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
115 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 44min
How Nvidia Owned A.I. | Light Speed or Bust | 1
Discover the origins of Nvidia, a startup born from three engineers' vision in a Denny's. Learn how CEO Jensen Huang made high-stakes decisions to save the company from early misjudgments and product failures. Explore the dramatic pivot to create first-person shooter chips and the breakthrough launch of the Riva 128 that changed the game. Delve into Nvidia's rise with parallel computing, the challenges posed by competitors like Intel, and the ambitious gamble that led to their dominance in GPUs.
134 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 40min
The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | Game On | 3
Ryan Dancey, a gaming executive and former VP at Wizards of the Coast, dives into the evolution of Dungeons & Dragons, reflecting on its rise to cultural prominence. He discusses the game's appeal, such as creativity and community, and its growing mainstream audience. Dancey highlights the impact of livestreams like Critical Role, the Open Gaming License's role in expanding content, and challenges in transitioning to digital formats. He also shares insights on AI's potential to transform gameplay and the future of D&D.
111 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 39min
The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | A Kingdom Reborn | 2
The podcast delves into the dramatic financial collapse of Dungeons & Dragons' publisher TSR, highlighting Lorraine Williams' desperate measures to salvage the game. It discusses Wizards of the Coast's strategic investment to secure TSR and the emotional acquisition by Peter Atkison. The conversation covers the innovative Open Gaming License that revolutionized D&D. Finally, it examines the community backlash following the leaked OGL revision, revealing ongoing challenges and D&D's remarkable resilience.
137 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 44min
The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | Wizards and Witch Hunts | 1
Explore the origins and rise of Dungeons & Dragons as Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson turn handwritten rules into a cultural phenomenon. Discover how a missing child caused a media frenzy, casting D&D in a dark light and boosting its popularity. Hear about TSR's attempts to simplify the game and the financial strain they faced amidst wild expansion efforts. Experience the split among fans and the challenges posed by competitors like Magic: The Gathering that threatened the game's legacy.
91 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 37min
Ozempic Wars | The Next Injection | 2
Novo Nordisk struggles to meet massive demand for Ozempic as Eli Lilly gains the upper hand in the GLP-1 market with its new drug ZepBound. The competition heats up with innovative strategies like direct sales and lower pricing initiatives. Both companies are vying for market dominance, while leadership changes at Novo Nordisk signal an urgent need for a turnaround. Meanwhile, trials for new obesity treatments and Alzheimer's applications raise hopes for future advancements. The landscape shifts rapidly, leaving both firms in a fierce battle for consumer trust.
137 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 35min
Ozempic Wars | The Hundred-Year Duel | 1
The podcast delves into the intense rivalry between Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, stemming from a century of competition in diabetes treatments. It reveals how a diabetes drug, Ozempic, surprisingly became a weight-loss sensation, sparking a rush from competitors. Listeners learn about production challenges, rising demand, and the impact of compounding pharmacies filling shortages. The cultural phenomenon of Ozempic's popularity on social media and the scrutiny of Novo Nordisk's marketing practices further add to the excitement.
10 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 40min
Gap's Revival | Better in Navy? | 3
Jordyn Holman, a New York Times retail reporter, and Aubrey Avery Jr., a veteran retail executive, dive deep into Gap's marketing revival. Holman discusses how Gap is aiming to reconnect with Gen Z through nostalgia and viral ads while exploring the challenges of maintaining cultural relevance. Avery shares insights on Old Navy's explosive growth and the importance of community outreach. They reflect on leadership under Mickey Drexler and Richard Dickson's strategies, emphasizing a return to the brand's roots.
19 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 38min
Gap's Revival | Back in Blue | 2
In late 2023, Gap's new CEO Richard Dickson tackles the brand's struggles with a mission to transform its culture. He aims to revitalize Gap through quality linen pieces and high-fashion collaborations, enlisting renowned designer Zach Posen. Their viral ad campaigns and a Met Gala debut signal a return to style. However, challenges like tariffs threaten supply chains, and a cultural clash with competitors over denim ads tests their resolve. Will Dickson’s strategic moves win back shoppers' hearts?
71 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 42min
Gap's Revival | Faded Khakis | 1
In 2016, a fire at a Gap distribution center symbolized deeper issues within the brand. Once a cultural icon, Gap struggled against fast fashion and disappointing sales. The attempt to revive the brand with Kanye West's partnership turned into chaos, marked by unpredictable tensions and a clashing aesthetic. Despite initial hype, lack of cohesive strategy and corporate disputes led to further decline. As Old Navy faced retrenchment, Gap sought new leadership, hoping for a turnaround with a fresh vision inspired by previous successes.
94 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 33min
How Lululemon Won Athleisure | Mirror, Mirror | 2
Explore the explosive growth of the athleisure market in the 2010s as Lululemon skyrockets to fame, only to face scandals over sheer pants and controversial comments from its founder. Discover the corporate turmoil surrounding CEO resignations and the challenges of maintaining brand identity amid fierce competition. Delve into Lululemon's ambitious pivot to tech with the acquisition of Mirror, and reflect on how new challengers are reshaping the landscape. Despite setbacks, Lululemon's global presence and resilient strategy keep it in the game.
