Users Trick UK’s Age Verification Law & KPop Takes Over Netflix

In an amusing segment, hosts Neil and Toby introduce the latest drink trend dubbed 'Spaghetti', which is Miller High Life mixed with a splash of aperol. This drink, originating from a Baltimore brewery as a secret menu item, has seen a massive increase in popularity, with orders spiking significantly since last year. The drink embodies a recession mentality, serving as an affordable option for summer sipping.

The podcast dives into the UK's new Online Safety Act which requires strict age verification for accessing adult content online. As a consequence, VPN usage has skyrocketed, with half of the top ten free apps on the UK App Store now being VPN services. Experts weigh in on the privacy implications, emphasizing that current age verification methods may compromise user security. The implications could also lead to a larger trend of age verification laws being adopted globally.

Neil and Toby discuss the current state of the housing market, particularly highlighting how rising mortgage rates have significantly dampened individual home buyer activity. The podcast notes that institutional investors are increasingly capturing market share, raising concerns about affordability for average buyers. Various regional price trends are shared to illustrate the divergence in housing demand across the US.

Focusing on Netflix's recent success with 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', the hosts explain how the film has achieved unprecedented streaming numbers and even dominates Spotify charts with its accompanying music. The film's global appeal is attributed to its North American English delivery, which helps broaden its audience outside of Korea. The potential for creating a franchise similar to Disney's successful IP strategy is discussed, marking a significant shift for Netflix.

In Toby's Trends segment, the focus shifts to the rising popularity of bobbleheads within the sports memorabilia market. With various teams producing limited-edition bobbleheads that see significant resale value, Toby discusses how this phenomenon has resulted in increased attendance at games and collector excitement.

Wrapping up, Neil and Toby cover several headlines from the week including a tragic shooting incident in New York, Tesla's new AI chip production deal with Samsung, and China's changing stance on population growth and child subsidies.