Amazon faces competition from Chinese e-commerce giant Temu as they battle over market dominance in the US. Timu's aggressive marketing strategy, cheap unbranded products, and innovative business model challenge Amazon's position. Insights from Etsy's CEO shed light on the competitive landscape of e-commerce. Additionally, the hosts discuss the unexpected crow population boom in downtown Portland, drawing humorous parallels to the competitive dynamics between Temu and Amazon.

Historian Wendy Woloson discusses the American obsession with poorly-made products and novelty items. They explore the history of American consumer culture, attitudes towards new consumer goods, the development of the novelty industry, and the American obsession with consumerism and material culture. They also delve into the disposability of relationships and material possessions in our modern society.