We would love to hear your feedback!Ep 284 News LinksWe break down a wild start to 2026: rumors of a DoorDash “desperation score,” shifting incentives across Uber, Lyft, and Spark, and the thin line between algorithmic efficiency and exploitation. From a Waymo red-light fail to McDonald’s weighing bags, we push on safety, trust, and what drivers can actually control.• Uber quest math vs Lyft drought on bonuses• Spark incentives influencing supply on holidays• Long-trip deadhead realities and hourly trade-offs• DoorDash payout rumors and algorithmic steering• Government scrutiny of pricing tests and AI ethics• McDonald’s weighing deliveries to curb missing items• Uber wrapped sparking budget wake-up calls• Octopus tablet tying rewards to Uber Journey TV• Pickup trucks powering hauling and delivery side gigs• EV pullbacks and battery plants pivoting to data centers• Waymo running a red and a trunk stowaway risk• Delivery fraud by photo and string, trust erosion• Zesty by DoorDash for AI restaurant discoveryPlease fill out the survey for a chance for a 25.00 Gift Card!   Support the showEverything Gig Economy Podcast Related: Download the audio podcast Newsletter 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! Want to earn more and stay safe? Download Maxymo 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.patreon.com/thegigeconpodcast The Gig Economy Podcast Group. Download Telegram 1st, then click on the link to join. TikTok Subscribe on Youtube