StirredUp

FBF - An Update on Abercrombie & Fitch and a Replay from 2024

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!

The Buc-ee’s Breakdown: Endless Fuel, Fresh Fudge & Clean Flushes

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.

Sheer Ambition: The Business, Backlash, and Brand of Lululemon

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 attempt to balance wellness ideals with global growth. We’ll unpack its founding ethos, leadership missteps, cult-like culture, and why leggings became a lightning rod in modern consumerism.
Is Lululemon the brand exclusively for skinny yoga-girls as they seemed to be in the 2000's? Or have they evolved to fit everybody. We debate.

Kicked Off: How a Soccer Cleat Divided a Family

🌟 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 trying to solve a straightforward problem: you can't wear dress shoes to play soccer! ⚽️✨
Join us as we explore how their divisions gave rise to Adidas and Puma, reshaping sportswear forever. Tune in to uncover the legacy of these brothers and celebrate the spirit of competition that drives us all! 🔥 #AdidasVsPuma #StirredUp #ShoeStory #SportswearRevolution

From the Vault | Brandy Melville: Cute, Cult-y, Kinda Problematic

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. From one-size-fits-all policies to leaked internal drama, we’re unpacking the pretty package with the not-so-pretty core. Is Brandy just a brand—or a blueprint for exclusion? Let’s talk about it.

Taco 'Bout Innovation: How Taco Bell Keeps Reinventing Fast Food

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 built on tacos become a pop culture icon? Join us as we dig into the culinary chaos behind your favorite fourth meal.

Tory Burch: Flats, Fortune, and Female Founders

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 both style and substance—proving that doing good isn’t just an add-on, it’s a business advantage.

Kim Kardashian and the Billion-Dollar Skims Empire

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 of scarcity marketing, inclusive sizing, and high-profile collaborations with brands like Nike and Fendi. This is more than a celebrity brand — it’s a masterclass in cultural timing, product-market fit, and strategic growth.

Flavor Drops & Dollar Stops: Decoding Crumbl’s Weekly Hype Machine

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 turned Crumbl into more than just a cookie company—it’s a phenomenon.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the hype, join us for a behind-the-batter look at the business strategies baking up Crumbl’s sweet success.

Dirty Work, Big Profits: The Business Behind America's Trash

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 forces driving the industry, the environmental challenges it faces, and whether innovations like renewable natural gas are making a real difference. Get ready to rethink how America handles waste — and question if the industry's green claims hold up.