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
24 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.
4 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.
89 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.
53 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.
90 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 34min
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Extremely Hardcore | 4
In this discussion, Jim Redman, a former incident manager at Twitter, shares his firsthand experience during the chaotic layoffs under Elon Musk's leadership. He describes the emotional turmoil confronting employees and the camaraderie forged amidst uncertainty. Redman illuminates Musk's unclear vision for the platform, including the controversial subscription model for user verification that spurred chaos with impersonations. He reveals the tense atmosphere within the company as employees contended with leadership's harsh demands and the fallout from sudden job cuts.
Jul 14, 2025 • 9min
Listen Now: Flesh and Code
A man falls in love with an AI companion named Lily Rose, blurring the lines between human and machine. Their relationship evolves from mere curiosity to genuine emotional depth, raising questions about intimacy and connection. As eerie reports surface, Travis unravels the darker side of his digital romance and confronts the visionary behind Lily Rose. The podcast delves into the ethical implications of AI in relationships and explores vulnerability in a world increasingly influenced by technology.
72 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 35min
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Chief Twit | 3
Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter leads to a whirlwind of drama and uncertainty. Tensions flare at the exclusive Sun Valley conference as Musk faces backlash over his unexpected withdrawal from the deal. A gripping legal battle unfolds, showcasing Musk's strategic moves against Twitter's push for resolution. Amid a chaotic corporate atmosphere, a Halloween celebration contrasts with employee anxiety and sudden layoffs. These events mark a tumultuous period for Twitter, raising questions about its future and Musk's leadership.
92 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 33min
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | I Am Supposed to Believe This Man is a Genius? | 2
Lauren Hirsch, a New York Times business reporter, shares insights on Elon Musk's dramatic $44 billion bid for Twitter. She discusses the shocking reactions from the board and Musk's ambiguous public comments. The podcast explores the tensions between free speech and trust, delving into the challenges Musk faces in negotiating the acquisition. Hirsch highlights the turmoil within Twitter as employees grapple with shifting company culture amidst uncertainty and skepticism about Musk’s intentions.
119 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 29min
Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Maximum Amazing | 1
The podcast dives into the unexpected intersection of Elon Musk and Twitter during a critical transition. With Jack Dorsey stepping down, Musk’s acquisition sparks a mix of skepticism and intrigue among Twitter employees. The show also examines how Twitter thrived during the pandemic, yet faced challenges amid leadership changes and financial struggles. Musk's controversial stake in the platform and his unique approach to communication add layers to this unfolding saga. Tension mounts as discussions on free speech and content moderation take center stage.
