

The 'K' in 'K-shaped economy' stands for 'kitchen'
Oct 3, 2025
Emily Baker-White, a journalist and author of "Every Screen on the Planet," shares fascinating insights on TikTok, its origins, and the algorithm that drives its success. She discusses the geopolitical implications of the U.S.-China TikTok deal, revealing concerns about data access and content manipulation. Emily dives into how ByteDance's algorithm predicts user engagement and the current landscape shaped by national security fears. With TikTok's future hanging in the balance, she highlights the roles of Trump and Xi in determining its direction.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
K-Shaped Restaurant Recovery
- Fast-food spending has stagnated since 2024, signaling strain among ordinary workers.
- Full-service restaurants aimed at wealthier customers are holding up, creating a K-shaped recovery.
Use Deals And Activations To Drive Traffic
- Restaurants are using discounts, cheaper menu items, and creative brand activations to attract traffic.
- Chains should deploy promotions and novel product tie-ins to boost transactions during weak consumer demand.
Wyoming Solar Company Scramble
- Creative Energies in Wyoming scrambled to install rooftop solar ahead of federal tax credit expiration.
- Owner Scott Cain shifted the business from growth to maintenance while he chases commercial projects.