StirredUp

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.

Affordable Living: The Cultural Vision Behind IKEA

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 turned shipping logistics into a competitive advantage and made DIY assembly part of the experience. We’ll also look at how IKEA stores became immersive destinations, blending inspiration, inventory, and Swedish meatballs into one unforgettable trip. This is the story of how clever design, relentless innovation, and scrappy problem-solving built a global empire—one hex key at a time.

Handmade, Hungover & Hilarious in Grand Rapids

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 magic, wander through the artisan alley at Gemini Handmade, and uncover the artsy-lounge combo that is The Grey Rabbit. Plus: the chic slow fashion at Adored Boutique, the community vibes at Bridge Street Market, and the brunch dreams made real at Brunch House.
Whether you're a local, a tourist, or just brunch-curious—this is your guide to the Grand Rapids grit, glam, and grassroots charm. 💫

From Stigma to Stock Ticker: Weed’s Billion-Dollar Boom

Once criminalized, now commercialized—cannabis has become one of the fastest-growing industries in America. In this episode, we break down the complex business behind the bud. From the top-performing states like Michigan, California, and Illinois to surprising revenue stats that rival alcohol, we explore how recreational weed is reshaping state economies. But it’s not all green pastures—federal restrictions, banking hurdles, and interstate limitations still keep the industry in a chokehold. Tune in as we unpack the promise, the pitfalls, and the evolving market dynamics of legalized weed.

Dropping the Donuts: How Dunkin’ Brewed a Bold Rebrand

From humble beginnings in 1950s Quincy, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ Donuts was founded by William Rosenberg with a simple but powerful vision: serve quality coffee and donuts at a price everyone could afford, fast. Rosenberg’s original shop, Open Kettle, quickly evolved into Dunkin’ Donuts, built on the idea that people loved dunking their donuts into coffee—a pairing that would define the brand for decades.
But fast forward to today, and donuts have taken a backseat. In this episode, we dig into how Dunkin’ pulled off one of the boldest brand reinventions in recent food and beverage history—dropping the “Donuts” to become just Dunkin’. We explore how the company redefined itself for a new generation, focusing on speed, convenience, and especially coffee.
You'll hear how their iconic “America Runs on Dunkin’” campaign reshaped public perception, and how a bright palette of pink and orange, playful advertising, influencer partnerships, and digital innovation helped fuel their rise as a modern, beverage-led powerhouse.
Whether you're a Dunkin cult follower, a marketing nerd, a coffee lover, or just someone who's ever grabbed a hot cup on a cold morning—this one’s for you.

How Stanley Leveraged Collabs to Drive Demand - Part 2

Stanley didn’t just ride the viral wave—they engineered it. In this episode, we break down how the 110-year-old drinkware brand turned strategic partnerships into a modern marketing machine. From exclusive drops with Starbucks that sparked in-store chaos to influencer collabs that made tumblers the ultimate status symbol, Stanley mastered the art of turning partnerships into product and demand creation. We’ll explore the business logic behind their limited editions and how aligning with the right partners helped Stanley dominate TikTok feeds and retail shelves alike. Whether it was pastel colorways with Target or bold designs with content creators, every collab told a story—and sold out fast.