Reddit IPOs, Elon Musk’s Neuralink works, Travis Kelce's Amazon ‘Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?’, and Mark Zuckerberg’s Yacht & Hawaiian Bunker - #19

Welcome to Episode 19 of the irl Media NEWS Podcast. I'm your host Chris Thompson, and today we're discussing Reddit IPOs on the NYSE, Elon Musk’s Neuralink actually works, Travis Kelce to host Amazon Prime Video’s TV show ‘Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?’, and Mark Zuckerberg’s Yacht & Hawaiian Bunker.

Founder/Content Creator:

Chris Thompson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherjthompson/

irl Media NEWS brings you the business behind the news, with a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Looking for yet another way to stay on top of current events, while getting a fresh take on the business behind the news? Signup for the irl Media NEWS e-Newsletter where we discuss everything from Swiftonomics to Lionel Messi’s pink jersey: https://irlmedianews.beehiiv.com

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/irlMediaNEWS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/irl-media-news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irlmedianews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irlmedianews
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@irlmedianews
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irlmedianews
Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@irlMediaNEWS
Post: https://post.news/@/irlMediaNEWS
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/irlmedianews.bsky.social
e-Newsletter: https://irlmedianews.beehiiv.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irlMediaNEWS
Podcast: https://irlmedianewspodcast.buzzsprout.com

irl Media NEWS is completely self funded & privately owned, so we are beholden to no one except our own morals and ethics. The opinions expressed in our videos are exactly that - our opinions, and should be regarded (or disregarded depending on your perspective) as those of a small independent media organization bringing you original content in the fo...

Transcript

Welcome to Episode 19 of the irl Media NEWS Podcast. I'm your host Chris Thompson, and today we're discussing Reddit IPOs on the NYSE, Elon Musk’s Neuralink actually works, Travis Kelce to host Amazon Prime Video’s TV show ‘Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?’, and Mark Zuckerberg’s Yacht & Hawaiian Bunker.

​​All that and more in today's episode of the irl Media NEWS Podcast. Let’s get into it.

Business

Redditt just debuted their IPO, and it’s already on its way to being the hottest meme stock of 2024.

Even though the company isn’t new, it was founded 19 years ago, and even though it isn’t profitable, it lost $90.8 million in 2023, it still lit up the New York Stock Exchange when it began trading under the ticker symbol “RDDT”.

At the end of its first day as a publicly traded company Redditt’s stock was up 48% from its debut price of $34 a share.

Now if only it can figure out its advertising model, and how to turn a profit. Until then, good luck trading this meme stock, and as always DYOR.

Tech

Elon Musk’s company Neuralink just shared a video showing a quadriplegic person playing chess by moving the pieces with his brian following a surgery where doctors implanted a Neuralink chip in his brain in January 2024.

The patient, Noland Arbaugh, says in the video he would think about moving his hand and that, eventually, moving the computer cursor became second nature for him.

“It just became intuitive to me to start imagining the cursor moving. It was like using The Force on the cursor, and I could get it to move wherever I wanted.” he said.

This is an amazing medical and technological breakthrough that could help millions, and is just another example of what Elon Musk can bring to this world.

Entertainment

Travis Kelce is making his own headlines in the news, without the help of his girlfriend Taylor Swift.

Reports are Travis Kelce is in discussions to host a reboot on Amazon Prime Video of the TV show ‘Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?’

This side-hustle would be in addition to his day job of being a Tight End for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his other job of co-hosting the podcast ‘New Heights’ with his brother Jason Kelce, who recently retired from the Philadelphia Eagles.

How does Travis Kelce find the time between playing football and winning back-to-back Super Bowls, hosting a podcast, jet setting around the world to watch his girlfriend Taylor Swift perform in Australia, and now host a TV show.

I’d love some of whatever makes Travis Kelce so full of energy. Maybe he should bottle it sell it on Amazon!

Yachts

In the realm of the uber-wealthy, where extravagance knows no bounds, Meta’s Facebook co-founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg has once again made headlines. This time, it's not for groundbreaking technological innovations or corporate acquisitions, or for his Hawaiian Estate with its own apocalypse bunker, but for his new Billionaire toy: a $300 million dollar superyacht named "Launchpad."

The sleek and imposing vessel, measuring a staggering 287 feet, recently made its grand entrance into the United States, causing waves of fascination and envy among onlookers. But Launchpad isn't just any yacht; it's a marvel of maritime engineering and opulence, designed to indulge Zuckerberg's penchant for the finer things in life.

Reports indicate that Launchpad isn't sailing solo; it's accompanied by its shadow vessel, a strategic move often employed by the ultra-rich to enhance privacy and security while cruising the high seas. This auxiliary craft ensures that Zuckerberg's maritime adventures remain shrouded in secrecy, shielded from prying eyes and unwanted attention.

The arrival of Launchpad marks yet another milestone in Zuckerberg's quest for extravagance, further solidifying his status as one of the world's wealthiest and most influential individuals. With a net worth estimated at $178 billion dollars according to Forbes, he has never been one to shy away from flaunting his riches, whether through ambitious business ventures or extravagant personal acquisitions.

But Launchpad isn't just a status symbol for Zuckerberg; it's a floating palace designed to cater to his every whim and desire. From lavish accommodations and state-of-the-art amenities to cutting-edge technology and gourmet dining options, no expense has been spared in ensuring the utmost comfort and luxury for its esteemed owner and guests.

The interior of Launchpad reportedly boasts opulent living spaces adorned with the finest materials and furnishings, rivaling those found in the most exclusive luxury hotels and resorts. Whether lounging in the sumptuous master suite or entertaining guests in the sprawling entertainment areas, Mark Zuckerberg and his entourage are sure to experience unparalleled luxury and indulgence aboard this magnificent vessel.

Images of Launchpad circulating online offer mere glimpses of its grandeur, leaving admirers and enthusiasts alike eager to catch a glimpse of this floating marvel up close. From its sleek exterior design to its lavish interior décor, every detail reflects Zuckerberg's impeccable taste and uncompromising pursuit of perfection.

However, Launchpad isn't merely a symbol of excess and extravagance; it's also a testament to Mark Zuckerberg's vision and ambition. As the CEO of Meta, formerly known as Facebook, he has revolutionized the way we connect and interact in the digital age, shaping the course of human history in the process.

In many ways, Launchpad embodies Zuckerberg's entrepreneurial spirit and insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what's possible. Just as he has transformed the landscape of social media and technology, he now sets sail on a new frontier of luxury and leisure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of yachting and maritime travel.

As Launchpad embarks on its maiden voyage across the world's oceans, it serves as a symbol of Zuckerberg's boundless ambition and relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether navigating the azure waters of the Mediterranean or cruising along the sun-drenched coastlines of the Caribbean, it's clear that this magnificent vessel will continue to captivate and inspire all who encounter it.

In the realm of the ultra-wealthy, where status and prestige reign supreme, Mark Zuckerberg's Launchpad stands as a beacon of unparalleled luxury and sophistication. And as the world watches in awe, one can't help but wonder what grand adventures lie ahead for this extraordinary vessel and its enigmatic owner.

Real Estate

Beneath the lush landscape of Kauai, Hawaii, where swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters typically dominate the scenery, a different sort of architectural marvel is underway. Mark Zuckerberg is building an underground bunker fit for a billionaire. The Facebook co-founder's expansive property on the secluded island has been the subject of much speculation and intrigue, with reports surfacing about his multimillion-dollar investments in a sprawling estate that includes not only lavish amenities but also a subterranean sanctuary from the likes of a dystopian novel.

According to reports from various sources, Mark Zuckerberg's bunker is no ordinary hideaway. Described as a "Hawaiian apocalypse bunker," the structure is designed to withstand catastrophic events and provide a secure refuge for the tech magnate and his family. Stretching over a sprawling 1,400-acres, Mark Zuckerberg's estate features not only the bunker but also an array of amenities, including multiple residences, lush gardens, and even treehouses nestled among the tropical foliage.

The existence of such a bunker has sparked curiosity and raised eyebrows among both locals and the public at large. With rumors swirling and occasional glimpses into the secretive compound, speculation has run rampant about Mark Zuckerberg's motivations and intentions. Some view the bunker as a symbol of paranoia, a fortress built by a billionaire seeking refuge from an uncertain future. Others see it as a prudent investment in security and privacy, considering Mark Zuckerberg's high profile and the potential risks associated with it.

Reports indicate that the bunker boasts state-of-the-art features, including advanced security systems, sustainable energy sources, and provisions to sustain occupants for extended periods if necessary. Such measures, while undoubtedly impressive from a technological standpoint, have fueled concerns about the growing trend of wealthy individuals isolating themselves in luxury bunkers while the rest of society grapples with pressing issues such as climate change, inequality, and political instability.

Critics argue that the construction of such extravagant retreats represents a form of escapism, allowing the ultra-wealthy to insulate themselves from the realities faced by the majority of the population. Moreover, the sheer scale and opulence of Mark Zuckerberg's bunker underscore broader questions about wealth inequality and the concentration of resources in the hands of a select few.

Despite the controversy surrounding his bunker, Mark Zuckerberg has remained relatively tight-lipped about his intentions, offering only occasional glimpses into his life on the island through carefully curated updates and interviews.

While Mark Zuckerberg's bunker may be the most high-profile example, it is by no means an isolated case. Reports suggest that a growing number of wealthy individuals, including Silicon Valley executives and hedge fund managers, are investing in similar retreats around the world, fueling a burgeoning industry catering to the super-rich's desire for security and seclusion.

As debates continue to rage about the ethical implications of such investments, one thing remains clear: Mark Zuckerberg's Hawaiian bunker serves as a stark reminder of the vast disparities in wealth and power that define our modern world. In a time of increasing uncertainty and upheaval, it raises important questions about responsibility, accountability, and the role of the ultra-wealthy in shaping the future of society. Whether viewed as a symbol of privilege or a pragmatic response to an uncertain world, one thing is certain: billionaires are definitely not like you and me!

That's it for our show today. We really appreciate you sticking around to the end. 

If you don’t want to miss an episode please consider subscribing and following us wherever you get your podcasts from, so we can continue to bring you the business behind the news. 

I’m your host Chris Thompson, and this has been an irl Media NEWS Podcast.