In today’s episode, we cover a variety of topics from the Tokyo Olympics, to brand loyalty, to mental health and travel. We discuss the current state of the Tokyo Olympics, why the Delta variant of COVID 19 is making the situation so much more unpredictable, and reflect on how all this upheaval is affecting travelers and athletes. Next, we dive into brand loyalty and unpack the cognitive dissonance inherent in supporting a company like Amazon when it is so convenient and effective but has an ethos that contradicts your principles. We unpack how companies are becoming increasingly skilled at harvesting our data through seemingly innocuous activities like quizzes and games. Later, our hosts share some of their tips for how to manage your currency when abroad and why it’s always good to have American cash on your person. In our final segment, we investigate mental health and challenge some of the assumptions about happiness and travel. We also investigate the merits of minimalism, the KonMari method, and why it might take multiple tries for your newfound habits to stick. For all this and much more, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: The Tokyo Olympics and how the Delta variant of COVID 19 has been affecting it. The median age of Olympic participants. Naomi Osaka’s extraordinary performance as a tennis player and why she is representing Japan at the Olympics. How Japanese culture differs from American culture. The culture of fandom in sports and how they support the industry. Why our hosts don’t have much loyalty to any brand. The benefits of an Amazon credit card and its ethos as a company. How Amazon uses quizzes and games to collect data. The virtues of minimalism and why we should all be consuming less. Why it’s good to travel with American dollars when going abroad. Hear about our hosts' least favorite airports. How to save money while traveling and which currency you should be using. How changing your surroundings and traveling can give you a renewed perspective on life. Why traveling does not equate to happiness. Mental health and the importance of forgiveness, both of yourself and others. How minimalism and the Marie Kondo method can help you reevaluate your life.