Episodes

Episode 730: Neal and Toby dive into Netflix’s industry-changing deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. Then, Apple is undergoing a personnel shift as key executives are leaving the company. Meanwhile, micro cars in Japan have caught the attention of President Trump who wants to bring them to the US, despite regulatory hurdles in the way. Also, heads to tech billionaires and prominent figures on top of robotic dogs become the latest artwork that signifies a wave of digital art. Finally, a look into...

Small businesses had a bad layoff month and Netflix stock falls

Episode 728: Neal and Toby discuss Trump’s proposal to slash fuel efficiency standards, rolling back a Biden-era policy. Then, Spotify Wrapped is upon us. Get ready for everybody showing off how basic their music tastes are. Also, a little known private equity firm Bending Spoons just swept up Eventbrite for $500M. Meanwhile, Neal shares his favorite numbers on Waymo cars, Boston rent, and how we commute. Finally, the search for the tragic missing Malaysia airplane is back on. Check out https://...

Episode 727: Neal and Toby talk about the funding of ‘Trump accounts’ that will deposit $250 into investment accounts for 25 million children, thanks to Michael and Susan Dell. Then, Costco is standing up to the Trump administration by seeking a refund of tariffs. Meanwhile, companies are looking for various incentives to have their workers cozy up to AI, even if it means it may replace them in the end. Also, since the end of the year is barreling down, many platforms are unveiling their own ver...

Episode 726: Neal and Toby discuss a major supreme court case between top music labels and internet providers over who’s liable for copyright infringement. Then, the NY state gaming board approves 3 casino licenses in New York City. Plus, Airbus shares take a hit after multiple reports of new quality issues with their A320 aircrafts. Meanwhile, Toby dives into the trend of quarter zips that are making a comeback in men’s fashion. Finally, Shopify goes dark in, quite possibly, the worst time of a...

Episode 725: Neal and Toby recap the biggest holiday shopping time of the year and the different spending habits between Gen Z and Gen X spenders. Then, a viral essay believes the new US poverty line is $140,000. And, a late rally pushes the stock market near another record high. Also, Google’s new hurricane model may be the future of weather forecasting. Finally, what you need to know coming up in the week ahead. Check out https://www.linkedIn.com/mbd for more. Get your MBD live show tickets he...

Episode 724: Neal and Toby talk with James Zahn, the editor-in-chief of The Toy Book, aka @therockfather , to dive deep into the toy industry as the holiday becomes the busiest time of the year for the industry. But will it now have to compete with the advent of AI-powered toys and companions? Also, what’s fueling the Kidult economy and why the term isn’t exactly new. Then, a discussion about the symbiotic relationship between Hollywood and toy manufacturers. Finally, what are the greatest toys ...

Neal and Toby go through a typical Thanksgiving Day and share some facts you may not know

Episode 722: Neal and Toby discuss the delisting phenomenon plaguing the housing market as sellers would rather take them off than lowering the price. Also, Google seems to have put a crack in Nvidia’s armor as its AI chips are gaining some attention. Meanwhile, September’s retail data reveals shoppers are pulling back their spending, all the while retailers are showing off impressive earnings. How does that work? And, AI slop is turning into AI sloppy joes as recipes found online are proving to...

Episode 721: Neal and Toby chat about X’s new location transparency feature that has opened up a can of worms as some of the most divisive accounts on US politics aren’t actually from the US. Then, Novo Nordisk has taken a big hit after its trials to develop a drug to delay Alzheimer’s have failed. Plus, the Trump administration makes access to federal student loans stricter, particularly for nurses. Meanwhile, is cigarette smoking cool again? Learn more at usbank.com/splitcard Get your MBD live...

Episode 720: Neal and Toby talk about Google’s string of recent wins that resulted in its market value surpassing Microsoft. Then, America’s affordability crisis seemed to be the one thing in common between the Trump and Mamdani meeting. Then, Eli Lilly hits $1 trillion in market value, first for a health care company. Meanwhile, “Wicked: For Good” smashes its target at the box office. Finally, a preview of what’s coming in the week ahead. Learn more at usbank.com/splitcard Get your MBD live sho...

Episode 719: Neal and Toby talk about the latest jobs report…that reports September numbers? That’s because of the government shutdown. And it’s a mixed bag, of course. Then, Walmart, America’s largest, and seemingly most reliable retailer reports strong earnings as consumers prioritize affordability. Meanwhile, AI toys are a thing and parents are being warned to keep their kids away from them. Plus, Amtrak reports a record year and Bath & Body Works CEO thinks the company stinks. Finally, ‘Wick...

Episode 718: Neal and Toby dive into Nvidia’s Q3 earnings that topped expectations while CEO Jensen Huang reiterated his confidence in AI. Then, Target reports another stinker of a quarter causing many to believe the retailer is on the ropes. Also, a new study believes this year’s Thanksgiving dinner will be more affordable than last year’s. Meanwhile, Neal shares his favorite numbers on Gustav Klimt’s most expensive artwork sold at Sotheby’s, the truest underdog in the World Cup, and the origin...

Episode 717: Neal and Toby discuss Mark Zuckerberg’s big win against the government as a federal judge says Meta does not hold monopoly power in today’s social media landscape. A big loss for the FTC. Then, Home Depot reports a weak Q3 which is seen as a bad sign for the economy. And, Panera Bread, the once No. 1 fast-casual chain in the US, has steadily declined in the last few years and announces a turnaround plan to bring it back to its glory days. Meanwhile, “Baby Shark Dance,” the extremely...

Episode 716: Neal and Toby chat about bitcoin’s price dropping to its lowest level in six months, stirring fears across Wall Street. Then, a struggling labor market means job seekers are forced to take up jobs that are uncommon and unpopular. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos is jumping back into the startup world with a new AI company that has an eye popping $6.2B in funding to start. Plus, Toby looks into the growing dining trend for Gen Z of communal dining tables. Finally, Warren Buffett puts stock into...

Episode 715: Neal and Toby discuss Trump’s tariff rollback on beef, coffee, and other food goods to address rising price concerns from the American people. Next, Hollywood is struggling to make hits at the box office, even when movies have a star-studded cast. Plus, Charlie Javice is fooling JPMorgan again, this time by charging luxury hotel stays as legal fees. Meanwhile, CEOs from iconic companies are getting ready to retire. Finally, what you need to know in the week ahead. Learn more at usba...

Episode 714: Toby and Ann chat about Michael Burry, famed ‘Big Short’ investor, who has been public about the resemblance between the housing bubble of 2008 and the AI boom of today. Then, congress was able to reopen the government, but snuck in a provision that places tighter restrictions on hemp products that could upend the hemp industry. Plus, Cisco Systems, the once darling of the 2000s, is seeing a resurgence thanks to a wave of AI-related demand. Meanwhile, speculative tech stocks have ta...

Episode 713: Toby and Ann dive into the ending of the longest government shutdown in US history. But while federal workers and programs start up again, the ripple effects of its impacts may be far-reaching. Then, Google is standing up to scammers as it sues a shadowy operation, hoping to put an end to text phishing. Meanwhile, Toby shares his favorite numbers from Harvard’s alleged grade-flation, ChatGPT usage, and Disney’s economic toll from the YouTube blackout. Finally, it’s time to pay our c...

Episode 712: Toby and Kyle dive into SoftBanks big move to sell its stake in Nvidia to re-focus its investment to OpenAI. Then, Visa and Mastercard reach a settlement over a 20-year dispute with merchants that will now allow stores to reject certain credit cards if the merchant fees are too high. Plus, Toby looks into the trend of trains and buses that have become reliable modes of transportation whenever the US air travel system craps out. Meanwhile, Netflix bets big on the physical entertainme...

Episode 711: Neal and Toby chat with author Michael Lewis to talk about the 10th anniversary of “The Big Short” movie and the lines drawn from the 2008 financial crisis to today. Then, Michael shares his take on the AI industry and whether or not we’re actually in a bubble. Plus, a dive into prediction markets and the proliferation of sports betting. Finally, Neal and Toby put on their casting director hats and re-cast “The Big Short” as if it was being made today. Learn more at usbank.com/split...

Episode 710: Toby and Kyle discuss whether OpenAI is becoming too big to fail as there’s been rumblings about a government backstop for its AI-fueled debt. Then, President Trump proposes a 50-year mortgage to help with affordability for aspiring home owners. And, Netflix drops a first-look of “Sesame Street” on its debut on the platform. Meanwhile, Starbucks drops a viral “bear cup” that sparked a fan frenzy but also backlash. Finally, what you need to know in the week ahead. Learn more at usban...

Episode 709: Neal and Toby discuss a report that showed October was the worst month for layoffs in over 20 years. Then, Elon Musk prevails in the battle over this $1 trillion pay package. Meanwhile, ESPN drops Penn Entertainment as its sports betting partner and brings in DraftKings. Plus, Snap announces a partnership with Perplexity AI to AI-ify its search engine, sending shares up 8%. And, Duolingo, Celsius, and E.l.f. Beauty join the 20% club…with each of its shares falling by at least 20%. F...

Episode 708: Neal and Toby dive into the ripple effects of the now longest US government shutdown in history. Then, Whole Foods is experimenting with some new store concepts that include robot power and offering products not normally available on shelves. Plus, Google thinks there’s a way to solve the AI data center problem of limited space…put 'em up in space! Next, Neal shares his favorite numbers on double major’d students, bright headlights, and indoor plants. Finally, this past World Series...

Episode 707: Neal and Toby recap Zohran Mamdani’s victory to become the next mayor of NYC and how Wall Street is reacting. Then, the Supreme Court hears arguments to decide whether Trump’s sweeping tariffs are valid or not. Also, Michael Burry, the famous ‘Big Short’ investor who predicted the housing bubble is calling his next shot: the AI bubble. Meanwhile, Pizza Hut has been struggling for years and its parent company is considering selling it away. Finally, the government shutdown is now the...