Why is it so hard to find the one thing you need? The Atlantic’s Amanda Mull is here to tell us the story of shopping, from the Silk Road to SHEIN hauls, and the story that emerges is one of workers turned against each other, and industrial byproducts reinvented as trends. Here's where to find Amanda:The AtlanticTwitterSupport us:Bonus Episodes on PatreonBonus Episodes on Apple PodcastsDonate on PaypalBuy cute merchWhere else to find us:Sarah's other show, You Are Good [YWA co-founder] Mike's other show, Maintenance PhaseLinks:https://www.theatlantic.com/author/amanda-mull/https://twitter.com/amandamullhttp://patreon.com/yourewrongabouthttp://apple.co/ywahttps://www.teepublic.com/stores/youre-wrong-abouthttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/yourewrongaboutpodhttps://www.podpage.com/you-are-goodhttps://www.maintenancephase.com/Support the show

Journalist Amanda Mull discusses the fascination with Stanley Tumblers, evolution of water bottle trends, and societal perceptions of consumption habits. The podcast explores the cultural shift towards trendy bottles, gender dynamics in design, and societal judgments on consumer behavior. Additionally, it delves into parental control fantasies over school activities, challenges of keeping water bottles clean, and the importance of hydration for children.

Amanda Mull, a staff writer at The Atlantic, and Brian Klaas, an associate professor and author of 'Fluke,' dive into the phenomenon of Stanley water bottles. They discuss how a simple steel tumbler became a cultural icon through savvy marketing aimed at women and the influence of social media. The conversation explores the unpredictable nature of success, emphasizing the role of luck and timing in trends. They also draw intriguing parallels between locust behavior and human consumer choices, showcasing the impact of randomness on culture.

Amanda Mull, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the shortcomings of American sunscreen, while Elise Hu, a journalist and K-beauty expert, highlights global alternatives, especially from South Korea. They discuss why better sunscreen isn't available in the U.S., revealing regulatory hurdles and a lack of FDA-approved filters since 1999. The conversation also touches on the cultural significance of sunscreen use in South Korea, showcasing how beauty standards influence skincare routines, contrasting sharply with Western attitudes toward tanning.

Paris Marx is joined by Amanda Mull to discuss the history of consumerism and where ecommerce goes in the next few years as interest rates rise and its market share stalls. Amanda Mull is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where she writes the Material World column. She’s also a shop steward at The Atlantic Union. Follow Amanda on Twitter at @amandamull.Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.The podcast is produced by Eric Wickham and part of the Harbinger Media Network.Also mentioned in this episode:Amanda has written about consumerism, buying less junk, the pivot to TikTok, and why free returns are coming to an end.Paris wrote about the problem with Apple’s town square store concept.Amazon curtailed massive warehouse expansion plans it made early in the pandemic.Lauren Smily wrote about the shut-in economy in 2015.William Leach wrote Land of Desire: Merchants: Power and the Rise of a New American Culture.Support the show

In this insightful discussion, Amanda Mull, a staff writer at The Atlantic and expert on reverse logistics, dives into the fascinating world of retail returns. She sheds light on the complex journey of a returned item, revealing the often humorous yet challenging processes at return warehouses. Amanda explores the donation dilemma, highlighting how many goods end up in landfills. She also discusses evolving retail return policies and their impacts on sustainability, consumer behavior, and the modern shopping experience.

Join Amanda Mull, a columnist for The Atlantic specializing in the internet's influence on shopping, as she unveils the secrets behind holiday consumerism. Discover how retailers manipulate our spending habits and the shift from material gifts to experiences. Mull offers tips for mindful shopping, emphasizing the importance of minimizing impulse buys and the environmental cost of consumerism. She also advocates for creative and personalized gift-giving, challenging the notion that bigger is better in holiday presents.

Bloomberg Businessweek reporter Amanda Mull chats about her internet diary, favorite @dril tweets, and changing views on Peloton. They discuss early internet memories, Titanic fandom, Reddit insights, and the impact of TikTok on reporting. She shares insights on consumerism during the pandemic and rules for online engagement, including limiting public conversations to three replies.

Natalie Tran, Co-Founder of I am a voter, emphasizes the cultural shift needed to engage millennials and Gen Z in voting through innovative strategies. Ramesh Srinivasan, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, discusses his insights on evolving leadership dynamics, focusing on purpose-driven models and the importance of humility. Amanda Mull shares her intriguing story about the rise of squeezable olive oil, revealing how this packaging innovation has transformed consumer habits and market trends. Tune in for a captivating discussion on leadership, civic engagement, and culinary trends!

Amanda Mull, a senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek and consumer culture expert, dives deep into the Trend Story Industrial Complex. She explores why there are perpetually 8,000 trends, the media's role in shaping consumer demand, and how social media, especially TikTok, influences fast fashion. Amanda discusses the paradox of Gen Z's shopping habits and the effects of affiliate marketing on digital media. The conversation raises important questions about the future of creativity in a rapidly accelerating consumer landscape.