Rideshare Rodeo Podcast

#557 | Uber Eats Raises Platform Cost To Struggling Restaurant Partners

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the future of delivery, the economics of food apps, and new platforms trying to reshape the industry.
First, we break down the rise of next-generation delivery robots — including a new robot with arms capable of opening doors and completing deliveries more autonomously. What does this mean for last-mile logistics, restaurants, and gig workers? And how close are we to a world where robots handle the majority of deliveries?
Then we discuss a big shift in the delivery platform landscape: Uber Eats increasing fees for some restaurants. The company is raising commission rates in certain pricing tiers (with some going from 15% to 20% and others up to 25%) while also charging additional fees tied to its Uber One subscription customers. For many independent restaurants already operating on tight margins, even a few percentage points can significantly impact profitability.
We also explore alternative models that aim to give restaurants and shoppers more control, including:
Dumpling — a platform that enables independent personal shoppers to run their own grocery delivery businesses.
Prept Vacations — a service designed to help travelers maintain their health and fitness routines while on vacation.
Topics covered in this episode:
The rise of delivery robots with arms 🤖
Automation vs. human labor in last-mile logistics
Why Uber Eats is raising delivery fees for restaurants
The real economics of third-party delivery platforms
New startups trying to disrupt the delivery and service space
Links discussed in the episode:
Delivery robot with arms: https://moderndelivery.substack.com/p/meet-the-delivery-robot-with-arms
Dumpling: https://www.dumpling.us/
Prept Vacations: https://www.preptvacations.com/
Uber Eats fee changes: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/uber-eats-raising-delivery-fees-some-restaurants
If you’re interested in the future of delivery, food tech, robotics, and the creator economy around logistics, this episode is packed with insights.
Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy conversations about the future of commerce, automation, and startups.

#556 | DoorDash: Fraud, Manipulation, and Lies

Rideshare Rodeo Podcast (episode 556)March 12th, 2026
This weeks topics:
Doordash and Uber in 2026
Importance of Transparency
Good vs. Bad Legislation
Illegal Accounts 
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo

#555 | Joby Aviation, Uber, Product Liability, Dumpling, and Prept Vacations

Rideshare Rodeo Podcast (episode 555)March 5th, 2026
THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE with Shawn (Colorado Rideshare Guy), this week we got into:
Prept Vacation Opportunities
Dumpling Boss App
Joby and Uber team up 4th time now to announce launch of VTOL (vertical take off landing) which is nowhere near reality
LYFT, are they headed for Bankruptcy
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo

#554 | Expedite Catering vs. ALL other catering apps

Gig App Rodeo Podcast (episode 554)March 2nd, 2026
Today our guest is Chris Barnes from Team Expedite, the most transparent and fair catering app out there in 2026.
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo

#553 | Part Time vs. Full Time Gig Work in 2026

Gig App Rodeo Podcast (episode 553)February 26, 2026
This episodes guests are Lou and Mary, Long Island Dash Experience on YouTube. Lots of topics covered.
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo

#552 | Seattle doordash, Uber Eats ,and "Pay Up" in 2026

Rideshare Rodeo Podcast (episode 552)February 23rd, 2026
This week: Seattle doordash, Uber Eats ,and "Pay Up" in 2026.
Delivery Network Company Driver Transparency & Protections Act:https://www.change.org/p/delivery-network-company-driver-transparency-protections-act
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo

#551 | Kalamazoo, Michigan Uber shooting changed Ridehsare 10 years ago

Rideshare Rodeo Podcast (episode 551)February 22nd, 2026
Topics:
Kalamazoo 10 years ago Uber mass shooting
Drunk mom abandons kids in Uber 
Doordash Glitch (the company is aware and does NOT care)
Uber Eats Glitch (see above)
TikTok allowing live streams to sell illegal Doordash accounts
Waymo Chief Security Officer testifies to Congress
Delivery Network Company Driver Transparency & Protections Act:https://www.change.org/p/delivery-network-company-driver-transparency-protections-act
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo

#550 | How far along is Ai in REALITY (w/Tom Kelley)

Rideshare Rodeo Podcast (episode 550)February 19th, 2026
Lets discuss Ai in 2026.
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo

#549 | Mamdani's War on Delivery Apps, New Yorkers are the Collateral Damage

Rideshare Rodeo Podcast (episode 549)
Topics:
Mamdani's War on Delivery Apps
Who pays taxes on illegal gig app workers
Waymo showcasing its failed product on National Stage
Doordash: More prosperous America is a less thrifty America
NYC Human Review for Algorithmic Firings 
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo

#548 | Doordash fell 25% in 30 days, Waymo Robotaxi Reality, Seattle Pay Up FAILS

Rideshare Rodeo Podcast (episode 548)
Topics:
DoorDash Fell 25% Over the Past 30 Days
Uber Stock Drops 6.4% This Week After Earnings Miss and Robotaxi Expansion
Empower Rideshare, what are they trying to accomplish 
Waymo is paying DoorDash gig workers to close its robotaxi doors
Seattle's gig worker law was supposed to boost pay. It did at first, until it did NOT
California man says he learned his identity was stolen when Uber sent him tax forms for money he didn't earn
Rideshare Rodeo Brand & Podcast:https://linktr.ee/RideshareRodeo