Substance over sizzle. I make no promises about the cadence of this email. I do promise it will be worth your time and mine. -Dave
White Noise
Two words that have been used to describe Congressional briefings, but in this case, we’re referencing lucrative Spotify channels. According to Bloomberg (source), “Spotify Podcasters Are Making $18,000 a Month With Nothing But White Noise. Some of the audio app's biggest podcast hits are full of soothing static and calming sounds.” According to Dr. Erik Huberman, “Binaural beats are a neat science-supported tool to place the brain into a better state for learning."
Nothing (something?) To See Here
Startup mobile phone maker, Nothing, debuted its much-anticipated device which it describes as, “Less distractions. More soul. Just pure instinct, formed as a machine. Told through beautiful symbols. Deeper interactions. And brave simplicity. Phone (1) can bring us back. To us.” Marketing that uses dependent clauses as full sentences has worked well when the product, or service, being pitched proves to be revolutionary. Otherwise, it’s viewed as a pompous act flouting the Elements of Style. So, what’s the verdict?
Honey, Tell Me Why We Live in Sarasota Again?
The Tour de France is nearing the conclusion of its 2nd week. USA Network’s daily coverage offers viewers live action and seasoned, poignant commentary set against Europe’s (mostly France’s) majestic backdrop which triggers 2 questions; First, how did America’s urban planning go so wrong? Second, why aren’t today’s connected fitness brands leaning into VR cycling experiences?
Make Me Smarter, Dave
If you’re not yet reading Greg Scheinman’s Midlife Male newsletter, check it out. It may change your Sunday morning routine.
Comptroller Moves in a CEO-world
UCLA joined the Big 10, Texas is now (soon) an SEC school, and the University of Nebraska is in, ah, who cares. Conference realignment is chaotic, reflecting the rudder-less environment of collegiate athletics. For all the coverage, moving a school from one conference to another is really a nothing event. The most profound impact is to a school’s P&L. Let’s ponder this; is there a conference whose Commissioner and its constituent Athletic Directors are bold enough to reinvent the student-athlete experience for the next 30 years? That’s a story.
Fractional Sneakerheads
Since 2020’ish, hard core sneakerheads have been following former Notre Dame WR, Gerome Sapp, as he launched Rares, an app that “lets the average person invest in high-end sneakers as an investment asset.” Sell the Picasso. Buy the ‘85 Air Jordan 1 UNC’s instead. I’m tellin’ ya…
The Next Billion Dollar Brand
This one. You heard it here first.
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