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
Apr 7, 2021 • 26min
KFC vs Chick-fil-A | The Colonel’s Last Stand | 5
In the 1970s, KFC faces turmoil as founder Harland Sanders clashes with new corporate owners over quality. Amid a recession, KFC reinvents itself, embracing original recipes and franchise relations. Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A's rapid expansion leads to disastrous marketing mistakes and threatens its survival. Popeyes, caught in a debt spiral, attempts a bold takeover but faces its own challenges. The fierce competition among these chicken empires highlights the importance of values and identity in the fast food arena.
4 snips
Apr 6, 2021 • 5min
The Art of Business Wars Lesson 4: Positioning
In the world of business, clarity in positioning is crucial. The discussion emphasizes how Apple, under Steve Jobs, used strategic repositioning to dominate the market. This success story is contrasted with the downfall of BlackBerry, showcasing the importance of a strong brand identity. Listeners learn that attempting to hold multiple positions can lead to failure, reinforcing the idea that a focused strategy is essential for success in competitive landscapes.
Apr 5, 2021 • 24min
KFC vs Chick-fil-A | The Henhouse Heats Up | 4
In the late 1960s, the new owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken takes the franchise public, making many employees millionaires—but not Harland Sanders, who regrets selling. Tensions rise as Sanders attempts a coup amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Truett Cathy opens Chick-fil-A in shopping malls, marking a new frontier. The episode also reveals a donut shop owner's quest for the ultimate spicy fried chicken recipe, inspired by a movie character, while competition heats up between these iconic brands.
9 snips
Mar 31, 2021 • 25min
KFC vs Chick-fil-A | The Birth of the Bucket | 3
In the 1950s, Harland Sanders faces bankruptcy but finds hope through franchising with Pete Harman, who helps forge the iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken brand. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Truett Cathy turns a surplus of chicken into the renowned Chicken Filet sandwich, propelling Chick-fil-A into fame. As the fast-food landscape evolves, the contrasting paths of these two titans unfold, highlighting marketing innovations and struggles for control in a competitive industry. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped these culinary legends!
5 snips
Mar 29, 2021 • 20min
KFC vs Chick-fil-A | Fast Fists and Failure | 2
Dive deep into the gritty beginnings of Harland Sanders as he learns to cook amidst poverty, navigating a myriad of tough jobs in his youth. Experience the tumultuous moments that lead to his fiery spirit and tumultuous early career. Meanwhile, discover the entrepreneurial spark in young Truett Cathy, who turns his family's struggles into opportunities, starting with a Coca-Cola stand. The clash of ambition and survival sets the stage for their eventual rise in the fast-food industry.
6 snips
Mar 24, 2021 • 22min
KFC vs Chick-fil-A | Guns, Guts, and Gravy | 1
During the Great Depression, Harland Sanders battles to save his gas station and inadvertently creates a fried chicken empire. His journey includes a hair-raising kitchen experiment that leads to a secret recipe. Meanwhile, Truett Cathy launches Chick-fil-A, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry. As both men navigate the highs and lows of their culinary ventures, they unwittingly change the fast-food landscape forever. This tale showcases ambition, innovation, and the unexpected trials that accompany the pursuit of success.
Mar 22, 2021 • 22min
Late Night Wars | Late Night for the TikTok Generation | 7
In this engaging discussion, Meredith Blake, an entertainment reporter at the Los Angeles Times, dives into the major shifts in late-night television. She explores how the evolution from Johnny Carson to today's diverse lineup reflects changing audience dynamics and the impact of social media, especially TikTok. Meredith highlights the surge of female hosts and the importance of inclusive writers' rooms. The conversation reveals how late-night comedy is adapting to attract younger viewers while maintaining its playful spirit amidst fiery political commentary.
Mar 17, 2021 • 29min
Late Night Wars | Late Night Stars Collide | 6
Explore the intense rivalry between Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, and David Letterman as NBC navigates a tumultuous late-night landscape. Witness Conan's struggles and frustrations over his uncertain future while grappling with high-stakes decisions made by network executives. This clash leads to a dramatic shift in late-night television, paving the way for more diverse hosts and changing audience dynamics. The discussion also touches on the evolving connection between hosts and viewers in the age of streaming and social media.
Mar 15, 2021 • 29min
Late Night Wars | A Darker Night Ahead | 5
The fierce rivalry between David Letterman and Jay Leno takes center stage as Letterman receives a tempting offer from CBS. Meanwhile, Leno fights hard to retain his coveted spot on The Tonight Show. Amidst this power struggle, Conan O'Brien bursts onto the scene, bringing a fresh approach that shakes up the late-night landscape. The dynamics of mid-90s television develop as scandals and ratings battles unfold, revealing the insecurities and strategies of these late-night titans.
Mar 10, 2021 • 25min
Late Night Wars | There Goes Johnny! | 4
Johnny Carson's surprise departure from The Tonight Show sets off a late-night showdown. Jay Leno is named the new host, but David Letterman, feeling cheated, plots his revenge. Tensions escalate as Leno's aggressive manager, Helen Kushnick, brutally navigates NBC politics. As Letterman considers joining CBS, both hosts face high-stakes negotiations and shifting alliances. The late-night landscape is forever altered, capturing a pivotal moment in television history with fierce ambition on display.
