The GIG Economy Podcast

Hosted by The Gig Economy Podcast

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Episodes

368

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Talks about our Gig Economy adventures and breaking down the Gig Economy News

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60 recent

August 17, 20261 hr 6 min

DoorDash Sold A Condom Every 37 Seconds

We would love to hear your feedback! We trade stories from the road and get honest about how quickly “flexible gig work” can start to feel like unpaid on-call labor. We also unpack the latest platform experiments, from delivery robots and awkward retail promos to surveillance concerns, new Amazon Flex verification, and what a California driver union could realistically change. • a “reserved” BT Trucks route that shows up as no work and no pay • why low transparency makes gig work feel like a job • DoorDash offering drivers $5 to load a delivery robot • questions about how far delivery robots really operate • reported plans to use rideshare vehicles for license plate surveillance • DoorDash Cringe Mart and what it says about demand and marketing • a viral driver meltdown over a $2 order and why doubles hide no-tip deliveries • multi-apping chaos when notifications explode at the worst time • Amazon Flex delivery in a school bus and the real costs of fuel and vehicle choice • Amazon Flex identity verification at warehouse pickup • Stricter return scanning and what happens when you cannot return by 10am • California drivers moving toward a union and whether an association model works better • Amazon routing getting worse and using Spoke to cut doubling back • Why using multiple map apps can save a route when one fails Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

August 10, 2026Episode 3131 hr 3 min

Uber’s New Deductible Plan And Privacy Mistakes Can Cost You More Than Tips

We would love to hear your feedback! We bounce from chaotic delivery routes to the tech and policy changes that are quietly reshaping gig work. We talk through what drones, robots, and robotaxis could mean for driver income, safety, and privacy, plus the real math behind Uber’s new deductible option. • Amazon routes stretching into high-mileage nights • Better Trucks first impressions, unclear offer details, app reliability and Branch pay setup • What a Waymo ride feels like, safety concerns and why it drives “herky jerky” • Uber’s per-mile charge to reduce a $2,500 accident deductible, who it helps and when it adds up • DoorDash viral case heading to trial, why privacy matters for drivers and content creators • Why drones may fit DashMart and small items better than fast food • Spark pickup changes that push drivers to load and secure orders themselves • Cybercab talk, fleet ownership ideas, servicing logistics, and passenger security questions • Waymo returning to freeway service, construction zones as the hard edge case • Porch pirates, driveway drop-offs, and the unwritten rules of delivery etiquette Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

August 3, 2026Episode 3121 hr 4 min

How To Keep Earnings Steady With Flex Veho And BabyQuip

We would love to hear your feedback! We trade notes on what it takes to keep gig income stable during a slow summer stretch, from stacking apps to chasing the right kind of delivery routes. We also break down the latest platform moves that hit drivers and customers at the same time, from new DoorDash fees to deactivation rules, AI support cuts, and robotaxi competition. • juggling multiple gig apps when demand drops and forgetting to turn on key platforms • Amazon-style routes that pay well when mileage and stop density line up • Veho’s route posting system and why “unknowns” can be a dealbreaker • BabyQuip rentals as a low-mileage side gig plus storage and seasonality trade-offs • DoorDash’s new fee structure including distance-based fees and “farther away” labels • NYC deactivation transparency rules getting blocked and what fair appeals could look like • why dash cam timing and complaint details matter for driver defense • how a filthy delivery bag changes customer trust even if the food is sealed • a ring-camera child abuse case and the reality of always being on camera • Uber cutting customer service staff while pushing AI and forcing hub relocation • customers tracking drivers on stacked orders and when to unassign • Waymo and Uber partnership tensions and the robotaxi app endgame • Amazon cart tracking, wasted resources, and big-company inefficiency Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

July 27, 2026Episode 3111 hr 6 min

An Uber Passenger Caught A Driver Asleep On Full Self-Driving; The Porta Potty Karen Versus The Amazon Driver

We would love to hear your feedback! We bounce from the messy reality of delivery routes to the bigger question of where gig work is headed as automation, app redesigns, and corporate consolidation keep shifting the ground under drivers. We break down what matters for safety, earnings, and basic respect, from self-driving controversies to how people treat workers in the wild. • Amazon Flex route volatility and why it can feel like gambling • Grubhub’s new start-stop button and why small UX changes matter • Walmart Spark updates including tip visibility and readability concerns • Uber passenger video alleging a Tesla driver slept on full self-driving • Trust and liability questions around self-driving in rideshare • Video chat vehicle inspections and what they do and do not verify • Uber’s potential Delivery Hero acquisition and what consolidation means • Porta potty confrontation video and why filming workers backfires • Boston Dynamics robot dog delivery demo and practical flaws • Curri building a driver pool and the trade-off between flexibility and commitment • Waymo crash-rate headlines, benchmarking problems, and what “safer” means • DoorDash tipping culture jokes and the “tip you on the app” reality • Racist customer message story and donating the tip as a response Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

July 20, 2026Episode 3101 hr 4 min

Waymo Called The Cops And The Driver Still Delivered

We would love to hear your feedback! We react to a week of gig economy headlines that show how fast a normal shift can turn into a legal mess, a safety issue, or an app support disaster. We also debate what responsibility looks like when platforms, customers, and drivers all push risk onto someone else. • Amazon Flex routes running long and small pay adjustments • Uber terms of service changes and lawsuit funding disclosure • Passenger safety and the road rage Uber clip • Amazon delivery etiquette and when to hand off packages • Dog renting app debate and how it compares to Wag or Rover • Instacart NYC bonus pay and confusing adjustment screenshots • Roadie cancellations, support failures, and unpaid time • Waymo robotaxi chaos including vandalism, teens, and fireworks • DoorDash driver hit during delivery and what accountability means Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

July 13, 2026Episode 3091 hr 0 min

How To Mix Gigs When Demand Drops, DoorDash Notes Gone Wild

We would love to hear your feedback! We trade real gig work stories that show how weird and unpredictable the road can get, from loud rideshare passengers to Amazon route mistakes that destroy your timing. We also break down gig economy news on surveillance pricing, driver pay transparency, and why the numbers behind “insurance fees” still raise serious questions. • handling awkward rider conversations without getting pulled into drama • mixing rideshare, food delivery, Walmart Spark, and Amazon Flex to survive summer slowdown • avoiding Amazon Flex time sinks by checking the map and skipping stops strategically • testing new delivery platforms and dealing with always-on location and battery drain • making BabyQuip work like a small business with inventory costs and scheduling logistics • using AI tools to summarise long articles and terms while double-checking accuracy • why surveillance pricing feels different from surge pricing and what data might be used • reacting to aggressive DoorDash notes and the basics of door-safe drop-offs • what Walmart Spark “tailored offers” could mean for drivers in the real world • why Uber’s insurance explanation keeps getting challenged by independent research Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

July 6, 2026Episode 3081 hr 2 min

Uber's Latest Safety Scare, Amazon Delivery Fails & Gig Work Gone Wrong

We would love to hear your feedback! We trade war stories from the road and unpack how app design, customer expectations, and bad incentives turn normal deliveries into avoidable chaos. We also dig into bigger gig economy shifts like Waymo stepping away from Uber in Phoenix, DoorDash moving deeper into on-demand delivery, and a frightening Uber safety story involving a child taken to JFK. • back-in-studio reset after a disastrous livestream and tech glitches • Pensacola trip recap and why the Naval Aviation Museum is worth the day • Walmart delivery breakdowns including post-checkout cancellations and messy multi-order loading • Viral Amazon delivery clips and what they reveal about professionalism and damage risk • Curri courier offer mispricing a route across Lake Michigan • why finishing an Amazon-style route early rarely pays off • BabyQuip update on transfers, clunky dashboards, and setting a hard spending cap • DoorDash debate on stairs, elevators, and what delivery service really includes • Safety concerns for hotel deliveries and how drivers manage risk • Waymo robotaxis no longer available inside Uber in Phoenix • DoorDash auto parts delivery expansion and why speed matters for DIY repairs • Uber taking an 11-year-old to JFK and why drivers must refuse unaccompanied minors Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

June 30, 2026Episode 30758 min

The Waymo Car Needs A Water Cannon, The Best of the GIG Economy Podcast

We would love to hear your feedback! We unpack how gig workers get squeezed from every direction, from sudden app deactivations to new fees that punish you for needing your own money sooner. We also trade stories about self-driving car chaos, towing and ticket headaches, and the small habits that keep multi-apping from turning into a mess. • Spark driver deactivated after completing an order, stuck in repeated identity and insurance appeals • Practical advice for escalation, persistence, and not relying on one platform • Gig workers charged a percentage fee to get paid faster, and why that trend is dangerous • Waymo driving glitches, expansion plans, and what happens when the public targets robot cars • Amazon van towing video, parking enforcement, and how quickly “just doing your job” turns costly • Octopus tablet as passive income for rideshare drivers, including real earnings and use cases • Uber service animal notification feature, ADA limits, and why dash cams matter in disputes • Instacart substitution comedy that reflects real customer chat screenshots • Distracted driving laws colliding with delivery apps that require quick taps to accept work • LA wildfire evacuations, rider support, and why independent contractors still have to protect themselves • Multi-apping realities, DoorDash contract violation for late pickup, and what changed in app behavior Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

June 22, 2026Episode 3061 hr 5 min

Uber’s Share Keeps Rising And Drivers Feel It

We would love to hear your feedback! We bounce from real-world glitches to big platform moves, focusing on how drivers get squeezed when apps fail, pricing gets murky, and decisions have to happen fast. We question the gaps in transparency across Uber, DoorDash, Walmart delivery partnerships, and even robotaxis, then trade practical ways to protect your time and your safety. • DoorDash outage fallout, including late orders and closed restaurants • How many orders does DoorDash process, and why is downtime expensive • A nine-year data look at Uber’s growing take rate and why that matters to earnings • The stress of fast accept timers, constant beeps, and distracted driving pressure • DoorDash Flash Offers and the trade-off of always-on location permissions • Ask DoorDash chatbot features, photo-to-cart shopping, and AI trust limits • Local pushback on data centers and where AI infrastructure should go • Uber driver found not guilty case and the unanswered consent questions • Walmart adding Subway delivery and what bundling means for Spark routes • “Person as a package” requests and why drivers should refuse • Waymo getting stuck, remote support intervention, and self-driving edge cases • Delivery notes, missed instructions, and the odd excuse of “a friend used my account” • Curri dedicated route math, commitment costs, and battery drain from background tracking Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...

June 15, 20261 hr 31 min

Real-Time Gig Work Strategies On DoorDash Uber Eats And Grubhub

We would love to hear your feedback! We go live while running real deliveries, fighting through a storm, tech issues, and the chaos of multi-apping on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Along the way, we break down miles, pay, app quirks, and the small mistakes that can tank a shift or save it. • streaming a real shift with weather, road hazards, and app glitches • Why long-distance food delivery can kill profit with deadhead miles • using dollars-per-mile rules to decline trash offers • multi-apping timing tips like turning on apps near drop-off • PIN codes on no-contact deliveries and why it slows everything down • DoorDash vs Uber Eats usability, navigation, and too many taps • customer notes, hidden messages, gate codes, and apartment navigation • hot bag habits, drinks, and small service details that affect ratings • shop and deliver decisions, payment cards, and verification prompts • night delivery problems with missing house numbers and safety Support the show Everything Gig Economy Podcast Related: https://gigeconomyshow.com/ Download the Audio Podcast: https://thegigeconomypodcast.buzzsprout.com Love the show? You now have the opportunity to support the show with some great rewards by becoming a Patron . Tier #2 we offer free merch, an Extra in-depth podcast per month, and an NSFW pre-show https://www.patreo n.com/thegigeconpodcast 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 Your car stinks, use this! https://bit.ly/Driftsents 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/c...