Weekly Recap: Taylor Swift Gets Engaged, SpaceX Launches Falcon 9, Dr. Drew, The Labubu Craze

Overview

This episode dives into Intel's surprising equity deal with the U.S. government, Taylor Swift's engagement and its cultural implications, Dr. Drew's reflections on media evolution and health, SpaceX's latest Starship test flight, and the global phenomenon of Pop Mart's Labubu collectibles.

Notable Quotes

- Living well is the goal—not living forever, not living perfectly free of illness. It’s living a good life. - Dr. Drew, on society's fear of risk and mortality.

- Trump is effectively the SPAC sponsor of Intel now. - John Coogan, on the U.S. government’s equity stake in Intel.

- The children yearn for the slots. - Jordi Hays, on the gambling-like appeal of Labubu blind boxes.

🖥️ Intel’s Equity Deal with the U.S. Government

- The U.S. government has taken a 10% equity stake in Intel, converting $8.9 billion in CHIPS Act grants into ownership.

- John Coogan and Jordi Hays analyze the unusual nature of this deal, comparing it to venture capital investments and questioning its long-term implications.

- The deal is framed as a strategic move to bolster U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, but critics debate whether it’s a step toward MAGA socialism.

- Intel’s CEO Lip Bu Tan navigated intense political pressure, including calls for his resignation over alleged ties to China, before securing the deal.

💍 Taylor Swift’s Engagement and Cultural Impact

- Taylor Swift’s engagement sparks discussions about her influence on American culture, birth rates, and even monetary policy.

- Her ability to monetize her brand—through albums, tours, and now her personal life—is highlighted as a masterclass in modern celebrity economics.

- Jordi Hays humorously notes the societal pressure her engagement places on couples in their late 20s and 30s.

🩺 Dr. Drew on Media, Health, and Resilience

- Dr. Drew recounts his early involvement in a failed dot-com venture, highlighting the chaotic get big fast mentality of the era.

- He reflects on the evolution of media, emphasizing the shift from large production teams to individual creators leveraging platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

- On health, he stresses the importance of sleep, resilience, and embracing life’s risks, criticizing modern society’s obsession with avoiding illness at all costs.

🚀 SpaceX’s Starship Test Flight

- SpaceX successfully launched and tested its Starship rocket, marking a significant milestone in its development.

- The test included deploying dummy Starlink satellites and surviving reentry, though the rocket experienced visible structural issues mid-flight.

- The hosts marvel at the scale of the achievement, comparing the 403-foot rocket to landmarks like the Statue of Liberty.

🎲 The Labubu Craze and Pop Mart’s Success

- Pop Mart’s Labubu blind boxes have become a global sensation, driven by TikTok unboxing videos and the thrill of gambling-like mechanics.

- The collectibles, which originated in China, have seen explosive growth, with Pop Mart’s revenue doubling year-over-year and international sales surging.

- The hosts discuss the cultural and psychological appeal of blind boxes, likening them to slot machines and speculating on their future in Western markets.

- They humorously suggest applying the blind box model to other industries, like luxury cars and food.