Business Breakdowns

In this discussion, Alex Lieberman, co-founder of Morning Brew and host of notable podcasts, delves into the evolution of The New York Times, tracing its journey from a traditional print powerhouse to a modern digital titan. He highlights the pivotal 2014 Innovation Report that reshaped its strategies, examines the impact of acquisitions like The Athletic, and discusses the challenges of maintaining subscriber growth amidst a rapidly changing media landscape. Lieberman's insights shed light on the delicate balance between journalistic integrity and navigating the new age of media.

Jonathan Abenaim, an investor from Arlen House Capital with extensive experience in the fitness industry, dives into the success story of Basic-Fit, Europe’s leading low-cost gym operator. He discusses the rapid expansion of Basic-Fit, which boasts over 2 million members across 1,000 clubs. Abenaim contrasts the evolution of gym culture in Europe with that in the U.S., and explores how Basic-Fit has adapted profitable American strategies while maintaining low costs. The conversation also covers challenges faced during COVID-19 and the importance of operational economics in gym expansion.

Matt Reustle, a former transport analyst at Goldman Sachs, brings his expertise to the discussion on UPS, a century-old giant in logistics. He highlights UPS's significant role in the U.S. economy and its intricate logistics network, shedding light on the fierce competition with Amazon and FedEx. They probe into UPS's strategic shifts, from business models to leadership changes, emphasizing operational efficiency and challenges amid the e-commerce boom. Reustle also shares insights on market dynamics and how UPS plans to enhance returns in a transforming landscape.

The podcast delves into Twitter's fascinating journey from its 2006 inception to its pivotal role in social media today. It uncovers the challenges of innovation and user engagement while comparing Twitter to its competitors. Key discussions include Twitter's technical overhaul aimed at enhancing performance and its tumultuous post-IPO history shaped by activist investors. The hosts dissect the company's unique position as an 'interest network' and its quest for new growth avenues, all while navigating the tricky landscape of shareholder expectations.

Chris Marangi from Gabelli Asset Management shares insights into ViacomCBS's rich history and its strategic shift to streaming, emphasizing the importance of content quality and intellectual property. Naveen Chopra, CFO of ViacomCBS, discusses the company’s financial strategies, capital allocation, and the evolving streaming landscape. The conversation explores challenges posed by competition, changing viewer behaviors, and the significance of international growth, revealing how ViacomCBS navigates this dynamic media environment.

Vinny Pujji, a partner at Left Lane Capital, discusses Peloton's revolutionary impact on home fitness and its journey to become a $4 billion company. He examines the economic challenges posed by the pandemic and how Peloton's business model is evolving, including a potential shift towards a proprietary music label. Vinny explores the importance of subscriptions versus hardware sales and insights into Peloton's future strategies, branding, and the evolving dynamics of the at-home fitness market.

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Hoffman, co-portfolio manager at Marathon Partners Equity Management, shares his insights on the evolving cannabis industry. He dives into the impact of legal reforms across the U.S. and explains the intricate differences between state and federal laws. Jeff highlights the importance of regulatory changes for market growth, including safe banking reforms. The podcast also explores the challenges multi-state operators face and the potential of cannabis consumption trends, from edibles to mainstream acceptance.

Mark Smith, co-founder and CEO of Finch Therapeutics, leads the charge in microbiome therapeutics. He dives into how the microbiome influences immune function and its crucial role in overall health. Mark discusses the shift from traditional bacterial research to modern DNA techniques, emphasizing the need for balanced gut health. He also sheds light on innovative therapies like fecal transplants versus probiotics, and the challenges faced by biotech firms in this evolving landscape. Enjoy insights on transforming patient care through microbiome research!

Nick Shenton, a fund manager at Artemis with nearly a decade of expertise in LSEG, dives into the intricacies of the London Stock Exchange Group. He highlights its pivotal role in global finance and discusses the company's transformational acquisition of Refinitiv. The conversation touches on the importance of post-trade services for market stability and the impact of technology on its growth model. Shenton shares insights into navigating complexities and valuing businesses within expanding markets, emphasizing innovation and long-term strategies for success.

Jay Kapoor, General Partner at VSC Ventures and former NFL League Strategy office insider, joins the discussion. They dive into the NFL's powerhouse status as a $15 billion business, revealing unique revenue models and the intricacies of game scheduling. Kapoor highlights the league's innovative strategies for maximizing revenue, discusses its ownership dynamics, and addresses the challenges of maintaining relevance amidst changing media landscapes. Insights about the NFL's cultural impact and future growth potential make for an engaging conversation.