The Zeitgeist: July 11, 2025

Today's Edition: Napster, Spaving and Matcha Shortage

July 11, 2025

Good morning. As devastating floods continue to impact communities in Texas, the outpouring of support from businesses has been swift. Companies like H-E-B, Procter & Gamble, Airbnb and The Home Depot are stepping in where it counts. In times of crisis, corporate responsibility isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a lifeline.

Also, in its latest plot twist, TikTok is reportedly working on a U.S.-only version of its app to sidestep a potential ban and keep D.C. off its back. The move could mean splitting the algorithm - and the audience - which has marketers wondering if they’ll need to double their efforts for half the impact.

Campaigns

Earned-friendly campaigns & clever moments

How Amtrak used ‘90s monster truck commercials to make its top Instagram post of all time

Amtrak’s “Summer Train-Tacular” spoof ad takes pointed shots at air travel in the style of the comically macho, over-the-top Monster Jam monster truck ads.

By Grace Snelling | Fast Company

Opinion: Labubu’s viral fame is reshaping brand collabs and PR agencies

Per the op-ed, authenticity and respect for the original audience’s fandom is needed to see success in limited-edition products.

By Chris Do, Rave Restaurant Group | PR Week

Also, Baskin-Robbins x Laneige’s lip sleeping mask, Zing Zang’s Bloody Mary Ketchup (from April Fools joke to real product), Stella Artois’ Wimbledon dress code packaging, Glossier x Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding balm and Garage Beer’s BeerBed with the Kelce Brothers.

Culture 

Snackable bites of consumer culture

Matcha Lovers Are Turning Against Each Other Over Global Shortage

MatchaTok creators might want to keep their videos in their drafts folders. Enthusiasts are looking for someone to blame and sounding off in social media comments.

By Krystal Hur | The Wall Street Journal

Napster is back - and it’s betting big on holographic avatars

The nostalgic brand joins a crowded field of AI agents and competing devices from both giants and startups.

By Marty Swant | Fast Company

What’s In That Dessert? Vegetables.

Chefs are working with savory elements, herbs and vegetables to keep the dessert course interesting.

By Bettina Makalintal | Eater

Need a Tool for a Home Project? Get Yourself a Library Card.

Libraries are promoting their catalogs of home improvement tools that community members can borrow for one-time projects.

By Aaron Short | The New York Times

Corporate

How the Owner of Hidden Valley Ranch Learned to Love AI

Clorox employees’ experiments with generative AI delivered new R&D ideas, better customer insights and some misfires like “bleachless bleach.”

By Christopher Mims | Wall Street Journal

Tariff uncertainty causes real pain for small businesses

Small businesses might be pulling back on advertising and contemplating layoffs or closures as customers hunker down.

By Kristin Schwab | Marketplace

Corporate America soured on ‘business for good.’ Here’s how to reframe conscious capitalism

A look at how to reframe conscious capitalism as enlightened self-interest.

By Stephanie Mehta | Fast Company (Modern CEO)

As AI reshapes its workforce, Microsoft commits $4 billion to help others adapt

President Brad Smith spoke at an event Wednesday in Seattle announcing the company’s new Microsoft Elevate skilling initiative.

By Todd Bishop | GeekWire

Commerce

Shopper society snapshot

Your ‘Spaving’ Habit Is Blowing Up Your Budget

Shoppers are spending more to save “spaving” thinking they’re getting a better deal, but savings are often imaginary.

By Ashley Fike | Vice

How the Rich Go Grocery Shopping

In the Hamptons, gourmet stores cater to shoppers who don’t really worry what things cost.

By Taylor Robinson | The New York Times

AI Shopping Is Here. Will Retailers Get Left Behind?

AI doesn’t see the internet the same way human shoppers do. Retailers need to adapt as more consumers turn to AI to find products and make purchases.

By Marc Bain | Business of Fashion

Online Shopping Drops for the First Time in Over 10 Years

Experts are noticing a major decline in online shopping with many pointing their fingers at U.S. tariffs.

By Staff | Cheddar

Connections

Feed intelligence

Influencing Without the Influencers

Brands are embracing in-house creators to craft lo-fi, influencer-style content that feels more authentic and personal.

By Yola Mzizi | The New York Times

Podcasts created a new media category. Where do they go from here?

The format opened new doors for content creators and advertisers, but the once audio-only industry is increasingly video-centric.

By Alyssa Meyers, Jennimai Nguyen | Marketing Brew

‘I was nervous to ask for your socials’: Why missed connection posts are making a comeback

Reddit and TikTok users are bringing back “missed connections” as a romantic alternative to dating apps.

By Alaina Demopoulos | The Guardian

Media Moves:

  • Brad Smith, formerly anchor at Yahoo Finance, is now anchor at CNN for CNN Headlines, the network’s domestic Fast channel (more about the CNN Headlines relaunch here). He will start his new job later this summer.

  • Jake Mack, formerly production assistant at Newsmax, is now booking producer for “The Claman Countdown” on FOX Business Network.

  • Preetika Rana, formerly tech reporter at The Wall Street Journal, is leaving the news organization to travel and pursue passion projects.

  • Miranda Nazzaro, formerly tech reporter at The Hill, is now reporter at FedScoop covering the role of technology in the federal government.

  • Ian Krietzberg, formerly editor in chief at The Daily View, is now correspondent at Puck covering AI through a twice-weekly newsletter.

  • Jake Conley, formerly hedge funds reporter at With Intelligence, is now breaking news business reporter at Yahoo Finance, focusing on U.S. equities markets.

  • Zoe Han, formerly personal finance reporter at MarketWatch, is now leveraged finance reporter at 9fin.

  • Gayoung Lee, formerly intern at Scientific American, is now reporter at Gizmodo.

  • Megan Boyanton, formerly reporter at the Denver Post, is now general assignment business reporter at the Seattle Times covering tribal business, Seattle area economic drivers and more.

  • Nick Vega, formerly entertainment and pop culture reporter at CNBC Make It, has left the outlet for a new role at Warner Bros.

  • Ross Dwyer, formerly managing editor at Hypebeast, has left the outlet for a new comms role at Norda Run.

  • Reina Marszalek, formerly senior editor, mortgages at Credible, is now senior editor at Buy Side from WSJ.

  • Nicole Frazzini, formerly audience development strategist at Gallery Media Group, is now senior content strategy manager, fashion & luxury at Hearst Magazines.

  • Laptop Mag is shutting down.

  • Layoffs were announced this week at Bloomberg News.

Also... play First-Person Tetris.

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