

The Hustle Daily Show
Hubspot Media
A daily dose of irreverent, offbeat, and informative takes on business & tech news. Hosted by Jon Weigell and the rotating cast of The Hustle. Plus, expert insight on business strategies including marketing, scaling, sales, and overall entrepreneurship.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2024 • 14min
Nokia’s ahead-of-its-time ‘taco phone.’
Dive into the nostalgic world of Nokia's N-Gage, the 'taco phone' that aimed to blend gaming and communication back in 2003. Discover the challenges it faced and its ultimate commercial flop. The conversation touches on the shifting trends towards simpler, multifunctional devices as consumers yearn for clarity over complexity. Also, peek into Nokia's gaming legacy and the rising popularity of 'dumb phones' in an age of overwhelming tech. It's a fascinating reflection on the evolution of mobile devices!

Oct 27, 2024 • 12min
What does winning a James Beard Award really mean for chefs?
Brett Anderson, a food correspondent for The New York Times and former James Beard Awards committee member, joins acclaimed chef Chintan Pandya, known for his vibrant Indian restaurants. They dive into the profound impact of winning a James Beard Award on a chef's career, sparking more reservations and media buzz while unveiling unexpected challenges. The duo also discusses the balancing act between culinary prestige and financial realities, offering insights into how such accolades can reshape the restaurant industry for aspiring chefs.

Oct 25, 2024 • 13min
Febreze Scentstories: A fake CD player that smells
Discover the bizarre Febreze Scentstories, a CD player that dispensed fragrances instead of music, and the missed marketing opportunities that doomed it. Delve into Shania Twain’s unexpected role in this strange venture. As Norway raises internet age limits for teens, hear about AI’s intrusion into Polish journalism. This blend of odd consumer products and tech trends makes for a captivating discussion that highlights the fine line between innovation and confusion.

Oct 24, 2024 • 16min
R.I.P. Foursquare
Dive into the tale of Foursquare, a once-beloved check-in app facing its twilight amidst changing tech landscapes. Discover its evolution from a pioneering social platform to a location intelligence powerhouse, and explore potential pathways for its revival. The conversation also highlights Apple's bold move to integrate OpenAI into Siri, and examines the latest trends shaking up the business world. Will Foursquare find its footing once more in a new era?

Oct 23, 2024 • 14min
The NFL’s growing flirtation with Europe
The NFL is intensifying its international presence, bringing games to new countries like Brazil and eyeing Ireland next. There's a shift from enforcing a top-down approach to engaging with local fans, creating new revenue opportunities. However, concerns about player health during international travel are also on the table. Additionally, intriguing partnerships such as Peloton's collaboration with Costco and promising inflation news spark lively discussions, keeping listeners informed and entertained.

Oct 22, 2024 • 14min
Ever wish you could boop the snoot of a Tasmanian tiger?
Explore the fascinating world of de-extinction as a startup works to revive the Tasmanian tiger and other extinct species. Delve into the ethical implications of such ambitious projects—should we recreate or conserve? Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A is making a splash in entertainment, and the rising costs of Girl Scout memberships raise eyebrows. Also, discover Cooper Hefner's plans to rejuvenate the Playboy brand while tech advancements at HubSpot aim to bolster business productivity. It's a lively mix of innovation and industry trends!

Oct 21, 2024 • 14min
A history of failed Legos: from nearly bankrupt to untouchable
Lego’s journey from near bankruptcy to dominance is filled with fascinating twists. The 90s saw innovative missteps and product flops that nearly sank the brand. One infamous initiative, Galador, struggled to compete with the Bionicle series and highlighted critical failures. The shift from classic bricks to action figures brought new challenges. Yet, through strategic partnerships and a focus on beloved franchises, Lego reinvented itself, showcasing resilience and creative evolution in the toy industry.

23 snips
Oct 20, 2024 • 26min
Successfully monetizing content for brands and creators with Steph Smith
In this engaging conversation, guest Steph Smith, a trend-tracking expert and host of the a16z podcast, shares her insights on content monetization. She emphasizes the importance of identifying niche markets and balancing passion with audience engagement. Listeners will learn how setting constraints can enhance content creation and community participation. Steph also explores the significance of authenticity in a rapidly changing landscape, offering valuable strategies for creators and brands aiming for impact.

Oct 18, 2024 • 15min
Why, tho? The $200 handheld device that only did one thing
Discover the story behind Twitter Peek, a $200 device that only accessed Twitter, and why it flopped in a smartphone world. Explore the rise and fall of handheld gadgets, from BlackBerry dominance to niche products. Delve into the transformation from single-purpose devices to smartphones, and examine the unexpected comeback of 'dumb phones' as a way to reclaim focus in a distracting digital age. Plus, find out what toothpaste and a surprising firing have in common with tech trends today.

Oct 17, 2024 • 15min
Why are so many people paying so much money to be terrorized?
Americans are spending record amounts on Halloween, with theme parks engaging in fierce competition to attract visitors with thrilling haunted experiences. The popularity of these attractions lies in their blend of fear and social bonding, creating memorable moments for participants. Meanwhile, Amazon is making headlines with ambitious nuclear energy deals, and a striking new Prada-designed space suit has been unveiled. It's a fascinating dive into the intersection of entertainment, innovation, and consumer spending.