The Best One Yet

Luis von Ahn, the Co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, shares his innovative vision for transforming language learning into an addictive experience. He proudly discusses how gamification strategies like notifications and streak tracking keep over 40 million users engaged daily. Excitingly, he announces Duolingo's next venture: a chess feature aimed at enhancing logical thinking. Luis also delves into the freemium model's impact, revealing how wealthier users help subsidize education for less fortunate learners, proving that learning can be fun and accessible for all.

Get ready for a deep dive into the perplexing world of tariff fees—how they might change what you see on your receipt. Costco is making headlines with its first successful Kirkland beer launch, shaking up the beverage aisle. The hosts also share insights on the resurgence of corporate mascots, with Jake From State Farm outshining the Kardashians. Plus, an exciting tease about Duolingo's co-founder's upcoming announcement promises to shake up the edtech scene!

Subscribe to The Best Idea Yet here: https://wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/Roscoe Rodda was in the fight of his life. His candy factory was right down the road from Milton Hershey’s—yes, THAT Hershey’s—and he needed to set himself apart. So Roscoe embraced a single holiday to get the competitive confectionery edge: Easter. Chocolate eggs, jellybeans… and a secret treat painstakingly sculpted behind closed doors: a marshmallow chick with inquisitive waxy black eyes. These chicks circulated in obscurity until a Navy engineer-turned- candymaker molded them into a squishy, sugary phenomenon. (Today, 1.5 billion Peeps are eaten worldwide, just during Easter alone.) Find out how Peeps went from secretive snack to Easter GOAT—and why some people love ‘em, some hate ‘em, but everyone loves exploding them in the microwave. Here’s why Peeps are the best idea yet.Subscribe to The Best Idea Yet for the untold origin stories of the products you’re obsessed with — and the bold risk takers who made them go viral.Episodes drop every Tuesday, listen here: https://wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/—-----------------------------------------------------GET ON THE POD: Submit a shoutout or fact: https://tboypod.com/shoutouts FOR MORE NICK & JACK: Newsletter: https://tboypod.com/newsletter Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-martell/ Connect with Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-crivici-kramer/ SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tboypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tboypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tboypod Anything else: https://tboypod.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twinkies are rolling out 'munchie mobiles' for 4/20, tapping into the booming cannabis culture. China's rare earth metal embargo is stirring up trade tensions, raising concerns for U.S. industries. Meanwhile, a surge in family businesses has given rise to 'nepo-preneurs,' where millennials are stepping into family enterprises. Plus, discover how playing Tetris can help reduce workplace stress. All this and more sheds light on the evolving business landscape and the playful connections we share.

Harvard’s battle over a $2 billion funding loss highlights the complexities of endowment management. Coachella’s ticket sales reveal that 60% rely on payment plans, transforming the way festivals fund themselves. Meanwhile, Netflix aims for a staggering $1 trillion market cap by 2030, pushing into new global markets. On a lighter note, Uber’s Lost & Found data showcases the funniest forgotten items, with October 26th crowned the most forgetful day of the year. Join for a mix of serious finance and amusing anecdotes!

Chinese factories are striking back in the trade war with TikTok exposés on clothing markups, revealing the hidden costs of brands like Lululemon. Meanwhile, Moleskine finds success by engaging Gen Z with a dedicated board. The tech world is buzzing as Zuckerberg prepares to testify in Meta's antitrust lawsuit. Dive into how TikTok influences consumer perceptions and corporate strategies during these tumultuous times, and discover the untold story behind the beloved Super Soaker!

Louis Vuitton's Texas factory is struggling, highlighting issues in U.S. manufacturing. The discussion shifts to the viral success of Dubai chocolate, emphasizing the need for businesses to innovate and harness trends. A critique of Trump's trade deficit focus reveals the importance of America's service sector and information exports. Listeners also discover insights into daily fantasy sports and health benefits from collagen peptides. This lively exchange tackles significant trends shaping the economy today.

The hosts dive into the gripping world of trade wars and the behind-the-scenes drama involving Trump. They share insights on Prada's jaw-dropping acquisition of Versace at half price, spotlighting the critical role of timing in business deals. A humorous take on a recent colonoscopy serves as a witty segue into discussing economic principles. Plus, the bizarre fact that Google is paying AI engineers to do nothing gets a chuckle. It's a blend of health, economics, and a sprinkle of laughter that keeps the conversation lively.

The discussion kicks off with a playful take on Trump's tariff pause and its implications in the U.S.-China trade war. The thrilling innovation of the Masters golf tournament's low-priced sandwiches grabs attention, showcasing how the experience counts. Meanwhile, Harry's Razors is aiming for a massive IPO under the quirky name 'Mammoth.' The dialogue also highlights the eerie rise of job application scams, where 25% of applicants might not even be human. It’s a blend of serious topics with a sprinkle of humor!

A startup has successfully revived the dire wolf using a Hollywood-inspired strategy, merging science with creativity. ThredUp has emerged as a surprising winner amid trade wars, as second-hand clothing gains traction. Meanwhile, Shopify makes AI part of its corporate dress code, requiring daily use for all employees. As they dive into pop culture, the hosts also humorously propose 'Tasteful Tariffs' on everyday annoyances like cargo pants and QR menus. Join the banter as they dissect these fascinating business stories!