Best Inside The Bot Podcasts (2024)

1
Chick-Fil-A’s new business model: fast drive-thrus and a streaming service 15:50

3h ago15:50

15:50

Chick-Fil-A’s extremely successful 2023 has the company in growth mode. The big reveals for the company’s future include a faster “elevated” drive-thru service and…a foray into the entertainment industry. So how can drive-thrus get any faster and what on earth can we expect from a Chick-Fil-A streaming service? Plus: Drone delivery graces the Great…

1
An inside look at Taco Bell’s early retirement community 18:14

34m ago18:14

18:14

Taco Bell’s “Cantinas” was an early retirement community that gave Taco Bell rewards members a chance to relax like a retiree. Obviously, this marketing idea is like none before it, but was it a good experience for those who attended? Plus: the pumpkin spice latte is here early and Ford abandons an EV project. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Juliett…

1
Supply chains crumble from…TikTok-famous Swedish candy 15:17

6h ago15:17

15:17

The global candy supply chain is in disarray thanks to delicious Swedish candies. TikTok influencers have lauded these candies all year and their growing virality has led to real concerns for many companies and suppliers. So just how bad is it and is TikTok fame a gift or a curse? Plus: Another airline merger is on its way and the LiveNation-Ticket…

1
How Olipop entered the exclusive stadium soda market 14:46

8h ago14:46

14:46

Coca-Cola and Pepsico have met their match in stadiums across the US. Soda industry newcomer Olipop broke through exclusivity rights and secured a deal to be sold in the new $2B Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. So, how did they do it and is there more to come for small soda brands? Plus: GM has layoffs and Fubo halts ESPN, Warner and Fox’s spo…

1
Microsoft’s Tay and her belligerent bot rants 13:40

40m ago13:40

13:40

TayTweets was a Microsoft bot account that mimicked an American girl trying to learn about human culture. Of course, the result of that was about exactly what you’d expect- Tay turned into a bigot. So what was accomplished here and did Microsoft learn anything from it? Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Juliet Bennett, as they take you through our most…

1
Could the 'vibecession' become a real economic downturn? 26:29

23m ago26:29

26:29

Over the last few weeks, unemployment ticked upward, job growth came in below expectations, and the US stock market had its worst day since 2022. But interest rates for mortgages also went down to below 6.5%. Is the economy headed for a soft landing or is trouble brewing? Economist Kyla Scanlon, who makes sense of the economy on her popular Instagr…

1
IKEA’s inflatable couch: The sofa that flew away 13:19

7d ago13:19

13:19

IKEA tried to sell an inflatable couch twice and it didn’t work out either time. The furniture company has had a long history of success, but for some reason, this fill-your-own addition to their offerings deflated pretty quickly. So why did they make it and what were its biggest problems? Plus: Amazon is deep in drone trials and Shake Shack gets r…

1
Why the Pentagon hired a beauty company for $2m 12:47

1d ago12:47

12:47

Debut Biotechnology grows their beauty ingredients in a lab. The company has recently inked deals with L’Oreal and… The US Department of Defence. So why does the Pentagon need this beauty company and why are they paying millions? Plus: Mars acquires Kellanova and Inflation eases up in the US. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Juliet Bennett, as they t…

1
A new rule for real estate agents could send home prices falling 15:42

15m ago15:42

15:42

For decades, Realtors representing homebuyers and sellers have split a commission fee of 5%-to-6%. Not anymore. Changes resulting from a legal settlement go into effect this week, potentially giving more room for negotiation and lower profits for the agents. Plus: Starbucks’ buzzy new CEO and bad news for Big Lots. Join our hosts Mark Dent and Kath…

1
Episode 57: Catching Them All With RRN's 2024 Pokémon GO World Championships Contender, Allijah 'Motiks' Motika 1:10:05

2h ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Our guest today, Allijah Motika, is a competitive Pokémon GO! player who has earned a spot in the 2024 Pokémon GO World Championships, taking place in Honolulu, HI August 16-18. He’s also a fellow podcaster on the Ruminations Radio Network, as he co-hosted 25 Yards Later Fantasy Football. Join The Six-Button Samurai and @GameAgentET (OGiH) as we ta…

1
The story of the ‘unbreakable’ German drinking glass 12:49

6h ago12:49

12:49

German company Superfest looked to solve broken drinking glasses forever with the invention of an ‘unbreakable’ glass. This had all the tools to be a world-changing invention, so what went wrong and why haven’t many people heard of it? Plus: Chuck E. Cheese wants subscribers and Coors Light sales have gone from snowy mountain peak to valley. Join o…

1
Can We Pull Carbon Out of the Air? 25:37

7h ago25:37

25:37

The Paris Climate Agreement says we need to reach “net zero” carbon emissions by 2050. That means for every new carbon molecule we put in the air, we have to take one out. Even the most optimistic forecasts still anticipate burning fossil fuels well past that date. So how do we balance the carbon books? Enter direct air capture, or DAC — a mechanic…

51
The hair care industry rakes in billions, here’s how to cash in 15:26

9d ago15:26

15:26

Products like hair oil have become a category of their own, growing 24% in the last year. Thanks to TikTok and other social media outlets, the hair care industry has never been bigger, which makes now a great time to innovate in the market. So what makes hair products so investment-worthy and how can you be a part of it? Join our hosts Jon Weigell …

1
How to develop a winning mindset with Matt Higgins 29:10

3d ago29:10

29:10

Matt Higgins is the CEO and Co-founder of RSE Ventures, a company with an investment portfolio including Momofuku, Magnolia Bakery and much more. Matt joins us on the show today to tell us how to spot a good investment opportunity, how to take calculated risks and how to reach your full potential doing it. Join our host Jon Weigell, for an in-depth…

1
Spirit, Frontier and Southwest are in trouble: can budget airlines survive? 14:28

4d ago14:28

14:28

The budget airline golden age may be over, with Spirit, Frontier and Southwest scrambling to change various pricing models of theirs. The airlines known for getting you somewhere cheap are not increasing prices, creating more add on costs and trying to squeeze customers. Will it work? Or will they continue to falter? Plus: Duolingo is thriving and …

1
Shocking: If bus stops weren’t so ugly, people would ride the bus more 15:54

5d ago15:54

15:54

Many bus stops are downright atrocious looking, but they’re not just ugly, apparently they’re also ensuring that people choose to not take the bus. So, would beautifying these bus stops get more travelers and commuters on board? And would these people pay more for a nicer bus experience? Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Juliet Bennett, as they take y…

51
The future of Google and search 16:10

14d ago16:10

16:10

A federal judge ruled that Google has used illegal methods to maintain its search monopoly. But does that mean Google will become any less powerful? Plus: a stock market rebound and more Delta CrowdStrike fallout. Join our hosts Mark Dent and Ben Berkley, as they take you through our most interesting stories of the day. Grab the free Entrepreneursh…

1
How sports & music tourism are becoming a $1.5T industry 13:55

7d ago13:55

13:55

People are spending loads of cash on events. In addition, lots of folks are even making trips out of specific events like the Olympics or Taylor Swift concerts. This sports and music tourism industry is gaining momentum among Millennials and Gen Z, so much that it’s heading for profits in the trillions. So, how did we get here? Plus: Elon Musk cont…

1
Has the Moment for Hydrogen Finally Arrived? 22:27

7d ago22:27

22:27

Hydrogen has long been the great hope of the environmental movement. Hydrogen-powered cars; airplanes; even home heating. A single molecule could power it all. Much of that has gone nowhere. But now, hydrogen is being touted as the answer to carbon-free steel. Can we trust in our hydrogen future this time? To explore that question, host Arielle Duh…

1
AI monthly update: OpenAI tests SearchGPT and YouTube is unwillingly training AI 15:47

8d ago15:47

15:47

July was a huge month in AI. OpenAI launched GPT-4o mini and is preparing an AI search engine. In addition, we also discovered that some tech companies have been using YouTube to train their AI models. Today we’re joined again by Martina Bretous, the editor of Hubspot’s Next in AI (https://blog.hubspot.com/ai) to talk through July’s most important …

1
The billion dollar value of cybersecurity startups (and how to build one) 22:34

10d ago22:34

22:34

Google parent Alphabet recently offered $23B for a cybersecurity startup called Wiz, which could be the largest acquisition in Alphabet’s history. With that in mind, what is the value of cybersecurity companies today and why are they so important and integral to our online functionality? More importantly, how can you get into the booming industry? …

1
S2E14 - Change of Heart (Part II) 33:37

11d ago33:37

33:37

Under the watchful eyes of two surgeons, Tari de Whitte has a change of heart. And maybe others do too. Featuring a phrase often repeated, a much-needed hug, and snap decisions. Trigger warnings: Medical discussion and procedures, drug abuse, surgery, surveillance, discussions of memory loss, fainting, discussion of death, alarms, fire, yelling, br…

1
Can Incineration Save Us From Plastic Pollution? | E73 35:42

11d ago35:42

35:42

Join Jason and Herman for another plastics episode. It's a topic we've been interested in for a while because it's just all over the place. We discuss why plastics are both a blessing and a curse in our modern world, and explore some innovative solutions to our growing waste problem. We touch on some economic challenges of recycling, the potential …

1
Fashion alert: an AI necklace that fights loneliness 16:26

11d ago16:26

16:26

Friend’s $99 AI necklace is here and it wants to make you feel less lonely. AI wearables and physical devices are all the rage right now, with gadgets like Humane’s AI pin and Rabbit’s R1 on the market, but is this necklace worthwhile, or just another dud? Plus: Massachusetts mandates salary transparency and Nexflix promises updates on Stranger Thi…

1
Starbucks sales are down 3%, here’s what they’re doing about it 16:55

12d ago16:55

16:55

Global coffee powerhouse Starbucks is feeling the inflation sting after global sales were down 3% last quarter. Many chains are experiencing the same problems like McDonalds, but in the midst of dwindling sales, what is Starbucks doing to get back on track? Plus: Delta’s reported revenue loss from the Crowdstrike outage and Taco Bell’s new AI integ…

1
Paris wants sustainability, but Olympians want meat 16:11

13d ago16:11

16:11

Paris Olympic organizers had a huge task this year: make the Olympics more climate-friendly. One of the many ways they’re trying to achieve this is through food. Less meat, more locally grown vegetables. However, many athletes are more interested in maintaining their peak diet for performance. Plus: JetBlue stock takes off and Tesla issues another …

1
Episode 56: Ridge Racer vs. Pac-Man and the Less-Is-More Games That Truly Satisfy 1:09:41

14d ago1:09:41

1:09:41

GameAgenstET and The Six Button Samurai dive into a philosophical discussion about the games that move us, and how in an age of weighing games by follow-up DLC support or how long a game takes to complete, a key aspect of what makes a good game great may be falling by the wayside. EVO is also happening quite literally as we speak, and the shadow dr…

1
How the top 1% of podcasts are making all the money 15:33

14d ago15:33

15:33

Joe Rogan signed a deal with Spotify in 2020 for $250m. That deal has inspired many more multi-million dollar superstar podcast deals like Trevor Noah, the Kelce brothers and Alex Cooper. So in the $20B podcast industry, is there any room for smaller creators to make money? Or is this economic bubble sitting on the top? Plus: McDonald’s sees a sale…

1
Keeping Cool Without Warming the Planet 26:22

14d ago26:22

26:22

Heat kills more people in the United States than any other weather event, and scientists expect the earth to continue to get hotter. Unfortunately, one of the most effective tools we have to combat heat — air-conditioning — also contributes to global warming. The hotter we get, the more AC we’ll need: It’s a conundrum. So how do we keep cool withou…

1
Why is nobody buying EV Trucks? 15:21

23d ago15:21

15:21

Companies like Ford are striking out with EV trucks in the US. An invention that seemed like a no-brainer as a combination of a trendy EV with an old school American favorite pickup ended up being a real financial flop for Ford and other car companies. So why are EV trucks just not selling? Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Tory Bullock, as they take …

1
The camera tech that redefined how we watch TV 13:07

19d ago13:07

13:07

Watch any major awards ceremony. Not right now. You’re busy. But what those keen couple of eyes of yours will quickly notice is the way the camera moves. You can also see it on every reality tv, news, and competition show. In fact, once you see it, you'll never stop noticing it. And while the big, sweeping camera technique of these jibs might be et…

1
S2E13 - Change of Heart (Part I) 56:54

25d ago56:54

56:54

There's a timer ticking on Tari de Whitte's life and everybody knows it. And while eir survival hangs in the balance, Haven's freedom encroaches on the fate of Cair Mallplex--and Zero Zero along with it. Featuring a trip backwards in time, reckless decisions, and confessions in waiting rooms. Trigger warnings: Discussions of death, drug and alcohol…

1
The Last Generation of Programmers? AI's Impact on Software | E72 35:18

18d ago35:18

35:18

Join Herman and Jason as they explore the shifting landscape of software development in the age of AI. From artisanal code to AI-generated solutions, they ponder the future of programming and what it means for their generation of coders. They have a thought-provoking discussions on career longevity, the rise of technical interfacing, and the potent…

1
Robots are already among us- are humanoid robots coming soon? 14:43

26d ago14:43

14:43

We’re all aware that we live with robots. They can be spotted flipping burgers or being a friendly companion to our kids, but where is robot technology going from here? Are humanoid robots coming anytime soon and what’s the likelihood of them taking over our weak planet right now? Plus: Chipotle urges employees to scoop more and another streaming b…

1
The truth about the Olympics “anti-sex’ beds for athletes 15:47

22d ago15:47

15:47

At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, stories surfaced about “anti-sex” beds in the athlete villages. Since we’re in Paris for the Olympics this year, that media attention has resurfaced. So are these beds really “anti-sex” or is there a lot more to the story? Plus: Tesla’s robotaxi prototype has a debut date and Peacock is doing badly, but better. Join our …

1
The CrowdStrike hangover that just won’t quit 14:51

23d ago14:51

14:51

Many companies, especially Delta, are still struggling nearly a week after the CrowdStrike glitch. Will there be any changes to prevent this chaos in the future? Plus: a delay for the California Forever town and the FTC’s latest target. Join our hosts Mark Dent and Katherine Laidlaw, as they take you through our most interesting stories of the day.…

1
Episode 55: Sad Dad Sims & Astro-Bot Joy 1:24:22

21d ago1:24:22

1:24:22

The Six-Button Samurai and GameAgentETare joined by longtime friend and former fellow fighting stick assembler, Aaron Holley, who unlike The Last of Us's Joel and God of War Kratos, actually enjoys fatherhood while trying to get in some gaming with his trusty SteamDeck. He provides a fresh third perspective as we take a last conclusive dip into the…

1
What happens when AI takes over low-income jobs? 16:24

24d ago16:24

16:24

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman funded a basic income study that granted 3k households an extra $1k per month in income. Now that we’re on the other side of it, what did it teach us and how does it relate to AI eventually replacing low-income jobs? Plus: An update on Crowdstrike and Korea Air still wants Boeing. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Ben Berkley, as…

1
Is the U.S. Ready for a New Nuclear Age? 32:02

1M ago32:02

32:02

The United States was once on track to be a world leader in nuclear power, building more than 100 plants in the 1970s and 1980s. But cost and safety concerns led to decades of decommissioning old plants and canceling plans to build new ones. Now, with clean energy production a top priority, there are signs of a revival. Reactors at the first new nu…

1
Gourmet convenience: tapping into the $214B snack market and more 18:34

30d ago18:34

18:34

The newest trend in food for Gen Z and Millennials is gourmet convenience, or premium foods delivered fast. With takeout meals reaching a new high (a 72% rise since the pandemic) and diverse foods trending on social media, there’s never been a better time to get into the gourmet foods business. Plus: Disneyland employees are on strike and the job s…

1
Why workers are outsourcing their jobs to 'shadow stand-ins' 23:43

26d ago23:43

23:43

Corporations have been outsourcing labor for decades. Now, average employees are getting in on the action. Driven by long hours, an inability to perform, or a desire to make more money by taking on other jobs, they're paying other people to do their work for them — without their employer's knowledge. Rob Price, a senior correspondent for Business I…

51
Here’s why you’re so annoyed at your coworkers 15:48

26d ago15:48

15:48

According to a recent survey from Kickresume, 85% of employees have dealt with an annoying coworker. This annoying behavior manifests in many reported ways from micromanaging to complaining, but why are this many people feeling agitated in the workplace? And does it translate to remote work too? Plus: Ford invests $3B in its new trucks and OpenAI l…

1
Should we ban phones in schools? 18:18

1M ago18:18

18:18

Schools across the country are grappling with the issue of: “to ban or not to ban?” when it comes to phones. As major school districts in NY, LA and Virginia move to enforce bans in 2025, we have to wonder if it will have the desired effect of limiting distractions. Plus: Tinder brings in AI to pick your profile photos and Ray-Ban parent company ac…

1
Big Tech has fallen off Gen Z’s vision board 17:07

1M ago17:07

17:07

Every other year, American high school students are surveyed about their dream jobs. The latest results from Gen Z had a few surprises in store as they shift away from Big Tech and toward… Big Government? Weird. Plus: Nicotine pouches aren’t going anywhere and so long, Amazon Prime Day, we hardly knew thee. Join our hosts Ben Berkley and Sara Fried…

1
The denim industry is booming, so why is Levi’s lagging? 16:48

1M ago16:48

16:48

2024 is the year of denim. Fashion retailers are selling boat loads of the material, but with demand so high, why isn’t denim pioneer Levi’s at the helm? And with a steep drop in their stock, where did it all go wrong for the denim giant? Plus: Macy’s squashes a buyout and Blackrock’s assets reach $10.65T. Join our hosts Jon Weigell and Katherine L…

1
The Great American Road Trip, Reimagined 30:16

1M ago30:16

30:16

Americans drive more, drive further, and pay less for fuel than people in other developed countries. Partly for this reason, our vehicles are more than just a means of transportation — they’re extensions of who we are. So persuading Americans to swap out gas-dependent cars for EVs is a different — and in many ways more difficult — challenge. What’s…

1
Why the US is “banning” affordable Chinese EVs 18:01

1M ago18:01

18:01

Chinese electric cars are making a splash globally as decent and affordable EV options, so why is the US government so adamantly against those vehicles entering the domestic market? Surprise: It has to do with oil companies, the stubborn American car industry and tons of other factors. Check our video on Chinese EV’s here. Plus: Google and Microsof…

1
Why tech billionaires are buying up California farmland 27:21

1M ago27:21

27:21

‘California Forever’ is a project developed by Jan Sramek to create a new housing community in the farmland of Solano County, CA. The idea, an answer to the criticism that Silicon Valley only develops apps, means that many farmers in Solano County will be bought out or pushed out of their homes. New York Times reporter Conor Dougherty joins the sho…

1
Inflation is down, unemployment is up, the economy is… both? 17:28

1M ago17:28

17:28

The last week has offered American economic data geeks the thrill of a lifetime: a new jobs report, updates on the core consumer price index, and those elusive inflation stats the Fed has been waiting for. What do you need to know and most importantly, what the hell does it all mean for you? Plus: Samsung unveils Galaxy Ring and Walmart opens autom…

1
MODERN CHARACTER ACTORS, Part 1, A Boston SciFi Presents Podcast 45:05

1M ago45:05

45:05

You see their faces in movies and on TV. You hear their voices in animation, but you never quite know who they are. Listen in as film directors Hope Madden and David Giancola join MC Garen Daly as they try and define what a character actor is in the 21st century. Featuring #dickmiller, Catherine O'Hara, #jameshong, Keith David Brion James & more. P…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Inside The Bot Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide