What’s behind the “Household Name” podcast from Business Insider

Lauren Rubenstein of Wesleyan University writes about Business Insider’s Dan Bobkoff, host of the “Household Name” podcast.

Rubenstein writes, “‘Whether you like iPhones or Androids is almost like a religious affiliation,’ he says. ‘Or you might have had a poignant family moment at McDonald’s.’

“This is the lens through which Bobkoff explores brands in his new podcast, Household Name, from Business Insider. Bobkoff launched the podcast in July, and will produce and host 36 episodes over the course of the year. Its tagline—’Brands you know, stories you don’t’—captures the cultural history and surprising stories of unintended consequences that are featured in each episode about brands such as Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays, and Blockbuster.

“‘This is not a show for Wall Street traders. It’s a show for people who like stories and want to think about how we live,’ he says.

“For example, one episode explores how Starbucks’ celebrated Pumpkin Spice Latte became a treat that millions look forward to every fall—and then was transformed into the icon of ‘basicness,’ the idea that someone does not have interesting taste. In other episodes, the show visits the last remaining Blockbuster stores, introduces listeners to the real ‘Chuck’ behind Trader Joe’s ‘Two Buck Chuck’ wine, and asks why there are so many Mattress Firm stores in the country.”

Read more here.