Topic: Soul Cycle

Fitness brands Equinox and Soul Cycle faced consumer boycotts after it was revealed that their owner, Stephen Ross, hosted a fundraiser for President Donald Trump. In response, the companies implemented "community rides" where fees are donated to charities chosen by instructors to appease social justice-oriented members. The incident highlights the increasing pressure on corporations to align with the political leanings of their customer base.

A host recounts attending a third-anniversary party for the Ride spin studio in Austin, Texas, located at the South Congress Hotel. During the event, a former New York banker's wife introduced the host to a high-level publishing executive from Condé Nast as a "podcaster," leading to a discussion about the perceived low social standing of podcasters compared to traditional media figures.