Topic: Pepsi

A producer in the transportation industry provides a report on the cryogenic gas business, specifically the delivery of bulk liquid CO2. The report explains how the push away from fossil fuels has reduced CO2 supply, leading companies to experiment with nitrogen in beverages like "Pepsi Nitro." The high resource requirements for semiconductor chip plants are also noted.

Dr Pepper has officially surpassed Pepsi to become the second most popular carbonated soft drink in the United States, trailing only Coca-Cola. The hosts analyze an NPR segment on the brand's history and its recent TikTok popularity involving pickles, labeling the coverage as a "native ad." They also discuss the regional history of the drink in Waco, Texas, and the differences between standard high-fructose corn syrup versions and original sugar recipes.

The Weeknd's Super Bowl halftime performance is reviewed, noting that the artist reportedly invested $7 million of his own money into the production. The hosts question the value of this investment given the heavy Pepsi branding and the artist's existing fame, while also dismissing the relevance of the Grammy Awards.

Luca Asberto from Switzerland was knighted as "Sir Luca of Switzerland" following a donation of 325 Swiss Francs. He requested a traditional Italian salami sandwich and an American Pepsi at the "No Agenda Roundtable." The segment also clarified the "pronounced-icate" meme, explaining it as a host-specific gag rather than a broader internet meme.

Quaker Oats, a subsidiary of Pepsi, announced the retirement of the 130-year-old Aunt Jemima brand, citing its origins in racial stereotypes and the antebellum plantation era. The decision follows a New York Times article by Dr. Riche Richardson calling for the removal of the image. Other brands including Uncle Ben's rice and Haribo's blackface-shaped licorice are also facing similar pressure to remove racially insensitive iconography.

John C. Dvorak describes a historical marketing scam where grocery store coupon printers were used to play competitors against each other. If a customer bought Coca-Cola, the machine would print a Pepsi coupon, and vice versa. Marketing firms made money by selling both companies on the necessity of countering their rival's coupons, effectively creating a "double dip" for the middleman.

The effectiveness of influencer marketing is debated, with a focus on the importance of "authenticity." The Kendall Jenner Pepsi advertisement is cited as a failure because it lacked a genuine connection to the brand's mission. As the FTC cracks down on undisclosed sponsorships, Gen Z consumers are reportedly becoming more adept at identifying paid product placements on platforms like Instagram.

The hosts analyze the backlash against a Pepsi commercial featuring Kendall Jenner joining a protest and handing a soda to a police officer. They discuss the concept of "cultural appropriation" and how the ad was perceived as trivializing social justice movements. Despite the outrage, Adam Curry admits to finding the commercial's message of harmony somewhat positive.

American corporations including Boeing, Pepsi, and General Motors are reportedly opposing new sanctions against Russia due to significant revenue and supply chain dependencies. In Ukraine, the conflict in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions is linked to Shell Oil's interests in the Yuzhov gas field and eminent domain laws. The geopolitical strategy is framed as an "energy empire" expansion orchestrated by US officials like Victoria Nuland to control gas flows into Europe.

A viral video featuring NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon performing a prank at a car dealership is identified as a staged advertisement for Pepsi Max. The hosts point to the FTC's "dot-com disclosures" document, arguing that such deceptive celebrity endorsements are illegal. They criticize mainstream media for reporting the staged event as real news.

Senomyx, a biotechnology company, has received FDA and EU approval for flavor enhancers that trick the brain into perceiving sweetness or saltiness. These ingredients utilize the HEK-293 cell line, which originated from the kidney of an aborted human embryo in 1972. Major food corporations, including PepsiCo, have been linked to the use of Senomyx technology to reduce sugar content in their products.

A dispute has emerged within the London Olympic Committee regarding the allocation of profits between the main games and the Paralympics. Two directors were reportedly removed from the board for questioning the funding structure. The hosts argue the Olympics are a "money rape" of local populations, particularly in East London, who will be left with the debt.

The hosts criticize "Big Organic" retailers like Whole Foods, citing author Michael Pollan's work on how these companies prioritize profit over health. They mention that Pepsi has released a "Throwback" version using real sugar, which they expect to sell well despite the rising cost of sugar. They reiterate the importance of avoiding genetically modified soy and corn products.

New research links high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to liver damage and obesity, yet the topic is rarely covered by PBS, which is sponsored by HFCS producer Archer Daniels Midland. Pepsi-Cola recently announced it would remove HFCS from its sodas in the coming year due to health concerns. The hosts also note that organic ketchup from Canada often avoids HFCS, unlike most American brands.

A New York Times article regarding the health risks of high fructose corn syrup prompts a discussion on the "Pepsi Throwback" marketing campaign, which uses real sugar. The hosts examine the decline in milk consumption among American youth since 1996, replaced by soda intake. They argue that the phosphorus and caffeine in soft drinks are contributing to decreased bone density and rising obesity rates in the United States.

Bruce Springsteen's halftime performance is reviewed, with the hosts questioning the authenticity of his "working man" persona given his massive net worth. The show featured Max Weinberg and the E Street Band, ending with Springsteen jokingly shouting "I'm going to Disneyland." Other Super Bowl highlights mentioned include the Star Trek movie trailer and various Pepsi advertisements.