The Hustle Daily Show

The resurgence of drive-in theaters during the pandemic is a fascinating topic, with these venues capturing a staggering 85% of the U.S. box office at the peak. The discussion delves into the reasons behind their decline over the decades, from the rise of VHS to the challenges of digital conversion. Today, independent operators keep the format alive, relying heavily on creative partnerships like pool screenings and nostalgic events. Will these unique venues continue to thrive in 2025? Let's find out if they remain profitable!

Delve into the captivating journey of Jonathan Walton, who transformed from a con victim losing $100k to a con hunter exposing scammers. Discover the rising tide of online scams, now costing $16.6 billion, and learn about the evolving tactics of fraudsters. The show also touches on a proposed ban on marrying AI chatbots and the implications of the Uncrustables trademark lawsuit. Join the discussion on red flags in friendships and how Walton is helping others be vigilant against cons.

Karina Martinez, founder of Draft/Drafted, is on a mission to elevate Latina sports culture through her social-first media platform. She shares her journey of creating Drafted and emphasizes the importance of connecting with over 30 million Latinas. Karina discusses how they pivoted from traditional sports coverage to blend culture, fashion, and heritage. Engaging the community through events and leveraging partnerships for monetization, she also foresees a rise in athlete-led content and the merging of sports with music and fashion.

Discover the sweet survival of Thrifty ice cream, which thrived despite its parent company's downfall. From its humble beginnings as a nickel scoop in 1929 to a signature cylindrical design, Thrifty has a rich history. New owners plan to reinvigorate flavors and expand, balancing classic tastes with potential Monster Energy-inspired innovations. Explore the charms of affordability in a market swamped by pricey artisanal brands, and delve into how nostalgia and simplicity could win over today's consumers.

Maria Gharib, a writer and AI commentator with the Mindstream newsletter, discusses the intriguing intersection of AI and crime, highlighting a case where AI was allegedly used in arson. They delve into OpenAI's partnership with AMD, impacting the chip market, and dissect Sora 2's messy launch, debating the need for better guidelines. Maria also describes Google's new no-code app builder, Opal, and addresses the looming question of whether AI will replace creative jobs, ultimately arguing that human creativity remains irreplaceable.

Exploring the fate of malls, a famous San Francisco center faces vacancy while a Pittsburgh mall thrives with Walmart's redevelopment. Domino's unveils its first rebrand in 13 years, aiming to blend nostalgia with global growth. Meanwhile, SoftBank dives back into robotics with a hefty acquisition. The contrast between high-end stores thriving and mid-range malls struggling highlights shifting shopping dynamics. As gold shines amid economic uncertainty, these stories reveal the evolving landscape of retail and investment.

Caden Broussard, Co-founder of Cello, shares insights on merging AI with personal styling. He explains how Cello enhances users' confidence by creating unique looks from their existing wardrobes. The duo discusses the challenges of emotional personalization in tech, sustainable fashion solutions, and the future of AI in curating style. With a blend of professional stylists and AI, Cello aims to make personal styling accessible, transforming how we approach our closets and mindful shopping.

Discover how Nescafé became a global giant, dominating instant coffee sales despite rising prices. Learn about its origins in Brazil and the innovative breakthroughs that improved its taste. The popularity of Nescafé spans continents, appealing even to specialty coffee drinkers in the U.S. while maintaining affordability for budget-conscious consumers. The hosts also delve into Taylor Swift's impact on box office revenues, agricultural struggles in the U.S., and the flood of venture capital into AI this year.

Join Joshua Perk, Founder and CEO of Vector, as he dives into the world of contact-based advertising. He outlines how marketers can reduce ad waste by targeting individuals with precision. Discover the evolution from account-based to contact-based marketing and why personalization is key. Joshua shares insights on leveraging CRM data for better ad relevance and balancing targeted efforts with privacy concerns. He also emphasizes starting small and experimenting with tools to achieve impactful results in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

A French startup is letting strangers pay to attend weddings, sparking debates on social norms and financial benefits. Hosts explore motivations for ticket buyers and share quirky anecdotes about past wedding experiences. They also touch on the rise of friendship apps and cultural loneliness, placing ticketed weddings in a broader context. The concept of paying for social experiences isn't new, as they discuss paid attendees at funerals. Will this unique trend catch on in the U.S.? Tune in for a fun exploration of love, finance, and cultural shifts!