The untold stories behind the products you’re obsessed with and the bold risk-takers who made them go viral. How did Birkenstocks go from a German cobbler’s passion project 250 years ago to a starring role in the Barbie movie? Who created that bottle of Sriracha permanently living in your fridge? Did you know the Air Jordans were initially banned by the NBA, or that Super Mario became the best-selling video game character ever thanks to a strategy called “The Infinite Game?” On Wondery’s new weekly podcast The Best Idea Yet, Nick Martell and Jack Crivici-Kramer (hosts of the award-winning daily pop-business podcast, The Best One Yet aka TBOY) have identified the most viral products of all time and reveal their untold origin stories — plus the bold risk-takers who brought them to life. From the Happy Meal to Levi’s 501 jeans, come for the products you’re obsessed with, stay for the business insights that’ll make you the most interesting person at your next brunch. Follow The Best Idea Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Wondery.fm/TBIY_IP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Have you ever wondered how the McDonalds Happy Meal became the best selling meal of all time?
Or whos really behind that bottle of Sriracha living in your fridge?
Or why almost every house in America has at least one game of Monopoly?
These are just a few of the questions answered on the best idea, a brand new podcast about the untold origin stories of iconic products and the people who made them go viral.
Like did you know that Super Mario, the best selling video game character of all time, only exists because Nintendo couldnt get the rights to Popeye?
Or that the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal first came from a mom in Guatemala?
Every week on the best idea yet, theyll be digging into a new product and its story, from the Happy meal to Super Mario Bros.
To air Jordans and uncovering the actionable business insights along the way.
Im about to play a clip from the best idea yet.
While youre listening, follow the best idea yet on the wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Wonder it's June 19, 1974, Guatemala City's historic district.
And Yolanda Fernandez de Cofinho is grinning from ear to ear because it's opening day for the very first McDonald's franchise located in Guatemala.
And she and her husband, they own it.
She's turning 40 next month, and she's feeling excited for this new chapter in her life.
Cause it's been months of work to get this thing ready, to bring in the supplies, to hire, and then to train 30 40 employees, all while raising five kids of their own.
That's a lot.
Now, quick side note, McDonald's corporation, they don't actually own most of the restaurants.
Great point, Jack.
That would be the franchisees.
Ah, yes.