The So Us Pod

Ella and Jane record a casual “jammies” episode, swap wedding updates (including Jane being paired with a high-energy groomsman to walk down the aisle), and laugh about Ella’s bachelorette dance-floor mortification. They break down influencer-business drama between Alex Cooper and Alex Earle, then discuss a Coachella brand-trip fiasco where Hilton’s savvy reactive move offers lodging to stranded influencers. The conversation turns to big consumer shifts: Unilever’s $1.2B acquisition of Grüns signals major growth bets on wellness brands Gen Z already loves, while GLP-1 trends are changing food, alcohol, and flavor demand—helping drive a private equity buy of Tapatío. They close with “obsessed with” moments, including Ella’s whimsical 30-before-30 list and Jane’s love of paper calendars and an absurd amount of White-Out.

Hosts Ella and Jane return to the So US Pod after a break (sorry!). First, they discuss Fenty Beauty’s WhatsApp AI advisor “Rose Amber,” debating shade-matching, privacy/biometrics, Meta-owned data concerns, and why AI can feel less salesy than in-store associates, while tying it to Jane’s work in AI moderation and visual intelligence. Next, they unpack “Liberation Day” tariffs one year later, citing P&G price increases, Constellation’s earnings hit, planned 2026 fashion hikes, and consumers shifting to coupons and cooking at home; they note brands can communicate hikes better and highlight rentals, try-before-you-buy, and flexible payment models. Finally, they critique April Fools as performance marketing, calling some stunts disruptive or insensitive (notably a pregnancy-test prank), and argue reactive brand moves can often backfire. They close with “obsessions”: Jane’s productivity partnership with Claude (and concerns about AI slop) and Ella’s Croissant resale tool, plus a playful stuffed-animal “Bella” cameo.   Links:  - Nuuly: https://www.nuuly.com/rent - Croissant: https://croissant.com/ - Trace (buy + resell platform): https://addtrace.com/ 

Hosts Ella and Jane discuss three timely topics: the TikTok “boy kibble” trend (bowls of ground beef and rice) as a mix of gym culture, cost-conscious meal prep, and a masculinity/perception signal, while noting protein-maxing often ignores fiber and that cooking for oneself can be taxing. They then cover Netflix reportedly walking away from an $83B Warner Bros. acquisition and being rewarded by the market, debating whether streaming is shifting from empire-building to discipline. They discuss Netflix's unclear differentiation, bundling, ads, household changes, etc. Finally, they examine “de-influencing,” where creators say what not to buy, and how brands may sponsor minimalist voices because audiences trust them, suggesting a possible trust recession and more focus on product effectiveness amid high costs. They close with “obsessed with” picks: A&D ointment for skin and reading/journaling before work, plus work-boundary habits. Links:  - A&D Ointment: https://amzn.to/3N8Pl7V - 5 Minute Journal: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46818203 

Ella hosts the So Us Pod with special guest Blake, her fiancé, filling in for Jane. They discuss Kraft Heinz scrapping plans to split and instead investing $600M in marketing and R&D, questioning whether it needs better-for-you brands or acquisitions, and Ella shares the Berkshire Hathaway/3G merger history. They cover Constellation Brands’ CEO transition as younger consumers drink less and ready-to-drink grows, with Blake favoring non-alcoholic/better-for-you options over cannabis. They debate an IOC decision disqualifying a Ukrainian skeleton racer for a helmet honoring athletes killed in the war, and talk Winter Olympics hockey and NHL players returning to the Games. In “obsessed with,” Ella shares thoughts on the Wuthering Heights movie, while Blake talks about the game Arc Raiders and streamer sponsorships, plus a headline about major chip brands lowering prices. Links:  - New California bill would add ‘no alcohol sale’ to IDs of repeat DUI offenders: https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article314677241.html

In this episode of the So Us Pod, hosts Ella and Jane discuss a variety of topics, starting with a significant change to their podcast's release schedule, opting for bi-weekly episodes due to their busy personal lives. Ella shares her recent experiences working in a frigid New York City, while Jane recounts her own work adventures and upcoming trips to London and potentially Switzerland. They then delve into an interesting conversation about Kevin Hart's licensing deal with the Authentic Brands Group and the broader impact of celebrities leveraging their names for various products. The discussion shifts to the implications of TikTok's new privacy policy under its new US-based ownership, emphasizing the extensive data collection and potential censorship. Finally, they examine a McKinsey report highlighting the slowing progress of women in the workplace, particularly in senior management roles, and discuss broader systemic issues and potential solutions. The hosts wrap up by sharing their current obsessions, including beloved books and simple joys from childhood.   Links:  - Lasting Change: https://www.makelastingchange.com/ - Beauty Forward: https://www.beauty-forward.org/ - CA data deletion request: https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/ - Federal data deletion request: https://www.donotcall.gov/ - Mckinsey Report: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/women-in-the-workplace  - Theo of Golden: https://amzn.to/4qv8jTN - Heart the Lover: https://amzn.to/4bMuBga 

In this episode of The So Us Pod, hosts Ella and Jane kick off by discussing their personal updates, including Ella's upcoming speaking event at a conference in Miami. The key topics explored include Athletic Brewing's innovative marketing strategy for Dry January, Equinox's controversial AI-centered New Year campaign, and Fanatics’ new insurance feature for sports betting. Towards the end, they share personal recommendations, highlight the significance of the Year of the Fire Horse in 2026, and encourage listeners to pursue their goals and embrace opportunities. The episode blends industry insights with personal stories, aiming to inspire and inform the audience. Links:  - Jane's Breville: https://go.shopmy.us/p-39349141 - Ella's Podcast Rec: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIwW0CwHWss 

In this episode of So Us Pod, hosts Ella and Jane discuss their recent life updates, including illnesses, moves, and winter break. They delve into three main stories: the intriguing investment of influencers in the LA-based sauce brand through Bullet Pitch, Netflix's venture into video podcasts by partnering with iHeartMedia, and Instagram's new pilot app on Amazon Fire TV allowing users to watch curated Reels on the big screen. The episode also covers thoughts on the evolving influence of bundling services and the cultural implications of these shifts. Links:  - Moving Bags: https://go.shopmy.us/p-33408076 - Crown Affair Leave in Conditioner: https://go.shopmy.us/p-33408076

This week, we’re looking at three moments that show where consumer culture is headed next. Disney opens the door to AI-powered storytelling with OpenAI, turning fans into creators in a way that could redefine brand IP. A new at-home acne injection signals how far self-service healthcare is evolving. And Walmart’s expanding drone delivery shows that speed and convenience are becoming part of the brand promise. Different industries, same signal: the brands winning tomorrow are rethinking access, creativity, and control. Links: - NYT Opinion on Dynamic Pricing: https://www.tiktok.com/@nytopinion/video/7577196786784144671 - Dynamic Pricing in Action: https://www.tiktok.com/@twoideas/video/7514733729785318686 - Dynamic Pricing Study: https://www.tiktok.com/@moreperfectunion/video/7581847555030535454 - GMA Coverage on Pricing Study: https://www.tiktok.com/@gma/video/7582214928136719629  - CB2 Couple Glasses: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35588340 - Bink Water Bottle: https://go.shopmy.us/p-33408683 

This week, we’re diving into three trends that prove culture, connection, and convenience are evolving fast. First, we trace the rise of Spotify Wrapped, from its 2015 beginnings as a humble year-in-review to 2025’s interactive, shareable cultural ritual. Next, we explore Booking.com’s provocative new survey and campaign, “This Guy Books,” revealing why planning a trip might just be the sexiest move in a relationship. And finally, we take a bite out of the latest food trend: how convenience stores are upgrading meals, stepping into fast-casual territory and redefining grab-and-go for the modern consumer. Join us as we unpack music, romance, and snacks — and consider what these shifts mean for brands, culture, and our daily lives.

This week, we’re breaking down Oprah’s 2025 favorite things and what they tell us about holiday shopping trends, diving into the marketing winners and losers of the week, and checking out the slow-but-steady comeback of Toys ‘R’ Us — a brand that’s nostalgia-packed and back in expansion mode. Links: On-Brand Website: https://www.onbrand.com/ Let’s Fucking Date Cards: https://go.shopmy.us/p-32740490

We’re back with a lineup of stories that prove brands are NOT sleeping this week. First up: the HOKA × Halfdays winter sneaker collab that’s basically ski-chic meets streetwear. Then, Shay Mitchell launches Rini — yes, skincare for kids (!!) — and we have thoughts. And to round it out, 7-Eleven is giving emerging snacks and drinks a national stage with their “Brands with Heart” accelerator. Performance, play, purpose… and a whole lot of opinions.   Hoka x Halfdays collab: https://go.shopmy.us/p-31478040 Rini: https://heyrini.com/ Does Anyone Else Feel This Way: https://go.shopmy.us/p-31478040

This week, we’re digging into why shoppers are playing it safe this holiday season, how having a boyfriend somehow became embarrassing (according to British Vogue), and what Chobani’s $650 million raise says about the next era of food-as-lifestyle brands. We’re talking cautious consumers, cultural rebrands, and corporate glow-ups — basically, everyone’s pivoting this fall.   - Megababe Armpit Detox Mask: https://go.shopmy.us/p-27506649  (CODE: ELLAP15 for 15% off your purchase) - McKinsey Study on Consumer Holiday Habits: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/holiday-shopping-trends - Locker Referral Link: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/cla35okur6674715gtrvr3ch7r?utm_content=TmUmUM - Article: Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?: https://www.vogue.com/article/is-having-a-boyfriend-embarrassing-now - Article: It’s Not Just a Feeling: Data Shows Boys and Young Men Are Falling Behind https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/upshot/boys-falling-behind-data.html - Dr. Diamond's Metacine: https://go.shopmy.us/p-28443475  - Aquaphor Baby Stick: https://go.shopmy.us/p-28443475 - Vivrelle Code (CODE: ELLAMCMAHAN for first month free) 

This week, we’re spilling all the tea on Taco Bell’s new Live Más Café, exploring why full-fat dairy is making a major comeback, and checking out Sephora’s creator storefronts. Plus, we’re unpacking what these trends say about our lives, our kitchens, and our Instagram feeds. Sip, snack, and trend spot with us. Links: Taco Bell Live Más Cafe: https://www.tacobell.com/promotions/live-mas-cafe Ella’s ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/ellapennington?Section_id=944708&tab=collections Sign up for your own ShopMy account: https://shopmy.us/join/ellapennington Navan App: https://navan.com/ The Tiny Post: https://www.thetinyfarmersmarket.com/

This week, we’re talking big life updates, ranking airline snacks like it’s our job, taste-testing Ben Stiller’s new soda live, and celebrating the fact that Whole Foods’ 2026 trend predictions basically prove we were right all along. Catch flights, not feelings — unless it’s for snacks.   Links: Stiller’s Soda: https://amzn.to/4hnu199 Whole Foods Market Trends: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/trends Land’s End Bags: https://go.shopmy.us/p-27317084  Goodyear Blimp TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodyearblimp?lang=en

In the second episode of the So Us Pod, hosts Jane and Ella delve into various topics and stories.  - GLP-1 Medications: They discuss the rising popularity and market impact of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, including: - Oikos and other brands targeting GLP-1 users with protein products - The importance of protein and fiber for GLP-1 users - Ro's collaboration with Serena Williams on a GLP-1 weight loss journey - Tech Integrations:  - Amazon and TikTok Shop collaboration - ChatGPT's new instant checkout feature for Etsy and Shopify products - Prebiotic and Better-for-You Sodas: The hosts debate the market saturation and relevance of these sodas, highlighting: - Poppy's acquisition by PepsiCo and continued growth - Ben Stiller's launch of a new vitamin-enriched soda line (and beg him to send them PR so they can try it live on the pod!)   Obsessions: The episode wraps up with Jane and Ella sharing their latest obsessions!   Links: - Gruns: https://amzn.to/4pVIPzG  - Stiller's Soda: https://amzn.to/4pVIOf6  - Ella's fav Caudalie Product: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987432  - Beekeepers Naturals products:  Propolis Spray: https://amzn.to/48gdm58 Vit C Packets: https://amzn.to/4nFNDI4  Bee Pollen: https://amzn.to/478yGZ7 - Little Nosh Denver Pop Up: https://www.instagram.com/littlenoshshop/ 

In this debut episode of 'The So Us Pod,' hosts Jane and Ella introduce themselves and share their journey from college to their current lives in Denver and Lake Tahoe. The core of their conversation delves into three major stories in the CPG world: Brands venturing into new product lines Glossier’s new male CEO A TikTok shop phenomena Wrapping up the episode, Jane and Ella answer rapid-fire questions about dream brand trips and their latest favorite CPG products. This podcast blends industry insights with personal anecdotes, making it a lively and enriching listen.   Links:  Five Star Weekend Book: https://amzn.to/4pUQQVJ  Go Nanas Banana Bread: https://amzn.to/431PcYo Fat Marshmallow Beef Tallow: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987056 Unleshia Brow Pomade: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987068 Nixit Condoms: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987073 Lem Massager: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987080 Melissa - Denver Nano Brow Artist Arch & Ink https://www.instagram.com/archandinkbrow?igsh=MTA5OWgyN3E2a2Fuaw==