The So Us Pod

We’re back with a lineup of stories that prove brands are NOT sleeping this week. First up: the HOKA × Halfdays winter sneaker collab that’s basically ski-chic meets streetwear. Then, Shay Mitchell launches Rini — yes, skincare for kids (!!) — and we have thoughts. And to round it out, 7-Eleven is giving emerging snacks and drinks a national stage with their “Brands with Heart” accelerator. Performance, play, purpose… and a whole lot of opinions.
 
Hoka x Halfdays collab: https://go.shopmy.us/p-31478040
Rini: https://heyrini.com/
Does Anyone Else Feel This Way: https://go.shopmy.us/p-31478040

This week, we’re digging into why shoppers are playing it safe this holiday season, how having a boyfriend somehow became embarrassing (according to British Vogue), and what Chobani’s $650 million raise says about the next era of food-as-lifestyle brands. We’re talking cautious consumers, cultural rebrands, and corporate glow-ups — basically, everyone’s pivoting this fall.
 
- Megababe Armpit Detox Mask: https://go.shopmy.us/p-27506649  (CODE: ELLAP15 for 15% off your purchase)
- McKinsey Study on Consumer Holiday Habits: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/holiday-shopping-trends
- Locker Referral Link: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/cla35okur6674715gtrvr3ch7r?utm_content=TmUmUM
- Article: Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?: https://www.vogue.com/article/is-having-a-boyfriend-embarrassing-now
- Article: It’s Not Just a Feeling: Data Shows Boys and Young Men Are Falling Behind https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/upshot/boys-falling-behind-data.html
- Dr. Diamond's Metacine: https://go.shopmy.us/p-28443475 
- Aquaphor Baby Stick: https://go.shopmy.us/p-28443475
- Vivrelle Code (CODE: ELLAMCMAHAN for first month free) 

This week, we’re spilling all the tea on Taco Bell’s new Live Más Café, exploring why full-fat dairy is making a major comeback, and checking out Sephora’s creator storefronts. Plus, we’re unpacking what these trends say about our lives, our kitchens, and our Instagram feeds. Sip, snack, and trend spot with us.
Links:
Taco Bell Live Más Cafe: https://www.tacobell.com/promotions/live-mas-cafe
Ella’s ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/ellapennington?Section_id=944708&tab=collections
Sign up for your own ShopMy account: https://shopmy.us/join/ellapennington
Navan App: https://navan.com/
The Tiny Post: https://www.thetinyfarmersmarket.com/

This week, we’re talking big life updates, ranking airline snacks like it’s our job, taste-testing Ben Stiller’s new soda live, and celebrating the fact that Whole Foods’ 2026 trend predictions basically prove we were right all along. Catch flights, not feelings — unless it’s for snacks.
 
Links:
Stiller’s Soda: https://amzn.to/4hnu199
Whole Foods Market Trends: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/trends
Land’s End Bags: https://go.shopmy.us/p-27317084
 Goodyear Blimp TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodyearblimp?lang=en

In the second episode of the So Us Pod, hosts Jane and Ella delve into various topics and stories. 
- GLP-1 Medications: They discuss the rising popularity and market impact of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, including:
- Oikos and other brands targeting GLP-1 users with protein products
- The importance of protein and fiber for GLP-1 users
- Ro's collaboration with Serena Williams on a GLP-1 weight loss journey
- Tech Integrations: 
- Amazon and TikTok Shop collaboration
- ChatGPT's new instant checkout feature for Etsy and Shopify products
- Prebiotic and Better-for-You Sodas: The hosts debate the market saturation and relevance of these sodas, highlighting:
- Poppy's acquisition by PepsiCo and continued growth
- Ben Stiller's launch of a new vitamin-enriched soda line (and beg him to send them PR so they can try it live on the pod!)
 
Obsessions: The episode wraps up with Jane and Ella sharing their latest obsessions!
 
Links:
- Gruns: https://amzn.to/4pVIPzG 
- Stiller's Soda: https://amzn.to/4pVIOf6 
- Ella's fav Caudalie Product: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987432 
- Beekeepers Naturals products: 
Propolis Spray: https://amzn.to/48gdm58
Vit C Packets: https://amzn.to/4nFNDI4 
Bee Pollen: https://amzn.to/478yGZ7
- Little Nosh Denver Pop Up: https://www.instagram.com/littlenoshshop/ 

In this debut episode of 'The So Us Pod,' hosts Jane and Ella introduce themselves and share their journey from college to their current lives in Denver and Lake Tahoe. The core of their conversation delves into three major stories in the CPG world:
Brands venturing into new product lines
Glossier’s new male CEO
A TikTok shop phenomena
Wrapping up the episode, Jane and Ella answer rapid-fire questions about dream brand trips and their latest favorite CPG products. This podcast blends industry insights with personal anecdotes, making it a lively and enriching listen.
 
Links: 
Five Star Weekend Book: https://amzn.to/4pUQQVJ 
Go Nanas Banana Bread: https://amzn.to/431PcYo
Fat Marshmallow Beef Tallow: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987056
Unleshia Brow Pomade: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987068
Nixit Condoms: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987073
Lem Massager: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26987080
Melissa - Denver Nano Brow Artist
Arch & Ink
https://www.instagram.com/archandinkbrow?igsh=MTA5OWgyN3E2a2Fuaw==