They matched on Hinge and went out for dinner in Walnut Creek.  Rosa said they split calamari, ordered pasta, and lingered over dessert because the conversation was going so well. She thought Miguel was funny and attentive, and she couldn't figure out why he ghosted.

Gillian and Matt cuddle up with plushies past and present, from the Beanie Babies of their youth to the Build-A-Bear they birthed in the Glendale Galleria. They also stuff in facts about the history of stuffed animals and weigh-in on trending plushies like Labubu, Squishmallows, and JellyCat. Tea Time Autumn Mist Green by Adagio Tea Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso by Dunkin' Candle Review Bear-Shaped Scented Candle by T-Shin Support All Things Cozy by joining our Patreon and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

Though the character known as Labubu has been around for a decade, the toy version—around six inches tall, sporting bunny ears and a demonic grin—is only just becoming a must-have accessory. On this episode of Critics at Large, Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz join the trend and unbox their very own Labubu before diving into the history of such fads. They draw a distinction between collecting and speculating, from the seventeenth-century Dutch tulip mania through to the eBay-fuelled Beanie Baby craze of the nineteen-nineties and the far more recent rise and fall of non-fungible tokens. And they attempt to understand why this slightly unsettling children's toy is now inspiring such intense reactions. “People were flooding my D.M.s, like, ‘This thing is the end of culture,' ” Schwartz says. “This thing is not the end of culture. It's a point on a line.”Read, watch, and listen with the critics:“The Monsters,” by Kasing Lung“Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak“What the Labubu Obsession Says About Us,” by Jia Tolentino (The New Yorker)“A Dubai Chocolate Theory of the Internet” (“Search Engine”)“IRL Brain Rot and the Lure of the Labubu,” by Kyle Chayka (The New Yorker)“Little House on the Prairie,” by Laura Ingalls Wilder“Toy Story” (1995)New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Critics at Large wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Funko has recently reported a second quarter loss of $41 million! What does that mean for the beloved collectables? Will they go the way of the Beanie Babies? Will the secondary market surge in value? Will POPs stop being produced? We talk about all of this and more in this episode. What do YOU think of the loss for Funko? Do you collect Funko POPs? Sound off in the comments below!!

What's got rabbit-like ears, huge eyes, nine teeth and a demonic grin? It's Labubu! These ugly-cute toys have gone viral online, largely thanks to social media's trending machine. Their fame was previously limited to China and parts of Asia, but since 2024 their popularity has grown and the dolls can now be purchased in more than 30 countries round the world. This week, the global demand for Labubu inspired us to play around with trend-based science. First up, we hear how the special sauce behind TikTok's algorithm helps drive viral trends. Next, we find out that humans are not the only ones that love a fad – chimpanzees are susceptible to them too!We then discover what connects the hugely popular Beanie Baby toys of the 1990s with modern CubeSat exploration, thanks to aerospace engineer Professor James Cutler, from the University of Michigan. Plus, we discuss a weird object thousands of light-years away that could lead to new physics.And why do we find songs annoying after multiple listens?All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Godfred Boafo and Edd Gent Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Imaan Moin, Lucy Davies and Margaret Sessa Hawkins

Step into a 90s nostalgia trip and relive the decade that defined a generation! From 90s cartoons like Rugrats, Hey Arnold, and Pokémon, to unforgettable 90s music from Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Nirvana — this video brings back the ultimate throwback vibes.Remember the days of playing Nintendo 64, Game Boy, and PlayStation 1? Or collecting Beanie Babies, Pogs, and Tamagotchis? How about watching your favorite shows on VHS tapes and recording songs off the radio?Whether you're a true 90s kid or just love retro culture, this is your chance to revisit the best 90s fashion, trends, movies, and unforgettable memories.Get ready for the ultimate 90s throwback – it's time to feel the nostalgia all over again!

These ugly AF Labubu dolls are the new Beanie Babies. Now people are planning heists to steal the lil' bastards. Watch this podcast episode on YouTube and all major podcast hosts including Spotify. CLOWNFISH TV is an independent, opinionated news and commentary podcast that covers Entertainment and Tech from a consumer's point of view. We talk about Gaming, Comics, Anime, TV, Movies, Animation and more. Hosted by Kneon and Geeky Sparkles. D/REZZED News covers Pixels, Pop Culture, and the Paranormal! We're an independent, opinionated entertainment news blog covering Video Games, Tech, Comics, Movies, Anime, High Strangeness, and more. As part of Clownfish TV, we strive to be balanced, based, and apolitical. Get more news, views and reviews on Clownfish TV News - https://news.clownfishtv.com/ On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ClownfishTV On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Tu83D1NcCmh7K1zHIedvg On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clownfish-tv-audio-edition/id1726838629

Lauren and Christy deep dive the 2021 documentary Beanie Mania, and the world of '90s Beanie Babies. Christy's research reveals endless product lines, a rich man's audacity, and shocking details about Ty Warner's dating history. So grab a drink, put on some pjs, and join this duo for a true crime slumber party!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Eric is on vacation and Deric gets big thanks for his genius idea that helped Zac perfect his 3D-printed soldering fume extractor, making it solid and adjustable with just 2 thumb screws. Zac is also deep into a tool-buying spree, playing "day trader" on Facebook Marketplace to switch all his tools to DeWalt. Did he make the right choice? We dive into the world of tool reviews, discussing how free tools can unknowingly bias creators and the refreshing honesty of some channels.Deric shares his current woodworking projects, including building a platform bed for his daughter's closet and custom shelving for his son's retro game console collection. This leads to a deep dive into the fascinating world of vintage game consoles, from the elusive N64 disc drive to the N64 that was contained entirely in its controller. We reminisce about old games, the Beanie Baby craze, and the nostalgia of classic game smells. Got a question that you want us to answer? Send us an email at ⁠⁠offthecutpodcast@gmail.com⁠Be sure to hit up the links below to get even more content from us!Interested in starting your own podcast? Check out Streamyard: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5926541443858432⁠  ⁠⁠ ⁠-------------------------AftershowConsider supporting the show on Patreon to get access to the aftershow and unlock tons of cool perks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/offthecutpodcast⁠  ⁠⁠⁠-------------------------Hang Out with UsWatch the live stream of the podcast on YouTube!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcRJPIp6OaffQtvCZ2AtWWQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------Pick Up Some Merch!Windbreaker - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.spencleydesignco.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   -------------------------Follow ZacInstagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/zacbuilds⁠ YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/@ZacBuilds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@zacbuilds⁠⁠⁠⁠  -------------------------Follow EricInstagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spencleydesignco⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@spencleydesignco⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spencleydesignco⁠⁠  ⁠-------------------------Follow Deric@PecanTreeDesign everywhere⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/pecantreedesign⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ---------------------------Shoutout to:KM Tools for sponsoring the show! Check out everything they have to offer at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KMTools.com ⁠⁠⁠kmtools.com/SPENCLEYDESIGNCO⁠ And ⁠WTB Woodworking⁠, our newest sponsor! Check out the giveaway over here:⁠https://www.wtbwoodworking.com/giveaway⁠ #Woodworking #DIY #3DPrinting #Maker #ContentCreation #YouTuber #OffTheCutPodcast

900 EPISODES OF THE GIANT BOMBCAST! We talk about Y2Roll, Pokémon Friends, The Drifter, visiting Wizard Quest, and how great Donkey Kong Bananza has been so far. We also cover the biggest news stories like the Pokémon Presents, the new Marvel fighting game will be playable at Evo, Saber Interactive is making a Hellraiser game, and even more!Support us and get new episodes ad-free by signing up for Giant Bomb Premium at https://www.giantbomb.com/join

From Britpop to Beanie Babies, 1995 was da bomb! So much so, in fact, that we thought it would be pretty phat if we revisited the albums of the year in a Volume 2 episode. As if! This week's Third Lad, singer/songwriter/guitarist Josh Caterer had a pretty memorable 1995 as well. His Chicago pop-punk band Smoking Popes signed a major label deal with Capitol Records, who re-released their second indie album, Born To Quit. The album featured the alternative smash "Need You Around," which received radio and MTV airplay, as well as a prominent placement in the hit film Clueless. Fast forward 30 years and things are once again heating up for Smoking Popes. They've just released a triumphant new album, Lovely Stuff, and are celebrating three decades of Born To Quit by playing the record live in its entirety this spring. This summer, they will embark on a tour with Bayside. https://smokingpopesmusic.com Josh joined us from a random rest stop somewhere in Florida to chat about '95 albums, the Popes' past, present, and future, hangin' out in Billie Joe Armstrong's basement, getting Morrissey's seal of approval, the pros and cons of sudden fame, faith, Wisconsin, and much more. We're Audi! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David, the $725M protein bar brand, dropped its most controversial product yet… Cod fish.Pittsburgh just snagged $90B in AI investments… If all goes to plan, Pitt becomes the Austin of the East.Labubu dolls are now bigger than all of Mattel… but will these viral dolls become Beanie Babies or Barbies?Plus, France has a wild new plan to boost the economy… Cancel 2 holidays.$META $GIS $SPYWant more business storytelling from us? Check out the latest episode of our new weekly deepdive show: The untold origin story of… The Michelin Restaurant ⭐Subscribe to The Best Idea Yet: Wondery.fm/TheBestIdeaYetLinks to listen.TBOY Live Show Tickets to Chicago on sale NOW: https://www.axs.com/events/949346/the-best-one-yet-podcast-ticketsAbout Us: The daily pop-biz news show making today's top stories your business. Formerly known as Robinhood Snacks, TBOY Lite is hosted by Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell.GET ON THE POD: Submit a shoutout or fact: https://tboypod.com/shoutouts NEWSLETTER:https://tboypod.com/newsletter SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tboypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tboypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tboypod Anything else: https://tboypod.com/ Our 2nd show… The Best Idea Yet: Wondery.fm/TheBestIdeaYetLinksEpisodes drop weekly.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this juicy episode, one guest reveals her surprising (and expensive) addiction to Labubu toys — collectible dolls with a cult following. From sneaky spending habits to hiding purchases from her husband, she confesses everything, including dropping $3,000 on a rare collab with Vans. Is it an investment or just another Beanie Baby repeat? Tune in for laughs, gasps, and a bit of judgment. The juiciest, most outrageous confession podcast from The Jubal Show! It's the Jubal Show's Dirty Little Secret! Listeners spill their wildest, weirdest, and most scandalous secrets anonymously—no judgment, just pure entertainment. From shocking revelations to hilarious mishaps, you never know what you'll hear next! Hosted by Jubal Fresh and the team, every episode is packed with jaw-dropping confessions, witty reactions, and unexpected twists. Got a secret? Share it with us… we promise we won’t tell!➡︎ Get on The Jubal Show with your story - https://thejubalshow.com This is just a tiny piece of The Jubal Show. You can find every podcast we have, including the full show every weekday right here…➡︎ https://thejubalshow.com/podcasts The Jubal Show is everywhere, and also these places: Website ➡︎ https://thejubalshow.com Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/thejubalshow X/Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/thejubalshow Tiktok ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@the.jubal.show Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/thejubalshow YouTube ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@JubalFresh Support the show: https://the-jubal-show.beehiiv.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this juicy episode, one guest reveals her surprising (and expensive) addiction to Labubu toys — collectible dolls with a cult following. From sneaky spending habits to hiding purchases from her husband, she confesses everything, including dropping $3,000 on a rare collab with Vans. Is it an investment or just another Beanie Baby repeat? Tune in for laughs, gasps, and a bit of judgment. The juiciest, most outrageous confession podcast from The Jubal Show! It's the Jubal Show's Dirty Little Secret! Listeners spill their wildest, weirdest, and most scandalous secrets anonymously—no judgment, just pure entertainment. From shocking revelations to hilarious mishaps, you never know what you'll hear next! Hosted by Jubal Fresh and the team, every episode is packed with jaw-dropping confessions, witty reactions, and unexpected twists. Got a secret? Share it with us… we promise we won’t tell!➡︎ Get on The Jubal Show with your story - https://thejubalshow.com This is just a tiny piece of The Jubal Show. You can find every podcast we have, including the full show every weekday right here…➡︎ https://thejubalshow.com/podcasts The Jubal Show is everywhere, and also these places: Website ➡︎ https://thejubalshow.com Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/thejubalshow X/Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/thejubalshow Tiktok ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@the.jubal.show Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/thejubalshow YouTube ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@JubalFresh Support the show: https://the-jubal-show.beehiiv.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump says he will NOT fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Trump claims “really only pretty bad people including fake news want to keep” the Epstein Files going. Dana reacts to the “Labubu” trend where celebrities are wearing “Beanie Baby” like Teddy Bears, causing the price to skyrocket and contributing to theft. Rep. Hank Johnson sings a song about the Epstein files in the tune of Dreamsicle by Jason Isbell. Dana explains why Trump's recent comments on the Epstein Files have become problematic for him. Trump calls the Epstein Files a Democrat “hoax” while Speaker Johnson and Lara Trump continue to say that they exist. NPR's CEO Katherine Maher thinks rural America often has no other possible source of news or connection to the outside world EXCEPT through PBS and NPR. Inflation falls to 2.3% BEATING expectations of all 50 forecasters in Bloomberg's survey. Dana praises Kristi Noem's changes to the TSA including removing the shoe policy and hinting at rolling back restrictions on liquids. A Paranormal Investigator unexpectedly dies on the ‘Annabelle' Haunted Doll Tour. Gavin Newsom accidentally tweets out pictures of Nevada when bragging about the beauty of California.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…Angel Studioshttps://Angel.com/danaStream King of Kings, check out fan-picked shows, and claim your member perks.Allio CapitalDownload Allio from the App Store or Google Play, or text “DANA” to 511511 to get started today.All Family Pharmacyhttps://AllFamilyPharmacy.com/Dana Medical freedom is American freedom. Use code DANA10 to get 10% off your order.Relief Factorhttps://ReliefFactor.com OR CALL 1-800-4-RELIEFTurn the clock back on pain with Relief Factor. Get their 3-week Relief Factor Quick Start for only $19.95 today! Byrnahttps://Byrna.com/danaGet your hands on the new compact Byrna CL. Visit Byrna.com/Dana receive 10% off.Patriot Mobilehttps://PatriotMobile.com/DanaDana's personal cell phone provider is Patriot Mobile. Get a FREE MONTH of service code DANA.HumanNhttps://humann.comFind both the new SuperBerine and the #1 bestselling SuperBeets Heart Chews at Sam's Club!Keltechttps://KelTecWeapons.comSee the third generation of the iconic SUB2000 and the NEW PS57 - Keltec Innovation & Performance at its best.

Dana reacts to the “Labubu” trend where celebrities are wearing “Beanie Baby” like Teddy Bears, causing the price to skyrocket and contributing to theft. Meanwhile, Dana praises Kristi Noem's changes to the TSA including removing the shoe policy and hinting at rolling back restrictions on liquids.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…Angel Studioshttps://Angel.com/danaStream King of Kings, check out fan-picked shows, and claim your member perks.Allio CapitalDownload Allio from the App Store or Google Play, or text “DANA” to 511511 to get started today.All Family Pharmacyhttps://AllFamilyPharmacy.com/Dana Medical freedom is American freedom. Use code DANA10 to get 10% off your order.Relief Factorhttps://ReliefFactor.com OR CALL 1-800-4-RELIEFTurn the clock back on pain with Relief Factor. Get their 3-week Relief Factor Quick Start for only $19.95 today! Byrnahttps://Byrna.com/danaGet your hands on the new compact Byrna CL. Visit Byrna.com/Dana receive 10% off.Patriot Mobilehttps://PatriotMobile.com/DanaDana's personal cell phone provider is Patriot Mobile. Get a FREE MONTH of service code DANA.HumanNhttps://humann.comFind both the new SuperBerine and the #1 bestselling SuperBeets Heart Chews at Sam's Club!Keltechttps://KelTecWeapons.comSee the third generation of the iconic SUB2000 and the NEW PS57 - Keltec Innovation & Performance at its best.

BEST OF TST: The sudden popularity of Labubu toys has resulted in grown adults lining up in the early morning hours to acquire as many of these little monsters as possible. Although upon first glance they appear sort of cute, closer examination will reveal that their apparent smile is actually a sinister grin with razor sharp teeth. Designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, the toys are sold by Pop Mart in collaboration with the artist and in relation to his 2015 book “The Monsters.” Their increasing popularity is a result of celebrities like Rihanna or Dua Lipa flaunting their own, although the trend began when Blackpink k-pop singer Lisa first was spotted with the keychain in April 2024. Each doll comes in a sealed box with no indication of what's inside, meaning each purchase is a mystery. Shoppers are notified of a new drop off of the toy at their local stores via WhatsApp. They then rush to the spot, as one Australian article documented, “at 3am.” Put simply, people are lining up during the “witching hour” to buy a mysterious monster in a box after receiving an oddly timed text in the middle of the night. The atmosphere around these toys is similar to any long gone or persisting product, from Furbys and Beanie Babies to Hello Kitty and Pokemon, but there is something else about these little toys that is anything but friendly.The dolls themselves are not really even monsters, but instead more like little children that appear to be possessed and wearing Teletubbies costumes. Like any good marketing campaign, the product page on Amazon describes their various character stores: one of the leaders, zimomo ventures to the human world where he learns yoga and then brings the practice back to his own world in the forest. The monsters are thus more like fairies, and in fact one description reads: “the elves in the forest are curious about the human world. So, the No. 1 curious player LABUBU gathered her friends and secretly came to the city for an adventure. The goal is absolutely not to be discovered by humans!” The forests are described further as “nordic,” which is the mythological nature that was inspiration for the dolls.It's not just the name zimomo that brings back memories of the Momo Challenge, but the fact that these monsters from another world are essentially being promoted like Momo. Mysterious messages in the middle of the night that prompt half-asleep humans to perform some action - in this case, buy a mysterious box that contains what amounts to a fairy, demon, familiar, or personal spirit charm. This is reminiscent also of the 3am Challenge and the recent Mirror Challenge, where one looks into the mirror for so long they watch their face and reality around them distort. The name LA BU BU is even more telling of an underlying darkness. The LALALOOPSY doll, a girl with no apparent ears, a mouth sewn shut, and black buttons for eyes - something further reminiscent of the movie Carolin where the Beldam Other Mother replaces the girl's eyes (soul) with buttons to trap her in the other world - is a toy about fanciful play through a sort of loopy “Lala-ness.” The LA BU BU is generally said to refer to the same playfulness, though the word “bubu” is both a euphemism for a child's injury, and also holds the meaning of grandmother. In other words, LA GRANDMOTHER, the old crone of the forest. She is also known as Momo, Yamamba, the hag, the Hansel and Gretel Witch, or Baba Yaga. She also shares something in common with La Llorona, Ubume, and Banshee.   Perhaps this is all a coincidence, or perhaps Labubu, like Elf on the Shelf, is not something we should be bringing into our homes or carrying with us on our person. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.-FREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVEX / TWITTER FACEBOOKWEBSITECashApp: $rdgable EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / TSTRadio@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.

On this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Cody Cook sits down with author and journalist Ross Benes to discuss his latest book, 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. The conversation dives deep into how the most sensational and “trashy” pop culture of the late 90s—think Jerry Springer, pro wrestling, Insane Clown Posse, Pokémon, and Beanie Babies—not only shaped our current media landscape, but also influenced today's political and cultural divides.Ross explores the ascent of “low culture,” tracing how it blurred the boundaries between entertainment and politics—culminating in a world where reality TV tactics rule the public sphere. They talk about the rise of populism, the persistence of elitism, and why figures like Trump are both symptoms and products of this cultural shift. Cody and Ross also debate whether democracy is better off now that the “facade of respectability” is gone, or if we've lost something essential along the way.Ross Benes' work can be found at rossbenes.com, and his book 1999 is available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible formats.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3TlA3MA Navigating Investment Bubbles and Market Psychology In this special episode of Dividend Cafe, host David Boson delves into the critical topic of investment bubbles and their potential impact on investors. Released ahead of the July 4th holiday, David explores the complexity of identifying bubbles and the often overlooked influence of human psychology on market behavior. Drawing on historical examples including the dot-com bubble, the 2008 housing crisis, and the Beanie Baby craze, he underscores the importance of prudence and valuation in investment decisions. While examining the current state of technology stocks and AI, he questions the sustainability of their valuations and highlights the significance of learning from past market excesses. David concludes with seven key takeaways to guide investors through today's financial landscape, emphasizing the need for caution and fundamental analysis. 00:00 Introduction and Special Release Announcement 00:25 Understanding Investment Bubbles 04:09 Historical Examples of Bubbles 11:02 Modern Context: The Mag Seven and AI 24:38 Concluding Thoughts and Caution Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

 Take a brief glimpse into how ordinary items can become a real treasure! This short video shows how things like old toys and collectible memorabilia can be worth a lot of money today. Find out what's special about finding priceless antiques! #historytoday #shortswhatsappstatusvideos What if the junk you tossed in the trash could've paid for your next vacation?In this episode of An Ounce, we explore the unexpected value of things you probably let slip through your fingers. It's not just about stuff… it's about memory, meaning, and what we choose to keep.________________________________________Chapters00:00 - Intro: You Threw That Away?  00:51 - The Penny That Costs Too Much  02:00 - Tax Tokens and Forgotten Currencies  02:55 - Cards, Cards, and More Cards  04:16 - Toys You Shouldn't Have Tossed  05:17 - Why We Pay So Much for Yesterday  07:05 - Close: What's Really Worth Keeping  08:02 - Here's An Ounce  ________________________________________Reference URLs• U.S. Mint coin production costs:https://www.usmint.gov/news/inside-the-mint/2025-coin-cost-update• 1909-S VDB Penny details:https://www.pcgs.com/news/1909-s-vdb-lincoln-cent• 1943 Steel Penny background:https://www.coinstudy.com/1943-penny-value.html• State-issued tax tokens:https://www.tokenandmedal.org/tax-tokens• $12M Mickey Mantle card auction:https://www.npr.org/2022/08/28/mickey-mantle-baseball-card-record• $500,000 Beanie Baby:https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/most-expensive-beanie-baby/________________________________________(d) Suggested Episodes (Cross-Promote)Based on your current catalog, include these 3 suggested companion videos:1. Did Einstein Steal Her Genius?→ The hidden mind behind a world-changing formula. https://youtu.be/Aia5JovCydo2. The Distasteful History of Toothpaste→ When cleanliness met questionable chemistry.  https://youtu.be/wq_H-8_pKKI3. If it Feels Good... A Soothing but Deadly Power of Uranium→ From glowing clocks to dangerous charm.  https://youtu.be/Z39Qf8z0gB4Images/Video: Obtained through iStock and Getty. Public Domain images sourced through Wikimedia and Picryl.Music: YouTube Audio Library

From pro wrestling and Beanie Babies to Insane Clown Posse and Jerry Springer—author Ross Benes looks at the explosion of low culture in the mass media in the late '90s. His book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times reveals its profound impact and how it continues to affect our culture and society today.

Toy fads, from Labubu dolls to Beanie Babies, spark a whirlwind of memories and sharp observations about what truly matters. Stories, humor, and even a Ronald Reagan comeback slip in, making everyday faith feel immediate and alive. Donata (email) - If we are to accept God's will in all things, why should we pray for people, peace, etc. Should we only pray prayers of thanks and worship? (01:02) Michael - I got a new audio bible that says it is Catholic, but it says it is the King James version. Is that still alright to use? (06:19) Labubu’s Mega Markups Make Pop Mart a $43 Billion Export Giant (12:38) Supreme Court rules states can cut Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood (20:47) Rosalie - How do I tell a 6-year-old child about death and dying? (23:11) Tony - I appreciate your show! I started listening about a month ago. My wife just converted to the Catholic Faith. I would like to understand the main difference between non-Catholic Christians and Catholics? (32:03) Audio: Ronald Reagan: When college protesters told then-Governor Reagan he didn’t understand today’s world… he reminded them who built it. (41:08) Sandy - My granddaughter is having a Disney birthday party. Is that okay? (43:41) Jan - My friend said that the martyrs were given a grace to not feel pain when they were being killed. Is that true? (46:43)

Cody & Andrew embark on a new journey through cultural moments of the past decades that for a moment seem great and nostalgic, but let's be real, we were scammed! The top 10 scams of the 90s include classics like the Macarena, Milli Vanilli, Now That's What I Call Music, and Beanie Babies. ALSO: Andrew breaks down his 101 Dalmatians themed Christmas Tree and Cody surprises us with his ice skating past. Original Airdate: 08/15/2024We have summer deals for YOU!!Skylight: Stay on top of your calendar! Get $30 off your 15 inch calendar at SkylightCal.com/pettyQuince: Stick to the staples that last! Go to Quince.com/pettiness for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!Homes.com: Looking for your next home? Head to Homes.com - we've done your homework!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

以下是原本在 2022 年 4 月 25 日刊出的一篇舊文；內容稍為經過修飾。聲音版則是今天新錄製的。可愛滿瀉的非理性亢奮The Great Beanie Baby Bubble by Zac Bissonnette到圖書館去找 Charles Kindleberger 的書時，卻被旁邊的另一本吸引了。《The Great Beanie Baby Bubble》。雖然對這件事有點印象，但記憶已經模糊。畢竟，上世紀 1980、1990 年代，誰沒有經歷過各種奇奇怪怪的炒風？直覺告訴我，當年的炒風，跟目前 NFT 之亂有幾分相似。01，首先，這本書的結構很鬆散，有太多不必要的內容；所以我認為不值得大家去花時間。作者花太多篇章去講 Ty Warner 的私生活；描繪這位 Beanie Babies 創造人的刻薄寡恩。但這些人格缺陷，卻與這個泡沫完全沒有半點關係。02，反之，Warner 對品質和自己作品那份頑固的堅持，意外令 Beanie Babies 供不應求；他雖然是最終的得益者，但他近乎毫無例外地拒絕了炒家的要求。所以，就算說 Beanie Babies 的許多人損手爛腳，甚至家破人亡，最多也只可以說是一場「共孽」。我不知道為何這本書的作者，好像對 Ty Warner 有點偏見。03，Beanie Babies 的故事，本身是有趣的。Beanie Babies 狂熱由 1995 年開始，大家應該記得格林斯潘口中的非理性亢奮吧？時間上的吻合，絕對不是簡單的偶然。當時除了股票市場，還有其他的泡沫也醞釀當中；有些被炒賣的物品，甚至乎與金融市場是完全沒有任何關係。04，我們很多人親身經歷過那些紙醉金迷的日子，但未必見到當中的關聯。假如從 Kindleberger 等人提出觀點去分析，自 1970 年代世界經歷過幾波的資產價值泡沫周期，其實都不是獨立事件；由 1980 年代的拉美、1980 年代末的日本、1990 年代中的東南亞、到千禧科網股、美國次按、歐債等，每次泡沫爆破，政府的救市措施，都埋下了另一次泡沫的伏筆。05，1990 年代的旺角信和商場，就是個「非金融產品的交易中心」。我記得有一間唱片店，名字就好像叫「二手碟交易所」。不瞞大家，我自己收藏了六、七百隻 CD；就當平均以 100 元一隻購入，這些收藏品也花了我最少六萬元。對當時的一個中學生，這筆錢不算少。好在當時我有兼職做補習教電腦，所以每個月也有一萬幾千收入。06，題外話。1990 年代前香港的人均收入不斷高速增長，而亞洲金融風暴是個明顯的分水嶺。走出亞洲金融風暴之後，香港的家庭收入的增長明顯放緩。過去廿多年，香港人財富增長，最主要來自資產。只要有樓、有股票，那怕工作收入相對低，只要生活儉樸一點，還是屬於地球上最富裕的一群。07，相對出生於 1980 後，假如沒有父母輩留下的物業，他們很難會儲得到首期，也很容易錯過 2003-4 和 2009-10 的上車機會；這群人的工資收入增長，絕大多數追不上資產價格的膨脹。過去十年，特區政府經常說香港有房屋問題，但其實真正的問題是香港人的收入停滯不前。到了 2022 年，我們應該明白，過去廿年香港人收入沒有增長的最大原因，是這個城市的經濟模式，某程度上凝固了在 1990 年代。08，最近見到有些近年回流香港的年青經濟學家說：「香港過去的積極不干預不合時宜。」（補充：無謂點名，反正有這路觀點的人不少。）不合時宜？甚麼年代，其實都有人相信政府可以做更多；不認同積極不干預，也不必以時代為藉口。話說回來，在 2022 年主張特區政府去積極干預經濟的年青學者，應該後生可畏，前途無可限量。09，從過去幾十年的經濟史可以見到，收入追不上資產價格，是個全世界都有的普遍現象，並非香港獨有。假如有人可以提出可行的方法，逆轉這個現象，莫講是諾貝爾經濟學，將和平獎頒給同一個人，也是值得的。10，回到今日的題目。Beanie Babies 豆袋公仔當炒的日子，我剛好在美國。記憶只是在 Tower Records 和一些小店見過有擺賣，超市卻見到有專門的雜誌去分析二手市場。11，最初 Beanie Babies 的炒風是由一隻錯版開始。1995 年，Ty 的首批 Beanie Babies 中有隻叫 Peanut the Elephant 的公仔，顏色選了 royal blue。但產品做出來之後，完美主義者老闆 Warner 見到，認為顏色太深，小朋友不會喜歡，所以轉了用淺藍色做第二批。收藏者知道後，便到市場上將 2000 隻初版深藍色的 Peanut the Elephant 搶購一空。由 1995 年中最初面世到 1997 年高峰期的 $7000，兩年間升值 1400 倍。12，Beanie Babies 的零售價全部都是 $5；但要得到 Ty 供貨，零售商的其中一個承諾，就是要嚴格遵循 Ty Warner 所定下的方法去陳列貨品。「一定要小朋友同玩具有眼神接觸，佢哋先至會愛上呢啲公仔。」如是者，願意接受這些奇怪要求的，都是小店；也就是因為這個原因，Beanie Babies 由美國中西部的小店開始，由小朋友的小禮物，成為了大朋友的收藏品。13，根據《The Great Beanie Baby Bubble》，芝加哥市郊的家庭主婦對帶動起這股浪潮有關鍵影響。最初她們只是製作了一張 Beanie Babies 的清單；但有了清單，收藏者就知道要儲齊一套的話，自己還欠缺了那些。如是者，芝加哥的太太們還製作了其他清單，例如甚麼地方有售 Beanie Babies 之類。一年下來，有些芝加哥太太從搜集和轉售 Beanie Babies 賺了「第一桶金」，傳媒也開始對這個現象感到興趣。14，就在這個時候，有公司開始在互聯網服務上提供服務。有名叫 Peter Omidyar 的電腦工程師，建立了 AuctionWeb，這個網站後來改名成 ebay。最初幾年，Beanie Babies 佔了 ebay 的 7-10% 交易；但更重要是 ebay 讓 Beanie Babies 有了一個交易場所。15，一般的資產價格泡沫，都局限在有槓桿操作的金融市場。但若以人數計，尤其是涉及的散戶，影響最多人的炒賣，卻往往是沒有借貸沒有槓桿的收藏品。在 Beanie Babies 熱炒的同期，在亞洲我們這邊，何嘗不是一樣有人炒女皇頭像的郵票、硬幣、絕版白版碟等？16，甚至在當時的大陸，經過鄧小平南巡之後，一樣有股炒風。1994 年的電影「股瘋」，就是描述當時上海人人皆股的景況。正如 Kindleberger 所提出，資產價格泡沫就像病毒一樣，會傳染會蔓延。17，我隱約記得，Beanie Babies 炒風後期，亞洲各國也有炒家加入。畢竟，Ty 的工廠在中國，美國的炒家到處搜羅供應時，自然也會令到其他地方的機會主義者發現到需求。有需求，就自然有人嘗試去滿足。炒風蔓延的速度，也因為互聯網而加快。18，沒有槓桿的放大效應，郵票、硬幣、CD、Beanie Babies 等，炒風又如何成形？其實，以上所講的物品炒買，市場規模始終有限，加起來，銀碼最多亦不過十億八億，不用甚麼槓桿放大，也可以炒出一個天價；當然，亦很少人會因為「炒燶」心頭好而欠下一屁股債。19，當然有人覺得，尋寶的過程浪漫，無悔少年輕狂。但也有炒家在反省過後覺得，輸錢事少，輸時間、輸心思，才是天下間最愚蠢的事。炒家在贏的時候，都一定覺得自己眼光獨到，準備功夫周到，賺錢是天經地義。泡沫顛狂的日子，再荒謬的事，都有人去自圓其說。20，爆破過後，有些人方發現，原來自己不外如是。在書中有一幕，描述到在一個電台節目中，有觀眾問 Beanie Babies 大師：「公仔的價格有沒有季節因素？」你估大師的答案是甚麼？「當然有，甚麼投資產品都是如此。」21，想深一層，公仔有甚麼季節不季節的因素？股票價格，為甚麼有五窮六絕七翻身、聖誕節粉飾櫥窗等季節周期？或許 Beanie Babies 大師沒有講錯，觀察也合符事實；但他未必想過，原來 Beanie Babies 的價格走勢，已經和其他資產價格的走勢關聯在一起，也就是我們所謂的 beta。22，目前加密幣和 NFT（非同質幣）的價格走勢，跟標普 500 指數的相關連性，高達六成。（補充：但自從 2022 年的市場崩潰後，兩種資產價格的走勢就脫了軌；換句話說，NFT 是壽終正寢）。過去十多個月以來，消費及生產價格上升幅度大過資產價格，但同時收入又追不上物價變動，這種環境下那怕就業數字表面上彷彿未受影響，但可以想像得到一般家庭平均負擔也感到更沉重，社會長遠將逐步走入滯漲（Stagflation）。23，甚至可以說，過去幾十年來都是一個漫長的滯漲環境。家庭和人均的收入增長速度減慢，資產價格的增長幅度，越來越快，也就是收入追不上股票和地產價格。消費物價的增長雖然沒有資產價格般嚴重，但最主要因為全球化下發展中國家的廉價生產，抵消當中的若干的生產成本。24，依賴工資收入，已經圓不了一般傳統中產夢。另一邊廂，從前只有少數人可以涉足的金融財經市場，卻越來越多人可以參與在其中。大家如果細心留意，除了美、中以外，好多新發展的經濟都極之熱衷加密幣，甚至非洲、南亞、東歐等國家，都有許多狂熱份子。25，悲觀的人會覺得，目前的境象彷彿是馬克斯預言資本主義最後階段。但樂觀的人會指出，上世紀的亞洲金融風暴，曾經令人以為亞洲資本主義的堀起是一場美麗的誤會，但結果亞洲仍然是地球經濟增長的動力來源。2008 年後由美國蔓延到歐亞的經濟震盪，曾經又一次令人以為資本主義壽終正寢。26，Beanie Babies 泡沫的結束，剛好也是一次經濟周期的終結。1999 年底，在 dot.com 泡沫最嚴重的日子，Ty 宣布全線產品都會停產；消息引發搶購潮。27，順帶一提，假如我沒有記錯，大概在這個時期，香港的麥當勞推出了幾款 Hello Kitty，要買套餐加錢換購，結果也是大排長龍。其實在香港搶 Hello Kitty 公仔之前，美國麥當勞也曾經推出過破天荒的 Beanie Babies 聯乘，極為成功。相信也是因為美國的成功經驗，令各地的麥當勞都嘗試彷效。28，在 Beanie Babies 之前，玩具是屬於小朋友的玩意。但步入廿一世紀，開始有 Kidult 這個概念，也就是那些童心未泯的男男女女。這代人是七、八十年代的大眾媒體文化下的產物；但要知道，大眾媒體文化，其實也只不過是這半個世紀才出現的事。29，如此類推， NFT 之亂也只不過是再下一代，那些成長於資訊社會的 millennial 來歷史重演。每一代人，都看不明白也看不過下一代的作為；但社會漸漸演變，偏偏就是這種世代的衝擊。30，有朋友問：「避免輸這種冤枉錢的金融財經知識，應該在學校教嗎？」以我的個人經歷，「交學費」是不夠的，甚至有切膚之痛的反省，也未必可以令人覺悟。31，首先，我們要明白，在投機市場賺錢，唯一的方法是做「資訊的搬運工人」。換句話說，就是找出市場中的資訊不對稱，然後在不同的市場中進行價格套戥。但在這個資訊越來越透明的世界，又可以在那裡找到不對稱？32，這也是為何許多平民百姓，如此熱衷於非財經金融的另類投機產品。例如當年剛推出 iPhone 的時候，某神奇國度未有供應，炒 iPhone 成為了香港許多人的兼職。我認識有人找到了方法，用盡自己幾十張信用卡，以及身邊親戚朋友的地址和身份，大手買入大量電話轉售套現，賺了錢還買了一個先達鋪位收租。以上所講的這位投機者，在投機界亦薄有名氣。33，積極的投機，是一種習慣，也是性格。像我這種生性膽少怕輸的人，只適宜被動地買入資產；買了，就不要再問價。累積財富也是有目標的，那就是將被動資產，變成被動收入。但在 2009 年後的這十幾年，低息環境下，資產的回報也被壓縮；被動收入也跟勞動力一樣，也令更多人將手上的資本投入夢想當中；甚麼元宇宙 NFT 地皮，就是如此這般環境下的怪現象。34，本來 Beanie Babies 全線停產，那是最完美的結局。但在 2000 年初，Ty 又忽然宣布推出一款名為「The Beginning」的新熊，並讓公眾投票決定複刻哪些舊款式。這個舉動徹底打破了「停產」所營造的稀少性，許多人忽然意識到，自己其實不喜歡 Beanie Babies 了；Beanie Babies 公仔的二手價格暴跌，一場泡沫就此結束。35，歷史的教訓是，另類投機市場，價格甚至比「水更深」的財經金融市場波動得更快。但作為一個投機者，處境是被動的；那怕是明顯見到周期步入尾聲，亦未必有機會將手上的資產套現。儘其量，也只是放慢入貨的步伐。36，當年的 Beanie Babies，現在還可以在 ebay 找到；真正想收藏的朋友，今天入市還未遲。至於甚麼 Ape、cyberpunk 的貼圖；相信有朝一日，不論 gas fee 抑或 token price 都會回到合理水平。屆時看有沒有人因為欣賞這些由機器生成的「藝術品」用真金白銀去收藏。37，最後，書中提到 Ty Warner 對零售商，除了有各種陳列的要求，還有要求人家買入各種滯銷的死貨，才可以確保有穩定供貨。這情境令我想起某些名牌，消費者要先買絲巾鎖鑰扣等沒有炒賣價值的產品，跟配貨的銷售員混熟，才可以買到有炒價的限量手袋。這些名牌消費品母公司的股價，也在 2021 年 11 月暫時見頂。（補充：LVMH 的股價由 2023 年再次回升並在 2024 年見頂；Hermes 也是一樣由 2023 年反彈，至今仍屢創新高，） This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leesimon.substack.com/subscribe

Lately, we have had a whole lot of Labubu on our mind. And all this excitement for Labubus was feeling familiar. So this week, let's take a look at the toy crazes from our childhood, starting with Beanie Babies.IGThe Fuzzy PodMeganMadiYoutubeThe Fuzzy Pod

This Beanie Baby is actually worth money, and bins find of a life timeour cohost @bigtimeflips @idflipthat @ARuralSquirrel

In this episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, I'm joined by journalist and author Ross Benes to discuss his new book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. We dive into how one seemingly ridiculous year, marked by Pokémon mania, pro wrestling mayhem, aggro-fueled nu metal, and shock TV overload, actually laid the groundwork for the chaotic media and cultural landscape we live in today.

Subscribe to The Best Idea Yet here: https://wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/Beanie Babies — the unassuming critters with birthdates and bios — are designed to tug on your heartstrings (and your wallet). But for a moment in the late-90s, they burst out of gift shops and into investment portfolios as America went crazy over Legs the Frog, Pinchers the Lobster, and the rest of the plushie pals.Behind this bean-stuffed market bubble hid a mysterious salesman with a chip on his shoulder named Ty Warner (the P.T. Barnum of Plush), who masterminded limited drops, direct-to-retail strategies, and internet virality before any of those things had names.With plastic pellets and perceived scarcity, Ty built an empire worth billions that stands to this day. But there wasn't such a happy ending for most speculators when the market turned from (Snort the) bull to (Brownie the) bear, wiping out millions.Find out how Beanie Babies helped launch eBay, why you should never trade your Bucky the Beaver for a cupcake, and why Beanie Babies is the best idea yet.Subscribe to The Best Idea Yet for the untold origin stories of the products you're obsessed with — and the bold risk takers who made them go viral.Episodes drop every Tuesday, listen here: https://wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/—-----------------------------------------------------GET ON THE POD: Submit a shoutout or fact: https://tboypod.com/shoutouts FOR MORE NICK & JACK: Newsletter: https://tboypod.com/newsletter Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-martell/ Connect with Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-crivici-kramer/ SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tboypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tboypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tboypod Anything else: https://tboypod.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On The Big Flop, we unpack history's most fascinating flops, frauds, and fiascos. But The Best Idea Yet brings you the untold stories behind some of the most successful products of all time. So...what happens when both shows cover the same topic? A proper debate!Listen in as Nick & Jack, the hosts of The Best Idea Yet, join Misha to dive into the fascinating world of Beanie Babies – those unassuming critters with birthdates and bios that took America by storm in the late 90s. They explore how these plushie pals helped launch eBay, why you should never trade your Bucky the Beaver for a cupcake, and the eventual market crash that wiped out millions, all to decide whether they were a success or a flop.You can listen to the full 'Beanie Babies' episode of The Best Idea Yet right now, on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts: Wondery.fm/TBIY_IFDThe Best Idea Yet explores the most viral products of all time every week, from Birkenstocks to Sriracha, Air Jordans to Super Mario. Come for the products you're obsessed with, stay for the business insights that'll make you the most interesting person at your next brunch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For an ad-free experience and much more content, subscribe now. Subscribers at the "Top Secret" tier get a one-year digital subscription to The Nation! In this week's episode, Danny speaks with journalist Ross Benes about his book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. They discuss the connection between the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and “trash culture”, what makes the instantiation of reality TV in 1999 unique and how early reality shows foreshadowed modern politics, how Beanie Babies were akin to “stock investments” for working class and lower middle class people, Pokémon as a pure distillation of unrestrained capitalism, and the other features of that moment that predicted American life as we now know it.  If you enjoyed this episode, listen to our discussion with Colette Shade, “Y2K: The Future That Never Was”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Danny speaks with journalist Ross Benes about his book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. They discuss the connection between the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and “trash culture”, what makes the instantiation of reality TV in 1999 unique and how early reality shows foreshadowed modern politics, how Beanie Babies were akin to “stock investments” for working class and lower middle class people, Pokémon as a pure distillation of unrestrained capitalism, and the other features of that moment that predicted American life as we now know it. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dave and Chuck the Freak talk about a listener saw Jason at swim class, ad renting out a room might be a lady of the night, Dave calls alleged cuck barber, 2 planes nearly collide midair, travel warning about measles cases, teens rescue family from house fire on prom night, bees scaped after truck spilled its load, group of kids ding-dong-ditched a guy, fewer tourists traveling to Las Vegas, NBA and NHL playoffs, NBA on TNT ending, Ohtani fell asleep during game, sexiest MLB mascots, athletes who will not be drug tested, 103-year-old lady still bowling, Annabel doll escaped, actors who were nearly killed while filming, chairs caught fire at movie theater, final season of Stranger Things, firework from stage hit fan in head, Taylor Swift bought rights to music back, Iggy Pop hauled off stage in a coffin, water in Dave’s ear, old woman confronted man for playing bagpipes, flight attendant found naked dancing in business class bathroom, guy who stripped nude on flight gets to keep job, women in trouble for staging near nude photoshoot at Greek palace, woman woke up to her stalker sucking on her toes, drunk things, cop was stealing from work and selling at pawn shop, adults only mini golf in Las Vegas, car gets torn apart to look for woman’s engagement ring, man accused of stealing panties from laundromat, police searching for ferret fondler, break-in at the home of Beanie Baby inventor, man who lost nose in fight trying to rebuild it, toddler rescued from conveyer belt, family reeled in 800lbs great white shark, guy claims to be inventor of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, girl goes viral for love of guacamole, and more!

Strap in, because we're diving headfirst into the kind of news that makes you question everything you thought was sacred—like the sanctity of a bubble bath, the sanctity of genre boundaries, and the sanctity of, well, federal convictions.First up: Sydney Sweeney. You thought Jacob Elordi cornered the market on selling your personal hygiene? Think again. Sydney's teamed up with Dr. Squatch to bottle her actual bathwater—yes, the very same suds she soaked in for that pipe-cleaningly innocent soap ad—and sell it back to you as a bar of “Bathwater Bliss.” Exfoliating sand! Pine bark! The tears of your dignity! Limited to 5,000 bars, this is the skincare equivalent of investing in Beanie Babies—if Beanie Babies smelled like a woodland paradise (or your ex's shower). I'll walk you through why this stunt is weird in the best way, and why I secretly want to scrub my face with the runoff from your neighbor's kiddie pool.Then we head to Citizens Bank Park, where Post Malone turned Philadelphia into a full-blown hoedown. Picture fireworks, a fog machine fueled by your ex's leftover cologne, and Allen Iverson himself moonlighting as your backing vocalist. Posty ran through trap bangers, rock ballads, and country heartbreakers faster than you can say “F-1 Trillion,” even picking food out of Jelly Roll's teeth mid-duet—because nothing says “artistic authenticity” like buddy-cop flossing. I'll break down the moments that had Eagles fans swapping jerseys, and why confetti-fuelled country anthems might just be the cure for whatever's ailing your Spotify Wrapped.On the business front, Hailey Bieber just proved that turning lipstick into gold is a $1 billion idea. In three years, she grew Rhode into e.l.f. Beauty's latest trophy acquisition, and now she's got a corner office in the world of pocket blushes and lip tints. We'll unpack how Gen Z's obsession with mini-makeup kits led to a merger bigger than your last Amazon order, and why you might need to start saving for your next lip gloss splurge.Finally, we pivot to the wild world of reality TV and presidential pardons, as Todd Chrisley makes his grand comeback—courtesy of Donald Trump's pardon pen. Todd and Julie Chrisley are free from federal prison, and Todd's out here declaring his innocence like a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (Except the question is “Did you defraud banks?” and the answer is “Trust me, guys.”) We'll dissect his press conference theatrics, Savannah Chrisley's lobbying hustle, and whether “no shame” is the new self-care mantra.It's a dumpster fire of pop culture madness, and you know I'm here to lounge in it. So hit play, grab your favorite (legal) soap, and let's get dirty—because this is What Are We Doing, and frankly, I'd rather be talking about bathwater than politics… but here we are.Mariachi Snooze by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Beanie Babies, Broadway, & Cassette Players. Listen. Leave a Review. Get Patreon. Enjoy!! Check out The Cover to Cover Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/franjola⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ COVER TO COVER MERCH!!! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----------------------------------- VISIT OUR SPONSORS!! ----------------------------------- Shave Your Parts with MANSCAPED! Get 20% Off + Free Shipping Code: COVER Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.manscaped.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Conquer your wellness with THRIVE! $30 Off Your First Order + A FREE $60 gift. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thrivemarket.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ CASH-MERE Outside, How Bout Dat? With QUINCE! Get Free Shipping + 365 Days Return Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.quince.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Take a Mental Health Break with BETTERHELP! This episode is Sponsored by Betterhelp, get 10% off your first month, Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp.com/c2c⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Shop Healthy, Eat Healthy with HUNGRYROOT! Get 40% off and A Free Gift FOR LIFE Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hungryroot.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code: COVER ------------------------------ Bake Better Bread with WILDGRAIN! Get $30 off and Free Croissants FOR LIFE Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wildgrain.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code: COVER ------------------------------ Feel Good AND Mean It with HEADSPACE! Get 2 Months Free Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ headspace.com/franjola⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Make Your House a Home with WAYFAIR! $30 Off Your First Order + A FREE $60 gift. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wayfair.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Eat Healthy AND Convenient with FACTOR! Get 50% Off with Code: FACTORPODCAST Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠factormeals.com/covertocover50off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Better Mobile at a Better Price with MINT MOBILE! Get 3 Months for $15/Month + Free Shipping Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MintMobile.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Find Proper Healthcare with ZOCDOC! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠zocdoc.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the perfect doctor. ------------------------------ Follow Chris: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.franjola.fun/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisfranjola/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Alex:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/conn.tv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Conn.TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Stone, Ty Warner is a name known to those who collected Beanie Babies.  He made his fortune off Beanie Babies years ago and has since bought mega resorts around the world.  Last week a man broke into his mansion in the celebrity enclave of Montecito and beat a woman who was inside of the open into a coma.  The man, a combat veteran, refused to come out until a SWAT team went in and he jumped out of a window and was arrested // Lip reader reveals what French President Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte said moments after shoving him in the face // Radio competing with streaming & podcasts. Remember “Must See TV” Thursday on NBC? Name the line up on NBC Thursday nights right now? // Come take a trip with Conway! But where are we going? Taking the joke too far...Pushing the limits

On today's MJ Morning Show: Mumble Man Chloe's 'delayed' flight Morons in the news Chloe's flight drama American breakfast cereals becoming less healthy Do blue porch ceilings keep bugs away? Woman gets into an Uber, door handles are duct-taped over Vacation time for MJ? 80's concert last night at Ruth Eckerd Hall High incidents of divorce linked to this incident early in marriage Bartender who contacted MJ show after incident at Tradewinds lost her job over phone call RIP Chucky - Ed Gale People who downplay their birthday tend to also have these characteristics MJ's IG Rhode beauty products, Hailey's company, sold for $1 billion New Tinder CEO wants to change the image of the company Most critical years for health Latest top burger joints list Joe Exotic wants a pardon, Chrisley's got theirs Woman gets bar code tattoo of Red Bull Belinda Carlisle demo 'Waiting For A Star To Fall' An airport feature that may get removed Beanie Babies creator's home site of home invasion

Tinder is pivoting away from hookups, an update on the French President fiasco, Brian's reinvestment in Beanie Babies, and more! Chicago’s best morning radio show now has a podcast! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and remember that the conversation always lives on the Q101 Facebook page. Brian & Kenzie are live every morning from 6a-10a on Q101. Subscribe to our channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@Q101 Like Q101 on Facebook HERE: https://www.facebook.com/q101chicago Follow Q101 on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/Q101Chicago Follow Q101 on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/q101chicago/?hl=en Follow Q101 on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@q101chicago?lang=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever wanted a knockoff 2005 World Series ring or a Beanie Baby, Brian has you covered. Chicago’s best morning radio show now has a podcast! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and remember that the conversation always lives on the Q101 Facebook page. Brian & Kenzie are live every morning from 6a-10a on Q101. Subscribe to our channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@Q101 Like Q101 on Facebook HERE: https://www.facebook.com/q101chicago Follow Q101 on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/Q101Chicago Follow Q101 on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/q101chicago/?hl=en Follow Q101 on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@q101chicago?lang=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(May 28, 2025)Amy King and Neil Saavedra join Bill for Handel on the News. Trump says Putin is ‘playing with fire' as Kremlin continues assault on Ukraine. U.S. stops scheduling visa interviews for foreign students white it expands social media vetting. California home of Beanie Babies billionaire is scene of violent break-in. Trump threatens to withhold funding for California over transgender athlete at Riverside County's Jurupa Valley High.

What really moves the needle on your happiness—making more money or saving more of what you've got? This week, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Paula Pant, Jesse Cramer, and the guy who still owes money on his Beanie Baby collection—Doug—for a roundtable filled with bold financial takes and even bolder choices. It's a rapid-fire round of “either-or” dilemmas, and while nobody gets voted off the island, a few sacred cows are gently tipped over. Should you max out your retirement account or finally slay your student loans? Ditch credit cards for cash? Bet your future on crypto or keep it stuffed in a fireproof mattress? Our panel debates these decisions and shares real-life stories of what's worked—and what's blown up like a microwaved burrito. Of course, it wouldn't be The Stacking Benjamins Show without a detour or two: we dig into financial hoarding (how many dusty envelopes is too many?), reveal why your credit score might be your best frenemy, and serve up some vintage airplane trivia, just to keep things classy. So whether you're team "Earn More" or team "Cut Back," this episode delivers the kind of guidance that helps you feel a little more confident making your next money move—even if it's just saying no to another financial “shortcut.” Topics covered include: Why more income might not be the golden ticket The case for ditching your credit card (and why that makes Doug twitchy) Saving vs. investing vs. spending like you're already retired What financial hoarding reveals about your mindset Index funds vs. individual stocks: which one should get your long-term commitment? The never-ending crypto debate (now with 12% more existential dread!) How obsessing over your credit score may or may not ruin your weekend If you're figuring out how to balance today's latte with tomorrow's freedom—or you just want to feel smarter about money than your cousin Gary who “invests in vibes”—this one's for you. And remember, no matter how much you earn or save, the real ROI is tuning in with the Stackers each week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode, both of our storytellers become extremely fixated on something very specific. Part 1: After being diagnosed with breast cancer and opting for bilateral mastectomies, Jenna Dioguardi becomes beholden to her cancer to-do list. Part 2: As an 11-year-old kid, Luke Strathmann makes it his life mission to get rich off of Beanie Babies. Jenna Dioguardi is an Obie & Drama Desk-award winning performer. She made her Off-Broadway debut originating the role of #13 in Sarah DeLappe's The Wolves, and can now be seen storytelling in dimly lit venues throughout New York. Her solo show, Nipples for Christmas, is currently in development and had its debut in March. By day, Jenna works as a video producer and editor, creating the ads that target you on Instagram. She co-produced, starred in, and edited Smooch the Tucc, a web series chronicling Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy, and she was the co-creator and co-host of two live shows: The Best Storytelling Show (we promise) and The Mister Rogers Variety Hour. Follow her work on IG @jennadio3 & at ⁠jennadioguardi.com⁠. Luke Strathmann is an NYC-based writer and comedian, and currently leads the communications team at Yale's Department of Economics. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker and McSweeney's, and he is the proud host of ‘EconLOL,' the world's first, best, and only economics-themed comedy variety show (at Caveat Theatre in NYC). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode, both of our storytellers become extremely fixated on something very specific. Part 1: After being diagnosed with breast cancer and opting for bilateral mastectomies, Jenna Dioguardi becomes beholden to her cancer to-do list. Part 2: As an 11-year-old kid, Luke Strathmann makes it his life mission to get rich off of Beanie Babies. Jenna Dioguardi is an Obie & Drama Desk-award winning performer. She made her Off-Broadway debut originating the role of #13 in Sarah DeLappe's The Wolves, and can now be seen storytelling in dimly lit venues throughout New York. Her solo show, Nipples for Christmas, is currently in development and had its debut in March. By day, Jenna works as a video producer and editor, creating the ads that target you on Instagram. She co-produced, starred in, and edited Smooch the Tucc, a web series chronicling Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy, and she was the co-creator and co-host of two live shows: The Best Storytelling Show (we promise) and The Mister Rogers Variety Hour. Follow her work on IG @jennadio3 & at ⁠jennadioguardi.com⁠. Luke Strathmann is an NYC-based writer and comedian, and currently leads the communications team at Yale's Department of Economics. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker and McSweeney's, and he is the proud host of ‘EconLOL,' the world's first, best, and only economics-themed comedy variety show (at Caveat Theatre in NYC). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baltimore is on the rebound and we're doing our best to keep the ball bouncing. Speaking of bouncing, we pinball around from organ donation to Skechers stock, to Meg's very desirable Beanie Babies collection. We also talk about the Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Brooks Ghost 17, since this is a shoe review channel, after all.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!LA SPORTIVAIntroducing the Prodigio Pro Running Shoe from La Sportiva—crafted for ultrarunners, trail addicts, or anyone chasing their next big effort. With XFlow Speed, a dual-super critical nitrogen-infused EVA and TPU midsole technology, AND an ultralight Power Wire mesh upper - it's responsive, durable, and ready for any terrain. Go farther, go faster! Get our full thoughts on one of the best trail shoes of 2025 and pick it up at the link in the review: https://believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/la-sportiva-prodigio-pro-review/Shop the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: https://alnk.to/6mRuqATSWIFTWICKThe best running socks in the game, we're always running in the Flite XT and you should be too. The Drop listeners can get 15% off their first purchase with code BELIEVE15. Shop here: https://swiftwick.com/collections/believeLMNTNEW FLAVOR ALERT! Just in time for summer, LMNT just dropped an all-new Lemonade Salt flavor and it may be their best one yet. We've been crushing it after every run to restore our salt and electrolyte supplies. Get your free 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase: http://drinklmnt.com/thedropPILLAREnsuring NN Running athletes continue to take podiums and claim records, PILLAR Performance gets them to start lines in the best condition possible. Recovery is crucial to managing training loads, and adequately preparing for race day. This is why PILLAR's Triple Magnesium provides a high dosage of Magnesium Bisglycinate to boost the recovery score on your wearable. Enter code BITR on The Feed to receive 15% off your first order, and track the difference yourself: ⁠https://thefeed.com/products/pillar-performanceINDEX00:00 - Intro4:47 - Meg's trip to NYC with Superfeet / Move Her Mind Ridgefield13:32 - Move Her Mind Event Series (Meg's media, )15:06 - Organ donation21:50 - Asics Metaspeed Tokyo Edge/Sky27:55 - Thomas's weekend trail race34:17 - Robbe's weekend in PA47:25 - Training talk59:20 - 5 Hour Energies and B-Vitamins1:03:00 - Skechers Stock and hurricane cash machines1:07:35 - Princess Diana Beanie Babies1:17:20 - Shoe talk (Brooks Ghost Max 3, Brook Ghost 17)1:28:02 - Turnstile's Hometown Gig

Episode #743: Bryan and Krissy are back to discuss the wild Pop Art craze feeding the Labubu craze! As usual, once TCB knows about it...it's too late! Plus, they break down the chaos behind Hollywood's labor disputes and the wild world of nostalgic collectibles. First, they take a jab at union drama in the entertainment biz—why some actors are barely scraping by while execs are jetting off to Istanbul to save a buck. Then, they dig into the rise of Labubu (no, seriously), the vinyl toy that's got adults throwing elbows at Pop Mart's around the globe. From behind-the-scenes rental companies of Hollywood to Beanie Baby flashbacks, Bryan misses every opportunity to cash in! Show Notes: [04:15] Union Struggles in Hollywood – Why productions are fleeing L.A. faster than a Netflix cancelation [05:18] Real Estate and Production Trends – Istanbul: now with more actors [06:21] Podcast Shenanigans & Celebrity Interview Teases [09:20] Will Ferrell vs. Adam Sandler – Who wins in the existential comedy showdown? [12:20] Pop-Up Stores and Nostalgia Drops – Yes, adults are still buying toys [15:20] Meet La Boo Boo – The collectible you never knew you needed [19:17] Collectibles & Culture – What your Funko Pop says about you [21:28] The Parental Guilt of Consumerism – Because kids need therapy and matching plushies [26:24] Sean's Weird Job Reveal – It's as strange as it sounds [35:16] The Economics of Labubu– Capitalism in a cute little box [43:44] Nostalgia, Beanie Babies, and the Cyclical Nature of Dumb Trends [47:00] Farewell Rant – Bryan declares Beanie Babies are back (again) TCB Intro Clips: Ferris is a righteous dude! Watch EP #743 on YouTube! Text us or leave us a voicemail: +1 (212) 433-3TCB FOLLOW US: Instagram:  ⁠⁠@thecommercialbreak⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/thecommercialbreak⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@tcbpodcast⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠www.tcbpodcast.com⁠⁠ CREDITS: Hosts: ⁠⁠Bryan Green⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ Krissy Hoadley⁠⁠ Executive Producer: Bryan Green Producer: Astrid B. Green Voice Over: Rachel McGrath TCBits Written, Voiced and Produced by Bryan Green To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Grumpy Old Geeks—Mad Hatter edition—we kick things off with a refresher on Staingate and the joys of delamination (spoiler: it's not a spa treatment). Then we dive into the U.S. government's latest tech innovation: buying up domains that sound like QAnon Mad Libs in support of Trump's meme coin. Meanwhile, DOGE decided to hand the steering wheel of housing regulations to a college kid and an AI. What could possibly go wrong? Not to be outdone, Elon shows up to a Trump meeting wearing two hats—one for each of his unchecked egos—and MoviePass launches a crypto-tied box office fantasy league, because we've clearly learned nothing.In the actual news, 4chan has risen from the dead like a less hygienic Lazarus, but it's still broken (shocker). Worldcoin's eyeball-scanning overlords are now teaming up with Tinder and Visa—romance and capitalism, together at last. Bitcoin mining is officially more pointless than Beanie Babies, and Microsoft says AI now writes 30% of its code—explains a lot, really. Meta somehow manages to forecast $1.4 trillion in AI revenue while also letting its bots get horny with minors. Meanwhile, Pinterest suddenly pretends to care about AI slop (while being the biggest copyright vampire online), and ChatGPT gets less clingy after OpenAI dials back its update that made it sound like your overly supportive aunt. Plus: more AI lies, shady benchmarks, pillow guy legal drama, and a reminder that North Korean remote workers also hate awkward small talk.We cool off with a Media Candy binge: Schmactors Season 2 is here, Andor returns, Conclave confuses us in the best way, and Ryan Coogler is giving X-Files a reboot we probably don't deserve. Jeremy Renner turns down Disney's lowball Hawkeye offer (respect), and musically we vibe with Maria Somerville and Anka Wolbert's latest releases. In Apps & Doodads, Apple and Epic are back in court, Apple Arcade keeps feeding us Mahjong, and Meta's Ray-Bans go full Stasi. Lyft wants your boomer parents off the road, and Google is sunsetting old Nest thermostats like it's Logan's Run for smart homes. Finally, we peek At the Library with Jason Pargin's black box paranoia, Scalzi's lunar love story, and a massive stack of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Rounding out the show: a shout-out to The Alarm's Mike Peters, gone too soon at 66.Sponsors:DeleteMe - Head over to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use the code "GOG" for 20% off.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/695FOLLOW UPStaingate 101: What is Delamination?US Government Registered Several Websites Potentially Linked to Trump Meme CoinDOGE Recruits College Kid to Help Rewrite Housing Regulations With AIElon Wears Two Hats During Trump Meeting in Desperate Bid for AttentionMoviePass Launches Box Office Betting Platform Unfortunately Tied to CryptoIN THE NEWS4chan is back after a nearly two-week shutdown, but it still has some serious problemsWorld partners with Tinder, Visa to bring its ID-verifying tech to more placesBitcoin Mining Is No Longer Worth itMicrosoft CEO says up to 30% of the company's code was written by AIMeta's AI chatbots were reportedly able to engage in sexual conversations with minorsMeta forecasted it would make $1.4T in revenue from generative AI by 2035OpenAI rolls back update that made ChatGPT a sycophantic messStudy accuses LM Arena of helping top AI labs game its benchmarkLawyer for MyPillow Founder Filed AI-Generated Brief with ‘Nearly 30' Bogus CitationsPinterest launches new tools to fight AI slopTime saved by AI offset by new work created, study suggestsUndercover North Korean Remote Workers Hate This One Weird QuestionMEDIA CANDYSchmactors Season 2!AndorConclaveRyan Coogler Confirms X-Files Reboot Is His Next ProjectJeremy Renner Says Disney Offered Him Half His Hawkeye Wage for Season 2Maria Somerville - LusterAnka Wolbert - Cocoon TimeAPPS & DOODADSEpic Games just scored a win against AppleApple updates its App Store guidelines to allow external payment optionsMeta Is Turning Its Ray-Bans Into a Surveillance Machine for AIApple Arcade Mahjong Titan+Lyft Silver wants to keep your aging parents off the roadGoogle is cutting off support for these older Nest Thermostats — what you need to knowAT THE LIBRARYI'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom: A Novel by Jason Pargin63 New Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Books Arriving in MayWhen the Moon Hits Your Eye by John ScalziCLOSING SHOUT-OUTSThe Alarm frontman Mike Peters dies aged 66See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Coffee Convos, Lindsie and Kristen cover everything from Kristen's recent medical diagnosis to health topics like UTIs, kidney stones, and cancer awareness. They discuss the impact of genetic testing and data privacy, along with societal pressures around relationships and parenthood. The duo also shares laughs over Beanie Babies nostalgia and a wild listener-submitted hospital story. Tune in for a mix of humor, health insights, and real-life moments you won't want to miss!Thanks for supporting our sponsors!Boll & Branch: For a limited time get 20% off at http://BollAndBranch.com/coffeeconvos Cook Unity: Go to https://www.cookunity.com/COFFEECONVOS for 50% off your first week. Lume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code Coffee at http://Lumepodcast.com/Coffee! #lumepodRo: Join the over 385,000 people who have already chosen Ro to access GLP-1s. Go to http://ro.co/COFFEECONVOS to see if you qualify.Rocket Money: Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to http://RocketMoney.com/COFFEECONVOS Full video is available on Patreon: Patreon.com/kaillowry See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.