
newsJan 26, 202438:16pending
Why Did Stanley Water Bottles Suddenly Become a Cultural Phenomenon?
About this episode
It's just a steel tumbler with a straw and side handle. But the Stanley cup is a social media phenomenon and an incredible business success story. How did this thing come out of nowhere? What lessons can we learn about its success? And, more broadly, what do cultural phenomena like this say about marketing trends, social media tastes, and the role of randomness in our life and economy? Joining the show are Amanda Mull, staff writer at The Atlantic, and Brian Klaas, author of the new book ‘Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters.’
If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at [email protected].
Host: Derek Thompson
Guests: Amanda Mull & Brian Klaas
Producer: Devon Baroldi
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Plain English with Derek Thompson publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Plain English with Derek Thompson

What’s the Point of College?
Plain English with Derek Thompson
Sep 11, 202656:50completed

The New Book That Scares Big Tech
Plain English with Derek Thompson
Sep 8, 202659:01completed

AI Slop Is Breaking the Internet. Can We Save It?
Plain English with Derek Thompson
Sep 1, 202656:08pending

Why Everything Is Going to Keep Getting More Expensive
Plain English with Derek Thompson
Aug 25, 202641:54pending