The Best One Yet 🎩 “Boardwalk McEmpire” — McDonald’s Monopoly psychology. Friend AI’s viral subway ad. EA’s Saudi Sale. +The Best Idea Yet nomination.
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Sep 30, 2025 McDonald's Monopoly is back after a decade, igniting discussions on its marketing genius and the fraud scandal that nearly derailed it. Saudi Arabia's stunning $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts is revealed as a power play, not just a financial one. Meanwhile, the viral Friend AI is making waves with its NYC subway ad campaign, which sparked both intrigue and mockery among commuters. Tune in for a deep dive into these fascinating stories and their implications for business and culture.
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Uncle Jerry’s Monopoly Scam
- Jerome Jacobson, a Simon Marketing employee, secretly sold rare McDonald's Monopoly pieces for cash.
- His scam led to 50 convictions and $24 million stolen, which paused the promotion for a decade.
Psychonomics Behind Monopoly
- McDonald's Monopoly uses scarcity and unfinished-task psychology to boost repeat purchases.
- The game creates an illusion of progress that makes customers keep buying to complete sets.
EA’s Record Leveraged Buyout
- Electronic Arts was bought in a $55 billion leveraged buyout with a $20 billion loan from JPMorgan.
- The deal includes Saudi investors and Jared Kushner, blending finance with geopolitical influence.