StirredUp

From yoga studio floors to Wall Street glory, Lululemon built a billion-dollar empire on stretchy pants and spiritual branding. But behind the curated calm lies a company shaped by controversy, culture clashes, and sheer audacity.

In this episode, we peel back the layers of Lululemon’s rise. We explore the bold business moves, explosive backlash over see-through leggings, and the brand’s ongoing attempt to balance wellness ideals w...

🌟 This week’s episode of Stirred Up dives deep into the fascinating story of the Adidas brothers—two trailblazers who, despite their rivalry, created some of the most iconic shoe brands in the world! 🥇👟

From humble beginnings to global giants, the tale of Adi and Rudi Dassler is a testament to how passion and competition can lead to innovation. Yet, at the heart of it all, they were simply trying to solve a straightforward probl...

In an episode pulled from the vault and one of the first ever recorded shows, Jessica and Heather discuss the questionable ethics of the fast fashion brand, Brandy Melville.

It’s the brand that defined an aesthetic—tiny tanks, big attitude, and a whole lot of controversy. In this episode, we dig into how Brandy Melville became the uniform of “cool girls” everywhere, and why that’s… complicated. From one-size-fits-all policies to le...

From Doritos Locos Tacos to the mysterious disappearance (and resurrection) of the Mexican Pizza, Taco Bell isn’t just serving late-night cravings, it’s rewriting the fast-food playbook with every crunch, melt, and blast. In this episode, we unwrap the deliciously bizarre world of Taco Bell menu innovation. Who’s dreaming up these flavor Frankenfoods? Why do we love them? And how does a brand built on tacos become a pop culture ico...

Tory Burch didn’t just build a fashion empire—she built a platform for impact. In this episode, we explore how the designer’s namesake brand integrates purpose into profit through the Tory Burch Foundation, empowering women entrepreneurs with access to capital, education, and community. From her signature tunics to her signature mission, we unpack how Burch redefined what it means to lead with both style and substance—proving that ...

This week, we dive into the meteoric rise of Skims, the shapewear and loungewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian. In just four years, Skims accomplished what it took Spanx two decades to build — reaching a multi-billion-dollar valuation and reshaping the intimate apparel industry along the way. We explore how Kim Kardashian turned personal necessity into global opportunity, the brand’s savvy use of scarcity marketing, inclusive siz...

Dive into the delicious world of Crumbl Cookies, the bakery chain that’s taken America by storm with its iconic rotating menu and massive, sweet creations.

In this episode, we’ll uncover the secret ingredients behind Crumbl’s rapid expansion from a single Utah location to over 1,000 stores nationwide. We’ll explore how social media buzz, a data-driven menu, and a cult-like customer following have turned Crumbl into more than just ...

In this episode, we dive into the gritty yet lucrative world of waste management. From curbside pickup to landfill operations and cutting-edge recycling technology, we’ll uncover how companies like Waste Management turn trash into billions.

But with such immense profit, are these multi-billion dollar trash companies doing enough to establish truly sustainable practices? We’ll explore the economic forces driving the industry, the en...

Long before IKEA became the world’s top furniture brand—and one of the most unexpected restaurant chains—founder Ingvar Kamprad had a vision: make stylish, functional furniture affordable for everyone. In this episode, we explore how Kamprad’s unconventional thinking led to a revolution in home living. From his obsession with cost-cutting and efficiency to the now-iconic flat-pack design, IKEA turned shipping logistics into a compe...

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...