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
Mar 29, 2023 • 39min
Encore: Diet Wars | Up From Down Under | 2
In 1983, Nutri/System faces a civil war between its CEO and franchisees battling rising costs. Meanwhile, Jenny Craig sets her sights on Australia, vying to reshape local diets with American strategies. As they face setbacks and regulatory hurdles, the weight loss industry heats up with fierce competition and health concerns. The growing backlash against diet giants complicates matters, forcing companies to confront consumer distrust amidst their ambitious expansion plans.
Mar 22, 2023 • 38min
Encore: Diet Wars | Scaling Up | 1
In this conversation, Jean Nidetch, a housewife who transformed her life and founded Weight Watchers, shares her inspiring journey. She recounts the pivotal moment in a supermarket that spurred her diet quest and the unique community she built to support her. The podcast explores the emotional challenges of body image and self-acceptance, the innovative strategies that propelled Weight Watchers to success, and the competitive weight loss landscape of the 1970s, featuring various industry players vying for dominance.
Mar 16, 2023 • 48min
Business Wars | 5th Anniversary Special | 1
Gina Keating, author and expert on the Netflix vs. Blockbuster rivalry, joins sound designer Kyle Randall to celebrate five years of insightful storytelling. They share the creative journey of the podcast, highlighting the evolution from classic business battles to deeper narratives. The duo discusses the pivotal role of sound in enhancing listener immersion and reflects on the challenges of adapting journalistic writing for audio. The conversation also takes a humorous turn, teasing a new series on the weight loss industry.
Mar 15, 2023 • 39min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | 'To Infinity and Beyond' | 5
Join former Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein, who played a key role in the studio’s 3D animation revolution, and entertainment journalist Petrana Radulovic, a keen observer of animation rivalries. They dive into Disney's groundbreaking successes like Frozen while discussing the pivotal shift to CGI. Explore how DreamWorks' 'Shrek' humorously challenges Disney's traditions and the evolving landscape of animation with fresh narratives and styles. Tune in for a lively debate about creativity and technology in the animated realm!
14 snips
Mar 8, 2023 • 42min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | Onward and Upward | 4
In 2006, Pixar leaders wrestle with revitalizing Disney Animation, facing fierce competition from DreamWorks. The rise of 3D technology transforms the industry landscape, with box office battles peaking in 2008. As DreamWorks celebrates hits like 'Kung Fu Panda,' Disney fights back with 'WALL-E.' Meanwhile, struggles after 'The Princess and the Frog' prompt Disney to rethink its animation strategies. The podcast also reveals the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations that impact animated films, highlighting the industry’s financial and creative upheavals.
5 snips
Mar 1, 2023 • 40min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | Regime Change | 3
Tensions rise between Disney and Pixar as their partnership teeters on the brink of collapse. Michael Eisner and Steve Jobs refuse to back down in their high-stakes negotiation. Meanwhile, DreamWorks, led by Jeffrey Katzenberg, aims to seize the animation crown while grappling with its own setbacks. Amidst corporate turmoil and shifting leadership, Bob Iger makes a bold move on his first day as CEO—to acquire Pixar, setting the stage for a groundbreaking transformation in animation. Will alliances shift forever?
11 snips
Feb 22, 2023 • 37min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | Battle of the Bugs | 2
In 1995, the animation landscape is set ablaze as Pixar's Toy Story gears up for launch. Disney and DreamWorks engage in a fierce rivalry, with Jeffrey Katzenberg snatching talent from Disney to bolster his new studio. As both giants try to outmaneuver each other through release schedule tactics, Pixar finds itself in the line of fire. This thrilling tale explores the chaotic competition reshaping animated films, marked by creative clashes and strategic gambits.
11 snips
Feb 15, 2023 • 36min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | The Outcasts | 1
In 1985, Steve Jobs, fresh from being fired at Apple, sets his sights on revolutionizing animation by buying Lucasfilm's computer division to create Pixar. Tensions arise as Pixar's leaders, Ed Catmull and John Lasseter, push for animated films while Jobs envisions personal computers. As they navigate corporate challenges, the rise of DreamWorks emerges, aiming to shake Disney's long-held reign in animation. This rivalry sets the stage for a new era in storytelling and technology, highlighting the transformative power of creativity and innovation.
Feb 9, 2023 • 42min
Best of Business Wars Daily | The Disney Dilemma | 6
Julia Alexander, a former entertainment reporter and streaming strategist at Parrot Analytics, joins comedian Chase O'Donnell to unpack Disney's current challenges as it shifts to streaming. They discuss Bob Iger's leadership changes and the drastic impact of the pandemic on film distribution. The duo explores how new competitors like Apple are reshaping Disney's strategies and audience expectations. They also dive into the absurdity of musicals in everyday life, revealing the evolving landscape of family entertainment and brand loyalty.
9 snips
Feb 8, 2023 • 39min
Apple vs Microsoft | Life After Laptops | 5
Mike Calore, Senior Editor at WIRED and co-host of the Gadget Lab podcast, and Lauren Goode, Senior Writer at WIRED, dissect the rivalry between Apple and Microsoft, and how it's evolving in a cloud-driven world. They discuss shifting consumer loyalty from hardware to software, the intense rivalries in the smartphone market, and the impact of AI on tech trends. The duo also examines post-pandemic supply chain challenges and how retail experiences in tech have transformed, showcasing the changing landscape of consumer interactions.
