The GIG Economy Podcast

We would love to hear your feedback! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2005507/open_sms] EP 266 News Links [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LMAwNYZASwgvqz1alhC6yWTDMK0Gm-nFMWXHtZMG_qo/edit?usp=sharing] Ever wondered what happens when a gig worker has to jump a fence during an Amazon delivery? Or how Nashville became home to some of the highest airport rideshare fees in America? The Gig Economy Podcast dives deep into these stories and more as we explore the increasingly chaotic landscape facing today's drivers. When Nashville International Airport implemented a combined $12 round-trip surcharge for rideshare vehicles while simultaneously forcing drivers to use confusing parking garage drop-offs instead of terminal curbsides, it highlighted the growing tension between traditional services and the gig economy. Meanwhile, autonomous vehicles continue their march into mainstream transportation, with Tesla expanding its robo-taxi service from Austin to California's Bay Area—though their boast of 7,000 miles without incidents drew chuckles from hosts who regularly exceed that distance in mere months of driving. The darker side of the gig economy emerges in shocking incidents captured on video: a rideshare driver with a fake license physically assaulting a CEO over his service dog, a DoorDash driver confronted by a nude customer, and a pedestrian violently attacking a Waymo autonomous vehicle. These stories illuminate the very real safety concerns facing both human and robotic participants in today's transportation ecosystem. From Uber's surprising partnership with Turo allowing in-app car rentals to Walmart Spark's changing delivery structure, we examine how companies continue shifting their business models—often at drivers' expense. We also provide practical insight on how canceling rides affects passenger ratings (it doesn't!) and share our experiences with app algorithms and promotional opportunities that vary wildly between markets. Whether you're a full-time gig worker, occasional driver, or just fascinated by this rapidly evolving industry, our no-nonsense conversation provides both entertainment and essential information to navigate today's complex gig economy landscape. Subscribe now and join our Telegram group to connect with fellow gig workers nationwide! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: [https://gigeconomyshow.com/] https://linktr.ee/gigeconomypodcast?fbclid=IwAR3v4MBeAk9-9tg57qw6VHHh0Yktt_IWF9vgkGMfLVJU7tPO6QAY7iLneAE Download the audio podcast [https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com] Newsletter [https://bit.ly/gigeconomynewsletter] Octopus is a mobile entertainment tablet for your riders. Earn 100.00 per month for having the tablet in your car! No cost for the driver! [https://playoctopus.page.link/HD2FBKJzFqRR35YE9] Want to earn more and stay safe? Download Maxymo [https://middletontech.com/gigeconomypodcast] Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast]. Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] The Gig Economy Podcast Group. Download Telegram 1st, then click on the link to join. [https://t.me/joinchat/R42wUR2QGhCi2gBD] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gigeconomypodcast?] Subscribe on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_bV7j7o1BzWtB4mt_4R8Q?view_as=subscriber]

We would love to hear your feedback! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2005507/open_sms] The gig economy landscape is rapidly transforming with technological advancements and policy changes affecting both drivers and customers alike. Ep 265 News Links [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZImcDQY9DvVFMgg0zJKdIx3e4hsMzG2BLVEfWEwX-Gc/edit?usp=sharing] • Waymo autonomous vehicles are gaining popularity in Atlanta, where riders cancel multiple human drivers to secure a driverless experience • Amazon is eliminating backdoor and side door deliveries by August 2025 to enhance driver safety • $175 million settlement for rideshare drivers in Massachusetts, guaranteeing $33.48/hour minimum pay for active driving time • Tesla is offering $33/hour positions for robo-taxi safety coordinators as they expand autonomous vehicle testing • Amazon is launching its "most significant grocery expansion ever" with same-day fresh food delivery to over 1,000 cities • Drone delivery is facing economic challenges at $1,350 per delivery compared to $2 for traditional vehicle delivery • DoorDash is partnering with Ace Pickleball Club as their official delivery platform and championship sponsor Join us on Patreon for bonus content and become part of our Telegram community, where you can connect with fellow gig workers nationwide. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: [https://gigeconomyshow.com/] https://linktr.ee/gigeconomypodcast?fbclid=IwAR3v4MBeAk9-9tg57qw6VHHh0Yktt_IWF9vgkGMfLVJU7tPO6QAY7iLneAE Download the audio podcast [https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com] Newsletter [https://bit.ly/gigeconomynewsletter] Octopus is a mobile entertainment tablet for your riders. Earn 100.00 per month for having the tablet in your car! No cost for the driver! [https://playoctopus.page.link/HD2FBKJzFqRR35YE9] Want to earn more and stay safe? Download Maxymo [https://middletontech.com/gigeconomypodcast] Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast]. Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] The Gig Economy Podcast Group. Download Telegram 1st, then click on the link to join. [https://t.me/joinchat/R42wUR2QGhCi2gBD] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gigeconomypodcast?] Subscribe on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_bV7j7o1BzWtB4mt_4R8Q?view_as=subscriber]

We would love to hear your feedback! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2005507/open_sms] The gig economy landscape continues to evolve with DoorDash reaching a $100 billion valuation and expanding globally through strategic acquisitions. • DoorDash overcharged a California bakery by applying a 30% commission instead of the contracted 13% for eight years, resulting in over $100,000 in excess charges • Disturbing videos show children as young as 10 delivering packages for Amazon Flex and DoorDash drivers, raising serious safety concerns • DoorDash is testing drone delivery programs, hiring workers at $18/hour to transport food from restaurants to drone loading stations • Walmart Spark is implementing geo-fencing to prevent drivers from camping out in store parking lots, with no offers sent to drivers within 150 feet of pickup areas • A rapper stranded with car trouble was driven 10 hours to his show by an Uber driver after their vehicle hit an object on the highway, puncturing the gas tank • Waymo autonomous vehicles continue to experience issues, with a recent video showing one making an illegal left turn at a right-turn-only intersection Join our Patreon at patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast for ad-free episodes and exclusive content. Connect with other gig workers in our Telegram group to share experiences and tips from the road. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: [https://gigeconomyshow.com/] https://linktr.ee/gigeconomypodcast?fbclid=IwAR3v4MBeAk9-9tg57qw6VHHh0Yktt_IWF9vgkGMfLVJU7tPO6QAY7iLneAE Download the audio podcast [https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com] Newsletter [https://bit.ly/gigeconomynewsletter] Octopus is a mobile entertainment tablet for your riders. Earn 100.00 per month for having the tablet in your car! No cost for the driver! [https://playoctopus.page.link/HD2FBKJzFqRR35YE9] Want to earn more and stay safe? Download Maxymo [https://middletontech.com/gigeconomypodcast] Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast]. Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] The Gig Economy Podcast Group. Download Telegram 1st, then click on the link to join. [https://t.me/joinchat/R42wUR2QGhCi2gBD] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gigeconomypodcast?] Subscribe on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_bV7j7o1BzWtB4mt_4R8Q?view_as=subscriber]

We would love to hear your feedback! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2005507/open_sms] We dive into the alarming story of a DoorDash driver whose car was vandalized by a customer who tracked her to her home address. The incident raises serious questions about driver safety and privacy in the gig economy. • Discussing best practices for DoorDash drivers when marking arrivals at restaurants and waiting for orders • Analyzing a viral news story about a driver whose windshield was smashed by an angry customer • Examining discrepancies in the news reporting and questioning how the customer obtained the driver's address • Sharing frustrations about content monetization on TikTok when covering news stories • Exploring the challenges of platform-specific rules for content creators • Addressing safety concerns for online creators, especially women • Discussing strategies for maintaining privacy while building an audience • Highlighting the importance of boundaries in parasocial relationships with followers If you enjoyed this episode, follow us for more content about the gig economy and subscribe to get updates about future episodes of The GIG Economy Podcast. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: [https://gigeconomyshow.com/] https://linktr.ee/gigeconomypodcast?fbclid=IwAR3v4MBeAk9-9tg57qw6VHHh0Yktt_IWF9vgkGMfLVJU7tPO6QAY7iLneAE Download the audio podcast [https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com] Newsletter [https://bit.ly/gigeconomynewsletter] Octopus is a mobile entertainment tablet for your riders. Earn 100.00 per month for having the tablet in your car! No cost for the driver! [https://playoctopus.page.link/HD2FBKJzFqRR35YE9] Want to earn more and stay safe? Download Maxymo [https://middletontech.com/gigeconomypodcast] Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast]. Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] The Gig Economy Podcast Group. Download Telegram 1st, then click on the link to join. [https://t.me/joinchat/R42wUR2QGhCi2gBD] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gigeconomypodcast?] Subscribe on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_bV7j7o1BzWtB4mt_4R8Q?view_as=subscriber]

We would love to hear your feedback! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2005507/open_sms] The gig economy continues to evolve with new features, challenges, and opportunities for drivers navigating rideshare and delivery platforms. We discuss market-specific strategies and ways to adapt when conditions change. NEWS LINKS EP 263 [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nFsZVMnxKXJ-yYXMet8wt-yAS6QRVyOya5rlRX6fK84/edit?usp=sharing] • Lyft introduces "favorite driver" feature, but only for scheduled rides, limiting its usefulness for most drivers • DoorDash driver experiment: accepting every order for 12 hours yields $215 for 221 miles • WAG pet service files for bankruptcy after being valued at $650 million • Two Waymo autonomous vehicles crash into each other at Phoenix airport • Driver shares $505 "unicorn" ride for approximately 100-mile trip • Former nursing home employee charged with stealing $2,688 from patient through Uber Eats • Octopus tablets offer a passive income opportunity for rideshare drivers • Importance of pivoting between different gig apps as market conditions change • Every market is different - what works for one driver may not work for another Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: [https://gigeconomyshow.com/] https://linktr.ee/gigeconomypodcast?fbclid=IwAR3v4MBeAk9-9tg57qw6VHHh0Yktt_IWF9vgkGMfLVJU7tPO6QAY7iLneAE Download the audio podcast [https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com] Newsletter [https://bit.ly/gigeconomynewsletter] Octopus is a mobile entertainment tablet for your riders. Earn 100.00 per month for having the tablet in your car! No cost for the driver! [https://playoctopus.page.link/HD2FBKJzFqRR35YE9] Want to earn more and stay safe? Download Maxymo [https://middletontech.com/gigeconomypodcast] Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast]. Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast [https://www.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast] The Gig Economy Podcast Group. Download Telegram 1st, then click on the link to join. [https://t.me/joinchat/R42wUR2QGhCi2gBD] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gigeconomypodcast?] Subscribe on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_bV7j7o1BzWtB4mt_4R8Q?view_as=subscriber]