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
May 3, 2023 • 35min
Encore: Tesla vs Detroit | Appetite for Destruction | 4
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, dives into Tesla's tumultuous journey as it battles scrutiny over its Autopilot system and faces unprecedented challenges including allegations of racism and the pandemic's impact. He shares insights on how traditional automakers are scrambling to keep up with Tesla's innovative edge, particularly in the electric vehicle race. Musk's provocative Twitter commentary continues to intrigue and offend, contributing to Tesla's skyrocketing market value amid chaos. His bold predictions set the stage for the future of driving.
May 3, 2023 • 36min
Encore: Tesla vs Detroit | Motor City Fights Back | 3
In this engaging discussion, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a pioneering figure in electric vehicles, dives into the fierce competition with traditional automakers like GM and Ford. He reveals Tesla's exponential growth, bolstered by innovative battery technology and the construction of a new Gigafactory. Musk also addresses challenges faced in distribution and regulatory hurdles while highlighting his vision for future market dominance, particularly as Tesla seeks to expand into the Chinese market. This conflict between innovation and tradition takes center stage.
Apr 26, 2023 • 36min
Encore: Tesla vs Detroit | Survival Mode | 2
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, dives deep into the tumultuous journey of Tesla in 2010, highlighting his undercover negotiations for a production facility for the Model S. He reveals the fierce competition against giants like Audi and BMW while addressing financial hurdles. The podcast also contrasts Tesla’s innovative strategies with GM's struggle to adapt. Musk reflects on Tesla's breakthrough with the Model S and the rising tensions with traditional automakers as the electric vehicle landscape shifts dramatically.
5 snips
Apr 26, 2023 • 39min
Encore: Tesla vs Detroit | Accelerate Faster | 1
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, takes us on a wild ride through the turbulent early days of Tesla Motors. He discusses the challenges he faced, from financial crises to quality control disasters while striving to revolutionize the electric vehicle market. Musk reveals how his high-performance electric cars began to disrupt traditional automakers, forcing them to adapt. The fierce competition with Detroit is explored, highlighting the transformative impact of Tesla on the automotive landscape and consumer preferences.
Apr 20, 2023 • 33min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Chat Chat Revolution | 6
Shirin Ghaffary, a Vox senior correspondent specializing in social media and AI, joins comedian Jolenta Greenberg to dive into the revolutionary world of AI chatbots. They explore the fierce rivalry between Microsoft and Google in the search engine wars, dissect the unpredictable nature of Bing GPT compared to Google's BARD, and critique the superficiality of modern self-help culture. Amidst humor and insights, they discuss the deep societal impacts of AI technology, questioning its implications for creativity and personal well-being.
6 snips
Apr 19, 2023 • 39min
Encore: Diet Wars | Dieting 3.0 | 5
Emma Court, a health reporter from Bloomberg News, breaks down the transformation of the weight loss industry, highlighting the shift from traditional programs to digital platforms and the impact of medications like Ozempic. Matthew Schneier, features writer at New York Magazine, discusses his article on the cultural implications of these drugs, addressing ethical dilemmas, celebrity influence, and the changing perceptions of food in our lives. Together, they explore what dieting looks like in today's society and the future of weight management.
7 snips
Apr 12, 2023 • 35min
Encore: Diet Wars | Losing Streak | 4
In the battle of weight loss strategies, the 2010s see a surge in calorie-counting apps as Weight Watchers faces mounting challenges. The company grapples with how to evolve while staying true to its dieters. Oprah's connection with WW adds depth to the discussion about dieting versus holistic wellness. The narrative unveils the shift from traditional dieting to a broader emphasis on fitness and well-being, while Noom's rise highlights changing consumer attitudes amid a backlash against conventional diet culture.
Apr 5, 2023 • 37min
Encore: Diet Wars | Reaching for the Stars | 3
Dive into the chaotic world of diet brands in the 90s as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and Nutri/System scramble to revive their fortunes. Celebrity endorsements become the new secret weapon in a saturated market, bringing both fame and controversy. Explore the rise and fall of weight loss fads, including the notorious Fenfen scandal. Examine how strategic marketing and personal stories challenge the industry's norms, alongside the pressure of celebrity spokespersons. This battle for weight loss dominance showcases the ever-shifting landscape of dieting.
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.
