Business Wars
Business Wars is a podcast that delves into the competitive battles between major companies like Netflix vs. HBO and Nike vs. Adidas. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace, it explores the strategies, innovations, and leadership that drive these corporate conflicts. Produced by Wondery, the show offers an unauthorized look at what shapes our buying habits and lifestyles.
Episodes
Meta and the Battle for Smart Glasses | Google's Return | 3
Back in 2014, Google Glass made the dream of smart glasses a reality for the tech-obsessed. But a hefty price tag and divisive design prevented Google from bringing its vision to the masses. A decade later, Meta seemingly cracked the code, offering affordable, fashion-forward smart specs in frames by established brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. WIRED senior gear editor Julian Chokkattu and
Meta and the Battle for Smart Glasses | I'm a Creep | 2
It’s 2023, and Meta Ray-Bans have just helped Mark Zuckerberg turn a corner. After his disastrous investment in the Metaverse, Meta’s AI-enabled smart glasses are a welcome victory for the company. But the competition is coming. And so are uncomfortable questions about mandatory data-sharing, worker exploitation, and federal agents using the glasses illegally. If smart glasses are here to
New Season - Dr. Death: The Cowboy
Dr. John Schneider rode into town like a character out of a Western: an outsider on a Harley-Davidson, in trademark cowboy boots. He promised relief to patients suffering in Wyoming and Montana. He seemed like the hero they needed. But when surgeries go wrong and a strange letter exposes a bitter feud, medical professionals and government officials search for the truth about this cowboy d
Meta and the Battle for Smart Glasses | Prize on the Eyes | 1
It’s 2011, and two Stanford students have built eyeglasses with a tiny camera inside. Their a prototype paves the way for Meta Ray-Bans, the first tech-enabled eyewear to truly go mainstream after attempts like Google Glass fizzled. But in integrating their smart glasses into our daily lives, Meta has created something else: a tool for mass surveillance. See Privacy Policy at https:/
F1 vs NASCAR | F1 Roars Into the U.S. | 4
In 2019, the Netflix series Formula 1: Drive To Survive ushered in a major uptick in the sport’s popularity among Americans. Then, the 2021 F1 season saw an epic showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, and interest exploded. The F1 fan-base is young, diverse and gaining on NASCAR. Formula 1 lead commentator Alex Jacques join us to share his insights into the rise of F1 in the
F1 vs NASCAR | Land of Liberty | 3
Formula One is under new management and pushing to finally break into America. But after decades of failure, it needs to remodel its approach while also facing off against NASCAR. They're racing to capture the next generation of motorsport fans.If you’d like to hear more about the high-stakes drama of F1, we recommend the audiobook version of The Formula. You can listen right now on Audib
Listen Now: OnlyFantasy
Is what’s happening on OnlyFans real? Or is it only a fantasy?In this provocative investigation into OnlyFans—the adult platform where subscribers around the world spent more than $7 billion in 2024—journalist Leon Neyfakh teams up with comedian and OnlyFans creator Gracie Canaan for a one-of-a-kind exploration into the current state of human connection. Throughout, they discover that the
F1 vs NASCAR | Pedal to the Metal | 2
When the European Union moves to ban tobacco sponsorship, Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone finds himself racing to expand the sport’s global reach. But as F1 goes global, NASCAR finds its TV appeal is running out of gas.If you’d like to hear more about the high-stakes drama of F1, we recommend the audiobook version of The Formula. You can listen right now on Audible.https://www.audible.
F1 vs NASCAR | Start Your Engines | 1
When moonshine runners turn stock car racers, Bill France creates NASCAR and turns it into America’s top motorsport. Meanwhile, in Europe, another canny operator – Bernie Ecclestone – is fighting to bend Formula One to his will.If you’d like to hear more about the high-stakes drama of F1, we recommend the audiobook version of The Formula. You can listen right now on Audible.https://www.au
Bumble's Stumble | The Sting | 2
It’s 2024 and Bumble’s users are increasingly frustrated by matches that go nowhere. Investors are equally uneasy as the stock price cascades from its post-IPO highs. In response, new CEO Lidiane Jones rolls out a rebrand with a major change. But the rollout faces a backlash and the company’s slide continues. Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd returns to save her company and to find out whet
Bumble's Stumble | The Queen Bee | 1
It’s 2014 and twenty-four-year-old Whitney Wolfe sues Tinder for harassment, sending shockwaves through Silicon Valley. She walks away with a settlement but pays a high personal price for taking on the “boy’s club” culture in tech. That leads Wolfe to launch Bumble, an app with a radical feature — women make the first move. Bumble attracts millions of users and has a blockbuster IPO.
Athletic Brewing and the NA Beer Revolution | Is NA Here to Stay? | 3
When Athletic hit the shelves in 2017, it proved to naysayers that you can have a non-alcoholic beer without sacrificing on taste. Dare we say, it even gave NA brews a certain cool-factor. Athletic helped kick off an NA craze that’s seen more and more alcohol-free beers, botanicals and mocktails infusing beverage menus. But does the trend have staying power? Kate Bernot is a food and beve
Athletic Brewing and the NA Beer Revolution | Bring Your Beer to Work | 2
With its brewery finally open, Athletic Brewing is on a mission to get its beer into stores. But Heineken, the European leader in this space, is also chasing this growing market and now has its sights set on the U.S. And Athletic wants to prove it can compete not just with the alcohol industry, but against all beverages. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California
Athletic Brewing and the NA Beer Revolution | Brewing the Impossible | 1
It’s 2017 and Bill Shufelt is about to quit stock trading to start a company with a product it seems like nobody wants: non-alcoholic beer. And that’s not even his biggest hurdle. Because his plan depends on making alcohol-free beer taste great – a feat he’s not sure is even possible.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy
Spotify vs Apple Music | Dehumanizer | 2
It’s 2015 and Taylor Swift’s just thrown Apple Music into crisis. But as the Silicon Valley giant tries to get its music-streaming service back on track, its Swedish rival Spotify is about to launch a legal attack that will strike at the very heart of Apple’s business model.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-se
Spotify vs Apple Music | Who Stopped the Music? | 1
It’s the late 2000s and the music industry dances to the beat of Apple iTunes. But two Swedish tech entrepreneurs are out to challenge Apple's dominance with their music-streaming startup Spotify. But to do that, they must facedown Internet pirates, record labels and Apple CEO Steve Jobs.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now a
Under Armour's Attack on Nike | Signature Sneakers | 3
When Michael Jordan signed with an upstart running shoe company called Nike in the 1980s, it revolutionized the signature sneaker landscape and made Nike the brand to beat. Under Armour made a similar play signing Steph Curry in 2013. But it didn’t pan out quite the way they hoped. Still, nowadays it seems like every star athlete needs a signature line. Tim Newcomb is a sneaker and sports
Under Armour's Attack on Nike | Dropping the Ball | 2
It’s 2014 and Under Armour is getting increasingly aggressive as it takes on Nike, buying fitness apps and signing record-breaking endorsement deals. But they face a major setback when one of their biggest retail partners goes bankrupt. To recoup the lost revenue, Under Armour makes a risky deal. And as the company scrambles to keep up with the rise of ecommerce and athleisure,
Under Armour's Attack on Nike | Sweat Equity | 1
It’s 1995 and college football player Kevin Plank is frustrated with the way the cotton t-shirt he wears under his pads gets drenched with sweat. He begins designing a t-shirt made from a different kind of material - one that will wick away sweat and keep him cool and dry on the field. Upon graduating, Plank uses his life savings and maxes out his credit cards to launch Under Ar
Gatorade Sweats the Competition | Defending the Title | 3
As the 1990s come to a close, Gatorade has become an established powerhouse brand, thanks to a 25-year head start and the star power of their spokesperson Michael Jordan. But the millennium brings fresh challenges to Gatorade’s dominance. Coca-Cola goes on the offensive, investing millions in their competing product, Powerade. And Powerade’s rise is only the beginning of Gatorade’s woes.
Gatorade Sweats the Competition | Be Like Mike | 2
It’s the early 1970s, and Gatorade isn’t just the leader in sports hydration — it is sports hydration. No other competing brand comes close. But that dominance won’t last forever. Soon, Gatorade must fend off challenges from soft-drink giants Coke and Pepsi. Will enlisting the world’s greatest athlete and spokesperson keep them ahead of the game? Audible subscribers can listen to all
Gatorade Sweats the Competition | Searching for a Solution | 1
It’s 1965 and at the University of Florida, a team of kidney scientists is working hard on an electrolyte beverage solution to prevent dehydration. It’s a hit with the school’s football team, the Florida Gators, and so they name it Gatorade. But creating an innovative product only gets you so far. The team has to figure out how they’ll get their new beverage off the sidelines and into gro
The Buy Now Pay Later Takeover | Fake Money | 3
In the 2010s, FinTech companies emerged offering a Buy Now, Pay Later service that made financing available, at a time when trust in big banks was low. But as dependence on these apps grows, consumers are starting to reassess the cost. Adam Clark Estes is a Senior Technology Correspondent for Vox — he’s sharing what can happen when customers over-rely these services. Later, Annie Joy Will
The Buy Now Pay Later Takeover | Maxing Out | 2
Klarna’s popularity in the United States soars as the Covid-19 pandemic closes brick-and-mortar stores and online shopping surges. But Klarna also has a fresh wave of competitors. And as consumers find themselves sucked into vicious debt cycles, Klarna and other Buy Now, Pay Later services are forced to navigate a backlash and new government regulation. See Privacy Policy
The Buy Now Pay Later Takeover | No Interest | 1
In the early 2000s, Sebastian Siemiatkowski identified a gap in Europe’s burgeoning ecommerce market — consumers were hesitant to buy products sight unseen. Siemiatkowski’s new company would front the bill and give consumers 30 days to pay. The concept caught on and helped kick off the modern Buy Now, Pay Later industry. And after conquering Europe, Siemiatkowski’s Klarna set its sights o
CrowdStrike: All Systems Down | Digital Dominos | 2
When CrowdStrike's faulty software update shuts down airports, hospitals and TV networks around the globe, they face intense backlash from the public. The world is forced to reckon with a terrifying new reality. As our systems become more interconnected, and reliant on just a handful of big tech companies, they also become more vulnerable to a single point of failure. Be the first to
CrowdStrike: All Systems Down | Guarding the Cloud | 1
In 2011, CrowdStrike launched with an innovative vision: using cloud-based software to provide cybersecurity. They attracted big clients, including Fortune 500 companies and critical government agencies. And along the way, they investigated notorious hacks, like the North Korean breach of Sony Pictures, and the 2016 hack of the Democratic National Committee. But in 2024, they faced t
Waymo and the Rise of the Robotaxis | Test Drive | 3
Ever wondered what it’s like to ride in a Waymo? David and his daughter headed to downtown Austin to take their first trip in a driverless taxi. Together, they documented all the ups, downs, twists and turns. Later, author and former Waymo consultant Larry Burns rides shotgun to talk about how these autonomous vehicles will massively disrupt the auto industry — and why Larry believes the
Waymo and the Rise of the Robotaxis | Driving Too Fast | 2
When the demands of war ignite a race to build autonomous cars, Google invests billions in the hope of owning the driverless future of transportation. But can it really turn this technological challenge into a viable business?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars o
Waymo and the Rise of the Robotaxis | To Build a Driver | 1
When the demands of war ignite a race to build autonomous cars, Google invests billions in the hope of owning the driverless future of transportation. But can it really turn this technological challenge into a viable business?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars o
Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | We've Got Beef | 5
This fall, Beyond Meat became a meme stock, surging …and then falling right back down. For years, alternative meat companies Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have struggled to win over customers en masse. Deena Shanker of Bloomberg Businessweek explains where the companies lost their way, and whether they can survive another year. Later, journalist Clint Rainey walks us through his invest
ENCORE: Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | Break from the Herd | 4
Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger boomed in the 2010s, but changing tastes have turned their sizzle into a fizzle. And as they continue to slide deeper into debt, these companies have struggled to get back on top of the plant-based food chain. . What’s next for these meatless giants? Jason Kartalian and Mike Keller, co-hosts of the podcast Vegan Hacks, join David to discuss the future of
ENCORE: Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | Beefing Up, Chowing Down | 3
It’s 2019 and plant-based meats are on fire. But they’re also under fire. Supporters of the beef industry start a food fight with the plant-based meat industry. It kicks off on Super Bowl Sunday, with an aggressive TV ad. But Pat Brown’s Impossible Foods fights back with an ad of its own. Meanwhile, Ethan Brown pushes Beyond Meat to grow at all costs. As debts mount, Ethan tries to get th
ENCORE: Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | Flame Broiled | 2
It’s 2016 and both Pat Brown’s Impossible Foods and Ethan Brown’s Beyond Meat are cooking up plant-based burgers for mass consumption. Ethan tries to woo Whole Foods executives to carry his Beyond Burger in their stores from coast-to-coast. Pat’s taking a different route. He’s asking celebrity chefs to put his Impossible Burger — a plant-based meat that bleeds — on their menus. Soon enoug
ENCORE: Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | Pressure Cooker | 1
It's 2008 and two men, both vegans, ponder what they can do to improve the climate. Though they’re on separate sides of the country and in different professions (but they coincidentally share a last name)— Ethan Brown is in the fuel cell business and Pat Brown is a lauded Stanford biochemist — they land on the same solution. They’re going to try and lessen the climate impact of animal agr
How Nvidia Owned A.I. | Once in a Lifetime | 2
Flush from its success in video game graphics, Nvidia sets its sights on turning its gaming chips into the tools that will power the next wave of computing advancement. With both investors and computer scientists skeptical, their plan looks like money down the drain. Right up until A.I. researchers discover the untapped power hidden inside Nvidia’s gaming chips.Be the first to know about
How Nvidia Owned A.I. | Light Speed or Bust | 1
It’s the early 1990s and video games are about to go 3D. And in a Denny’s in Silicon Valley, three engineers are plotting to cash in on the transition with a startup called Nvidia. But when they misjudge the market, CEO Jensen Huang will have to pull off a multi-million dollar Hail Mary to save it from ruin.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and
The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | Game On | 3
Fifty years after its inception, Dungeons & Dragons has become more than just a fantasy game for nerds. It’s a cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and livestream channels like Critical Role. So how can D&D’s parent company Wizards of the Coast keep the momentum going and deliver more innovations? Ryan Dancey, former VP at Wizards of the Coast, breaks
The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | A Kingdom Reborn | 2
After years of falling sales, Dungeons & Dragons’ publisher TSR is being dragged under by massive debts and in need of rescue. But as hopelessness takes hold, TSR boss Lorraine Williams resorts to desperate measures that will put the future of the famed game on the line. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https:
The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | Wizards and Witch Hunts | 1
When Gary Gygax and his gaming pal Dave Arneson create Dungeons & Dragons, he believes he’s onto something special and starts a business called TSR to publish it. But when TSR publishes the game, he must find a way to overcome player confusion to make it a best-seller. But just when everything seems ready to come together, a missing kid plunges TSR into crisis.Be the first to know abo
Ozempic Wars | The Next Injection | 2
Novo Nordisk can't keep up with demand for Ozempic and Wegovy, giving competitor Eli Lilly the edge in the GLP-1 market. And off-brand competitors continue to hammer the company's market position. Layoffs and board resignations signal that Novo Nordisk has entered a downward spiral. But with new leaders, acquisitions and deals, can they force a comeback?See Privacy Policy at https://art19
Ozempic Wars | The Hundred-Year Duel | 1
When pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk developed a new medication for type 2 diabetes, they noticed that a welcome side effect was a small amount of weight loss. They had no idea that their new diabetes medication was about to become a multibillion-dollar weight loss drug. But they had no sooner launched this game-changing drug, then competitors swooped in to knock Novo Nordisk off i
Gap's Revival | Better in Navy? | 3
The “Better in Denim” ad campaign put Gap back on the map for Gen Z — but are viral ads enough to fuel a comeback? Jordyn Holman of the New York Times breaks down how Gap CEO Richard Dickson is taking the company back to its pop culture roots. Later, David dives deeper into Old Navy’s strategy with Aubrey Avery Jr., who helped Gap build the new brand from the ground up. He explains how Ol
Gap's Revival | Back in Blue | 2
It’s late 2023, and Gap’s new CEO Richard Dickson is trying to revive the brand’s fading fortunes. Dickson is the man who rescued Barbie from cultural irrelevance and turned her into a blockbuster movie star. To do the same at Gap, Dickson finds out that he’ll have to change Gap’s culture — one that puts a cheerful spin on even the bleakest financials. Dickson also must win back the imagi
Gap's Revival | Faded Khakis | 1
It’s 2016, and a fire is ripping through a Gap distribution center in Fishkill, New York. When the smoke clears, thousands of Gap T-shirts, khakis, and jeans are reduced to ash. But one analyst sees good news in the wreckage. Gap probably couldn’t have sold all those clothes anyway, and that’s because the company has lost the pop culture cool that once brought shoppers to it in droves. Fo
How Lululemon Won Athleisure | Mirror, Mirror | 2
It's the 2010s, and the athleisure market has exploded. As Lululemon has grown into one of the world's biggest athletic wear companies, brands like Nike and Adidas want a piece of the pie—and new, smaller companies are adding to the competition. Soon, everyone will be selling the same type of yoga pants that Lululemon created. To survive, Lululemon will need to expand its business-model.
How Lululemon Won Athleisure | Child's Pose | 1
In the late 90s, Canadian entrepreneur Chip Wilson identified a new market emerging in North America: young women taking on yoga as a hobby. Wilson recognized that athletic wear for yoga didn’t exist, and invented the yoga pants that have become ubiquitous today; he also created an empire. In the coming years, Lululemon will rapidly expand across Canada and the US. With no real competitio
The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Pedal On | 3
Peloton’s pandemic hype and sales have died down and now, the company must determine what’s next. Lauren Thomas of the Wall Street Journal talks to us about what it’ll take for Peloton to continue as a standalone company. Later, we’re talking to fitness creator Cassey Ho, who founded the YouTube channel Blogilates. She shares how she built an online fitness community and later created the
The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Maximum Effort | 2
As the Covid-19 pandemic rages, Peloton’s stock surges and the company scrambles to keep up with the new demand for its products. They pour millions of dollars into increasing production and cutting down on shipping time. But when tragedy strikes, Peloton’s newfound popularity takes a hit. And soon, it's an open question if the company can survive on its own.Be the first to
The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Welcome to the Ride | 1
In 2011, avid fitness fan John Foley comes up with an idea for an internet-connected exercise bike that allows users to experience the communal nature of a cycling class from the comfort of home. He thinks the idea will make gyms a relic of the past. The next year, he and four others found Peloton and the company develops a devoted, but niche following. And when the Covid-19 pan
Dieselgate | Running on Fumes | 2
By 2014, Volkswagen has taken the U.S. auto market by storm with its fleet of affordable, fuel-efficient diesel cars. But a new study threatens to reveal the dirty truth behind so-called ""clean"" diesel. When the EPA comes knocking with questions, the company's very survival is at stake.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now a
Dieselgate | Truth or Dare | 1
In 2007, Volkswagen's new CEO Martin Winterkorn sets his sights on besting GM and Toyota to become the top automaker in the world. But the company can't get there without cutting a few regulatory corners.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or w
The Great Sriracha Feud | If You Can't Stand the Heat | 3
Why has hot sauce gotten so - well, hot? Bon Appétit’s Joseph Hernandez sheds some light on the rise of condiment culture, and why the spicy stuff got so popular over the past ten years (even Mötley Crüe has a hot sauce line!). Later, we explore our biological reactions to spice and heat with Nik Sharma, author, chef and molecular biologist. He’s guiding David through a taste test of some
The Great Sriracha Feud | Showdown | 2
The rift between David Tran’s Huy Fong Foods and Underwood Ranches becomes insurmountable. The two companies sue each other and wait for the courts to decide who was in the right. But in the meantime, Huy Fong struggles to find peppers to make their Sriracha. Meanwhile, Underwood Ranches desperately tries to make up the income they’ve lost when Huy Fong canceled their contr
The Great Sriracha Feud | The Only Hot Sauce Billionaire | 1
In the early 80s, David Tran developed a sauce he called Sriracha; its popularity quickly spread among chefs and customers throughout Southern California. But to grow his business, Tran needs to find a reliable source of red jalapeños. So he forms a partnership with a farm called Underwood Ranches. For nearly 30 years, the two companies have an enduring and highly profitable partnership,
McDonald's vs The Burger Revolution | The Price is Right | 2
The “better burger” business has been rapidly expanding across the United States and internationally, with chains like Five Guys and Shake Shack growing at break-neck speed. In response, McDonald’s has tried switching up its own menu to lure back health-conscious customers. But when the pandemic hits and people start tightening their wallets, the better burger business model will be put t
McDonald's vs The Burger Revolution | Better Burgers | 1
It's the mid-2000s, and new burger chains are popping up across the United States. Places like Five Guys and Shake Shack are touting their higher-quality ingredients. As these chains rapidly expand, they force behemoths like McDonald’s to reevaluate their own businesses and switch up their menus. And as “better burgers” make it big, they start competing with each other for space in an inc
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Bumpy Skies Ahead | 3
Southwest Airlines announced some big changes recently, and customers of the “Love Airline” are not feeling it. Joe Guinto, a business reporter who wrote this season, joins David to discuss the airline’s next steps, and what it’ll take to keep fans and employees loyal. Later, Bankrate’s Benét Wilson (also known as the “Aviation Queen”) https://www.bankrate.com/authors/benet-j-wilson/ expl
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Excess Baggage | 2
It’s 2023 and Southwest Airlines’ stock is in a nosedive. With costs ascending, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan freezes hiring and slashes spending. Amid all that, a crisis at Boeing has left Southwest short on jets. With Southwest weakened, an unwelcome, activist investor rushes on board. Jordan jettisons staffers along with longstanding policies like open seating and free bags. It’s a new era
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Hard Landing | 1
It's 2021 and for the first time in nearly 50 years, Southwest Airlines posts an annual net loss. Amid the crisis, thousands of Southwest workers head for early retirement. The next year, Southwest is short on staff as Americans return to the skies. Pilots and flight attendants complain of being overworked. A winter storm cripples Southwest’s operations, exposing the airline’s underinvest
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | TTYL, AOL | 4
Can you remember the last time you got mail from an AOL email address? Or fired off an IM? In the 1990s, AOL was the hottest name in cyberspace, but now it’s a digital ghost. Journalist and author Nina Munk is the author of Fools Rush In: Steve Case, Jerry Levin, and the Unmaking of AOL Time Warner — she explains how the merger meltdown led to AOL’s demise. Plus, Lauren Goode and Michael
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | Cold Case | 3
The AOL Time Warner merger is done. Now Jerry Levin and Steve Case must deliver on the bold promises. But will disharmony in the ranks and slumping ad sales be the undoing of the merger — or was the entire deal doomed from the start?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | The Deal of the Century | 2
When AOL and Time Warner find a way around their differences, the biggest merger in history is on. But when rivals attack and tech stocks meltdown, AOL finds it must meet Wall Street expectations or watch its mega-deal derail.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars o
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | You've Got Mail | 1
It’s 1999 and America Online’s the hot stock of the dot.com boom. But when AOL’s CEO Steve Case gets nervous about the future, he settles on a bold plan: to buy media giant Time Warner in the biggest merger in U.S. history.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on t
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Tweets Aren't Loading Right Now | 6
Elon changes Twitter's algorithm to make himself king of the hill, but can he protect himself from public opinion?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge t
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Assassination Coordinates | 5
Elon goes on a banning spree. And even his most ardent supporters find themselves asking, is the battle over Twitter worth it?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the firs
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Extremely Hardcore | 4
After Elon decimates the workforce in one fell swoop, chaos reigns supreme. Will Elon's dreams for a free and open Twitter turn into everyone's worst nightmare?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience al
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Chief Twit | 3
Elon Musk seals his purchase of Twitter with a tweet: ""The bird is freed."" But everyone inside of Twitter soon starts to worry, will the bird soon be dead?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all e
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | I Am Supposed to Believe This Man is a Genius? | 2
Elon Musk makes the Twitter board an offer they can’t refuse — a $44 billion offer, to be exact. But this won’t be an easy marriage. No sooner does Twitter accept than Elon starts raising doubts. Publicly, Elon can’t help taking shots at Twitter and its leaders, sending their stock into a spiral. And it’s the everyday employees of Twitter who are stuck in the blast radius.Be the first to
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Maximum Amazing | 1
Twitter is at a crossroads. Its founder, Jack Dorsey, has stepped down from his role as CEO. The social media heavyweight is also under fire for alleged bias, censorship, and the roving army of bot accounts wreaking havoc on the site. In this moment of crisis, the only would-be savior to step up is also one of Twitter’s harshest critics: Elon Musk.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newe
Rebuilding LEGO | Brick to the Future | 2
It’s late 2003 and LEGO’s turnaround strategy has failed. It’s hurtling towards bankruptcy. Its only hope now is a three-man shadow leadership team. And they’re about to learn that the problems at LEGO go way deeper than anyone thought.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Busin
Rebuilding LEGO | A Burning Platform | 1
It’s early 1997, and after decades of success, LEGO is rocked by a sudden collapse in its profit. To recover, the Danish toy manufacturer jacks up its innovation efforts. But can it deliver a company-saving idea in time?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the
23andMe's Fatal Flaw | Guess Who’s Back | 3
Just when it looked like 23andMe was selling to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, founder Anne Wojcicki placed a bid through her new nonprofit in an attempt to win it back at the eleventh hour. Lila MacLellan, Senior Writer at Fortune, joins David to discuss Wojcicki’s leadership style, and what the new version of 23andMe might look like under her control. Later, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi of NPR’s Pl
23andMe's Fatal Flaw | Defying Gravity? | 2
Plagued by low sales of its genetic tests, 23andMe adopts a bold new plan: slash prices and enter the pharmaceutical industry. But with investors nervous, can CEO Anne Wojcicki keep the show going long enough to make her DNA dream pay off?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Bu
23andMe's Fatal Flaw | Great Expectorations | 1
When Silicon Valley power-player Anne Wojcicki sees gold in genetics, she forms 23andMe. She wants to bring genetic testing to the masses. But behind the hype and celebrity endorsements, can she build a company that’s selling more than just an expensive novelty product? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://won
Netflix and the Fall of Television | To the Max | 3
After AT&T takes over Time Warner in 2018, the media company decides it's time to enter the streaming wars. They don’t have the brand recognition that Disney has, but they do have HBO, considered the most prestigious cable television on the market. But transforming a niche brand like HBO into a broad-based streaming service is a massive marketing challenge — made even harder by t
Netflix and the Fall of Television | The Mouse Strikes Back | 2
After Netflix poaches Shonda Rimes, one of the most successful television producers on ABC, a Disney-owned network, Disney decides it can’t just sit back and let Netflix keep eating into their market share. Disney CEO Bob Iger decides that Disney is going to launch its own streaming service, Disney+, in 2019. With its strong brand loyalty and vast library of content, Disney seem
Netflix and the Fall of Television | The Game Changer | 1
In 2017, Netflix stuns Hollywood by paying television producer Shonda Rhimes an unprecedented amount of money to develop shows exclusively for the streamer. The move announces Netflix as a true rival to the legacy studios and kicks off the streaming wars. But when the business takes a sudden turn after the pandemic, Netflix is forced to make some key pivots to remain at the head of the pa
Starbucks' Bitter Brew | A Cup of Competition | 3
Starbucks might be number one in market share, but the competition over coffee is hot. In one corner, you’ve got the New England-based fan favorite Dunkin, with their no-frills vibe and celebrity boosters. In the other, you’ve got the up-and-comers: drive-through only chains like Dutch Bros and Seven Brew that have become popular among younger consumers and on-the-go customers. Comedian (
Starbucks' Bitter Brew | Back in Black | 2
It’s 2023 and Howard Schultz’s hand-picked successor as CEO is facing trouble. While employees are voting to unionize, competitors are targeting Starbucks’ perceived weaknesses. Dunkin’ and others are beating Starbucks on price, while McDonald’s hopes to beat Starbucks on speed of service. Starbucks’ bottom-line breaks under that pressure. When it does, Schultz turns against his successor
Recommended
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
10 minutos con Jesús
10th Floor Podcasts
10 to Life
1128 MINISTRY
11 O'Clock Comics Podcast
123 GO! Food
1-2-3 Learn Spanish with Me!
128 Civics Questions for U.S. Citizenship Test
12 Hour Sound Machines for Sleep (no loops or fades)
#12minconvos
12 Minute Meditation
