Business Wars
Wondery
Netflix vs. HBO. Nike vs. Adidas. Business is war. Sometimes the prize is your wallet or your attention. Sometimes, it’s just the fun of beating the other guy. The outcome of these battles shapes what we buy and how we live. Business Wars gives you the unauthorized, real story of what drives these companies and their leaders, innovators, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace. From Wondery, the network behind Against the Odds and American History Tellers.Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 40min
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Bumpy Skies Ahead | 3
Joe Guinto, a seasoned business journalist, and Benét Wilson, known as the ‘Aviation Queen,’ explore Southwest Airlines' recent shifts from friendly policies to new models with assigned seating and baggage fees. They discuss customer dissatisfaction and the airline's need to adapt, revealing insights from industry experts. Pay attention as they delve into high ticket prices and the best travel-friendly credit cards that maximize benefits for frequent flyers, ensuring listeners stay informed on navigating the skies with savvy.
67 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 42min
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Excess Baggage | 2
In 2023, Southwest Airlines faces a crisis with plunging stock and jet shortages. CEO Bob Jordan makes tough calls, including hiring freezes and staff cuts. Amid labor disputes and changing passenger expectations, the airline grapples with its identity crisis. Will the shift from open seating and free bags alienate loyal customers? As Southwest navigates winter challenges and competitive pressures, it embarks on a new strategy aimed at survival—and the stakes have never been higher.
46 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 40min
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Hard Landing | 1
In 2021, Southwest Airlines faced a staggering annual net loss as the pandemic reshaped the air travel landscape. Workers rushed towards early retirement, leaving the airline struggling with staffing shortages when demand surged. A brutal winter storm revealed the cracks in their outdated technology, stranding millions. Protests erupted over labor conditions, reflecting growing tensions as flight attendants demanded better treatment. Amid rising costs and a changing industry, the question looms: can the airline recover and soar again?
32 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 43min
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | TTYL, AOL | 4
Nina Munk, a seasoned journalist and author of 'Fools Rush In,' discusses the dramatic rise and fall of AOL, particularly its ill-fated merger with Time Warner. She shares insights on the cultural clashes that contributed to the merger's failure. Alongside her, Michael Calore reminisces about the cultural impact of AOL Instant Messenger, likening its vibrant social interactions to nostalgic hangouts. They explore how these early communications shaped today's digital interactions and reflect on AOL's lasting footprint in the tech landscape.
43 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 44min
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | Cold Case | 3
The tumultuous merger between AOL and Time Warner faced significant challenges from the onset. Cultural clashes and unfulfilled promises plagued the integration, revealing deep internal conflicts. As rivalries surfaced between top executives Levin and Case, employee dissatisfaction grew amid slumping stock prices. The podcast dives into the ethical dilemmas and power struggles that illuminated one of the most infamous chapters in corporate history, questioning whether the deal was doomed from the beginning.
35 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 42min
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | The Deal of the Century | 2
The podcast dives into the dramatic merger between AOL and Time Warner, showcasing intense negotiations and the key figures driving the deal. With ambitions to outshine tech giants like Microsoft, the discussion highlights the hurdles of governmental scrutiny and market volatility. Tensions mount as contrasting corporate cultures clash, creating internal conflicts. Additionally, it teases intriguing hidden narratives from military operations, urging listeners to explore ethical dilemmas and the complexities behind powerful decision-making.
7 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 5min
Listen Now: Lawless Planet
Explore the dark side of environmental exploitation as the podcast reveals how simple actions like drilling and mining can lead to planetary destruction. Discover the mysterious case of Larry Price Jr., a coal industry insider whose return unearths shocking secrets. Hear firsthand accounts of communities impacted by climate crises, highlighting urgent calls for awareness and action. Each story intertwines crime, corporate greed, and a fight for survival, painting a vivid picture of our planet's struggles.
91 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 47min
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | You've Got Mail | 1
In 1999, AOL's skyrocketing stock and the bold vision of CEO Steve Case lead to the historic merger with Time Warner. The initial optimism quickly clashes with skepticism in a tense board meeting. Cultural differences complicate the union, revealing the challenges of merging two giants. From the rise of Quantum Computer Services to the flamboyant world of dot-com, the podcast delves into strategic maneuvers that marked AOL's ascent, all while hinting at the looming disaster of an ill-fated partnership.
56 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 29min
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Tweets Aren't Loading Right Now | 6
Elon Musk faces backlash as he dramatically shifts Twitter's algorithm to enhance his influence. A pivotal meeting before the Super Bowl reveals his denial about waning engagement. During the chaos surrounding the event, technical failures amplify the platform's troubles. Musk expresses concerns about leadership and financial stability while navigating challenges at the World Government Summit. His controversial approach influences Twitter's trajectory, making it both a reflection of his personality and a battleground for public opinion.
57 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 38min
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Assassination Coordinates | 5
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, dives into the chaos surrounding his recent takeover of Twitter. He discusses the tumultuous wave of resignations and the intense atmosphere among staff following his high-demand leadership style. The conversation touches on the challenges of content moderation and his evolving views on free speech amidst public scrutiny. Musk also reflects on the absurdity of billion-dollar decisions and the implications of his actions for user safety and journalistic integrity, blending serious topics with a touch of humor.
