The Best Idea Yet
Wondery
The untold stories behind the products you’re obsessed with and the bold risk-takers who made them go viral.How did Birkenstocks go from a German cobbler’s passion project 250 years ago to a starring role in the Barbie movie? Who created that bottle of Sriracha permanently living in your fridge? Did you know the Air Jordans were initially banned by the NBA, or that Super Mario became the best-selling video game character ever thanks to a strategy called “The Infinite Game?” On Wondery’s new weekly podcast The Best Idea Yet, Nick Martell and Jack Crivici-Kramer (hosts of the award-winning daily pop-business podcast, The Best One Yet [TBOY]) have identified the most viral products of all time and reveal their untold origin stories — plus the bold risk-takers who brought them to life. From the Happy Meal to Levi’s 501 jeans, come for the products you’re obsessed with, stay for the business insights that’ll make you the most interesting person at your next brunch.Follow The Best Idea Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 42min
🎧 Sony Walkman: The Analog Icon That Led to a Digital Revolution | 49
Discover how two post-war engineers in Tokyo accidentally created the magnetic tape technology that changed music forever. The invention of the Sony Walkman transformed music from communal enjoyment to personal playlists. Explore its cultural significance, from mixtapes to the rise of headphones as a fashion statement. Hear about the emotional connection of a lunar astronaut with his mixtape. Finally, unravel Sony's journey through triumphs and missteps in the evolving digital music landscape.
23 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 45min
👜 Birkin: The Handbag That Costs More Than Your House | 48
Discover the fascinating origins of the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, born from a chance encounter and a sketch on an airplane vomit bag. Delve into Jane Birkin's influence on fashion, her chaotic flight experience, and how the bag evolved from an overlooked item to a status symbol worth hundreds of thousands. Explore the clever marketing tactics that transformed exclusivity into desirability, leading to multi-million-dollar counterfeit operations. Learn why owning a Birkin is not just luxury, but a savvy investment.
7 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 43min
⚾️ New York Yankees: Rise of the Bronx Bombers | 47
Discover the fascinating origins of the New York Yankees, starting as the unremarkable Highlanders in 1903. The pivotal trade of Babe Ruth transformed the team and baseball history, driving them to unmatched success. Explore how George Steinbrenner reshaped the Yankees in the free agency era, altering sports broadcasting forever. Delve into legendary rivalries that shaped New York baseball and iconic moments that made the Yankees a symbol of American sports culture.
11 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 43min
🏍️ Harley-Davidson: Tattoo’d on 700,000 Biceps | 46
Discover the wild journey of a brand that began with a souped-up bicycle and transformed into a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Explore how Harley-Davidson thrived through wars and races, crafting a legendary culture around the open road. Learn about the fascinating contradictions that made the bikes beloved by both outlaws and retirees. Delve into its evolution and the magic of community engagement, alongside tales of resilience amidst fierce competition. Uncover why this iconic brand remains a favorite tattooed on countless biceps.
12 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 42min
🏰 Disneyland: The Fantasy that Almost Flopped | 45
Discover the untold story of how Disneyland almost didn’t happen! Walt Disney faced skepticism in the 1950s, battling financial turmoil and a challenging vision. The chaotic opening day brought mad crowds and unexpected plumbing disasters, but optimism prevailed. Learn about Walt's groundbreaking strategies that turned his dream into a reality. Plus, delve into quirky Disneyland facts that showcase its unique charm. This is the journey of how an ambitious idea became a central pillar of the Disney empire!
24 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 42min
🍜 Instant Ramen: The Incredible, True Story of “Mr. Noodle” | 44
Discover the incredible journey of Momofuku Ando, who turned post-war struggles into a global ramen empire. From a black-market stall to revolutionizing convenience food, his vision transformed a simple dish into an $8 billion phenomenon. The podcast dives into the cultural significance of instant ramen, the challenges of production, and the quirky history behind 'Mr. Noodle.' It’s a tale of innovation, resilience, and how a humble bowl of noodles reshaped eating habits worldwide.
28 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 41min
🥃 Hennessy: From King George to Kendrick | 43
Dive into the remarkable history of Hennessy, starting with an Irish soldier who transformed a modest brandy venture into a global phenomenon. Discover how the brand weaves through hip-hop culture, with over 2,500 musical mentions, and its significant role in civil rights advocacy as the first corporate sponsor of the NAACP. Learn about the brand’s clever navigation of Prohibition and how it became a symbol of prestige among African Americans, solidifying its legacy both in spirits and popular culture.
20 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 42min
🛹 Skateboard: Defying Physics & Freaking Out Parents for 60+ Years | 42
Explore the origins of skateboarding, born from surfers seeking land action in the 60s. Discover the journey of iconic figures like Rodney Mullen and Tony Hawk as they revolutionized the sport. Uncover how skateboarding faced ups and downs, including market struggles and unexpected bans that sparked creativity. Dive into the electrifying atmosphere of the X Games, where extreme sports showcased remarkable stunts. Finally, witness skateboarding's evolution into a global phenomenon, cementing its legacy in culture and sports history.
41 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 43min
🐲 Pokémon: The Little Monsters that Played Their Cards Right | 41
Discover the fascinating journey of Satoshi Tajiri, who turned his bug-collecting passion into a $92 billion media franchise. Dive into the evolution of Pokémon from its Game Boy roots to a global sensation, complete with trading cards and TV shows. Learn about the initial skepticism in America and how character charm won over critics. Explore the viral success of Pokémon Go and its innovative use of augmented reality. Plus, uncover the unique card game honoring community service and a surprising link between Pokémon and insects!
21 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 43min
⭐ Michelin Guide: The Tire Company That Accidentally Conquered Food | 40
The Michelin Guide started as a clever marketing tool to boost tire sales by encouraging road trips. Discover how André and Édouard Michelin transformed their rubber business into a culinary juggernaut, creating a prestigious restaurant rating system. Delve into the iconic three-star system that can double a restaurant's revenue, and learn how this guide played a secret role during World War II. Explore how the Michelin legacy continues to influence fine dining and why it remains a benchmark for culinary excellence.
