TrailMarkers By Expedition Money

Think the problem with the Chicago Bears is just bad quarterback play? Think again. Since their last Super Bowl in 1985, the Bears have started 45 different quarterbacks — yet not one has thrown for 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns in a season. In this episode, we unpack the brutal stats, the draft mistakes, the endless coaching changes, and the organizational dysfunction that’s haunted this franchise...

For decades, we’ve dropped pennies into cup holders, jars, and junk drawers — coins too small to matter. But as of late 2025, that’s officially changing: the United States Mint has struck its final batch of pennies, ending over 230 years of production. In this episode, we dig into the simple economics behind the decision (each penny now costs nearly four times its face value to make), the growing...

Everyone thinks the Chicago Bears are still controlled by the McCaskey family. But what if we told you a billionaire insurance mogul has quietly held the keys to Halas Hall for 35 years—and he's finally stepping into the spotlight? In this episode, we reveal the jaw-dropping true story of Patrick Ryan , the 88-year-old Aon founder and longtime Chicago power broker who may now be the most influ...

A 124‑year‑old Indian motorcycle company just sold nearly one million bikes in a single year, while the legendary American icon Harley‑Davidson sold just 150,000 . Royal Enfield isn’t just winning the numbers game; it’s redefining motorcycle culture around the world. In this episode, we break down how a once‑niche brand became the sixth-largest motorcycle manufacturer on Earth , why younger riders...

Ever stared at a military uniform wondering, “Do I salute or just nod awkwardly?” You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down every single U.S. Army rank—from the insignia-less Private to the star-studded Generals, plus warrant officers (aka the technical wizards) and commissioned officers (aka the bosses). Whether you're a confused civilian, curious spouse, or just love military trivia,...

What do rare matches, childhood nostalgia, and modern overregulation have in common? This episode dives into the strange disappearance of Strike Anywhere matches—and why buying them now feels like applying for a weapons permit. From Boy Scout memories to bureaucratic madness, join us for a fiery rant about safety rules, lost freedoms, and why sometimes a little danger is a beautiful thing. ▶ JOIN...

Remember dumping ice water on your head in 2014? You weren’t alone—17 million people joined in, but most didn’t know why. In this episode, we unpack the viral phenomenon that raised $115 million for ALS while proving people care more about appearing charitable than actually donating. Discover how three ALS patients turned a trend into a revolution—and why the Ice Bucket Challenge is the most succe...

In 1912, a wealthy Chicago golf club pulled off one of the most bizarre legal moves in U.S. history—stealing four cadavers, burying them on the course, and declaring the property a cemetery to stop a railroad takeover. This episode unpacks the morbid genius behind the Lake Zurich Golf Club’s cemetery gambit, a loophole so wild it actually worked. Ghosts, golf, and legal gymnastics—you’ve never hea...

What went wrong with Harley-Davidson’s $30,000 electric motorcycle? In this episode, we uncover the full story behind the LiveWire—an EV experiment that cost over $200 million, sold only 33 units in 2025, and nearly destroyed the legendary motorcycle brand. From tech fails to identity crises, here’s everything Harley got wrong—and what other companies can learn from it. ▶ JOIN the Expedition Money...

Henrik Fisker designed some of the most beautiful cars ever made—like the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9, and the stunning Fisker Karma—so how did he end up with two bankrupt car companies and thousands of dead EVs sitting in driveways? In this episode, we delve into the full story, from his brilliant  coachbuild Mercedes and BMW projects  (Tramonto and Latigo CS) to the disastrous attempts to build the...

That little blue Energy Star label is everywhere—but is it really saving you money and the planet? In this episode, we unpack the program’s 1992 origins, the GAO’s infamous sting (yes, even a “gas-powered alarm clock” got approved), the post-2011 certification overhaul , and the high-stakes political fight over its future. From rebates and grid impacts to questions about durability, verification,...

Why do the world’s highest-paid golfers compete in the Ryder Cup without earning a single dollar? From Tiger Woods to Rory McIlroy, the world’s elite players put national pride and team glory above cash—but the financial story is far more complex than it seems. In this episode, we dive deep into the history of the Ryder Cup, the charitable contributions, perks, and endorsement opportunities that m...

What if you could own a piece of a Hollywood studio for less than the cost of a dinner date? Angel Studios, founded by four brothers who survived bankruptcy and a lawsuit from Disney, is redefining the entertainment industry. By letting audiences vote on projects and crowdfund productions, they’ve created a profitable, community-driven model that outperforms traditional studios. From the record-br...

In this eye-opening episode, Peter dives into the shocking story of how Chicago's city leaders sold its parking meters to private investors for just $1.15 billion, locking in a 75-year deal that continues to impact drivers today. What seemed like a quick fix for the city's financial crisis in 2008 turned into a long-term nightmare for Chicagoans, with billionaires in Abu Dhabi and Wall Str...

In 2005, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley faced a $220 million budget crisis and made a bold move: privatize the Chicago Skyway , the city’s 7.8-mile toll road. Sold for $1.83 billion , it promised immediate relief—but decades later, the city is still paying the price. This episode dives deep into the full story of the Chicago Skyway privatization : -How Chicago sold a perpetual money machine while...

On March 28th, 2025, Charlie Javice , the 32-year-old founder of fintech startup Frank , was convicted of defrauding JP Morgan out of $175 million—the largest financial fraud case in recent startup history. Once celebrated on Forbes 30 Under 30 lists, Javice now faces decades in federal prison after being found guilty on securities fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy charges. This episod...

When millions hear Hugh Jackman belt out The Greatest Show on screen, few realize the film almost never happened—and one Broadway star quietly saved it. In this episode, we uncover the hidden story of Jeremy Jordan , the Tony-nominated performer whose single, critical performance convinced Hollywood executives to greenlight the blockbuster musical. From battling illness to flying himself to the st...

Step back into the golden era of video rentals and discover the fascinating rivalry between Blockbuster and Hollywood Video , two giants that shaped Friday nights across America from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. While Blockbuster became iconic with its blue and yellow branding, Hollywood Video quietly built a loyal following with a cinephile-friendly, theater-inspired experience. In thi...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the heartbreaking contradictions of the U.S. adoption system. While thousands of children wait in foster care for a loving home, the process to adopt is riddled with barriers that make it harder to adopt a child than to have one. Pete shares his personal story of growing up in the foster system, as well as the shocking statistics of children aging out without...

What happens when a city tries—and fails—to sell a major airport three times? Chicago’s Midway International Airport , the city’s second busiest, has been at the center of billion-dollar privatization attempts that collapsed spectacularly over two decades. From Mayor Richard M. Daley’s ambitious 2008 deal during the financial crisis to Rahm Emanuel’s 2013 attempt and Lori Lightfoot’s later refusal...

Ever been fooled by a building? In Los Angeles, where dreams and designs often collide, I stumbled upon a strip mall posing as a multi-story office complex . Join me as I dive into the art of architectural deception , where buildings are pulling off Disney-level magic tricks. From glass facades to mirrored windows , this episode unpacks how even in the city of fame and fortune, buildings are catfi...

Step inside the strangest scheduling story in Major League Baseball. In this episode, we uncover why the $3 billion Chicago Cubs are limited to just 35 night games a year—and completely banned from Friday night matchups—thanks to a decades-old neighborhood feud. From PK Wrigley’s daylight baseball vision to Dallas Green’s high-stakes fight with Wrigleyville residents, we explore how city ordinance...

Ever wondered why your airplane seat comes with a life vest but no parachute? In this episode, we break down the science, statistics, and shocking realities behind airline safety. From mind-bending physics to extreme altitudes and the infamous Hudson River landing, discover why parachutes aren’t just impractical—they could be deadly. Join us as we uncover the hidden truths that make life vests the...

Think YouTube is an easy path to riches? Think again. In this episode, I break down my experience making $100,000 from a single video, the truth about monetization, and why the majority of creators fail to earn even minimum wage. Get the facts about views, subscribers, ad revenue, and hidden costs so you can navigate YouTube like a pro. ▶ JOIN the Expedition Money Community for FREE!Use the code b...

Step back in time to October 1978, when 44 million Americans tuned in to watch the Yankees and Dodgers battle in Game 6 of the World Series—a third of the nation glued to their screens. Fast forward to 2023, and the numbers tell a different story: only 8.1 million viewers watched the Texas Rangers claim victory. Why did baseball’s national TV magic fade? From the birth of televised baseball in 193...