ESPN has a new president, following the abrupt resignation of its former president in December. Disney appointed James Pitaro as the new head of ESPN. Previously, he was Disney's consumer products and digital chief. Pitaro will have his work cut out for him. Next month, ESPN will launch its new streaming service. The network is also facing declining viewership.
The popular trivia app HQ has received an additional $15 million in funding. Axios reported the new funding on Tuesday, noting that the company's total valuation is now estimated at $100 million. HQ has been very successful in drawing in younger audiences. On Sunday night, 2.1 million users tuned in for the game show.
In other funding news, the insurance app Lemonade recently secured $120 million in Series C funding. Daniel Schreiber, CEO and co-founder of Lemonade, tells Cheddar he plans to use this new money to expand the app globally. Schreiber says Lemonade is trying to reinvent insurance. Lemonade wants to make customers happy, not make money by denying claims.
And we're joined by iconic travel writer Rick Steves to hear about his new book, "Travel as a Political Act." Steves says it's more important than ever for people to travel in today's world. He says some events in the last few years, such as Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, have made people anxious to travel. But Steves encourages everyone to branch out and travel somewhere new, especially in light of current global politics.
Smashburger CEO Denise Nelsen discusses how her time building the Starbucks brand gave her the tools to lead a Smashburger brand refresh, value wars, and more.
Charles Gillespie, Founder and CEO of Gambling.com Group comments on the billions of dollars in wagers placed on the outcome of the 2024 election and more.
Danny Trejo joined Cheddar to discuss his upcoming show "Mysteries Unearthed" coming to the History Channel and his most recent entrepreneurial ventures.
His Royal Highness Prince Emanuele Filiberto Di Savoia, Prince of Venice, joined Cheddar to discuss his new game that lets everyday folks feel like a royal.
GJ Hart, CEO of Red Robin, discusses the company's place in the "value wars," what's next for the restaurant and his thoughts on Shake Shack in the sky. Watch!
Chiza Vitta, Managing Director Global Analytics at S&P Global Ratings joined Cheddar to discuss S&P's recent Megatrend findings and other 2025 predictions.
Greg O'Hara CEO at Certares joined Cheddar to discuss his personal experience with Wellness Tourism and his predictions for the future of the growing industry.