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
7 snips
Apr 27, 2022 • 35min
Tesla vs Detroit | Appetite for Destruction | 4
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, dives into the challenges and triumphs of the electric vehicle landscape. He discusses Tesla's ongoing battle with scrutiny over safety concerns while fiercely innovating Autopilot technology. Musk shares insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic tested the company's resilience and how competitors are scrambling to catch up. He candidly reflects on his provocative social media presence, which seems to both alienate and attract investors, ultimately boosting Tesla's skyrocketing value.
7 snips
Apr 20, 2022 • 36min
Tesla vs Detroit | Motor City Fights Back | 3
Dive into the electrifying clash between Tesla and the automotive giants of Detroit. Discover how Tesla’s burgeoning market value puts it in a prime position to outpace GM within a decade. Explore the innovative sales model that challenges traditional dealerships and learn about the tough road ahead, including production hurdles and service concerns. Meanwhile, find out how Detroit's established networks are strategizing to reclaim dominance in the EV market. The competition has never been more intense!
4 snips
Apr 13, 2022 • 36min
Tesla vs Detroit | Survival Mode | 2
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, dives into the tumultuous journey of Tesla Motors in 2010. He shares insights from his secret visit to an old Toyota factory, unveiling his ambitious plans for the Model S. Musk tackles the fierce rivalry with traditional automakers and discusses Tesla's fight for direct sales in Texas, challenging the dealership norms. As production ramps up, he reflects on internal challenges and leadership shifts, all while navigating the electric vehicle revolution’s competitive landscape.
18 snips
Apr 6, 2022 • 39min
Tesla vs Detroit | Accelerate Faster | 1
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, takes us through the tumultuous journey of electric vehicles. He reveals the financial hurdles Tesla faced in its early years, marked by his unwavering determination to innovate. Musk recounts a pivotal dinner meeting in 2008 when he sold his ambitious vision for transforming the automotive industry. He also discusses the importance of overcoming traditional manufacturing challenges and highlights how Tesla emerged stronger from the financial crisis, marking a significant shift in the automotive landscape.
7 snips
Mar 31, 2022 • 40min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Electric Vehicles Shock the System | 5
Join Insider editor Alex Davies, author of "Driven," and comedian Josh Gondelman as they dive into the booming electric vehicle market. They explore the fierce competition between traditional automakers and Tesla, highlighting General Motors' ambitious $35 billion investment in EVs. With a mix of humor and insight, they discuss the future of transportation, the challenges facing Volkswagen, and the cultural shifts toward electric trucks like Ford's F-150 Lightning. Expect laughs along with serious talk about the automotive industry's electrifying transformation.
Mar 30, 2022 • 36min
Airbnb vs NYC | Pulling Back the Curtain | 4
In this engaging discussion, Natalie Robehmed, a Business Wars writer, and Olivia Carville, a Bloomberg journalist, dissect the turbulent relationship between Airbnb and New York City. They explore how Airbnb evolved from a small startup to a controversial giant, revealing the legal pressures it faces. Olivia sheds light on her investigation into Airbnb's safety measures, unveiling serious shortcomings in its crisis response. The conversation offers a revealing look at the complexities of trust and transparency within the sharing economy.
Mar 23, 2022 • 37min
Airbnb vs NYC | The Gathering Storm | 3
By 2017, Airbnb faces mounting legal troubles and an unforeseen challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast uncovers a tense confrontation in Manhattan involving private investigators and highlights the growing conflict over short-term rental regulations. Local frustrations over rising rents and housing shortages intensify as Airbnb expands amidst these challenges. The pandemic shifts consumer behavior towards suburban rentals, showcasing both struggles and unexpected financial successes for the company, while tensions with New York City's regulations remain high.
Mar 16, 2022 • 38min
Airbnb vs NYC | Operation Firestarter | 2
Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, sheds light on the intense legal battles between Airbnb and New York City. He discusses the challenges posed by the attorney general's subpoenas for user data, raising urgent privacy concerns. The podcast dives into the backlash from hoteliers and community activists, examining the housing crisis exacerbated by short-term rentals. Chesky also explores the company's attempts to win public support amid growing tensions with local officials and neighborhood advocates.
Mar 9, 2022 • 35min
Airbnb vs NYC | No Reservations | 1
Airbnb's arrival in New York City sparked a major clash with local authorities, igniting legal battles over housing rights. As tensions rise, hosts like Nigel Warren grapple with hefty fines while navigating a volatile rental market. The struggle highlights the impact of short-term rentals on community dynamics and the ongoing housing crisis. With political maneuvering and public perception at stake, Airbnb fights to defend its image while strategizing against restrictive regulations. It's a battle for the future of home-sharing in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Mar 3, 2022 • 34min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Big Tech's Next Frontier Is Home Buying | 7
Natalie Robehmed, a seasoned writer for Business Wars and expert on real estate, joins comedian Ed Herro to dissect the intersection of technology and the housing market. They explore Zillow's costly misstep with its iBuying unit and how competitors like Opendoor stand to gain. The conversation continues with innovative ideas like co-buying, which aims to redefine homeownership, alongside how tech influences hospitality trends. The dynamic shift in buyer competition, especially against wealthy influencers, adds depth to the rapidly evolving landscape.
