50 most iconic brands that built America

50 most iconic brands that built America

Author: USA TODAY April 16, 2026 Duration: 16:36
You can sip it. Zip it. Drive it. American brands do more than fill our lives, they shape who we are. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, we decided to look at brands that capture America’s ingenuity and drive. From Motown to Harley-Davidson, these names tell a uniquely American story. Narrowing it down to the 50 most iconic? That was the tough part. Business Editor Jim Nelson and Business Reporter Ricardo Torres of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, join The Excerpt to look at some of the standouts from USA TODAY’s Iconic Brands series. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.  Episode transcript available here.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Each morning, The Excerpt cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle. Instead of a rapid-fire list of headlines, this daily podcast from USA TODAY provides depth and clarity on the stories that matter most. Host Dana Taylor guides conversations with the network's award-winning journalists stationed all over the country, turning complex national issues into understandable segments. You'll hear more than just what happened; you'll get the crucial background and analysis that explains why it matters. The discussions span the full spectrum of American life, from the latest developments in Washington and cultural shifts to major sports moments and entertainment news. It’s designed for anyone who wants to start their day informed, with a clear perspective that lasts beyond the initial click. By focusing on context, this podcast builds a more complete picture of current events, making sense of how different stories connect to our daily lives. Tune in on weekdays for a reliable, thoughtful breakdown that goes deeper than the front page.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

The Excerpt
Podcast Episodes
Why losing trust in expertise threatens democracy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:15
From “follow the science” during COVID to universities accused of activism, the gap between experts and the public is widening. Roger Pielke Jr. explains why expertise doesn’t just mean a PhD, how media silos deepen divi…
Cannabis drinks are surging in popularity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:20
A new beverage has been showing up in bars and on store shelves: the cannabis cocktail, a hemp-derived drink that contains CBD and oftentimes THC as well. They’re marketed as providing a buzz without the downside of a ha…
America's fastest growing homeless population? Kids. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:14
America’s housing affordability crisis has led to a sharp increase in homelessness. And, according to the latest count by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, children under the age of 18 have seen…
At 28, Malala Yousafzai is finally finding her way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:43
At 28, Malala Yousafzai’s life so far has been anything but ordinary. When she was just 15, she was shot by the Taliban on her way to school, targeted for advocating for girls’ rights to education. At 17, she became the…
Peanuts turns 75 and still speaks to the child in all of us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:23
For 75 years, Charles Schulz’s Peanuts gang has reflected our humor and hope, as well as our struggle to navigate some of life’s everyday curveballs. How is it that the characters he created so poignantly reflect how we…
Dr. Eric Topol shares a new vision for living longer and better [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:36
What if the second half of life could be just as healthy, active, and fulfilling as the first? Drawing on the latest science, world-renowned cardiologist and researcher Dr. Eric Topol challenges outdated ideas about agin…
The 'dirtbag' who built Patagonia — and gave it away [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:39
Patagonia is worth billions. But founder Yvon Chouinard never wanted the title of billionaire. From his days as a dirtbag climber to his reluctant role as CEO, Chouinard built one of the world’s most influential outdoor…