Deena Shanker

Join Deena Shanker, a Bloomberg food reporter, and Mamrie Hart, actor and comedian with a new vegetarian cookbook, as they dive into the quirks of dining culture. Discover whether atmosphere trumps food quality and the rising trend of "functional sodas." They debate the merits of unsalted pretzels and the new 'Rip and Dip' bagel craze, while tackling the tricky terrain of tipping practices in casual dining. Their lively banter paints a vivid picture of modern food trends and the evolving role of restaurants in our lives.

Consumer Reporter Deena Shanker and Senior Retail Analyst Jennifer Bartashus dive into Mars' monumental $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, discussing its impact on the snack food market and Mars' strategic expansion. Senior Antitrust Litigation Analyst Jennifer Rie highlights the potential breakup of Google following a landmark antitrust victory. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, including innovations that allow them to travel over 600 miles on a single charge, painting a picture of the future of transportation.

Bloomberg News Consumer Reporter Deena Shanker discusses 'upflation' in the personal care market, where companies raise prices with claims of higher quality. The episode explores how consumer behavior shifts in response to inflation, like buying frozen fruit over fresh, and companies' tactics to prevent consumer downgrades.

Fred Thiel, the CEO of Mara, shares his insights into Bitcoin mining trends and the performance of Bitcoin ETFs, highlighting the integration of AI in energy generation. Deena Shanker discusses cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and their potential effects on food security for millions. Laura Bliss tackles the urgent landfill crisis in the U.S., revealing the environmental dangers of overheating landfills and hidden fires, emphasizing the need for better waste management solutions.

Retired Lieutenant General Michael Groen discusses the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, focusing on military tensions and potential responses. Consumer Reporter Deena Shanker reveals how food companies are pivoting to cater to health-conscious consumers, especially those using GLP-1 drugs. Ali Furman explains trends in holiday shopping, noting a rise in consumer spending amidst inflation, with Gen Z favoring in-store experiences and value-focused purchases. It’s a fascinating blend of geopolitical insights and market dynamics!