Coffee Is A Luxury Item, Kanye West sells Gutted mansion, and the Kelce Brothers $100M New Heights podcast deal - #42

Welcome to Episode 42 of the irl Media NEWS Podcast, I'm your host Chris Thompson, and today we discuss how Coffee Is Becoming A Luxury Item, ChatGPT Is Coming After Google’s Search Market, Ludacris Wants You To Eat Healthier, Kanye West Is Selling His Gutted Malibu Mansion For A $18.3 Million Dollar Loss, and The Kelce Brothers Are Negotiating A $100 Million Deal in the Works for Their New Heights Podcast.

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 42 of the irl Media NEWS Podcast, I'm your host Chris Thompson, and today we discuss how Coffee Is Becoming A Luxury Item, ChatGPT Is Coming After Google’s Search Market, Ludacris Wants You To Eat Healthier, Kanye West Is Selling His Gutted Malibu Mansion For A $18.3 Million Dollar Loss, and The Kelce Brothers Are Negotiating A $100 Million Deal in the Works for Their New Heights Podcast.

Business

Coffee Is Becoming A Luxury Item

Coffee used to be a simple pleasure that was within most consumer’s reach, but that is quickly changing. Soon, coffee could become a luxury item as the costs of producing and selling it skyrocket.

The global coffee market is estimated to be $483.91 Billion with a capital B as of 2023. Today the coffee industry is facing unprecedented challenges that are driving up prices and changing the way we think about this beloved beverage.

The journey from coffee bean to cup involves a complex chain of events, each step adding to the final cost. Coffee plants are sensitive to environmental conditions, requiring specific climates to thrive. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, coffee crops are increasingly at risk. Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer, has faced severe droughts and frost, devastating coffee plantations and reducing yields. Similarly, Colombia, another major coffee supplier, has seen its crops impacted by excessive rainfall and other climate-related issues. These environmental challenges are making it more difficult and expensive to cultivate coffee, driving up prices at the source.

In addition to environmental factors, labor shortages are compounding the problem. Coffee harvesting is labor-intensive, often requiring skilled workers to pick the beans by hand. However, many coffee-producing regions are experiencing a decline in available labor, partly due to migration to urban areas and better-paying jobs. The result is that coffee producers are forced to pay higher wages to attract and retain workers, further increasing production costs.

Transportation is another critical factor in the rising cost of coffee. The coffee supply chain is global, with beans often traveling thousands of miles from the farm to the roastery and then to the consumer. However, the logistics of moving coffee have become more expensive due to higher fuel prices and ongoing disruptions in global shipping networks. The cost of containers and shipping has risen significantly, adding to the overall expense of bringing coffee to market.

These rising costs are being passed on to consumers, who are seeing higher prices at their favorite cafés and in grocery stores. The average price of a cup of coffee has increased by approximately 23% from 2021 to 2024 as a result of inflation, with the average cost of a cup of coffee now costing $4.76, up from $3.97 just three years ago. Some premium brands, think Starbucks, have increased their price even more than that. Even budget-friendly options are feeling the squeeze, as companies grapple with the increased costs of production and distribution.

Inflation is amplifying these challenges. The global economy has been under pressure from a variety of factors, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Inflation has driven up the cost of everything from raw materials to finished goods, and coffee is no exception. As the price of goods and services rises, consumers are forced to spend more on essentials, leaving less disposable income for luxuries like premium coffee. This shift in spending habits is likely to impact the coffee market, with some consumers opting for cheaper alternatives or cutting back on their coffee consumption altogether.

The impact of inflation on coffee extends beyond just the price per cup. It also affects the entire coffee industry, from small farmers struggling to cover their costs to large corporations trying to maintain profit margins. As prices continue to rise, the coffee market may see shifts in production, with some regions scaling back or abandoning coffee cultivation altogether in favor of more profitable crops.

In this evolving landscape, coffee, once an affordable daily ritual, is becoming a symbol of economic change. The rising costs of producing and selling coffee, combined with the broader effects of inflation, are transforming a simple pleasure into a luxury. For coffee lovers, this means facing the reality of higher prices and potentially rethinking their relationship with their morning brew. As the global economy continues to evolve, the future of coffee remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the days of cheap coffee may be behind us.

Tech

ChatGPT Is Coming After Google’s Search Market

Move over, Google - ChatGPT is becoming the new go-to for search, and it's shaking up the search engine landscape.

OpenAI's conversational AI isn't just here to chat; it's gunning for the title of search king, a role Google has comfortably held for over two decades. The question is, can ChatGPT really take on the tech giant, or is this just another case of David vs. Goliath where Goliath doesn’t even break a sweat and crushes the competition?

OpenAI is making waves by positioning ChatGPT as more than just a chatbot; it's becoming a search engine with a personality. OpenAI is launching its search capabilities just before Google’s annual I/O conference, clearly sending a message that it's not afraid to play in the big leagues. But let’s be real - Google isn’t exactly shaking in its boots. With a search market share of 91.04% as of 2024, Google is practically synonymous with the word “search”. Google has been the go-to for everything from settling dinner table debates, to diagnosing that weird rash you looked up (I’m not the only one, am I?)

But what sets ChatGPT apart?

For one, ChatGPT is conversational. Instead of throwing a list of blue links at you, it processes information, synthesizes it, and serves it up in neat, human-like responses…most of the time. This conversational approach could be a game-changer, especially for users who are tired of the traditional search format and are looking for something more intuitive and interactive. But, of course, there’s a catch - there always is! Do you really want your search engine to have a personality? Imagine asking about the weather before planning to go to the beach for the day, and getting a sassy response about how you still haven’t finished working on that project you were searching for help on the other day.

OpenAI's vision is ambitious, but Google isn't sitting around. I mean, they have geniuses working on these kinds of things all over the world, and they kinda have a 25 year head start on search.

Google has been ramping up their AI efforts, including integrating its own conversational AI into search, something that might leave ChatGPT scrambling to keep up. Google’s vast resources, not to mention its army of engineers (the geniuses I mentioned), are busy incorporating the same features that ChatGPT offers while still benefiting from its de facto position as leader in search.

But, it’s not all doom and gloom for ChatGPT. While Google dominates traditional search, ChatGPT might carve out a niche for itself, particularly among users who value more nuanced and context-rich responses. And let's not forget, ChatGPT isn’t just about search - it’s part of a larger AI ecosystem that includes writing assistance, code generation, and more. In other words, it’s not just about taking on Google in search; it’s about redefining what a search engine can be.

So, will ChatGPT dethrone Google? It’s a tall order, and while OpenAI might have some clever tricks up its sleeve, it’s going to take more than witty banter, a sarcastic response, and cute conversations to topple Google. For now, Google can rest easy, but it might want to keep an eye on this new contender - because if nothing else, ChatGPT is making the search industry a whole lot more interesting. And who knows, maybe one day you'll ask, “What’s the best search engine?” and ChatGPT will be there to humbly reply, “Me, obviously.”

Entertainment

Ludacris Wants You To Eat Healthier

Ludacris, the multi-talented rapper, actor, and entrepreneur, is now adding a new title to his impressive resume: health advocate. Known for his chart-topping hits and memorable performances on the big screen, Ludacris is stepping into the culinary world with a mission to help people eat healthier. But before we dive into his latest cooking venture, let me break down for you just who Ludacris is from a fan’s perspective.

Ludacris, born Christopher Bridges, burst onto the music scene in the late 1990s with his debut album “Incognegro”. It didn’t take long for him to gain recognition for his witty lyrics and distinctive Southern drawl. His breakthrough album “Back for the First Time” featured hits like "What's Your Fantasy" and "Southern Hospitality," cementing his place in the rap industry. Over the years, Ludacris has released multiple platinum-selling albums, including “Word of Mouf” in 2001, “Chicken-n-Beer” in 2003, and “The Red Light District in 2004. He’s also racked up 3 Grammy Awards, proving that his talent is as enduring as it is versatile.

Not content with just dominating the music charts, Ludacris made a smooth transition into acting, where he’s perhaps best known for his role as Tej Parker in the “Fast & Furious” franchise. His character, a tech-savvy street racer, has become a fan favorite, appearing in multiple installments of the high-octane series. Ludacris has also showcased his acting chops in films like “Crash” in 2004, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and “Hustle & Flow” alongside Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson in 2005.

Ludacris is not the first celebrity to venture into the culinary world. Musicians and actors have increasingly turned to cooking as a way to connect with fans on a more personal level. Snoop Dogg, for instance, has his own cookbook “From Crook to Cook”, and has partnered with Martha Stewart for their cooking show “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party”. Kelis, known for her hit song “Milkshake,” has a degree in culinary arts and has released her own cookbook, “My Life on a Plate”. Even Queen Latifah has hosted her own cooking segments on television. These ventures allow celebrities to showcase a different side of themselves, often blending their unique personalities with a passion for food.

Now, Ludacris is joining the ranks of celebrity chefs, but with a twist. He’s teamed up with Knorr, the global food brand known for its flavor-packed seasonings and meal solutions, to promote healthier eating. The partnership aims to inspire people to cook nutritious, affordable meals at home, using simple ingredients that don’t sacrifice flavor. As part of the campaign, Ludacris has been featured in a series of cooking videos where he shares his own recipes and tips for eating well.

This collaboration is more than just a marketing gimmick; it’s a reflection of Ludacris’ commitment to encouraging healthier lifestyles in his community. He understands that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, and with Knorr’s help, he’s making it easier for everyone to enjoy delicious healthy meals.

Real Estate

Kanye West Is Selling His Gutted Malibu Mansion For A $18.3 Million Dollar Loss

Kanye West’s Malibu mansion saga is a masterclass in how not to flip a house. He took a $57 million architectural marvel and turned it into a $39 million “fixer-upper” - if by “fixer-upper” you mean he gutted it and made a really expensive home for seagulls to shit all over. The property, designed by the esteemed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, was supposed to be a testament to Kanye West’s visionary taste. Instead, it became another chapter in the artist’s growing list of abandoned projects and failures.

Kanye West bought this oceanfront home in December 2021 for a cool $57.3 million, likely with dreams of turning it into his latest masterpiece. And like many of Kanye West’s dreams, this one quickly turned into a nightmare. By early 2022, amid his divorce from Kim Kardashian, Kanye West had started ripping apart the mansion's 4,000 square feet of living space. He removed the floor-to-ceiling windows, leaving the home exposed to Malibu’s elements, and stripped the interior down to its bare bones, literally.

The idea, presumably, was to make the property his own, but as is often the case with Kanye West, the execution was a bit...chaotic. The house was left to deteriorate as the Pacific Oceans did its best to reclaim the structure. With no one around to maintain it, even the neighbors noticed the decay and commented on how the place was slowly becoming a seaside ruin. Meanwhile, Kanye West’s attention drifted to other projects, controversies like Adidas ending their contract after he said some racist things, and international escapades with his new wife Bianca Censori who looks incredibly similar to his ex-wife Kim Kardashian, all the while leaving the house abandoned and unfinished.

Fast forward to 2024, and the once-iconic mansion, now a concrete skeleton, has finally found a buyer. But here’s the kicker: Kanye West sold it for $39 million, representing a loss of!

It’s almost as if the new owner is buying Kanye West’s unfinished dream rather than a livable home. The property’s architectural pedigree and prime location on Malibu Road were probably the only things keeping the price from plummeting even further.

Jason Oppenheim, of the TV show “Selling Sunset” fame, was the lucky real estate agent who managed to unload this “open canvas” to someone with deep pockets and a vivid imagination. Jason Oppenheim was quick to highlight the property’s potential, calling it a unique opportunity for a “discerning buyer.” If that isn’t the understatement of the year! I’m pretty sure that’s real estate code for “good luck turning this concrete block into something habitable”.

So, while Kanye West may have lost millions on this venture, he’s probably not losing sleep over it. If nothing else, Kanye West’s Malibu mansion serves as a cautionary tale: just because you can buy a $57 million house doesn’t mean you can flip it and turn a profit.

Sports 

The Kelce Brothers Are Negotiating A $100 Million Deal in the Works for Their New Heights Podcast

If you’re a fan of Travis and Jason Kelce like me, then you’re probably still riding high from the whirlwind of excitement these two NFL superstars have generated both on and off the field in the last few years. As if winning Super Bowls and solidifying their places in football history weren’t enough, the Kelce brothers are now making headlines for what could be the most jaw-dropping deal of their careers. No, not another record-breaking NFL contract, since Jason Kelce is now retired, but instead a massive $100 million podcast deal for their “New Heights” podcast that they host together. Yes, you heard that right! Travis and Jason Kelce are about to cash in big time on their wildly popular podcast.

Now, if you’re not already one of the millions of listeners who tune in to the “New Heights” podcast every week, you’re seriously missing out. This podcast is like sitting in on a casual, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation between two of the NFL’s biggest personalities. Travis Kelce, the charismatic tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who also just happens to be dating Taylor Swift, and Jason Kelce, the former gritty center for the Philadelphia Eagles, bring their A-game to every episode, blending their natural brotherly chemistry with the kind of insider football knowledge that only they can deliver. 

Now there are reports that Travis and Jason Kelce are in talks to secure a deal worth a cool $100 million dollars, and it’s easy to see why. Their podcast has become a sensation, not just among football fans, but across the entire sports and entertainment landscape. Everyone wants a piece of the Kelce brothers these days, and with their ability to connect with audiences, it’s no wonder the offers are rolling in.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment - $100 million dollars is no joke! If this deal goes through, it would catapult their “New Heights” podcast into the upper echelons of podcasting, putting it on par with some of the biggest deals in the industry. Think Joe Rogan and Spotify, or Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy”, except this time it’s two football legends leading the charge.

And we can’t forget the role that Travis Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift plays in all of this. Their romance has been the talk of the town, with Taylor Swift’s massive fanbase (affectionately known as “Swifties”) flocking to the podcast to catch any mention of their favorite singer. This crossover appeal has only amplified the podcast’s reach, drawing in an even wider audience. Whether they’re dissecting game plays or joking about Travis Kelce’s dating life, the Kelce brothers know how to keep us hooked and coming back for more.

But it’s not just the entertainment factor that’s driving this deal. The Kelces have proven that they have a unique voice in the crowded sports media landscape. They bring authenticity, humor, and a level of candor that’s refreshing in a world often dominated by polished PR statements and endless EPSN Sports Center shows. Their ability to tackle tough topics, share personal stories, and make us laugh along the way is what sets the “New Heights” podcast apart from the rest.

As a fan of both Travis and Jason Kelce, it’s exciting to see them succeed in yet another arena. Whether they’re on the gridiron or behind the mic, these two never fail to deliver. And with a $100 million deal on the horizon, the sky is literally the limit for their “New Heights” show.