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
22 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 39min
🥏Frisbee: A Pie in the Sky Idea (literally) | 39
Discover the quirky origins of the Frisbee, from college kids tossing pie tins to a WWII pilot’s innovation. Learn how a deep-sea welder transformed this playful object into a cultural icon. Explore its rise alongside the hula hoop and its embrace by the 1970s counterculture. Uncover the evolution of Frisbee sports like Ultimate and disc golf, and their global impact. Plus, hear about the surprising ties between Frisbee and Hollywood, sparking fun film scenarios. Get ready for an entertaining journey through a beloved pastime!
12 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 43min
🎭 Hamilton: From Founding Father To Broadway Star | 38
Lin-Manuel Miranda's obsession with Alexander Hamilton began as a vacation read, turning into a groundbreaking musical that redefined Broadway. The podcast dives into Hamilton's cultural impact, the unique casting choices, and the pivotal White House performance that launched it into the spotlight. It discusses how the pandemic altered Broadway and the strategic Disney+ release brought the show to new audiences. Listeners will enjoy intriguing anecdotes about the founding fathers and the evolution of the production from stage to screen.
17 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 41min
🥤Dr Pepper: The Mystery & Magic of America’s #2 Soda | 37
Discover the captivating origins of Dr Pepper, birthed from a Texas pharmacist's secret concoction in 1885. Learn how its unique taste and enigmatic branding flipped challenges into strengths during the Cola Wars. The soda's journey from an obscure pharmacy drink to America’s #2 favorite is a tale of innovation and rivalry, especially against giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Plus, enjoy a fun connection to The Beatles as you dive into the quirky world of marketing that made being 'different' a winning strategy.
13 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 42min
🏎️ Ferrari: The Racing Machine Even A Child Could Draw | 36
Discover how Enzo Ferrari's childhood passion for racing transformed into his life's mission. Experience his struggles and triumphs as he built a legendary brand against all odds. Uncover the art of strategic scarcity that fueled Ferrari's luxury status. Explore the brand's profound cultural impact in the 1980s, as it became a symbol of ambition and success. Lastly, witness the complexities of a mother's heart-wrenching story, adding depth to the human experience behind the glitz of the automotive world.
11 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 40min
🧸 Beanie Babies: The Cutest Boom, Bubble & Bust | 35
Delve into the wild world of Beanie Babies, where adorable plush toys took over the market and hearts alike. Discover Ty Warner's unique marketing genius that turned these critters into a billion-dollar phenomenon. Unpack the rise and fall of a toy collecting craze that blurred the lines between playthings and investments. Enjoy quirky tales, including legal disputes and a hilarious personal anecdote about trading a Beanie Baby for a cupcake. This nostalgic journey is packed with fascinating insights and laughs!
8 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 41min
🏖️ Tommy Bahama's Beach Chair: Fake Dude, Real Billions | 34
Discover the intriguing origins of a brand that started as a joke between friends. Two determined entrepreneurs created Tommy Bahama, transforming a quirky concept into a thriving lifestyle empire. Learn how they evolved from casual clothing to a dining experience and innovative retail spaces. The podcast reveals the journey of their iconic beach chair, dominating 75% of the premium market while captivating leisure enthusiasts year-round. Dive into nostalgia and explore how a fictional character became synonymous with relaxation and style.
23 snips
May 27, 2025 • 42min
🍅 Heinz Ketchup: The King of Condiments | 33
Explore the remarkable journey of Henry J. Heinz, who turned bankruptcy into a condiment empire. Discover how he prioritized food safety and innovated ketchup with the audacious 'Poison Squad.' Unravel the mystery behind the infamous number 57 and its impact on American culture. Learn about quirky new flavors and futuristic ideas that keep Heinz at the forefront of the condiment world. Dive into the challenges he faced, from exploding bottles to fierce competition, and see why Heinz Ketchup reigns supreme in households across America.
19 snips
May 20, 2025 • 42min
💧 LaCroix: The Cinderella of Seltzers | 32
Explore the fascinating journey of LaCroix, the seltzer that transformed from a quiet Midwest favorite to a trendy sensation. Discover the quirky entrepreneur behind its revival and how chaos cursive sparked its marketing success. From niche to cultural icon, learn about the innovative strategies that propelled LaCroix into the hearts of health-conscious consumers and social media influencers alike. Plus, unravel the mystery of how to properly pronounce ‘pamplemousse’ in this bubbly tale of transformation.
23 snips
May 13, 2025 • 43min
🌎 Google Maps: The *Actual* ‘Everything App’ | 31
Discover how two out-of-work Danish coders revolutionized navigation with Google Maps, all sparked by a quest for directions to a café. Their journey involved overcoming technical hurdles and attracting the attention of Google’s co-founder. Dive into the transformation from simple street views to a multi-faceted essential tool for daily life, including the surprising impact of privacy concerns. You'll also learn why correcting customers might not always be the best approach and how a nod from SNL can change everything!
13 snips
May 6, 2025 • 44min
🍑 Juicy Couture Tracksuit: How Cozy-Core Went Viral | 30
Discover how a $200 investment and a pile of used denim launched Juicy Couture, thanks to two fashion-forward friends. Learn about the transformative journey from maternity wear to the iconic Juicy Tracksuit, embraced by celebrities and pop culture. Explore the role of savvy celebrity endorsements and the tracksuit’s viral resurgence in today’s Cozy-Core trend. The podcast reveals the disruption of fashion norms and the cultural impact of a comfy staple that bridged the gap between high fashion and relatable style.
