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
13 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 37min
CVS vs. Walgreens | Powerful Medicine | 1
Travel back to 1895 Chicago, where Walgreens begins its rise amid a sea of pharmacies. Explore the fierce rivalry with CVS, ignited by a bold investment from a shoe company. Discover the tension pharmacists face in balancing corporate policies with ethical responsibilities. Witness Walgreens' transformation into a self-service giant and CVS's competitive maneuvers, including strategic acquisitions, that reshape the landscape of American healthcare. Dive into the pivotal moments that fueled this battle for pharmacy domination!
Oct 5, 2023 • 38min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Salty or Sweet? | 5
Join comedian Max Fine, known for his humor on the podcast 'Into the Minivan,' and Jordyn Holman, a retail reporter from the New York Times, as they dive into America's candy craze just in time for Halloween. They discuss the early arrival of spooky merchandise at major retailers and how nostalgia influences consumer choices. Explore the rise of unique, health-conscious snacks favored by Millennials and Gen Z, along with how social media shapes modern culinary experiences. It's a sweet conversation on trends and tastes in our evolving snack culture!
Oct 4, 2023 • 39min
The Rise of AI | Living in an Artificial World | 4
Mike Calore and Lauren Goode from Wired are back, bringing their tech-savvy insights to the table. They delve into the resurgence of AI, raising ethical concerns about its rapid advancements. The duo discusses how AI is revolutionizing creativity while igniting fears among professionals regarding job loss. They ponder the role of classic films in shaping our perceptions of AI's future. Plus, they tackle misinformation challenges and the potential implications of innovations like robo-taxis on everyday life. A thought-provoking exploration of our relationship with AI awaits!
33 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 42min
The Rise of AI | Battle Bots | 3
In a fierce battle of tech giants, Microsoft invests heavily to enhance Bing with AI while Google counters with its chatbot, Bard. Ethical concerns about AI's societal impact emerge, drawing scrutiny from politicians and experts alike. The podcast dives into a Senate hearing emphasizing the need for regulations to mitigate AI risks. Listeners explore the darker implications of unrestricted AI, such as emotional complexities and misinformation. The race for AI dominance is not just a technological contest but a pressing ethical dilemma.
30 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 37min
The Rise of AI | No Reservations | 2
The podcast dives into the intense competition in the AI landscape, spotlighting Google’s ethical struggles and rising internal conflicts. It also examines OpenAI's strategic pivot to for-profit, fueling its rapid ascent with ChatGPT. Amidst challenges like biased facial recognition technology and ethical dilemmas in military applications, Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI emerges as a game-changer. The narrative contrasts Google's innovations with Facebook's missteps, showcasing the high stakes of AI development and the moral questions it raises.
Sep 6, 2023 • 44min
Best of Business Wars Daily | AI Disruptors | 6
Comedian Kenny DeForest, known for his new comedy special, and journalist Haje Kamps from TechCrunch dive into the transformative impact of AI across various industries. They explore how AI is revolutionizing climate change management, fast food drive-thrus, and advertising. The conversation highlights the balance between efficiency and personal interaction in fast food and addresses ethical concerns in advertising creativity. With humor and insights, they navigate the exciting opportunities and challenges brought by AI's rapid evolution.
4 snips
Sep 6, 2023 • 40min
Hilton vs Marriott | Pretty Cool Hotels | 5
Join travel reporter Allison Pohle, who dives into the hotel industry's post-pandemic recovery, tackling labor issues and the Airbnb rivalry. She shares insights on travel trends and hotel brand dynamics. Later, Margaret Beinert from A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour uncovers some of the quirkiest hotels she's documented and teases their upcoming book, 'Hotel Kitsch.' The conversation explores how hotels are adapting to consumer desires for unique experiences while navigating the competitive landscape, revealing the charm of whimsical accommodations.
67 snips
Sep 6, 2023 • 42min
The Rise of AI | The Next Big Thing | 1
The podcast delves into the transformative rise of artificial intelligence, tracing its origins from the 1950s to a breakthrough in 2012 that ignited a fierce battle among tech giants. It highlights a key conversation between Larry Page and Elon Musk about AI's game-changing potential. The narrative explores the ethical concerns surrounding AI, innovative collaborations like OpenAI, and the intense rivalry between Google and Facebook in advancing AI technologies. Listeners will gain insight into how AI is reshaping industries and the future landscape of technology.
17 snips
Aug 30, 2023 • 39min
Hilton vs Marriott | The Inn Crowd | 4
In the wake of 9/11, the hotel industry faces upheaval as traveler preferences shift dramatically. Marriott's CEO seeks government help while Hilton embarks on aggressive expansion. The advent of online travel platforms creates intense competition, forcing brands to innovate in comfort and pricing. Hilton's strategic moves, including a pivotal acquisition, set the stage for a fierce rivalry with Marriott. As both chains adapt to a changing market, the stakes have never been higher for the future of hospitality.
5 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 38min
Hilton vs Marriott | Wake-Up Call | 3
In the early 1990s, Marriott faces a financial crisis, desperately trying to reshape its image as Hilton begins to rise. A pivotal meeting highlights Marriott’s debt issues and strategic pivots. Meanwhile, Hilton enhances its loyalty program, enticing guests and increasing membership. The rivalry intensifies as Hilton expands aggressively while Marriott makes luxury acquisitions. The podcast reveals the strategic movements of both giants, setting the stage for a fierce competition in the evolving hotel industry.
