Episodes
Published 11/05/24
The Birkenstock Arizona has adorned famous feet from John Lennon’s to Steve Jobs’ to Barbie’s—but the brand itself is older than America, and has gone through more eras than Taylor Swift (plus, won over just as many haters). From a cobbler’s shop in 18th-century Germany to KendaIl Jenner’s Insta feed, this 250-year old shoe brand has found staying power by embracing both 5-star…and 1-star reviews. Learn how an obsessed family of shoemakers created the most comfortable sandal ever, and how an...
Published 10/29/24
Mario isn’t just the most beloved plumber in history - he’s the most successful video game character of all time. With over 800 million games sold, Mario and his brother Luigi have “wahoo-ed” their way into multiple spinoffs, (Mario Kart sesh anyone?) Hollywood blockbusters… even their own amusement park. But the Super Mario Bros. origin story will surprise you like a rogue turtle shell: It features Donkey Kong, Popeye, and an artist from a forest in Kyoto. Find out how an angry landlord...
Published 10/22/24
The Happy Meal is the most successful meal in human history. With over 35 billion units sold, or about four for every person on Earth, McDonald’s iconic “Food and Fun in a Box” has also made the company a bigger toy distributor than Hasbro or Mattel (and maybe even Santa). But few know the Happy Meal’s contested origin story. Was the creator a mom of five in Guatemala, an ad man from Kansas City, or a forgotten franchise called “Burger Chef”? Spoiler, it wasn’t Grimace. Hear how McDonald’s...
Published 10/15/24
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Published 10/08/24