CoreWeave isn’t OpenAI or Nvidia, but it’s powering both. We unpack how this lesser-known company became essential to the AI ecosystem, including: What CoreWeave actually does and why it mattersHow $55B in backlog signals explosive demandWhy data centers, not apps, may define the next AI waveWhat an “AI capex bubble” could look likeA fast, insightful breakdown of the infrastructure race behind AI’s biggest players. Chapters 02:57 CoreWeave's Financial Performance and Market Positi...

Retailers plan the lightest holiday hiring since the Great Recession, but spending is still projected to top $1T. We dig into: Why demand smoothing and e-comm shift cut seasonal rolesHow “slower” in-store flow can increase basket sizeWhat segmentation and channels mean for labor needsWhy tariff headlines often overstate price impactActionable takeaways for leaders on staffing, ops, and margin protection. Chapters 00:30 Holiday Season Retail Trends06:12 E-commerce Impact on Retail Hiring11:51 ...

The FAA just announced flight cuts at 40 U.S. airports, all tied to the government shutdown. In this bonus episode: Why air traffic control staffing is reaching a breaking pointHow airlines like Delta and United will decide what to cancelWhat smart leaders do when government policy hits business operationsA quick 15-minute breakdown on policy, pressure, and decision-making when the skies (and D.C.) shut down. Chapters 00:40 Understanding the Government Shutdown03:26 Impact on Airlines and A...

Pinterest just had one of its worst trading days ever, and blamed tariffs. We dig into what’s really behind the drop: Why ad revenue might be a Pinterest problem, not a tariff problemHow user behavior has shifted away from “mood board” cultureWhat it would take for Pinterest to stay relevant in an AI-driven shopping worldPlus, Namaan and Jenny Rae debate whether Pinterest’s next move is reinvention or acquisition. Chapters 03:12 Pinterest's Earnings Report and Ad Revenue Concerns06:25 ...

Namaan and Jenny Rae break down PayPal’s new integration with ChatGPT and what it means for e commerce. They cover how checkout could live inside AI, who wins and loses across retailers and suppliers, and why PayPal’s first dividend signals a new chapter. They also map OpenAI’s business model today. Subscriptions. Enterprise licensing. Future transaction fees. Possible ads. What shifts when 800 million people use ChatGPT weekly. Chapters 03:24 The E-commerce Landscape and PayPal's Role0...

UPS posted a surprise beat and a bold turnaround. Jenny Rae and Namaan break down where the 34,000+ cuts land, why Amazon volume fell 21 percent, and how route consolidation, asset light moves, and small business focus could reshape holiday shipping. We also cover tariffs and the de minimis change, plus why supply chain consulting is set to boom. Chapters 02:58 Understanding UPS's Business Model and Challenges05:57 UPS's Turnaround Strategy and Job Cuts09:01 Financial Performance and Ma...

Pokémon and Taylor Swift trading cards are making a billion-dollar comeback, and Target and Walmart are cashing in. Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what this craze says about retail strategy, consumer behavior, and the strength of the U.S. shopper heading into the holidays. Chapters 02:56 Retail Strategies and Consumer Behavior06:05 Market Dynamics and Revenue Insights08:52 Consumer Trends and Holiday Shopping13:10 Data Utilization in Retail16:04 The Future of Collectibles and Retail In...

Nestlé just announced 16,000 job cuts, one of the largest in modern CPG history. Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what this massive restructuring says about the company’s new strategy, how it mirrors the playbooks of Kraft Heinz and Hershey, and what it reveals about the future of global consumer brands. They unpack how Nestlé defines “winning,” why the market rewarded layoffs, and what every business leader can learn about growth, portfolio management, and decision-making under pressure. Lin...

Walmart is making a push on U.S. manufacturing, and says it’s good business. Today, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what’s signal versus spin, where onshoring can actually cut costs, and why category-by-category moves matter more than headline percentages. We get into supplier power, inventory timing, vertical integration in beef, and pharma basics like bringing amoxicillin back onshore. Plus, a personal investing lesson from Jenny Rae’s grandmother: buy what you never plan to sell. Tell us h...

Delta just posted blockbuster earnings, and it’s not because more people are flying. Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack how Delta’s $8B profit engine runs on premium seats, credit card partnerships, and a bet on wealthy travellers. They dive into what makes Delta’s “premium economy” the most profitable cabin in the sky, why Buffett once got airlines wrong, and how rivals like United and Southwest are scrambling to catch up. Links mentioned in the episode: Fortune magazine articleDelta's latest 10-KE...

Private markets are courting everyday investors. Why now, and what should you do about it? In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack the “retail revolution” in private investing, explaining why firms like Ares are turning to individuals and how private credit is reshaping access to capital. You’ll learn: Why private funds suddenly want retail investorsHow private credit works (and why it’s booming)The tradeoffs: liquidity, fees, and riskWhether private assets belong in ...

Warren Buffett is still making big moves at 95 years old. His latest play? A $10 billion bet on OxyChem, the petrochemical arm of Occidental. In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack what makes this deal stand out. They break down the financial engineering behind it, why debt reduction matters in today’s macro climate, and how it fits into the broader Buffett Playbook. From shareholder buybacks to Buffett’s trademark “handshake” style, this is a masterclass in d...

Claire’s is back in the headlines after its latest bankruptcy and acquisition by Ames Watson, the firm behind Lids. Can a nostalgic mall brand really be turned around in today’s retail environment? In this episode, we unpack Claire’s challenges, the role of experience in modern retail, and what this deal signals for the future of malls. Timestamps: [07:15] What Made Claire’s a Rite of Passage [10:22] Bankruptcy and the Ames Watson Acquisition [14:17] Who Ames Watson Is and Their Playbook [16:...

The NFL isn’t just America’s favorite pastime. It’s also a business giant that generates two-thirds of its revenue from one source: media rights. In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack: Why the league is considering renegotiating billion-dollar contracts years ahead of scheduleHow streaming platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube TV are reshaping the gameWhy the NFL holds more leverage than ever beforeIf you’ve ever wondered how professional sports really make mo...

Labubu dolls are the latest global craze... but what makes them so irresistible? In this episode, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down the business model behind Labubu’s rise, from blind box marketing to luxury brand tie-ins. They explore: How scarcity fuels demandWhy repeat purchases matter more than volumeHow the resale market reinforces valueIt’s a case study in novelty vs. luxury, brand strategy, and consumer psychology — all packed into one tiny doll. Links mentioned in the episode: CNB...

Amex just raised the annual fee on its Platinum card from $695 to $895 — a nearly 30 percent jump. In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what’s behind the increase, why Amex believes customers won’t walk away, and how the move fits into a broader strategy to protect its premium brand. We dig into questions like: Who really cares about the fee hike? Why didn’t Amex go even higher? And what does this say about the future of credit card perks,...

Ram will cancel its all-electric pickup, raising questions about the EV market, the rise of hybrids, and what truck buyers really want. Was the plan ever realistic, or just peak EV hype? Jenny Rae and Namaan break down the strategy shift at Stellantis — the parent company of Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge — and why it matters. They also highlight: The risks of chasing trendsThe limits of EV infrastructureWhy hybrids may be the more practical bridge for automakersWhy doubling down on Ram’s str...

Jolie isn’t just selling showerheads — it’s turning your bathroom into a subscription business. In today’s episode, we break down how a simple product innovation paired with sharp marketing and a recurring revenue model is disrupting an overlooked category. From personalized water tests to DTC funnels that bypass big-box retail, Jolie shows how challenger brands are rewriting the rules of consumer products. Links mentioned in the episode: Visit Jolie's siteLearn more about Storytelling ...

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack the booming business of sports betting. From DraftKings to FanDuel, they examine how sportsbooks use aggressive advertising to acquire customers, the economics behind their business models, and the role of state regulations. The conversation also highlights the challenges of user retention and the untapped B2B opportunities shaping the future of online gambling. Links: DraftKings quarterly resultsJoin Market Outsider...

Saks is now selling luxury goods on Amazon. Is this a bold new growth play or a last gasp for survival? Namaan and Jenny dig into the financial pressures behind the deal, Amazon’s stake in Saks, and whether this move signals the end of department stores as we know them. It’s a revealing look at the future of luxury retail. Links: Watch the Saks on Amazon ad we discussed here Read the Forbes analysis on the partnership hereJoin Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on Lin...