APM Studios
Black Friday is a huge shopping holiday in the U.S. that happens the day after Thanksgiving. There are tons of sales and sometimes people even wait for hours outside of stores to get the best deals! But where did this mega shopping day even come from? And what’s in it for the stores?
Forever Ago and Million Bazillion have teamed up to investigate! Join Joy Dolo and co-host Petra as they travel back in time to find out how Black Friday started. Then, join Million Bazillion’s hosts Bridget Bodnar and Ryan Perez at the mall to learn how stores come up with deals and what to watch out for when you’re shopping for holiday gifts. It’s an epic crossover episode you won’t want to miss!
Audio Transcript
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JOY DOLO: Hmm, where should we hang the garland? What do you think, Ryan Perez, Million Bazillion's host extraordinaire?
RYAN PEREZ: Well, Joy Dolo, legendary host of Forever Ago, what if we put it over the window?
BRIDGET BODNAR: Or we could hang it in the doorway.
JOY DOLO: Excellent idea, Bridget Bodnar, Million Bazillion's other equally fantastic host.
PETRA: Hi, Joy. Hi, Ryan. Hi, Bridget.
JOY DOLO: Hey, Petra, my latest superstar co-host of Forever Ago. Perfect timing. Would you mind helping me, Joy Dolo, irreplaceable host of Forever Ago and Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar, uber talented hosts of Million Bazillion hang up this garland?
PETRA: Sure, I'll help you, but why are you saying their names like that, with titles and everything? We all know each other. We literally all just had Thanksgiving dinner together.
RYAN PEREZ: I know, but us hosts have to get into the festive spirit and prepare for the next big holiday. Here, take this garland.
[GARLAND THUMPS]
PETRA: This is just a long extension cord with a bunch of microphones dangling on it.
JOY DOLO: Exactly. Could you pass me the tape, please?
PETRA: Sure thing.
[TAPE RIPPING]
Here you go. Why are you decorating? What holiday is next?
JOY DOLO: Only the best holiday around.
PETRA: Diwali?
JOY DOLO: Nope.
PETRA: Hanukkah?
RYAN PEREZ: Guess again.
PETRA: Christmas?
JOY DOLO: Nah, not quite. It's almost Podcast Host Appreciation Day, a special day where podcast hosts finally get to be the center of attention.
PETRA: Finally? You are literally the stars of your own shows, but I guess that explains the microphone garland. What else do you do on Podcast Host Appreciation Day?
JOY DOLO: Oh, all sorts of riveting podcasts things. Instead of singing carols, we do vocal exercises like this. The tip of the tongue, the teeth, the lips. Eight gray geese in a green field grazing. Grab the groundhog from the glaze grass.
BRIDGET BODNAR: We play "Pin the Headphones on the Producer." They love that.
RYAN PEREZ: And my favorite part of Podcast Host Appreciation Day is the game Mysterious Microphone. It's when everyone draws a random podcast host and you have to get them a gift like Secret Santa, but for extremely charming podcast hosts.
PETRA: That's fun. Who did you get for Mysterious Microphone this year?
RYAN PEREZ: Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be very mysterious, now, would it?
JOY DOLO: Yeah, I couldn't possibly say. I got Ryan. Shh, don't tell him.
RYAN PEREZ: Joy, uh, did you say something?
JOY DOLO: Oh, nothing.
RYAN PEREZ: [SIGHS] if you say so. Let's just say the person who receives my Mysterious Microphone gift is very lucky because I'm an excellent gift giver, right, Bridget?
BRIDGET BODNAR: It's true. Ryan got me a custom can opener last year, and it nearly moved me to tears. I'll cherish it forever.
RYAN PEREZ: And that can opener was half off. I'm great at finding gifts and deals.
JOY DOLO: Speaking of gifts, [GASPS] I still need to get my Mysterious Microphone gift.
PETRA: There's only one solution-- to the mall!
JOY DOLO: Let's go! See you later, Million Bazillion host Bridget and Ryan.
RYAN PEREZ: Later.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Toodles.
[THEME MUSIC]
JOY DOLO: Hi, I'm Joy Dolo, here with my co-host, Petra, from Hollywood, Maryland.
PETRA: Hi, Joy. Today is extra special.
JOY DOLO: That's right. Because it's the great Forever Ago and Million Bazillion crossover from APM Studios and Marketplace.
[CROWD CHEERS]
[TRAIN TOOTS]
PETRA: The first half of this episode will be Forever Ago, the history show where we explore the before.
JOY DOLO: And the second half, we'll catch up with Bridget and Ryan from Million Bazillion, the show that helps dollars make more sense.
PETRA: But first, we have very important business. We have to find the perfect Mysterious Microphone gift for Ryan.
JOY DOLO: And we came to the only place you can get gifts, a rolling suitcase, chili cheese fries, and orthopedic shoes in one trip, the mall.
PETRA: Lucky for us, there are tons of sales going on. It's almost Black Friday.
JOY DOLO: Black Friday is the big shopping day that happens every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
PETRA: There are always lots of big sales and deals on Black Friday.
JOY DOLO: And tons of people shop on this day to get gifts for upcoming holiday seasons. To get the absolute best deals, some people line up hours before stores open. And some stores see huge crowds. Petra, have you ever gone shopping on Black Friday?
PETRA: So, my mom really likes to get the best deals on the internet, but I haven't really gone to the store on Black Friday.
JOY DOLO: Oh, do you think you ever would? Like would you be one of those people that got there super early and camped out?
PETRA: I don't think so.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] Are you a morning person?
PETRA: No, I am not a morning person.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] And especially after you have a whole bunch of turkey and stuff like the day before--
PETRA: Yes.
JOY DOLO: --and then you got to wake up or stay awake. Like, I don't know if it's worth it for like a TV or something. Do you like to shop at all?
PETRA: I do like to shop, but my mom says that we can always get the better deals online.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS]
PETRA: So--
JOY DOLO: You know, me and your mom have a lot in common. [LAUGHS] I do that, too. But if you-- like if money wasn't an object, if you were 30 years old and you hosted a podcast and you had all the money you wanted, would you shop all the time?
PETRA: Definitely.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] Is there something that you like to shop for?
PETRA: I really like shopping for toys and Christmas presents. I just want to get everything.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] So if you-- I mean, if you felt like your mom, what kind of deals would it take for you to get up at the crack of dawn to go wait in line for something?
PETRA: Maybe like if it was like a book series that was like new and there were new books that were coming out in the book series, and you could get the whole book series for the price of like two or three books.
JOY DOLO: [GASPS] That is a-- I would do that as well. Oh, my gosh. I remember doing that when I was younger. And I would go and wait in line for the Harry Potter books and stuff when they were coming out. And I was like--
PETRA: That's cool.
JOY DOLO: Yeah, yeah, because it was like you wanted to be the first one because people read it and then they talk about it. And you don't want them to ruin it for you, you know. So--
PETRA: Yeah.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] So you got to get there. But I agree with you, crack of dawn for a book-- I'm there with you. Do you know what the best gift that you've ever given and the best gift that you've ever received?
PETRA: So for the best gift I've ever received, I really like panda stuff. And like all my friends and family and my family friends, they know that I like panda stuff. So for my birthday and for Christmas, they just give me panda stuff. So panda pajamas, panda purses, panda bags, panda stuffed animals, panda crafts-- like everything.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] Panda pajamas, that's amazing.
PETRA: Yeah. And then for the best gift I've ever given-- so I like to make homemade stuff for presents. And last year, I bought these snow globes.
JOY DOLO: [GASPS]
PETRA: And I made snow globes with glitter. I didn't add water, though, because that would be too much. But like I made like little felt sculptures inside the snow globe.
JOY DOLO: Oh, my goodness.
PETRA: And then I put glitter inside them.
JOY DOLO: Wow. Well, that's pretty cool. I'd love to get a snow globe. Oh, Ryan would love a snow globe of his own. That'd be so cool. I'll take that into consideration while I'm looking for Ryan's gift. Speaking of, do you think this rubber chicken says, Ryan, you're a great podcast host?
[RUBBER CHICKEN SQUEAKS]
PETRA: Uh, maybe not.
JOY DOLO: Yeah, you're right. That's really more of a 50-year anniversary gift. I'll keep my eyes peeled.
PETRA: Joy, I'm curious. Do you know why we call it Black Friday? Like where did this make a shopping day even come from?
JOY DOLO: That's a great question. For well over 100 years, the weeks following Thanksgiving have been popular times for holiday shopping in the US. Lots of folks flocked to stores to get gifts for friends and family.
PETRA: That makes sense. There are so many holidays in December.
JOY DOLO: But the name Black Friday actually started in Philadelphia many decades ago. Here, Petra, let's put on these headphones and I'll show you what I mean.
PETRA: Wow, they're hot pink and have rhinestones. Are we about to listen to a podcast?
JOY DOLO: Even better, if you can believe it. These aren't just any headphones. They're time-traveling headphones. Let's go.
[FUTURISTIC SOUNDS]
Whoa! Whee! Welcome to the 1950s. Black and white televisions are in most people's homes in America. A new theme park called Disneyland has just opened, and rock and roll music is taking over from coast to coast, including here in Philadelphia.
[ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC]
PETRA: Wow, Philly is full of traffic today. Is there a big event or something? Is Elvis in town?
RANDOM MAN: Did somebody say Elvis? Oh, my gosh!
PETRA: Wow! It's like a Swiftie from the '50s.
JOY DOLO: Totally. And sorry, Elvis is not in town. Common misunderstanding.
RANDOM MAN: What do you mean there's no Elvis? You cruising for a bruising, Buster?
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
POLICE OFFICER: All right, all right. Move along, buddy boy. And you two with the pink headphones, keep moving. Come on. Shoot, keep moving.
JOY DOLO: Excuse me, officer, but we're here to observe history.
POLICE OFFICER: Oh, sorry Well, in that case, I guess you can stay-- in the name of history.
JOY DOLO: As I was saying, there are so many people visiting Philadelphia not because of Elvis, but because there's a big football game tomorrow.
POLICE OFFICER: Ha, that's right. Every year, people come to Philly to watch the Army-Navy football game.
JOY DOLO: On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, a team of US Army members play against a team from the US Navy. It draws big crowds to the city.
POLICE OFFICER: [SIGHS] Especially on the Friday before the game. Every year, it's pure chaos. All us cops in Philly have to work extra long hours that day. And no officer is allowed to take that day off.
PETRA: That sounds exhausting.
POLICE OFFICER: Ugh, it is. That's why we started calling it Black Friday. It's a dark day full of tourists, loud football fans, and team spirit just everywhere.
PETRA: So that's where the name Black Friday came from. It was a nickname police gave the very hectic day before the big football game. But what does that have to do with shopping?
JOY DOLO: Even though Black Friday was an awful work day for the police, it was a really popular day for shopping. That's because all of the people visiting town for the game would end up buying things for the upcoming holiday season. Think about it. You're already in the big city for the football game and you need gifts, so why not hit up some stores too?
[CAR HORN BLOWING]
POLICE OFFICER: Hey, watch it! We've got some people observing history over here. Ah, I am so sorry. Please continue.
PETRA: Maybe we should go.
JOY DOLO: I agree. It's been fun Philly in the '50s past Adelphia, bygone city of brotherly love. But we got some shopping to do. Catch you on the flippy side, flip, flip.
[FUTURISTIC SOUNDS]
PETRA: Whoa!
JOY DOLO: Whoa.
PETRA: Whoa!
JOY DOLO: And just like that, we're back in the present and back at the mall.
PETRA: That was fun. So the name Black Friday came from the Philadelphia Police in the 1950s. Who knew.
JOY DOLO: Random, right? And even though this was a successful day for store owners, some people didn't like the name. They worried people still associated it with chaos and negativity. I mean, it even just sounds menacing-- Black Friday.
PETRA: That makes sense. It's how the Philly cops thought of it.
JOY DOLO: Exactly. So some store owners tried to change the name to Big Friday, but it never stuck. The shopping holiday didn't catch on until almost 40 years later, when more stores across the country started using the name Black Friday to have huge sales of their own.
PETRA: Now, Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
JOY DOLO: It's true. There are also tons of online deals and sales around this time of year, too. But lots of people still do their Black Friday shopping in person. And over the years, as the deals got better, people got more and more competitive about snagging the best ones.
PETRA: Right. That's how you end up with long lines outside stores before they even open. People want to grab the best deals before they're sold out.
JOY DOLO: The pros bring folding chairs to sit on and food to snack on while they wait.
PETRA: Yeah, like over there. Just look at that line at the Monster Truck Fan Club store. It stretches all the way to the food court. And the store isn't even open until tomorrow morning.
JOY DOLO: Shucks! Ryan Perez, co-host of Million Bazillion, really loves monster trucks, but there's no way I'm waiting in that line until tomorrow morning. Hmm, what to do? Think, Joy Dolo, host of Forever Ago, think.
PETRA: Ooh, what if we shared a comically large pretzel and brainstormed?
JOY DOLO: Uh, that's a deal. Especially if we have some mustard. And for you listening at home, the show will be back with more from Million Bazillion right after this.
[THEME MUSIC]
MOLLY BLOOM: Brains On universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Forever Ago, we know you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore.
[JET WHOOSHING]
ALIEN: Forever Ago. I'm their biggest fan. I also love Brains On, a fun science podcast for kids. Listen, I will play you Brains On. You will love.
[DEVICES BEEP]
MOLLY BLOOM: Today, we're going to turn our attention to blood suckers that do exist.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
CHILD CO-HOST: Some of them you've probably heard of, like mosquitoes, ticks, and lice.
MOLLY BLOOM: But others might surprise you. Like, did you know that some birds drink blood?
[DEVICES BEEP]
ALIEN: [GASPS] Zorb! Where did the signal go?
[DEVICES BEEP]
Must find Brains On now.
[JET WHOOSHING]
MOLLY BLOOM: Listen to Brains On wherever you get your podcasts.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR]
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget, Bridget!
BRIDGET BODNAR: Mm, what-- was that knocking. Who's that knocking at my door? Ryan, it's 1:00 AM. What are you doing here?
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget, we gotta get in line for the Black Friday deal so we can win this competition.
BRIDGET BODNAR: What?
RYAN PEREZ: Remember the Podcast Host Appreciation Day competition, where we randomly select the name of another podcast host and give that person a present. I randomly selected Joy Dolo, the host of Forever Ago. I have to get her a very good gift. We have to win Podcast Host Appreciation Day. Million Bazillion is going to look unprofessional if we fumble this. So put on your coat. We're getting in line early for the sales.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ah, OK. Um, well, first of all, it's the night of Thanksgiving. I was in the middle of a nice turkey-induced sleep. My whole family's here. They're staying overnight.
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget, it's time you wake up and get with the program and put work before family. No one has ever regretted doing that.
BRIDGET BODNAR: OK, I'm pretty sure that is the thing people regret most in life. And also, these sort of gift exchanges are just like fun things for people in offices to do. It's not a competition. This is a holiday weekend. I just want to be with the people I love, eat some good food, maybe catch up on some sleep.
RYAN PEREZ: That's not what the holidays are about. They're about fighting and winning at the store where you're buying presents. Grab your coat. I'll be waiting in the car.
BRIDGET BODNAR: [SIGHS] He's not going to leave unless I go with him. OK, let's do it.
[CAR REVS]
[TIRES SQUEAL]
[THEME MUSIC]
RYAN PEREZ: Hey, kids, welcome to the great Million Bazillion and Forever Ago crossover episode.
[HORNS TOOT]
We're the Million Bazillion hosts. I'm Ryan.
BRIDGET BODNAR: And I'm Bridget. And we help dollars make more sense.
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget, it's Black Friday, the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season. The time of year some stores make their biggest profits. Put some enthusiasm into it. Here, have a coffee or two or three. Hey, I brought a big carafe for the whole line.
[CROWD CHEERS]
Oh, whoops, sorry. I already drank it all by myself.
[CROWD BOOS]
Anyway, we're waiting here in line or online. In line, online-- how do you say it? I fell off in the comments. I don't even know. Anyway, we're here in line outside Savemart Superstore for their annual Black Friday sale. When the doors open at 4:00 AM, we'll be the first to go through and scoop up incredible deals and fabulous sales on the hottest electronics, toys, kitchenware, and home decor.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ryan, I really think you should just buy Joy a small and thoughtful gift for like $10, like a framed photo of her pet elephant, Hermie, or a podcast-themed charm for her charm bracelet. I honestly think it'll be awkward if you give her something super expensive.
RYAN PEREZ: Agree to disagree, Bridget. Boy, isn't it so nice of these stores to discount all this stuff just in time for the holiday season?
BRIDGET BODNAR: Well, I mean, stores aren't offering these discounts out of the kindness of their retail hearts.
RYAN PEREZ: Wait a minute. They're not? What are you saying?
BRIDGET BODNAR: Well, there are a lot of reasons people start shopping in November and December for gifts. Christmas, Hanukkah, obviously Podcast Host Appreciation Day. And stores know this. So they put on big sales, trying to draw customers in and get those customer dollars. All that's created a bunch of traditions around how we shop this time of year, including on Black Friday.
STORE STAFF: OK, everybody. Doors are open.
CUSTOMER: All right, out of my way.
CUSTOMER: Come on, come on, let me in there.
CUSTOMER: Go straight to the TVs.
RYAN PEREZ: All right, let's run in. Hurry, hurry, hurry.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ryan, stop. Breathe. Slow down. Slow down.
RYAN PEREZ: But I want to get in there right away and start buying as soon as possible. Haven't you seen the 1996 cinematic masterpiece Jingle All the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger? I don't want to get caught fighting over the last Turbo Man on the shelf.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Of course, but this isn't Jingle All the Way. There isn't a Turbo Man-like toy flying off the shelves. There's no need to rush. You need to control your behavior. Breathe. [INHALES, EXHALES] We're going to walk around the store. We're going to look at what they have. And we're going to make good, smart, calm decisions.
STORE STAFF: Attention, holiday shoppers, thank you for joining us this Black Friday morning. We've got special deals in every aisle.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Special deals, we'll see about that.
[BOLT SLAMS]
[GASPS] It's my favorite consumer advocate, Brenda Hammer from Scam Slammers. What are you doing here? I thought you only covered scams and flams and jams?
BRENDA HAMMER: I'm here because wherever there are deals and steals, there are going to be some deals that are not such a steal for the consumer.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Oh yeah, I guess that makes sense.
RYAN PEREZ: It rhymes, too. That's a plus.
BRENDA HAMMER: Also, it's my tradition. I've covered Black Friday for the last 40 years. Every year, I wake up before dawn to get B-roll of busy shoppers for my evening report.
RYAN PEREZ: Can't you just use the same B-roll from last year?
BRENDA HAMMER: No, that would be a sham. See, the shoppers may be showing up for deals, but those deals aren't the whole story.
RYAN PEREZ: They're not?
BRENDA HAMMER: No. Retailers put a lot of thought into their holiday sales. And as savvy consumers, we got to understand that game.
RYAN PEREZ: Well, I'm ready to learn more, Brenda. Bridget, this is exactly how we win the Mysterious Microphone portion of Podcast Host Appreciation Day, shopping savvy.
BRIDGET BODNAR: It's not a competition.
BRENDA HAMMER: So, first of all, the biggest deal of the store is going to be something big and flashy, something retailers know shoppers can't resist, something like a fancy computer or TV on deep, deep sale.
RYAN PEREZ: Ooh, they've got a deal going right now? Tell me more.
BRENDA HAMMER: That's what's called a loss leader, meaning the store might actually lose money on this item, but they don't care. It's all part of their plan to get you into the store. They just want to get you here feeling ready to shop. The TV is like the worm on the hook. It's bait.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ew, what? Are we the fish?
BRENDA HAMMER: Blub, blub. Yes, you are. Once you're in the store loading up on your half-priced TV, the retailer knows you're going to be looking around at what other holiday shopping needs you can cross off your list. So you look around and you think, my aunt Myrna is going to love this vacuum cleaner. I'm here and I'll get it. Doesn't matter that it's not on sale at all. And boom-- it worked. Fish on a hook.
[BOLT SLAMS]
The store's initial loss has led to a profit loss leader.
RYAN PEREZ: Oh, yeah, a loss leader. I've heard that's what every single streaming service is.
BRENDA HAMMER: Speaking of streaming, you should also be on the lookout for something I like to call bundling.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Bundling?
BRENDA HAMMER: Bundling is when stores put one item on sale, knowing that when you get into the store, they're going to show you how great this one item looks as a set. Like, look over there at that rolly suitcase those two grown men in pajamas are fighting over.
CUSTOMER: Give me the suitcase. I call dibs.
CUSTOMER: But I touched it first. Tag beats dibs.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ooh, that's embarrassing for them.
RYAN PEREZ: I know. Who wears bunny slippers out of the house?
BRENDA HAMMER: The store is hoping that when you see the discounted suitcase next to the matching backpack and carry on luggage, you're going to say to yourself, yeah, uncle Joe is going to think I'm a real swell kid for getting him the whole set. And I'm already saving so much money on the suitcase, the rest are practically paid for.
RYAN PEREZ: Hmm, Joy seems like the kind of person who would enjoy a matching luggage set. Maybe I should try to get it. Hey, guys, I'll arm wrestle you for it.
BRENDA HAMMER: And boom, fish on a hook.
[BOLT SLAMS]
Oh, and by the way, some of these sales are on stuff the store couldn't sell at full price earlier in the year, stuff no one really wanted to buy. Now they've got a golden opportunity to unload. They call it a door buster. And boom, fish on a hook.
[BOLT SLAMS]
RYAN PEREZ: [GRUNTS] But Brenda, what if the store runs out of good deals? How much should I be panicking right now that I'll miss the best deal in the store because we're standing here chatting?
BRENDA HAMMER: Look, Ryan, I can promise you this. The store will run out of good deals before the end of the holiday shopping season. But as the mellifluous Doris Day once crooned, (SINGING) que sera, sera.
RYAN PEREZ: Now's not the time for your fancy French phrases, Brenda.
BRENDA HAMMER: It means what will be, will be. The stores know as much as anyone that some of us like to shop early, get the deals and the steals, then spend the rest of the holidays drinking hot cocoa with extra mini marshmallows. They're going to tempt those folks into the stores with the biggest deals earlier in the season.
But for those lagging Lennys out there, shopping on that last weekend before Christmas when the stakes are high and the deals are pretty much going to be gone, the stores know you can't come home empty handed. You'll be paying full price for whatever you pick out for your cousin Betty.
RYAN PEREZ: Well, that's not going to be us. Thanks for all your help, Brenda. I've got a podcasting colleague to shop for now.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Oh, yeah, and good luck with your reporting.
BRENDA HAMMER: I don't need luck. I've got decades of experience and an exit plan for every room I enter. Stay smart, you two.
RYAN PEREZ: Thanks, Brenda.
BRIDGET BODNAR: You know what, Ryan, I think we need to take a little pause and make a game plan ourselves but for all this holiday shopping we need to do.
RYAN PEREZ: I have a plan, Bridget. It's to buy Joy the most fabulous, expensive thing I can. And if I need to max out my credit card to do that, I will. So help me, I will.
BRIDGET BODNAR: No, Ryan, pull yourself together. Look, the first step is awareness. Don't get caught up in the excitement. Take your time. Let's just remember that everything the stores are doing is about convincing us to spend more of our money with them.
RYAN PEREZ: Right, right. This intense urge to buy Joy a mini fridge she can keep at her desk is all just a twisted plot on behalf of Savemart.
BRIDGET BODNAR: OK, number two, we are going to make a plan or a budget for how much we're going to spend, figure out who you're buying for, and then an idea of what you want to get for them. We don't want to get caught up in the holiday spirit in the store and get FOMO and make a bunch of rash buying decisions.
RYAN PEREZ: Ooh, rash ointment, 60% off. Possible gift for Joy.
BRIDGET BODNAR: We probably should have started this part before Black Friday, but it's always good to do some research so you're smart about what's a good price and quality.
RYAN PEREZ: Oh, sure, I'll keep that in mind for next year. But for this year, what about we get Joy a gold bar? I bet she'd like that. She's a history buff.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Actually, Ryan, that's my last point. Before you think about deals and sales, think about what's important to the person you're buying for. What do they value? Maybe they'd really like to spend more time with you? Or they'd really treasure something handmade? Think about all this before you go into the store.
RYAN PEREZ: Hmm, maybe you're right, Bridget. These all sound like great ideas. Wow! Look at that! There's a sale on a 4K view more supersonic smart TV for $1,358. It usually goes for $4,000.
BRIDGET BODNAR: O-OK, I don't think you need to get Joy a $4,000 TV.
RYAN PEREZ: It's not a $4,000 TV. It's a $1,358 TV.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Yeah, but I don't think you need to buy a TV either way is my point.
RYAN PEREZ: Let me just put it in the cart. I'm just putting it in the cart and we can decide later, OK? [HEAVES AND GRUNTS] OK. And while we're here, I might as well get these stocking stuffers for my beloved cat, Skimbleshanks. Oh, boy, these kitty boots aren't cheap, but I'm already here at the store, and-- well, yeah, let's do it. He's going to love them.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Oh, boy. The loss leader strikes again.
[THEME MUSIC]
RYAN PEREZ: And here we are back in the studio. I've called an emergency meeting at the office to exchange our gifts.
BRIDGET BODNAR: [YAWNS] This feels like the longest I have ever been awake. I can't wait to go home, put on my pajamas, maybe put on the rest of Jingle All the Way and just fall asleep to it.
RYAN PEREZ: But first, we're going to do the thing you've all been waiting for. The big meet up with the Forever Ago team to see who will win Podcast Host Appreciation Day.
BRIDGET BODNAR: It's not a competition, Ryan.
RYAN PEREZ: I know. I know. Hey, look, Joy's here. Time to see who got the better gift.
JOY DOLO: Hi, Bridget and Ryan.
PETRA: Happy Thanksgiving weekend.
RYAN PEREZ: Hi, Petra.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Hey, Joy. Good to see you. How are the rest of your Thanksgiving celebrations?
JOY DOLO: Oh, so fun. First, we went to the mall, then we put on time traveling headphones and almost got into a scuffle over Elvis. But in the end, we learned that the name Black Friday started thanks to a football game.
PETRA: Then we ate our weight in food and/or food-related substances from the restaurants at the mall. It was awesome.
RYAN PEREZ: Uh, Joy, I'm going to cut to the chase here, get to the brass tacks. In this year's Podcast Appreciation Day gift-buying competition, I got you [GRUNTS] an 83-inch 4K view, more supersonic smart TV retail value, $4,000, but I got it at the jaw-dropping price of $1,395 after tax. You're welcome.
JOY DOLO: Wow, that's a very nice gift, Ryan. You really shouldn't have. Um-- OK, thank you.
RYAN PEREZ: So I think you're saying we officially won. It's clear, Million Bazillion won this crossover episode. And yes, Bridget, I understand it wasn't a competition, but still, I think we should all take note of how good my gift was. Right, right, right, right.
JOY DOLO: Yes, it's an amazing gift. I guess I should give you my gift. I know you like monster trucks, but the Monster Truck Fan Club store was so packed, so Petra and I bought a paint set instead and made you this masterpiece.
PETRA: It's an oil painting of a monster truck. And look, you're driving it.
[SENTIMENTAL MUSIC]
BRIDGET BODNAR: Wow, that's so thoughtful.
RYAN PEREZ: Uh, yeah. I mean, this is incredibly thoughtful. No one's ever painted me a picture of a truck before. But just to be clear, TV was a superior gift. I mean, we're all in agreement that the TV that I bought was better than the drawing.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Sure. Yeah, yeah, I mean, I guess like the drawing is great, too. Just-- it's really special, Joy.
JOY DOLO: Thanks. It was fun to draw. Hey, Petra, who did you pull for a Podcast Host Appreciation Day?
PETRA: Oh, I got Bridget. Ta-da! I got you this. Attractive, practical, and appropriately priced Thermos.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Aw, thanks. I love it. It's the perfect gift. And I would know because I got you an attractive, practical, and appropriately priced Thermos, too. Great minds think alike.
[CHIME]
RYAN PEREZ: OK, OK, OK. So as the winner of the Podcast Host Appreciation Day Mystery Microphone competition, I get to be the one that asks, what did we learn from this episode?
JOY DOLO: Well, I think we learned that Black Friday may be a big part of our holiday and shopping tradition today, but it sprung from, of all things, a big football game in Philadelphia years ago.
PETRA: Yeah, so many people came to see the game that the city was extra crowded and extra chaotic. People started calling it Black Friday.
JOY DOLO: But for stores, all those people meant a chance to make big sales. So Black Friday slowly changed into a big day for shopping.
BRIDGET BODNAR: It's a tradition that's changed over time. The money we spend at the holidays is still pretty important for the stores. And a lot of customers do like the excitement on Black Friday and the whole holiday shopping season. So whether you love it or hate it, it's probably going to be around for a while.
RYAN PEREZ: And I learned that retailers today have a lot of ways to convince us shoppers to spend our money with them, especially at the holidays. Those deep discounts aren't just out of the kindness of their hearts. But with a little pre-planning and thoughtful spending, you can still win at the holiday shopping season. If that's what's important to you. You can also just draw pictures and give those out as gifts. That can be nice too. Maybe even more thoughtful. Whatever, I don't know.
JOY DOLO: Well said. Happy Podcast Hosts Appreciation Day, everyone.
EVERYONE: Cheers!
[THEME MUSIC]
JOY DOLO: This episode was written by Bridget Bodnar, Ruby Guthrie, Ryan Perez, and Nico Gonzalez Wisler. It was hosted by me, Joy Dolo, our co-host, Petra, Bridget Bodnar, and Ryan Perez.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Special thanks to the smart people who helped us really understand Black Friday, professor of marketing Barbara Kahn at Wharton and professor of marketing Franklin Shetty at UCLA and Katherine Colin at the National Retail Federation.
JOY DOLO: And special thanks to Lisa Weiss and Aron Woldeslassie.
BRIDGET BODNAR: The additional voices you heard in part two of this episode include Andie Corban, Maria Hollenhorst, Chris Julin, Francesca Levy, Sean McHenry, Michelle Mencio, Dylan Miettinen, and Jay Siebold.
RYAN PEREZ: Million Bazillion is brought to you by Marketplace and Forever Ago is brought to you by APM Studios, both from American Public Media. Our editors were Shahla Farzan, Jasmine Romero, and Sanden Totten. This episode was produced by Courtney Bergsieker, Marissa Cabrera, Nico Gonzalez Wisler, and Ruby Guthrie.
JOY DOLO: Engineering help from Alex Simpson and Alyssa Castles with sound design by Bekah Wineman and Marc Sanchez. Wonderly created the theme music for Million Bazillion. Marc Sanchez composed the theme music for Forever Ago.
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget Bodnar is the director of podcasts at Marketplace. Francesca Levy is the executive director of digital. Neal Scarbrough is the VP and general manager. Beth Pearlman is Forever Ago's executive producer. And the executives in charge of APM Studios are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith.
PETRA: And if you want access to ad-free episodes and special bonus content, subscribe to our Smarty Pass.
JOY DOLO: Join us next week for an episode all about Sesame Street.
PETRA: Thanks for listening.
[THEME MUSIC]
RYAN PEREZ: Well, Joy Dolo, legendary host of Forever Ago, what if we put it over the window?
BRIDGET BODNAR: Or we could hang it in the doorway.
JOY DOLO: Excellent idea, Bridget Bodnar, Million Bazillion's other equally fantastic host.
PETRA: Hi, Joy. Hi, Ryan. Hi, Bridget.
JOY DOLO: Hey, Petra, my latest superstar co-host of Forever Ago. Perfect timing. Would you mind helping me, Joy Dolo, irreplaceable host of Forever Ago and Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar, uber talented hosts of Million Bazillion hang up this garland?
PETRA: Sure, I'll help you, but why are you saying their names like that, with titles and everything? We all know each other. We literally all just had Thanksgiving dinner together.
RYAN PEREZ: I know, but us hosts have to get into the festive spirit and prepare for the next big holiday. Here, take this garland.
[GARLAND THUMPS]
PETRA: This is just a long extension cord with a bunch of microphones dangling on it.
JOY DOLO: Exactly. Could you pass me the tape, please?
PETRA: Sure thing.
[TAPE RIPPING]
Here you go. Why are you decorating? What holiday is next?
JOY DOLO: Only the best holiday around.
PETRA: Diwali?
JOY DOLO: Nope.
PETRA: Hanukkah?
RYAN PEREZ: Guess again.
PETRA: Christmas?
JOY DOLO: Nah, not quite. It's almost Podcast Host Appreciation Day, a special day where podcast hosts finally get to be the center of attention.
PETRA: Finally? You are literally the stars of your own shows, but I guess that explains the microphone garland. What else do you do on Podcast Host Appreciation Day?
JOY DOLO: Oh, all sorts of riveting podcasts things. Instead of singing carols, we do vocal exercises like this. The tip of the tongue, the teeth, the lips. Eight gray geese in a green field grazing. Grab the groundhog from the glaze grass.
BRIDGET BODNAR: We play "Pin the Headphones on the Producer." They love that.
RYAN PEREZ: And my favorite part of Podcast Host Appreciation Day is the game Mysterious Microphone. It's when everyone draws a random podcast host and you have to get them a gift like Secret Santa, but for extremely charming podcast hosts.
PETRA: That's fun. Who did you get for Mysterious Microphone this year?
RYAN PEREZ: Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be very mysterious, now, would it?
JOY DOLO: Yeah, I couldn't possibly say. I got Ryan. Shh, don't tell him.
RYAN PEREZ: Joy, uh, did you say something?
JOY DOLO: Oh, nothing.
RYAN PEREZ: [SIGHS] if you say so. Let's just say the person who receives my Mysterious Microphone gift is very lucky because I'm an excellent gift giver, right, Bridget?
BRIDGET BODNAR: It's true. Ryan got me a custom can opener last year, and it nearly moved me to tears. I'll cherish it forever.
RYAN PEREZ: And that can opener was half off. I'm great at finding gifts and deals.
JOY DOLO: Speaking of gifts, [GASPS] I still need to get my Mysterious Microphone gift.
PETRA: There's only one solution-- to the mall!
JOY DOLO: Let's go! See you later, Million Bazillion host Bridget and Ryan.
RYAN PEREZ: Later.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Toodles.
[THEME MUSIC]
JOY DOLO: Hi, I'm Joy Dolo, here with my co-host, Petra, from Hollywood, Maryland.
PETRA: Hi, Joy. Today is extra special.
JOY DOLO: That's right. Because it's the great Forever Ago and Million Bazillion crossover from APM Studios and Marketplace.
[CROWD CHEERS]
[TRAIN TOOTS]
PETRA: The first half of this episode will be Forever Ago, the history show where we explore the before.
JOY DOLO: And the second half, we'll catch up with Bridget and Ryan from Million Bazillion, the show that helps dollars make more sense.
PETRA: But first, we have very important business. We have to find the perfect Mysterious Microphone gift for Ryan.
JOY DOLO: And we came to the only place you can get gifts, a rolling suitcase, chili cheese fries, and orthopedic shoes in one trip, the mall.
PETRA: Lucky for us, there are tons of sales going on. It's almost Black Friday.
JOY DOLO: Black Friday is the big shopping day that happens every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
PETRA: There are always lots of big sales and deals on Black Friday.
JOY DOLO: And tons of people shop on this day to get gifts for upcoming holiday seasons. To get the absolute best deals, some people line up hours before stores open. And some stores see huge crowds. Petra, have you ever gone shopping on Black Friday?
PETRA: So, my mom really likes to get the best deals on the internet, but I haven't really gone to the store on Black Friday.
JOY DOLO: Oh, do you think you ever would? Like would you be one of those people that got there super early and camped out?
PETRA: I don't think so.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] Are you a morning person?
PETRA: No, I am not a morning person.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] And especially after you have a whole bunch of turkey and stuff like the day before--
PETRA: Yes.
JOY DOLO: --and then you got to wake up or stay awake. Like, I don't know if it's worth it for like a TV or something. Do you like to shop at all?
PETRA: I do like to shop, but my mom says that we can always get the better deals online.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS]
PETRA: So--
JOY DOLO: You know, me and your mom have a lot in common. [LAUGHS] I do that, too. But if you-- like if money wasn't an object, if you were 30 years old and you hosted a podcast and you had all the money you wanted, would you shop all the time?
PETRA: Definitely.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] Is there something that you like to shop for?
PETRA: I really like shopping for toys and Christmas presents. I just want to get everything.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] So if you-- I mean, if you felt like your mom, what kind of deals would it take for you to get up at the crack of dawn to go wait in line for something?
PETRA: Maybe like if it was like a book series that was like new and there were new books that were coming out in the book series, and you could get the whole book series for the price of like two or three books.
JOY DOLO: [GASPS] That is a-- I would do that as well. Oh, my gosh. I remember doing that when I was younger. And I would go and wait in line for the Harry Potter books and stuff when they were coming out. And I was like--
PETRA: That's cool.
JOY DOLO: Yeah, yeah, because it was like you wanted to be the first one because people read it and then they talk about it. And you don't want them to ruin it for you, you know. So--
PETRA: Yeah.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] So you got to get there. But I agree with you, crack of dawn for a book-- I'm there with you. Do you know what the best gift that you've ever given and the best gift that you've ever received?
PETRA: So for the best gift I've ever received, I really like panda stuff. And like all my friends and family and my family friends, they know that I like panda stuff. So for my birthday and for Christmas, they just give me panda stuff. So panda pajamas, panda purses, panda bags, panda stuffed animals, panda crafts-- like everything.
JOY DOLO: [LAUGHS] Panda pajamas, that's amazing.
PETRA: Yeah. And then for the best gift I've ever given-- so I like to make homemade stuff for presents. And last year, I bought these snow globes.
JOY DOLO: [GASPS]
PETRA: And I made snow globes with glitter. I didn't add water, though, because that would be too much. But like I made like little felt sculptures inside the snow globe.
JOY DOLO: Oh, my goodness.
PETRA: And then I put glitter inside them.
JOY DOLO: Wow. Well, that's pretty cool. I'd love to get a snow globe. Oh, Ryan would love a snow globe of his own. That'd be so cool. I'll take that into consideration while I'm looking for Ryan's gift. Speaking of, do you think this rubber chicken says, Ryan, you're a great podcast host?
[RUBBER CHICKEN SQUEAKS]
PETRA: Uh, maybe not.
JOY DOLO: Yeah, you're right. That's really more of a 50-year anniversary gift. I'll keep my eyes peeled.
PETRA: Joy, I'm curious. Do you know why we call it Black Friday? Like where did this make a shopping day even come from?
JOY DOLO: That's a great question. For well over 100 years, the weeks following Thanksgiving have been popular times for holiday shopping in the US. Lots of folks flocked to stores to get gifts for friends and family.
PETRA: That makes sense. There are so many holidays in December.
JOY DOLO: But the name Black Friday actually started in Philadelphia many decades ago. Here, Petra, let's put on these headphones and I'll show you what I mean.
PETRA: Wow, they're hot pink and have rhinestones. Are we about to listen to a podcast?
JOY DOLO: Even better, if you can believe it. These aren't just any headphones. They're time-traveling headphones. Let's go.
[FUTURISTIC SOUNDS]
Whoa! Whee! Welcome to the 1950s. Black and white televisions are in most people's homes in America. A new theme park called Disneyland has just opened, and rock and roll music is taking over from coast to coast, including here in Philadelphia.
[ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC]
PETRA: Wow, Philly is full of traffic today. Is there a big event or something? Is Elvis in town?
RANDOM MAN: Did somebody say Elvis? Oh, my gosh!
PETRA: Wow! It's like a Swiftie from the '50s.
JOY DOLO: Totally. And sorry, Elvis is not in town. Common misunderstanding.
RANDOM MAN: What do you mean there's no Elvis? You cruising for a bruising, Buster?
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
POLICE OFFICER: All right, all right. Move along, buddy boy. And you two with the pink headphones, keep moving. Come on. Shoot, keep moving.
JOY DOLO: Excuse me, officer, but we're here to observe history.
POLICE OFFICER: Oh, sorry Well, in that case, I guess you can stay-- in the name of history.
JOY DOLO: As I was saying, there are so many people visiting Philadelphia not because of Elvis, but because there's a big football game tomorrow.
POLICE OFFICER: Ha, that's right. Every year, people come to Philly to watch the Army-Navy football game.
JOY DOLO: On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, a team of US Army members play against a team from the US Navy. It draws big crowds to the city.
POLICE OFFICER: [SIGHS] Especially on the Friday before the game. Every year, it's pure chaos. All us cops in Philly have to work extra long hours that day. And no officer is allowed to take that day off.
PETRA: That sounds exhausting.
POLICE OFFICER: Ugh, it is. That's why we started calling it Black Friday. It's a dark day full of tourists, loud football fans, and team spirit just everywhere.
PETRA: So that's where the name Black Friday came from. It was a nickname police gave the very hectic day before the big football game. But what does that have to do with shopping?
JOY DOLO: Even though Black Friday was an awful work day for the police, it was a really popular day for shopping. That's because all of the people visiting town for the game would end up buying things for the upcoming holiday season. Think about it. You're already in the big city for the football game and you need gifts, so why not hit up some stores too?
[CAR HORN BLOWING]
POLICE OFFICER: Hey, watch it! We've got some people observing history over here. Ah, I am so sorry. Please continue.
PETRA: Maybe we should go.
JOY DOLO: I agree. It's been fun Philly in the '50s past Adelphia, bygone city of brotherly love. But we got some shopping to do. Catch you on the flippy side, flip, flip.
[FUTURISTIC SOUNDS]
PETRA: Whoa!
JOY DOLO: Whoa.
PETRA: Whoa!
JOY DOLO: And just like that, we're back in the present and back at the mall.
PETRA: That was fun. So the name Black Friday came from the Philadelphia Police in the 1950s. Who knew.
JOY DOLO: Random, right? And even though this was a successful day for store owners, some people didn't like the name. They worried people still associated it with chaos and negativity. I mean, it even just sounds menacing-- Black Friday.
PETRA: That makes sense. It's how the Philly cops thought of it.
JOY DOLO: Exactly. So some store owners tried to change the name to Big Friday, but it never stuck. The shopping holiday didn't catch on until almost 40 years later, when more stores across the country started using the name Black Friday to have huge sales of their own.
PETRA: Now, Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
JOY DOLO: It's true. There are also tons of online deals and sales around this time of year, too. But lots of people still do their Black Friday shopping in person. And over the years, as the deals got better, people got more and more competitive about snagging the best ones.
PETRA: Right. That's how you end up with long lines outside stores before they even open. People want to grab the best deals before they're sold out.
JOY DOLO: The pros bring folding chairs to sit on and food to snack on while they wait.
PETRA: Yeah, like over there. Just look at that line at the Monster Truck Fan Club store. It stretches all the way to the food court. And the store isn't even open until tomorrow morning.
JOY DOLO: Shucks! Ryan Perez, co-host of Million Bazillion, really loves monster trucks, but there's no way I'm waiting in that line until tomorrow morning. Hmm, what to do? Think, Joy Dolo, host of Forever Ago, think.
PETRA: Ooh, what if we shared a comically large pretzel and brainstormed?
JOY DOLO: Uh, that's a deal. Especially if we have some mustard. And for you listening at home, the show will be back with more from Million Bazillion right after this.
[THEME MUSIC]
MOLLY BLOOM: Brains On universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Forever Ago, we know you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore.
[JET WHOOSHING]
ALIEN: Forever Ago. I'm their biggest fan. I also love Brains On, a fun science podcast for kids. Listen, I will play you Brains On. You will love.
[DEVICES BEEP]
MOLLY BLOOM: Today, we're going to turn our attention to blood suckers that do exist.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
CHILD CO-HOST: Some of them you've probably heard of, like mosquitoes, ticks, and lice.
MOLLY BLOOM: But others might surprise you. Like, did you know that some birds drink blood?
[DEVICES BEEP]
ALIEN: [GASPS] Zorb! Where did the signal go?
[DEVICES BEEP]
Must find Brains On now.
[JET WHOOSHING]
MOLLY BLOOM: Listen to Brains On wherever you get your podcasts.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR]
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget, Bridget!
BRIDGET BODNAR: Mm, what-- was that knocking. Who's that knocking at my door? Ryan, it's 1:00 AM. What are you doing here?
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget, we gotta get in line for the Black Friday deal so we can win this competition.
BRIDGET BODNAR: What?
RYAN PEREZ: Remember the Podcast Host Appreciation Day competition, where we randomly select the name of another podcast host and give that person a present. I randomly selected Joy Dolo, the host of Forever Ago. I have to get her a very good gift. We have to win Podcast Host Appreciation Day. Million Bazillion is going to look unprofessional if we fumble this. So put on your coat. We're getting in line early for the sales.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ah, OK. Um, well, first of all, it's the night of Thanksgiving. I was in the middle of a nice turkey-induced sleep. My whole family's here. They're staying overnight.
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget, it's time you wake up and get with the program and put work before family. No one has ever regretted doing that.
BRIDGET BODNAR: OK, I'm pretty sure that is the thing people regret most in life. And also, these sort of gift exchanges are just like fun things for people in offices to do. It's not a competition. This is a holiday weekend. I just want to be with the people I love, eat some good food, maybe catch up on some sleep.
RYAN PEREZ: That's not what the holidays are about. They're about fighting and winning at the store where you're buying presents. Grab your coat. I'll be waiting in the car.
BRIDGET BODNAR: [SIGHS] He's not going to leave unless I go with him. OK, let's do it.
[CAR REVS]
[TIRES SQUEAL]
[THEME MUSIC]
RYAN PEREZ: Hey, kids, welcome to the great Million Bazillion and Forever Ago crossover episode.
[HORNS TOOT]
We're the Million Bazillion hosts. I'm Ryan.
BRIDGET BODNAR: And I'm Bridget. And we help dollars make more sense.
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget, it's Black Friday, the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season. The time of year some stores make their biggest profits. Put some enthusiasm into it. Here, have a coffee or two or three. Hey, I brought a big carafe for the whole line.
[CROWD CHEERS]
Oh, whoops, sorry. I already drank it all by myself.
[CROWD BOOS]
Anyway, we're waiting here in line or online. In line, online-- how do you say it? I fell off in the comments. I don't even know. Anyway, we're here in line outside Savemart Superstore for their annual Black Friday sale. When the doors open at 4:00 AM, we'll be the first to go through and scoop up incredible deals and fabulous sales on the hottest electronics, toys, kitchenware, and home decor.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ryan, I really think you should just buy Joy a small and thoughtful gift for like $10, like a framed photo of her pet elephant, Hermie, or a podcast-themed charm for her charm bracelet. I honestly think it'll be awkward if you give her something super expensive.
RYAN PEREZ: Agree to disagree, Bridget. Boy, isn't it so nice of these stores to discount all this stuff just in time for the holiday season?
BRIDGET BODNAR: Well, I mean, stores aren't offering these discounts out of the kindness of their retail hearts.
RYAN PEREZ: Wait a minute. They're not? What are you saying?
BRIDGET BODNAR: Well, there are a lot of reasons people start shopping in November and December for gifts. Christmas, Hanukkah, obviously Podcast Host Appreciation Day. And stores know this. So they put on big sales, trying to draw customers in and get those customer dollars. All that's created a bunch of traditions around how we shop this time of year, including on Black Friday.
STORE STAFF: OK, everybody. Doors are open.
CUSTOMER: All right, out of my way.
CUSTOMER: Come on, come on, let me in there.
CUSTOMER: Go straight to the TVs.
RYAN PEREZ: All right, let's run in. Hurry, hurry, hurry.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ryan, stop. Breathe. Slow down. Slow down.
RYAN PEREZ: But I want to get in there right away and start buying as soon as possible. Haven't you seen the 1996 cinematic masterpiece Jingle All the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger? I don't want to get caught fighting over the last Turbo Man on the shelf.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Of course, but this isn't Jingle All the Way. There isn't a Turbo Man-like toy flying off the shelves. There's no need to rush. You need to control your behavior. Breathe. [INHALES, EXHALES] We're going to walk around the store. We're going to look at what they have. And we're going to make good, smart, calm decisions.
STORE STAFF: Attention, holiday shoppers, thank you for joining us this Black Friday morning. We've got special deals in every aisle.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Special deals, we'll see about that.
[BOLT SLAMS]
[GASPS] It's my favorite consumer advocate, Brenda Hammer from Scam Slammers. What are you doing here? I thought you only covered scams and flams and jams?
BRENDA HAMMER: I'm here because wherever there are deals and steals, there are going to be some deals that are not such a steal for the consumer.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Oh yeah, I guess that makes sense.
RYAN PEREZ: It rhymes, too. That's a plus.
BRENDA HAMMER: Also, it's my tradition. I've covered Black Friday for the last 40 years. Every year, I wake up before dawn to get B-roll of busy shoppers for my evening report.
RYAN PEREZ: Can't you just use the same B-roll from last year?
BRENDA HAMMER: No, that would be a sham. See, the shoppers may be showing up for deals, but those deals aren't the whole story.
RYAN PEREZ: They're not?
BRENDA HAMMER: No. Retailers put a lot of thought into their holiday sales. And as savvy consumers, we got to understand that game.
RYAN PEREZ: Well, I'm ready to learn more, Brenda. Bridget, this is exactly how we win the Mysterious Microphone portion of Podcast Host Appreciation Day, shopping savvy.
BRIDGET BODNAR: It's not a competition.
BRENDA HAMMER: So, first of all, the biggest deal of the store is going to be something big and flashy, something retailers know shoppers can't resist, something like a fancy computer or TV on deep, deep sale.
RYAN PEREZ: Ooh, they've got a deal going right now? Tell me more.
BRENDA HAMMER: That's what's called a loss leader, meaning the store might actually lose money on this item, but they don't care. It's all part of their plan to get you into the store. They just want to get you here feeling ready to shop. The TV is like the worm on the hook. It's bait.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ew, what? Are we the fish?
BRENDA HAMMER: Blub, blub. Yes, you are. Once you're in the store loading up on your half-priced TV, the retailer knows you're going to be looking around at what other holiday shopping needs you can cross off your list. So you look around and you think, my aunt Myrna is going to love this vacuum cleaner. I'm here and I'll get it. Doesn't matter that it's not on sale at all. And boom-- it worked. Fish on a hook.
[BOLT SLAMS]
The store's initial loss has led to a profit loss leader.
RYAN PEREZ: Oh, yeah, a loss leader. I've heard that's what every single streaming service is.
BRENDA HAMMER: Speaking of streaming, you should also be on the lookout for something I like to call bundling.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Bundling?
BRENDA HAMMER: Bundling is when stores put one item on sale, knowing that when you get into the store, they're going to show you how great this one item looks as a set. Like, look over there at that rolly suitcase those two grown men in pajamas are fighting over.
CUSTOMER: Give me the suitcase. I call dibs.
CUSTOMER: But I touched it first. Tag beats dibs.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Ooh, that's embarrassing for them.
RYAN PEREZ: I know. Who wears bunny slippers out of the house?
BRENDA HAMMER: The store is hoping that when you see the discounted suitcase next to the matching backpack and carry on luggage, you're going to say to yourself, yeah, uncle Joe is going to think I'm a real swell kid for getting him the whole set. And I'm already saving so much money on the suitcase, the rest are practically paid for.
RYAN PEREZ: Hmm, Joy seems like the kind of person who would enjoy a matching luggage set. Maybe I should try to get it. Hey, guys, I'll arm wrestle you for it.
BRENDA HAMMER: And boom, fish on a hook.
[BOLT SLAMS]
Oh, and by the way, some of these sales are on stuff the store couldn't sell at full price earlier in the year, stuff no one really wanted to buy. Now they've got a golden opportunity to unload. They call it a door buster. And boom, fish on a hook.
[BOLT SLAMS]
RYAN PEREZ: [GRUNTS] But Brenda, what if the store runs out of good deals? How much should I be panicking right now that I'll miss the best deal in the store because we're standing here chatting?
BRENDA HAMMER: Look, Ryan, I can promise you this. The store will run out of good deals before the end of the holiday shopping season. But as the mellifluous Doris Day once crooned, (SINGING) que sera, sera.
RYAN PEREZ: Now's not the time for your fancy French phrases, Brenda.
BRENDA HAMMER: It means what will be, will be. The stores know as much as anyone that some of us like to shop early, get the deals and the steals, then spend the rest of the holidays drinking hot cocoa with extra mini marshmallows. They're going to tempt those folks into the stores with the biggest deals earlier in the season.
But for those lagging Lennys out there, shopping on that last weekend before Christmas when the stakes are high and the deals are pretty much going to be gone, the stores know you can't come home empty handed. You'll be paying full price for whatever you pick out for your cousin Betty.
RYAN PEREZ: Well, that's not going to be us. Thanks for all your help, Brenda. I've got a podcasting colleague to shop for now.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Oh, yeah, and good luck with your reporting.
BRENDA HAMMER: I don't need luck. I've got decades of experience and an exit plan for every room I enter. Stay smart, you two.
RYAN PEREZ: Thanks, Brenda.
BRIDGET BODNAR: You know what, Ryan, I think we need to take a little pause and make a game plan ourselves but for all this holiday shopping we need to do.
RYAN PEREZ: I have a plan, Bridget. It's to buy Joy the most fabulous, expensive thing I can. And if I need to max out my credit card to do that, I will. So help me, I will.
BRIDGET BODNAR: No, Ryan, pull yourself together. Look, the first step is awareness. Don't get caught up in the excitement. Take your time. Let's just remember that everything the stores are doing is about convincing us to spend more of our money with them.
RYAN PEREZ: Right, right. This intense urge to buy Joy a mini fridge she can keep at her desk is all just a twisted plot on behalf of Savemart.
BRIDGET BODNAR: OK, number two, we are going to make a plan or a budget for how much we're going to spend, figure out who you're buying for, and then an idea of what you want to get for them. We don't want to get caught up in the holiday spirit in the store and get FOMO and make a bunch of rash buying decisions.
RYAN PEREZ: Ooh, rash ointment, 60% off. Possible gift for Joy.
BRIDGET BODNAR: We probably should have started this part before Black Friday, but it's always good to do some research so you're smart about what's a good price and quality.
RYAN PEREZ: Oh, sure, I'll keep that in mind for next year. But for this year, what about we get Joy a gold bar? I bet she'd like that. She's a history buff.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Actually, Ryan, that's my last point. Before you think about deals and sales, think about what's important to the person you're buying for. What do they value? Maybe they'd really like to spend more time with you? Or they'd really treasure something handmade? Think about all this before you go into the store.
RYAN PEREZ: Hmm, maybe you're right, Bridget. These all sound like great ideas. Wow! Look at that! There's a sale on a 4K view more supersonic smart TV for $1,358. It usually goes for $4,000.
BRIDGET BODNAR: O-OK, I don't think you need to get Joy a $4,000 TV.
RYAN PEREZ: It's not a $4,000 TV. It's a $1,358 TV.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Yeah, but I don't think you need to buy a TV either way is my point.
RYAN PEREZ: Let me just put it in the cart. I'm just putting it in the cart and we can decide later, OK? [HEAVES AND GRUNTS] OK. And while we're here, I might as well get these stocking stuffers for my beloved cat, Skimbleshanks. Oh, boy, these kitty boots aren't cheap, but I'm already here at the store, and-- well, yeah, let's do it. He's going to love them.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Oh, boy. The loss leader strikes again.
[THEME MUSIC]
RYAN PEREZ: And here we are back in the studio. I've called an emergency meeting at the office to exchange our gifts.
BRIDGET BODNAR: [YAWNS] This feels like the longest I have ever been awake. I can't wait to go home, put on my pajamas, maybe put on the rest of Jingle All the Way and just fall asleep to it.
RYAN PEREZ: But first, we're going to do the thing you've all been waiting for. The big meet up with the Forever Ago team to see who will win Podcast Host Appreciation Day.
BRIDGET BODNAR: It's not a competition, Ryan.
RYAN PEREZ: I know. I know. Hey, look, Joy's here. Time to see who got the better gift.
JOY DOLO: Hi, Bridget and Ryan.
PETRA: Happy Thanksgiving weekend.
RYAN PEREZ: Hi, Petra.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Hey, Joy. Good to see you. How are the rest of your Thanksgiving celebrations?
JOY DOLO: Oh, so fun. First, we went to the mall, then we put on time traveling headphones and almost got into a scuffle over Elvis. But in the end, we learned that the name Black Friday started thanks to a football game.
PETRA: Then we ate our weight in food and/or food-related substances from the restaurants at the mall. It was awesome.
RYAN PEREZ: Uh, Joy, I'm going to cut to the chase here, get to the brass tacks. In this year's Podcast Appreciation Day gift-buying competition, I got you [GRUNTS] an 83-inch 4K view, more supersonic smart TV retail value, $4,000, but I got it at the jaw-dropping price of $1,395 after tax. You're welcome.
JOY DOLO: Wow, that's a very nice gift, Ryan. You really shouldn't have. Um-- OK, thank you.
RYAN PEREZ: So I think you're saying we officially won. It's clear, Million Bazillion won this crossover episode. And yes, Bridget, I understand it wasn't a competition, but still, I think we should all take note of how good my gift was. Right, right, right, right.
JOY DOLO: Yes, it's an amazing gift. I guess I should give you my gift. I know you like monster trucks, but the Monster Truck Fan Club store was so packed, so Petra and I bought a paint set instead and made you this masterpiece.
PETRA: It's an oil painting of a monster truck. And look, you're driving it.
[SENTIMENTAL MUSIC]
BRIDGET BODNAR: Wow, that's so thoughtful.
RYAN PEREZ: Uh, yeah. I mean, this is incredibly thoughtful. No one's ever painted me a picture of a truck before. But just to be clear, TV was a superior gift. I mean, we're all in agreement that the TV that I bought was better than the drawing.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Sure. Yeah, yeah, I mean, I guess like the drawing is great, too. Just-- it's really special, Joy.
JOY DOLO: Thanks. It was fun to draw. Hey, Petra, who did you pull for a Podcast Host Appreciation Day?
PETRA: Oh, I got Bridget. Ta-da! I got you this. Attractive, practical, and appropriately priced Thermos.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Aw, thanks. I love it. It's the perfect gift. And I would know because I got you an attractive, practical, and appropriately priced Thermos, too. Great minds think alike.
[CHIME]
RYAN PEREZ: OK, OK, OK. So as the winner of the Podcast Host Appreciation Day Mystery Microphone competition, I get to be the one that asks, what did we learn from this episode?
JOY DOLO: Well, I think we learned that Black Friday may be a big part of our holiday and shopping tradition today, but it sprung from, of all things, a big football game in Philadelphia years ago.
PETRA: Yeah, so many people came to see the game that the city was extra crowded and extra chaotic. People started calling it Black Friday.
JOY DOLO: But for stores, all those people meant a chance to make big sales. So Black Friday slowly changed into a big day for shopping.
BRIDGET BODNAR: It's a tradition that's changed over time. The money we spend at the holidays is still pretty important for the stores. And a lot of customers do like the excitement on Black Friday and the whole holiday shopping season. So whether you love it or hate it, it's probably going to be around for a while.
RYAN PEREZ: And I learned that retailers today have a lot of ways to convince us shoppers to spend our money with them, especially at the holidays. Those deep discounts aren't just out of the kindness of their hearts. But with a little pre-planning and thoughtful spending, you can still win at the holiday shopping season. If that's what's important to you. You can also just draw pictures and give those out as gifts. That can be nice too. Maybe even more thoughtful. Whatever, I don't know.
JOY DOLO: Well said. Happy Podcast Hosts Appreciation Day, everyone.
EVERYONE: Cheers!
[THEME MUSIC]
JOY DOLO: This episode was written by Bridget Bodnar, Ruby Guthrie, Ryan Perez, and Nico Gonzalez Wisler. It was hosted by me, Joy Dolo, our co-host, Petra, Bridget Bodnar, and Ryan Perez.
BRIDGET BODNAR: Special thanks to the smart people who helped us really understand Black Friday, professor of marketing Barbara Kahn at Wharton and professor of marketing Franklin Shetty at UCLA and Katherine Colin at the National Retail Federation.
JOY DOLO: And special thanks to Lisa Weiss and Aron Woldeslassie.
BRIDGET BODNAR: The additional voices you heard in part two of this episode include Andie Corban, Maria Hollenhorst, Chris Julin, Francesca Levy, Sean McHenry, Michelle Mencio, Dylan Miettinen, and Jay Siebold.
RYAN PEREZ: Million Bazillion is brought to you by Marketplace and Forever Ago is brought to you by APM Studios, both from American Public Media. Our editors were Shahla Farzan, Jasmine Romero, and Sanden Totten. This episode was produced by Courtney Bergsieker, Marissa Cabrera, Nico Gonzalez Wisler, and Ruby Guthrie.
JOY DOLO: Engineering help from Alex Simpson and Alyssa Castles with sound design by Bekah Wineman and Marc Sanchez. Wonderly created the theme music for Million Bazillion. Marc Sanchez composed the theme music for Forever Ago.
RYAN PEREZ: Bridget Bodnar is the director of podcasts at Marketplace. Francesca Levy is the executive director of digital. Neal Scarbrough is the VP and general manager. Beth Pearlman is Forever Ago's executive producer. And the executives in charge of APM Studios are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith.
PETRA: And if you want access to ad-free episodes and special bonus content, subscribe to our Smarty Pass.
JOY DOLO: Join us next week for an episode all about Sesame Street.
PETRA: Thanks for listening.
[THEME MUSIC]
Transcription services provided by 3Play Media.
