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 28, 2020 • 24min
Encore: Hasbro vs Mattel | The House of Cards | 3
Mattel's Sizzlers toy line faces a dismal holiday season, falling short by $30 million. In a desperate attempt to cover up the financial turmoil, executives resort to unethical accounting, jeopardizing CEO Ruth Handler’s career. Meanwhile, Hasbro grapples with dwindling sales of G.I. Joe as the toy market shifts towards electronics. The pressures of legal issues and fierce competition push both companies to innovate, leading to the birth of Mattel's first handheld electronic game. Tensions rise as the battle for toy supremacy unfolds.
Dec 23, 2020 • 24min
Encore: Hasbro vs Mattel | Boy Toy | 2
In the 1960s, Hasbro finds itself on the brink of bankruptcy, struggling to innovate beyond Mr. Potato Head. Meanwhile, Mattel’s Barbie has transformed the toy landscape. Hasbro's creative director secretly develops a soldier doll for boys, inspired by Barbie’s success, despite company rules. Tensions rise with a CEO visit, while Mattel prepares to unveil a new boy-themed toy, setting the stage for an intense rivalry. The struggle for market dominance showcases the thrill and challenges of toy innovation amidst fierce competition.
Dec 21, 2020 • 26min
Encore: Hasbro vs Mattel | Dream Doll | 1
Step back to the late 1940s, where two ambitious toy start-ups, Hasbro and Mattel, kick off a fierce rivalry. With Mattel's bold rise and an iconic doll reveal at the 1959 Toy Fair, the scene is set for dramatic twists. Explore Barbie's innovative launch and the marketing strategies that captured the imagination of a generation. Meanwhile, Hasbro fights to keep up, leading to creative disruptions in the toy landscape. It's a nostalgic journey of ambition, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of success in the world of play.
4 snips
Dec 16, 2020 • 23min
TikTok vs Instagram | The TikTok Effect | 6
Taylor Lorenz, a culture and technology reporter for the New York Times, dives deep into the explosive rivalry between TikTok and Instagram. She discusses TikTok's evolution from a children's app to a platform for activism and shopping, emphasizing its appeal to Gen Z. Lorenz also critiques Instagram's Reels feature, noting its struggles to engage younger users and replicate TikTok's viral success. The conversation highlights the growing political scrutiny of TikTok and its pivotal role in empowering youth activism amid content competition.
Dec 14, 2020 • 25min
TikTok vs Instagram | Lights Out | 5
In the summer of 2020, TikTok's popularity surges amidst the pandemic, but it faces threats from political forces and rivals. As calls for a ban loom, TikTok's founder must navigate a turbulent landscape. Meanwhile, Instagram strikes back with features that could undermine TikTok's success. Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China add another layer of complexity, while legal battles challenge Facebook's dominance. The clash between these social media titans sheds light on the evolving nature of digital competition.
4 snips
Dec 9, 2020 • 29min
TikTok vs Instagram | Hitmaker | 4
In late 2018, a fierce rivalry erupts as Mark Zuckerberg's TikTok competitor, Lasso, flops spectacularly. Instagram faces a major security breach, igniting user outrage and raising privacy concerns. TikTok skyrockets to fame in the music industry but struggles with regulatory scrutiny and perceptions of Chinese government influence. The battle for free speech intensifies as TikTok confronts accusations of censorship, making its future in the social media arena increasingly precarious. Who will emerge victorious in this digital showdown?
Dec 7, 2020 • 25min
TikTok vs Instagram | Dance, Dance, Revolution | 3
In August 2016, Instagram's founders launch a bold new feature inspired by Snap, facing pressure from Facebook and critics. Meanwhile, TikTok starts its rise, having acquired Musical.ly and threatening Instagram's dominance. Tensions brew within Instagram as co-founders clash with Mark Zuckerberg, leading them to contemplate new ventures. The competition heats up with TikTok's aggressive global strategy, setting the stage for a tech showdown that reshapes social media.
Dec 2, 2020 • 23min
TikTok vs Instagram | Small Place, Big Dream | 2
Discover the origins of two tech giants, Zhang Yiming and Kevin Systrom, whose childhood experiences laid the groundwork for their ambitious futures. Explore the revolutionary launch of the iPhone and its impact on app development. Uncover the intriguing story behind the social media app Bourbon and the fierce competition it faces. Dive into the escalating rivalry between TikTok and Instagram, showcasing their distinct features and engagement strategies that have transformed the social media landscape.
Nov 30, 2020 • 28min
TikTok vs Instagram | Codename | 1
In a battle for social media supremacy, the origins of Instagram are revealed, from a struggling app in Mexico to a game-changer in photo sharing. TikTok's revolutionary algorithm starts taking shape in Beijing, feeding users exactly what they want. Challenges arise as TikTok navigates its ties to China's regulations while competing fiercely with Instagram. As both platforms evolve, the rivalry intensifies, and the shift towards video content brings new strategic moves from their founders, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
Nov 25, 2020 • 27min
Why Black Friday Will Look Different This Year | 8
Madeline Stone, a retail correspondent at Business Insider, dives into the evolving landscape of Black Friday amid the pandemic. She discusses how shopping habits are shifting towards online platforms and the potential decline of traditional shopping events. Retailers are innovating their strategies to engage consumers safely, with some opting for outdoor promotions. The impact of these changes on holiday shopping trends and the increasing popularity of services like Amazon's 'Holiday Dash' are also explored, highlighting a new era for retail.
