StirredUp

From boozy brunches to bougie boutiques, we’re taking you on a flavorful, funky, and fabulous tour of Grand Rapids’ small biz scene. In this episode, explore cosmic vibes and tarot reading at The 12th House, and pick up handmade wellness with Fox Naturals Apothecary, laugh until we pee with Matt Mathews, and (almost) get into a bar fight at Stellas Lounge.

We’ll toast to Morning Belle’s mimosa magic, wander through the artisan alle...

Once criminalized, now commercialized—cannabis has become one of the fastest-growing industries in America. In this episode, we break down the complex business behind the bud. From the top-performing states like Michigan, California, and Illinois to surprising revenue stats that rival alcohol, we explore how recreational weed is reshaping state economies. But it’s not all green pastures—federal restrictions, banking hurdles, and in...

From humble beginnings in 1950s Quincy, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ Donuts was founded by William Rosenberg with a simple but powerful vision: serve quality coffee and donuts at a price everyone could afford, fast. Rosenberg’s original shop, Open Kettle, quickly evolved into Dunkin’ Donuts, built on the idea that people loved dunking their donuts into coffee—a pairing that would define the brand for decades.

But fast forward to today, a...

Stanley didn’t just ride the viral wave—they engineered it. In this episode, we break down how the 110-year-old drinkware brand turned strategic partnerships into a modern marketing machine. From exclusive drops with Starbucks that sparked in-store chaos to influencer collabs that made tumblers the ultimate status symbol, Stanley mastered the art of turning partnerships into product and demand creation. We’ll explore the business l...

In this episode, we delve into the storied legacy of Stanley, a brand founded in 1913 by William Stanley Jr., a wealthy and ivey-league-educated inventor. Stanley's pioneering spirit led to the creation of the all-steel vacuum bottle, setting a new standard for durability and becoming an indispensable companion for workers and adventurers alike.

We'll explore how Stanley's...

Bell’s Brewing is more than just a name—it’s a cornerstone of American craft beer. Founded in 1985 by Larry Bell in Kalamazoo, Michigan, what started as a humble homebrew supply shop evolved into one of the most influential breweries in the country.

From the bold, hop-forward bite of Two Hearted Ale to the rich, complex flavors of Hopslam and the cult-followed Oberon, Bell’s has shaped the craft beer landscape for nearly four decad...

Spring Break isn’t just a vacation—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Every year, millions of travelers flood airports, highways, and cruise terminals, chasing adventure, relaxation, and maybe even a little sunburn. Florida alone welcomes over 135 million visitors annually, many of whom make their pilgrimage during Spring Break. But as the demand for dream vacations soars, so do the costs—turning this once-budget-friendly tradition into a...

In just two years, Hudson Leogrande turned Comfrt from an idea into TikTok’s fastest-growing apparel brand, dominating the platform with viral weighted hoodies, sweatpants, and blankets.

But the secret to this $160M success story? Niche influencers.

🔹 It all started on Snapchat. Before launching Comfrt, Hudson struggled for years with a teeth-whitening business, wasting money on paid ads. But when he tapped into small, relatable i...

The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers to 167 million addresses six days a week—an essential but costly obligation. Despite generating $80 billion annually it has faced *15 years of financial losses* while remaining self-funded, relying on low-interest federal loans.

From its roots in 1693’s first post office to Benjamin Franklin’s leadership, the USPS has played a crucial role in America’s economy and communication.

Over...

This episode dives deep into the beloved grocery chain’s surprising origins, unique business model, and the controversies that have followed its success.

From its transformation from a California convenience store to a nationwide phenomenon, we unpack how Trader Joe’s keeps prices low, why its private-label products dominate the shelves, and how its locations impact real estate values.

But it’s not all smooth sailing—Trader Joe’s h...

This week Jessica and Heather dive into all things NFL with unfiltered takes, wild theories, and plenty of laughs.

From Super Bowl nostalgia and halftime show debates to the NFL’s insane financial success and the latest drama—yes, even the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce conspiracy—nothing is off-limits. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just here for the entertainment, Stirred Up breaks down the game, the brand, and the culture ...

How can the app known for endless dance trends and niche memes be the ticking time bomb for privacy and national security? In this episode, we break down the drama behind the TikTok ban to talk about what the real issue is and where we stand.

We’re diving into all the juicy details. It’s part tech, part politics, and all the tea—so hit play and dive in with us as we unpack what’s really going on behind your favorite app. Now that i...

In this episode, Heather and Jessica dive into the world of Carhartt—the iconic brand that’s gone from farm fields to fashion runways. 🚜✨

We’ll explore the history, cultural impact, and unique features that make Carhartt a favorite for everyone from students and skaters to forklift operators.

Heather shares her heartfelt story about her first Carhartt coat (spoiler: it went everywhere), while Jessica spills the tea on why people...

THE SPILL (0:00:00-0:21:00)

* Jessica shares about her refreshed feeling after returning to work from a break.

* Heather expresses her joy in working with kind and hardworking colleagues.

* Jessica discusses scaling back her workout routine due to prioritizing work, family, and holiday preparations, aiming to get back to normal for mental well-being and fitting back into her jeans. She also expresses her desire to run a 10K race.

...

Think $5 rotisserie chickens and a 90% membership renewal rate are just happy accidents? Think again. Costco's unconventional business model has made them a retail giant, and it all starts with defying corporate norms. In this episode of Stirred Up, we dive deep into the Costco phenomenon, exploring how they've built a $250 billion empire by prioritizing employee well-being, offering high-value products at shockingly low prices, an...

Chick-fil-A is a fast-food phenom that inspires fierce devotion and equally intense debate. Revered for its iconic chicken sandwiches and legendary hospitality, the brand has cultivated a near-cult following, with fans praising its fresh ingredients and unwavering commitment to values like closing on Sundays. Yet, this same values-driven ethos has ignited fiery controversy, with critics passionately challenging its history of donat...