Business Wars

Wondery
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42 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 40min

How Lululemon Won Athleisure | Child's Pose | 1

Discover how Chip Wilson tapped into the yoga craze of the late 90s to create Lululemon, crafting the iconic yoga pants. Delve into the brand's rise with unique community-building strategies and cheeky marketing stunts. However, not all was smooth sailing as growth brought controversy, provocative remarks, and a recall crisis. Explore the evolving dynamics between Wilson and his leadership team as they contend with scaling the empire amid increasing competition and operational challenges.
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77 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 42min

The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Pedal On | 3

Lauren Thomas, a business reporter for The Wall Street Journal, discusses how Peloton can navigate its post-pandemic challenges, including leadership changes and the need for subscription diversification. Cassie Ho, a fitness entrepreneur and creator of Blogilates, shares her journey from fitness videos to launching her activewear line, PopFlex, and the thrill of having Taylor Swift wear her design. They explore community-building in fitness and Cassie's reflections on balancing mental health with content creation.
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72 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 36min

The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Maximum Effort | 2

The pandemic catapults Peloton's stock, leading to a frantic surge in product demand and supply chain headaches. A tragic incident with the Tread Plus sparks a safety crisis and costly recalls, shaking consumer trust. In the wake of a leadership change, the new CEO focuses on subscriptions, massive layoffs, and shifting manufacturing strategies. Despite a rocky financial landscape with billions in losses, an AI-driven approach and new partnerships aim to stabilize the brand. Peloton's journey sees ups and downs as they seek to reclaim their footing.
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142 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 40min

The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Welcome to the Ride | 1

John Foley's vision for a connected exercise bike revolutionized home fitness, leading to Peloton's rise during the pandemic. The founding team cleverly positioned it as a media-centric business. They exceeded Kickstarter goals, validated demand, and attracted a loyal subscriber base. Despite rapid growth, the company faced challenges, including competition and financial pressures. The backlash from a controversial holiday ad and signs of early decline before the pandemic added tension. Peloton's journey is a fascinating blend of innovation, marketing triumphs, and hurdles.
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79 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 39min

Dieselgate | Running on Fumes | 2

Volkswagen's 'clean' diesel vehicles face scrutiny as emissions tests reveal shocking discrepancies. Internal strategies to conceal a software defeat device spark regulatory investigations. Whistleblowing comes into play as an insider discloses the truth, leading to massive fines and a major corporate shakeup. The fallout sees billions set aside for settlements and a pivot towards electric vehicles. The scandal underscores the broader problems within the diesel industry, challenging the narrative of sustainability.
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142 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 31min

Dieselgate | Truth or Dare | 1

The podcast delves into Volkswagen's ambitions under CEO Martin Winterkorn as they aimed to outpace rival automakers. It uncovers the pressures that led to cutting regulatory corners and highlights the infamous defeat device in their EA 189 engine. Internal objections were silenced amidst a culture of fear, even as VW promoted a green image externally. The narrative contrasts public success with private failures, leaving listeners eager for how the deception will unfold as researchers and regulators start to intervene.
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51 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 44min

The Great Sriracha Feud | If You Can't Stand the Heat | 3

Joseph Hernandez, Associate Director at Bon Appétit, delves into the booming condiment culture, highlighting sriracha's rise and the emergence of global flavors like gochujang. Nik Sharma, a molecular biologist turned chef, breaks down the science behind spice and our biological reactions to heat. The conversation heats up with a live taste test of various spicy ingredients, revealing the fascinating interplay of flavor, culture, and memory. From hot honey to chili crisp, they explore why we crave that fiery kick!
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95 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 38min

The Great Sriracha Feud | Showdown | 2

A fierce rivalry unfolds as Huy Fong Foods faces supply issues, forcing them to grapple with dwindling chili pepper resources. Underwood Ranches, unable to recover losses from a canceled contract, devises a plan to create their own Sriracha. Legal battles heat up as both sides navigate contract disputes, revealing the intense strain on their once-collaborative relationship. Supply chain challenges and evolving consumer loyalty add spice to the mix, making this a deliciously dramatic tale of business and betrayal.
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116 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 38min

The Great Sriracha Feud | The Only Hot Sauce Billionaire | 1

Discover the journey of David Tran and his iconic Sriracha sauce, which took the hot sauce world by storm in the 1980s. Dive into the challenges of sourcing quality red jalapeños as Tran partners with a family farm, facing supply chain hurdles. Explore the collaborative spirit that fueled their success, but also the tensions that arise when new business dynamics threaten their relationship. Witness the cultural impact of Sriracha, which has become a staple in kitchens across America.
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200 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 39min

McDonald's vs The Burger Revolution | The Price is Right | 2

The burger business is heating up with fast-casual chains like Shake Shack and Five Guys thriving. McDonald's attempts to reinvent itself with healthier options and innovative marketing, like the Step It Activity Band, face significant backlash. The pandemic challenges these brands further, raising questions about consumer priorities between quality and cost. As Shake Shack navigates competition and profitability, McDonald's grapples with safety incidents and reputational damage, showcasing the fierce dynamics of the fast-food landscape.

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