Business Wars
Audible
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
33 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 42min
The Buy Now Pay Later Takeover | No Interest | 1
A deep dive into how a Scandinavian idea turned mail-order ‘bill me’ into modern buy now, pay later. The story traces cold calls, early skepticism, and a pivot from factoring to fintech. It follows a bold U.S. push, viral growth tactics with influencers, and the regulatory cracks that helped the model explode.
67 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 35min
CrowdStrike: All Systems Down | Digital Dominos | 2
A global software update crash that knocked out airports, hospitals and TV networks. How a cloud-native security product’s architecture amplified a single-point failure. The rapid fallout: public outrage, market chaos and opportunistic scams. Congressional scrutiny, legal costs and changes to how updates are rolled out. A broader look at concentration risk as critical systems centralize in the cloud.
60 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 37min
CrowdStrike: All Systems Down | Guarding the Cloud | 1
A cloud-native cybersecurity startup's bold vision and rapid rise are explored. A routine software update morphs into a global IT meltdown. High-profile breach investigations and public forensic reports bring fame and controversy. Political fallout and conspiracy theories swirl as rapid growth exposes new vulnerabilities.
129 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 43min
Waymo and the Rise of the Robotaxis | Driving Too Fast | 2
A thrilling race for autonomous cars unfolds as Google invests heavily in Waymo, aiming to revolutionize transportation. Meanwhile, Uber's reckless strategy in its quest for autonomy leads to major setbacks and a tragic accident in Tempe. Legal clashes culminate in a 2018 settlement, while Waymo partners with Lyft to launch a ride-hailing service. Despite impressive safety records and cautious advancements, public skepticism remains high. The battle for the robotaxi market intensifies with new competitors emerging and lingering questions about trust and profitability.
33 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 39min
Waymo and the Rise of the Robotaxis | Test Drive | 3
Larry Burns, former GM R&D VP and Waymo adviser, explains why self-driving robotaxis could reshape cars and cities. He recounts early tests, safety-first strategy, sensor tradeoffs, and the move toward purpose-built vehicles. Short, vivid stories and bold predictions about when autonomous rides go mainstream.
207 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 51min
Waymo and the Rise of the Robotaxis | To Build a Driver | 1
Explore the fierce race to create autonomous vehicles, sparked by Google’s multi-billion dollar investment. Discover the ambitious journeys of innovators like Anthony Lewandowski and the challenges of developing self-driving technology. Tensions rise as the team navigates trade-offs between speed and safety, while competitors like Tesla and Uber ramp up their own advancements. Witness the groundbreaking tech demos that led to the birth of Waymo, setting the stage for a future filled with robotaxis.
51 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 44min
Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | We've Got Beef | 5
In this discussion, Deena Shanker, a Bloomberg Businessweek reporter, dives into the tumultuous journey of Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, revealing their marketing missteps and fluctuating consumer trust. She highlights how meme stock status impacted Beyond Meat and outlines fundamental challenges, including bankruptcy rumors. Investigative journalist Clint Rainey then unveils alleged disinformation tactics from 'Big Beef' targeting these companies, exploring the role of industry PR and social media influencers in shaping public perception. Together, they illustrate a fierce battle for the future of plant-based meat.
45 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 35min
ENCORE: Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | Break from the Herd | 4
Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger face a tough transition as trends change. Controversial ads and rising debt have led to significant challenges for both brands. Internal shake-ups include leadership changes and workforce cuts, while consumer health debates dampen enthusiasm for plant-based options. Innovative strategies are afoot, like Beyond's health-focused reformulation and Impossible's bold rebranding effort to attract diverse eaters. Amid financial strife, the future of meatless meat hangs in the balance, prompting a fierce rivalry for survival.
30 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 32min
ENCORE: Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | Beefing Up, Chowing Down | 3
In 2019, the plant-based meat war heats up with fierce advertising battles, ignited by a Super Bowl ad clash between Impossible Foods and the beef lobby. As Beyond Meat expands rapidly, pressure mounts from debt and internal concerns over growth strategies. Customers are grabbing plant-based products off shelves amid rising demand, but health worries swirl. Plus, Ethan Brown eyes a partnership with McDonald's for a plant-based option. Celebrity endorsements are a double-edged sword, with risks looming over brand perceptions.
34 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 31min
ENCORE: Beyond Meat vs Impossible Burger | Flame Broiled | 2
In 2016, the race for plant-based supremacy heats up between two rivals. Ethan Brown impresses Whole Foods with the Beyond Burger, while Pat Brown courts celebrity chefs to showcase his bleeding Impossible Burger. Tension rises as lobbyists from the beef industry fight against meat labeling for plant products. As Impossible Foods partners with Burger King for a national rollout, production shortages cause chaos. Meanwhile, Beyond Meat's IPO makes headlines, highlighting the fierce competition and evolving perceptions in the food industry.
