StirredUp

Everyone’s talking about AI... and this week we are talking about the war happening underneath it: the battle between America’s need to win the AI revolution and the massive strain it’s about to put on our power grid, our water systems, and our wallets. Here’s the truth: We cannot afford for AI to fail. Not financially, not strategically, not globally. Our economy, our 401(k)s, national security a...

This week, we pull back the curtain on the complex and often controversial funding mechanisms behind our nation's jails. We investigate: Public Jails: How are they funded by your local taxes? What role do county budgets and state allocations play? Private Jails: Who are the major corporations involved, and how do their contracts and per-diem rates affect taxpayers and policy? Is 'for-profit' incar...

Public schools don’t just run themselves. They require major funding. They run on heart, hustle, and a whole lot of community creativity. In this episode, Jessica and Heather follow the money behind America’s classrooms. We break down funding from property taxes, federal funds, and bond votes. We unpack how school funding really works, who decides what gets funded, and why investing in education i...

If you BEGGED your parents for a Tamagotchi then you probably have at least one Labubu. Remember when government agencies banned Furbi in the building because they feared AI-style espionage? In this episode, we unpack the rise, fall, and rebrand of cute capitalism — from Beanie Babies and Polly Pocket to Squishmallows and Pop Mart’s Labubu craze. We’re talking nostalgia as currency, the psychology...

Sex work sparks strong opinions—and in this episode, we dive into both sides of the debate. On one hand, legalization creates safety, autonomy, and opportunity—Alice Little is a prime example, building a 7-figure business in a regulated environment. On the other hand, the illegal sex trade exposes a darker reality: exploitation, danger, and a world far removed from empowerment. So how do we reconc...

She’s been called America’s most famous legal sex worker but Alice Little is much more than a headline. Since 2015, she’s worked inside Nevada’s brothel system, built a thriving online content business, and become one of the strongest advocates for sex worker rights in the U.S. In this Stirred Up interview, Alice opens up about: ✨ The hidden costs and challenges of working legally in Nevada ✨ Wh...

What’s the real business behind sex work, beauty standards, and appearance-driven careers? In this episode of Stirred Up, we dive into the economics of intimacy and image, from Nevada’s legal brothels to the rise of OnlyFans, and from the billion-dollar beauty industry to the hidden “appearance premium” in sports, media, and politics. We’ll explore: 💄The size of the U.S. sex work industry (legal...

For decades, women’s health has been treated like an afterthought — from research studies that excluded women entirely, to funding gaps that left conditions like endometriosis and menopause in the dark. In this episode, we dig into the systemic blind spots that keep half the population underserved in medicine. Why are women more likely to be misdiagnosed? Why do life-saving treatments take longer...

From packed arenas to prime-time TV slots, women’s sports are finally getting the spotlight—but what’s really driving the momentum, and who’s cashing in? In this episode, we dig into the dollars, data, and drama behind the surge in popularity for women’s athletics. From Caitlin Clark's record-breaking rise to the hidden economics of media deals, sponsorships, and streaming rights, we're asking: Is...

For centuries, women's economic contributions were hidden in plain sight. Starting at the textile mills of the Industrial Revolution, bridging to the quiet transformation of the American workplace. We discuss this through the lens of 4 distinct phases structured by Nobel Prize-winning economist Claudia Goldin in research describing what led women from economic dependence to independence, culminati...

Listen to our reaction to the controversial new Dunkin Donuts ad.

Listen to hear an update about how Levi's Partnership with Beyonce drove crazy business growth and some updates with Good American's choice to go full court press retail. Then stay tuned for our FIRST EVER episode released last year. 

We're bringing back one of our most important episodes about the hidden costs of ultra-fast fashion! In this deep dive, we expose the real impact of Shein's business model on workers, the environment, and consumers. From questionable labor practices to environmental destruction, we break down why those $3 tops come with a much higher price tag than you think. ⚡ What we cover: Shein's controversia...

What happened with ex-CEO Mike Jeffries and the allegations? Is #abercrombieandfitch still a brand we can clink to? A quick 2-minute update to all your questions followed by a replay for those who are catching up. We'll return to BRAND NEW baller content after summer break!

What kind of rest stop has 120 gas pumps, sparkling restrooms, fresh brisket, and its own merch line? We explore how Buc-ee’s turned clean toilets and Texas-sized ambition into a cult following, a billion-dollar brand, and a roadside revolution. From beaver nuggets to business strategy, this episode unpacks the legend that is Buc-ee’s.

From yoga studio floors to Wall Street glory, Lululemon built a billion-dollar empire on stretchy pants and spiritual branding. But behind the curated calm lies a company shaped by controversy, culture clashes, and sheer audacity. In this episode, we peel back the layers of Lululemon’s rise. We explore the bold business moves, explosive backlash over see-through leggings, and the brand’s ongoing a...

🌟 This week’s episode of Stirred Up dives deep into the fascinating story of the Adidas brothers—two trailblazers who, despite their rivalry, created some of the most iconic shoe brands in the world! 🥇👟 From humble beginnings to global giants, the tale of Adi and Rudi Dassler is a testament to how passion and competition can lead to innovation. Yet, at the heart of it all, they were simply tryi...

In an episode pulled from the vault and one of the first ever recorded shows, Jessica and Heather discuss the questionable ethics of the fast fashion brand, Brandy Melville. It’s the brand that defined an aesthetic—tiny tanks, big attitude, and a whole lot of controversy. In this episode, we dig into how Brandy Melville became the uniform of “cool girls” everywhere, and why that’s… complicated. Fr...

From Doritos Locos Tacos to the mysterious disappearance (and resurrection) of the Mexican Pizza, Taco Bell isn’t just serving late-night cravings, it’s rewriting the fast-food playbook with every crunch, melt, and blast. In this episode, we unwrap the deliciously bizarre world of Taco Bell menu innovation. Who’s dreaming up these flavor Frankenfoods? Why do we love them? And how does a brand buil...

Tory Burch didn’t just build a fashion empire—she built a platform for impact. In this episode, we explore how the designer’s namesake brand integrates purpose into profit through the Tory Burch Foundation, empowering women entrepreneurs with access to capital, education, and community. From her signature tunics to her signature mission, we unpack how Burch redefined what it means to lead with bot...

This week, we dive into the meteoric rise of Skims, the shapewear and loungewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian. In just four years, Skims accomplished what it took Spanx two decades to build — reaching a multi-billion-dollar valuation and reshaping the intimate apparel industry along the way. We explore how Kim Kardashian turned personal necessity into global opportunity, the brand’s savvy use o...

Dive into the delicious world of Crumbl Cookies, the bakery chain that’s taken America by storm with its iconic rotating menu and massive, sweet creations. In this episode, we’ll uncover the secret ingredients behind Crumbl’s rapid expansion from a single Utah location to over 1,000 stores nationwide. We’ll explore how social media buzz, a data-driven menu, and a cult-like customer following have...

In this episode, we dive into the gritty yet lucrative world of waste management. From curbside pickup to landfill operations and cutting-edge recycling technology, we’ll uncover how companies like Waste Management turn trash into billions. But with such immense profit, are these multi-billion dollar trash companies doing enough to establish truly sustainable practices? We’ll explore the economic...

Long before IKEA became the world’s top furniture brand—and one of the most unexpected restaurant chains—founder Ingvar Kamprad had a vision: make stylish, functional furniture affordable for everyone. In this episode, we explore how Kamprad’s unconventional thinking led to a revolution in home living. From his obsession with cost-cutting and efficiency to the now-iconic flat-pack design, IKEA tur...

From boozy brunches to bougie boutiques, we’re taking you on a flavorful, funky, and fabulous tour of Grand Rapids’ small biz scene. In this episode, explore cosmic vibes and tarot reading at The 12th House, and pick up handmade wellness with Fox Naturals Apothecary, laugh until we pee with Matt Mathews, and (almost) get into a bar fight at Stellas Lounge. We’ll toast to Morning Belle’s mimosa mag...