In 2018, TikTok burst onto the U.S. scene, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon, only to find itself at odds with U.S. lawmakers concerned about national security. The podcast explores the app's strategic marketing at VidCon 2019 amidst accusations of censorship and its influence during the pandemic. As TikTok's popularity soared, political tensions grew, leading to fears of potential bans. The ongoing battle highlights the clash between technology and governance, and the complexities of user privacy in an increasingly digital world.

Ed Pierson, a former Boeing senior manager and whistleblower, shares his deep concerns about the safety of the 737 MAX, highlighting internal pressures and cultural issues within Boeing. Sharon Turlip, an aerospace reporter for the Wall Street Journal, assesses Boeing's financial struggles and prospects for recovery amidst stiff competition from Airbus. They discuss the fallout from tragedy, manufacturing defects, and the urgent need for accountability and cultural transformation in the aerospace industry. Will Boeing restore its once-revered reputation?

Boeing's new CEO grapples with the immense task of restoring trust amid the fallout from the 737 MAX crisis. Internal culture issues and public relations challenges collide as he honors the victims of tragic crashes. Compounded by the Ethiopian Airlines disaster and the pandemic's impact on air travel, the company faces significant financial instability. Legal woes and accountability problems loom large, revealing a complex history of quality control failures. As optimism arises with vaccine distribution, the journey towards recovery is fraught with difficulty.

Vienna stumbles upon a community of activists defending the South River Forest from a massive police training facility. The clash between police and protesters raises urgent questions about activism and justice. An intense standoff erupts, leading to a shocking moment when gunfire changes everything for everyone involved. The podcast also captures a couple's cozy night at a drive-in, blending nostalgia with a thriller vibe, showcasing love amidst tension. It's a gripping exploration of love, community, and the high stakes of activism.

Boeing faces a tumultuous battle as it revamps the 737 MAX to compete with Airbus's A320. Challenges in stabilizing the aircraft emerge during rigorous testing, foreshadowing crises to come. As Boeing scrambles to boost production amid safety concerns, the fallout from the Lion Air Flight 610 crash highlights critical flaws in their automated systems. With scrutiny intensifying, the new CEO must navigate the troubled waters of reputation management and regain trust with regulators and pilots.

Explore the late 1990s, when Boeing's challenges began to unfold amidst fierce competition from Airbus. Discover the impact of a mega-merger with McDonnell Douglas and the internal pressures that led to production issues. Follow the tumultuous journey under a new CEO facing scandals while trying to restore Boeing’s standing. Witness the innovation of the 787 Dreamliner even as Airbus grapples with major setbacks on the A380. Unravel the complex narrative of crises, competition, and ambition in the aerospace industry.

In 2019, the tragic crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 sends Boeing's reputation into free fall. A malfunction in the MCAS system leads to chaos and tragedy. This event sparks intense international scrutiny over the safety practices of Boeing and the controversial 737 MAX. The fallout includes a global grounding of the aircraft, and significant leadership changes within the company as they struggle to regain trust. The discussion reveals how past decisions prioritized profits over engineering integrity, exposing a deep-seated crisis.

Join Gina Keating, author and documentarian on the Netflix vs. Blockbuster rivalry, and sound designer Kyle Randall as they take you behind the curtain. They discuss the creative challenges of bringing market rivalries to life, from impactful storytelling to immersive sound design. Hear about their journey in crafting emotional narratives that connect with listeners. Plus, a lively debate on food preferences leads to fond memories, while they reflect on their bond with the audience.

Jordyn Holman, a retail reporter for The New York Times, and Kitty Guo, a gifting writer for The Strategist, dive into how TikTok is revolutionizing holiday shopping. They discuss trends like 'de-influencing' and the rise of 'quiet luxury,' where consumers prefer meaningful gifts over impulse buys. The guests explore how emotional ties and nostalgia are still vital in gift-giving, even as social media simplifies purchases. Insights into shifting consumer attitudes towards authenticity and the contrasting fates of Walmart and Target complete the conversation.

Sean McNulty, a reporter at The Ankler and co-host of The Ankler Podcast, dives into the tumultuous leadership landscape at Disney. He discusses Bob Iger's looming exit and the proxy battles shaking up the boardroom, laying bare the challenges faced by his successor, Bob Chapek. The conversation touches on Disney's recent streaming gains against industry giants, the ongoing layoffs aimed at enhancing profitability, and Nelson Peltz's influence on the company’s future. It's a riveting look at the challenges and strategies shaping the Disney empire.