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
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.
25 snips
Feb 1, 2023 • 35min
Apple vs Microsoft | The Gamble | 4
The government lawsuit against Microsoft opens the door for Apple’s revival. Steve Jobs strategizes a comeback, igniting hope within Apple while challenging Microsoft’s stronghold. A pivotal collaboration leads to the creation of a groundbreaking touchscreen device. The iPhone subsequently transforms personal computing, propelling Apple ahead of Microsoft. The rivalry intensifies amidst the tech landscape shifts, including debates around alternative platforms. There’s even a quirky detour into bizarre historical professions, adding some humor to the tech saga.
8 snips
Jan 25, 2023 • 35min
Apple vs Microsoft | Seeds of Discontent | 3
Tensions soar at Apple as co-founder Wozniak leaves, feeling unappreciated amidst Macintosh struggles. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Windows 3.0 launch steals the spotlight with captivating features, cementing its dominance. The rivalry heats up with accusations of idea theft and looming legal battles, forcing both companies to reconsider their strategies. Apple contemplates cloning its computers to boost sales, risking its brand's integrity while scrambling to innovate for the future.
25 snips
Jan 18, 2023 • 37min
Apple vs Microsoft | Hackers and Capitalists | 2
Explore the fascinating rise of tech giants Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, who start as mutual admirers before their ambitions pull them apart. Discover the unconventional journey of a tech visionary navigating early obstacles and innovation. Delve into Jobs' spiritual quest in India, which transforms his view on technology, and witness the birth of the iconic Apple One in a garage. Meanwhile, follow Gates and his partner as they shift from aspiring creators to architects of a software empire with a groundbreaking deal with Apple.
48 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 36min
Apple vs Microsoft | Rotten to the Core | 1
Apple launches the groundbreaking Macintosh after a long delay. And Bill Gates' Microsoft team has made the software for the Mac. But pretty soon, Jobs grows worried about their partnership. He fears that Gates and Microsoft might be taking... more than they're giving.Binge all episodes early and ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/businesswars.Support us by supporting our sponsor!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 5, 2023 • 44min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Apple Bites Back | 5
Joining the discussion are Dan Gallagher, a Wall Street Journal tech columnist, and Gianmarco Soresi, a comedian and host. They dive into Apple's strategic moves in the metaverse and its battle against production challenges in China due to worker unrest. The conversation turns to the tension between authenticity and facade on social media and how it shapes consumer behavior. They also explore Apple's intense competition with tech giants like Samsung and the historical rivalry with Microsoft, offering insights into how these dynamics influence innovation.
Jan 4, 2023 • 41min
Sotheby's vs Christie's | The Art of the Auction | 4
Nate Freeman, an art columnist for Vanity Fair, shares insider insights into the intense world of high-stakes auctions and discusses record-breaking sales, including a jaw-dropping $1 billion sale. Meanwhile, digital artist Refik Anadol dives into the vibrant realm of NFTs, revealing how this technology is transforming art and attracting attention at prestigious auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's. Together, they explore the innovative blend of tradition and modernity in the art world, highlighting the cultural impact of these evolving dynamics.
Dec 28, 2022 • 38min
Sotheby's vs Christie's | The Unraveling | 3
In the high-stakes world of auction houses in 1996, tensions boil as Christie's and Sotheby's engage in a covert price-fixing scheme. Christopher Davidge, feeling shortchanged, finds himself amidst a federal investigation that jeopardizes their futures. A record-setting auction ignites fierce rivalry, while ethical dilemmas come to the forefront. With legal challenges intensifying, key players face betrayal and potential criminal charges. Surprisingly, both houses rebound from scandal, navigating new market trends like online auctions and NFTs.
Dec 21, 2022 • 32min
Sotheby's vs Christie's | The Point of No Return | 2
In this thrilling discussion, DeDe Brooks, former COO and CEO of Sotheby’s, and Christopher Davidge, current CEO of Christie’s, reveal the clandestine price-fixing scheme that rocked the art world in the '90s. They recount how both auction houses intertwined their fates to combat declining sales while navigating intense leadership pressures. The guests highlight the delicate dance of trust and rivalry as they detail secret meetings, strategic shifts, and the tension that escalated into a major legal showdown, forever changing the art auction landscape.
Dec 14, 2022 • 36min
Sotheby's vs Christie's | Going Once | 1
In the cutthroat world of art auctions, a fierce rivalry brews between two titans. Alfred Taubman aims to transform Sotheby's while tackling a struggling economy and increasing competition. As both houses face financial turmoil, they secretly strike a collusion agreement that raises eyebrows. The history of scandals, landmark auctions, and the impact of innovative strategies come to light, revealing the high stakes and potential fallout of their actions in the art market.
