The Hustle Daily Show

Tumblr never exactly went away, but it’s making a big comeback with the generation that you may least expect: Gen Z. Gen Z users now make up around half of the platform's active user base, but why are they all flocking to Tumblr? Plus: “Thank you” costs ChatGPT millions and Walgreens reaches a $350m settlement.Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Juliet Bennett as they take you through our most interesting stories of the day.Get our Side Hustle Ideas Database: https://clickhubspot.com/thdsFollow us on social media:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehustle.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehustledaily/Thank You For Listening to The Hustle Daily Show. Don’t forget to hit Subscribe or Follow us on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode! If you want this news delivered to your inbox, join millions of others and sign up for The Hustle Daily newsletter, here: https://thehustle.co/email/ Plus! Your engagement matters to us. If you are a fan of the show, be sure to leave us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hustle-daily-show/id1606449047 (and share your favorite episodes with your friends, clients, and colleagues).

Frozen pizza sales skyrocketed to $6.5 billion in 2024, proving to be a key indicator of economic health. As consumers turn to affordable meal options during downturns, the popularity of brands like DiGiorno surges. Airbnb is adapting by including all fees in checkout, while Chipotle is eyeing expansion in Latin America. Evolution in frozen pizza quality and variety is highlighted, showcasing how this beloved food has become a recession staple, further driven by shifts in consumer dining habits.

Join Matt Brown, producer for The Hustle YouTube channel, as he dives into the oversized world of American trucks. He discusses how cultural and economic factors have led to our obsession with massive pickups, overshadowing smaller, more efficient models seen elsewhere. The conversation tackles the implications of changing fuel economy regulations and the environmental impact of these behemoths. Plus, explore the rising interest in smaller trucks and innovative electric options, highlighting a potential shift in consumer preferences.

March saw a surge in retail sales driven by consumers engaging in panic buying to dodge impending tariffs. People flocked to purchase goods across various sectors, including gardening and sports. Meanwhile, Chili's is shaking up the fast food scene with items mimicking McDonald's favorites. Luxury brands like Hermes thrive amidst rising prices for exclusive products, even as general consumer sentiment takes a hit amid economic worries. Vehicle sales spiked too, reflecting widespread anxiety about potential price hikes.

The rental economy is booming, with everything from clothing to cameras now easily accessible for rent. Economic pressures and Gen Z's preferences for sustainability are driving this trend. Rental apps, like Pickle, are thriving, showcasing a cultural shift towards resource-sharing. The podcast dives into how people are increasingly opting to rent rather than own, especially for special occasions. Plus, explore the impact of Nvidia's stock struggles and the potential launch of a new social network by OpenAI.

The US tourism industry faces a sharp decline, with a staggering 32% drop in Canadian arrivals. This downturn could result in a $2 billion loss and significant job threats in hospitality. Meanwhile, innovations are on the rise, like Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing in Atlanta. Coachella is adapting its ticketing with buy now, pay later options. Additionally, American Airlines is introducing free Wi-Fi for loyalty customers as airlines respond to shifting travel trends.

A landmark Supreme Court ruling has unleashed a financial revolution for college athletes, allowing them to profit from their name and image. The NIL industry is booming, potentially worth $1.6 billion, with platforms like Open Doors helping athletes secure lucrative brand deals. Some athletes are raking in millions, such as a gymnast who earned almost $10 million. Meanwhile, significant shifts in the sports landscape are prompting discussions on future legal cases that could further reshape college athletics.

Maria Gharib from the Mindstream newsletter joins hosts Jon Weigell and Martina Bretous to dive into the latest AI developments and what they mean for consumers. They discuss a Pew Research study revealing Americans' trust issues with AI. The conversation highlights biases in AI models and the widening trust gap between experts and the public. Plus, a staggering 1200% surge in traffic to retail sites due to generative AI showcases a shift in consumer behavior, prompting retailers to rethink their strategies.

Apple is facing some serious tariff-induced chaos, prompting them to move iPhone production in an urgent scramble. The discussion dives into the wild estimates of what American-made iPhones might cost. There's also a humorous take on the challenges of U.S. manufacturing, including workforce shortages and the ridiculous possibility of reverting to old tech. On another note, Prada has acquired Versace, while stamp prices are on the rise. Retail trends, including Walmart's competition with Amazon, add an interesting twist to the conversation.

The Minecraft movie dominated the box office, surprising many with its financial success. However, chaos erupted during screenings, leading to property damage and unruly behavior. The discussion touches on how theater staff handle such disruptions, drawing comparisons to cult classics like the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It also delves into the evolving expectations of younger audiences in cinemas, emphasizing the need for respectful behavior and innovative screening experiences that foster engagement.