This week on The Deep Dive: The story of Lisa Frank is as wild as its maximalist designs, London’s shady candy stores and where they (maybe) came from, Under Armour’s embarrassing downfall and what caused it, how The Simpsons’ success turned it into a zombie version of its former self, and running backs are proof that capitalism is changing the NFL.

Don't forget to check out all the newsletter-recommended video essays to date in The Deep Dive’s YouTube playlist!

A quick note before we get into this week’s videos: I rarely get personal here or on The Deep Dive TikTok, but as a Palestinian-American, the events of this week have weighed heavy on my heart. There was a point when I didn’t even think I’d have the mental strength to put together this week’s newsletter. I know it sounds silly, but learning new things never fails to make me happy, and I hope these videos can bring you even an ounce of happiness in a dark time. If you are willing and able, please consider donating to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund to provide urgent care to the children of Gaza. Thank you 💚 

NOSTALGIA

what happened to lisa frank? 🦄📓🦋 by ModernGurlz (19:49)

You may have loved Lisa Frank for its maximalist designs, but it turns out the company’s backstory is about as chaotic as the covers of its two-pocket folders. From its early days as the brainchild of a college art student, to its place on the back-to-school lists of every tween girl, to its fall and revival via 90s nostalgia, Lisa Frank (the brand) and Lisa Frank (the founder) have been through it all. In this video, ModernGurlz tells the tale of both Lisa Franks, which consists of surprising twists and turns including a horribly toxic work environment, office affairs, a messy divorce, and accusations of design-stealing following a last-ditch effort to appeal to modern young audiences. Where did all the Lisa Frank stationery go? And did its demise coincide with the decline of tween girl culture?

FOOD

The SUSpicious American candy stores plaguing London 🍭 by Tara Mooknee (24:11)

Ever wonder what the deal is with all the candy stores on Oxford Street in London? Me neither, mainly because I haven’t been to London in almost a decade at this point. But, that doesn’t mean I’m any less sketched out by this juicy mystery. In this video, Tara Mooknee uncovers the (alleged) conspiracy behind the strange rise of London’s American-style candy stores. Where did they all come from? Why are there so many of them? How can one store even hold 22,000 counterfeit Wonka Bars? And is London’s candy store problem a microcosm of the UK’s money laundering and “suspicious wealth” problem?