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
Dec 27, 2021 • 24min
Encore: Hershey's vs Mars | Blast Off | 2
In 1923, Hershey reigns supreme in the candy industry with its iconic bars, but a family reunion at a Chicago diner sparks the rise of Mars. Tensions brew between father and son as they innovate and compete, leading to the creation of the Milky Way bar. The podcast explores the fierce rivalry, marketing battles, and adaptations both companies undertake during the Great Depression. Forrest Mars transforms from factory worker to candy magnate, igniting a sweet struggle that changes the landscape of chocolate forever.
Dec 22, 2021 • 28min
Encore: Hershey's vs Mars | Chocolate Town | 1
In 1886, Milton Hershey battles financial hardships while trying to resurrect his candy business. A pivotal visit shifts his fortunes, and he begins to unveil the magic of milk chocolate. As he navigates the sweet, yet challenging world of confectionery, Hershey's perseverance leads to the birth of his chocolate empire. Meanwhile, the rivalry with Frank Mars sparks a competitive edge in the industry, blending friendship with fierce competition. Plus, insights on self-care in entrepreneurship add an intriguing twist to the sweet saga.
Dec 20, 2021 • 26min
Christmas Movie Wars | An Iconic Holiday Tradition | 6
Danny Pellegrino, host of Everything Iconic and co-host of A Very Merry Iconic, dives into the enchanting world of holiday movies. He explores how Hallmark and Lifetime have set the stage for a vivid holiday tradition while newer platforms like Netflix are shaking things up. The discussion highlights the charm of cheesy plots, nostalgic favorites, and the growing inclusivity in casting. Pellegrino shares insights on how these films evoke cherished memories, making them a must-watch for every holiday season.
Dec 15, 2021 • 26min
Christmas Movie Wars | A Season Like No Other | 5
The pandemic drastically reshapes the Christmas movie landscape for Hallmark and Lifetime. Hallmark navigates scandals while introducing a new CEO to restore faith in its productions. Both networks race against time with health protocols to deliver that beloved holiday cheer. The competition heats up as new players enter the festive fray, and diverse storytelling takes center stage. Amid the chaos, the podcast highlights the need for self-care and the enduring charm of cheesy Christmas films, setting the stage for future battles in holiday entertainment.
Dec 13, 2021 • 23min
Christmas Movie Wars | The Scandal Express | 4
Hallmark is grappling with scandals as one of its stars faces serious legal troubles amid a college admissions controversy. The backlash intensifies over its decision to pull a controversial ad featuring a same-sex couple, stirring debate over brand values and inclusivity. Competing networks like Lifetime and Netflix are putting pressure on Hallmark to adapt to changing audience expectations. As the landscape of holiday movie programming evolves, Hallmark must navigate new challenges while trying to retain its dominant position.
Dec 8, 2021 • 21min
Christmas Movie Wars | It's a Wonderful Strife | 3
In a festive showdown, Lifetime ramps up its Christmas movie production to challenge Hallmark's dominance, focusing on diversity amid criticism. Meanwhile, Netflix enters the fray with deep pockets, attracting big-name stars to capture holiday viewers. The podcast explores the intense rivalry between these networks as they innovate and adapt to appeal to a broader audience while maintaining traditional elements of holiday storytelling. It's a captivating look at the evolving landscape of Christmas movies!
Dec 6, 2021 • 23min
Christmas Movie Wars | Once Upon A Christmas Ratings Hit | 2
Dive into the fascinating journey of Hallmark Cards as they transition from a greeting card company to a Christmas movie powerhouse. Experience the tension of their first live TV appearance and the fierce rivalry with Lifetime. Discover how Hallmark navigates financial turmoil in the early 2000s and the groundbreaking strategies that reignite their holiday programming success. Additionally, delve into the impact of Netflix's provocative tweets on the Christmas movie landscape and the shifting viewer habits in this competitive market.
Dec 1, 2021 • 25min
Christmas Movie Wars | A Very Merry Rivalry | 1
Dive into the festive rivalry between Hallmark and Lifetime in the world of holiday movies. Discover how Hallmark's 'Countdown to Christmas' revolutionized the genre, setting off a competitive frenzy. Explore the hurdles each network faces in casting and creating original stories, all while maintaining the holiday spirit. Learn about the pressures of turning dreams into reality for aspiring screenwriters battling in this lucrative marketplace. Get ready for a sprinkle of lighthearted charm and the behind-the-scenes drama of making the perfect Christmas flick!
Nov 29, 2021 • 26min
Blackberry vs iPhone | The Smartphone Generation | 5
Nilay Patel, Editor-in-Chief at The Verge and host of the Decoder podcast, joins to unpack the epic rivalry between BlackBerry and the iPhone. He dives into how BlackBerry dominated the business market before the iPhone transformed smartphones into essential tools for everyday life. Patel highlights the innovations of the iPhone, like the App Store and capacitive touchscreen, which reshaped user expectations and led to widespread smartphone adoption. The discussion touches on the emotional ties users now have with their devices and the future of smartphone competition.
Nov 24, 2021 • 25min
Blackberry vs iPhone | A Requiem in Slow Motion | 4
In January 2011, Research in Motion's co-CEO discovers that BlackBerry's BBM is crucial for Egyptian protestors, highlighting the tech's societal impact amid declining sales. Meanwhile, Apple continues its relentless innovation, introducing a tablet that further erodes BlackBerry's market share. Internal strife leads to the resignation of RIM's co-CEOs, illustrating the company's deepening struggles against a resurgent Apple, emphasizing how critical innovation is in the tech race.
