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
259 snips
May 21, 2025 • 40min
Netflix and the Fall of Television | The Game Changer | 1
In 2017, Netflix shook up Hollywood with a groundbreaking deal for Shonda Rhimes, carving out its place as a competitor to legacy studios. The podcast delves into Netflix's strategic pivots post-pandemic, including introducing an ad-supported tier amid subscriber losses. It also explores the recent push into live sports broadcasting, showcasing the changing dynamics in entertainment. From password sharing policies to innovative collaborations with influencers, Netflix continues to redefine viewer engagement in a fiercely competitive market.
88 snips
May 15, 2025 • 44min
Starbucks' Bitter Brew | A Cup of Competition | 3
In this engaging discussion, comedian Josh Gondelman, a devoted Dunkin' fan, shares his love for the brand and its cultural connection to Boston. Sam Oches, editor at Nation's Restaurant News, brings insights into the fierce competition among coffee giants like Starbucks and emerging drive-thru chains. They explore the unique customer experiences at Dunkin', the rising trend of drive-thru coffee shops, and how brands are adapting to Gen Z's changing preferences for sweeter drinks. Humor and personal anecdotes make this rivalry even more entertaining!
96 snips
May 14, 2025 • 43min
Starbucks' Bitter Brew | Back in Black | 2
In 2023, Starbucks faces mounting pressure as employees push for unionization while competitors like Dunkin' and McDonald's seize market opportunities. Internal tensions rise as Howard Schultz turns against his successor amidst declining sales. The podcast dives into the struggles of Starbucks’ identity, exploring employee dissatisfaction and the challenges of restoring the brand's community feel. Leadership conflicts arise, and a new CEO proposes a vision to revitalize customer experience, all while navigating fierce competition and operational hurdles.
78 snips
May 7, 2025 • 39min
Starbucks' Bitter Brew | The Founder's Curse | 1
Howard Schultz, the legendary former CEO of Starbucks, discusses his dramatic return to the helm amid a brewing storm of labor unrest. He reflects on his personal experiences that shaped his views on employee respect and the ongoing tension between management and workers. Amid unionization efforts and shifts in consumer expectations post-pandemic, Schultz navigates the delicate balance of restoring Starbucks’ community focus while addressing employee grievances. The podcast reveals the emotional complexities of leadership in a crisis, as well as the challenges of keeping a coffee giant competitive.
53 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 40min
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Harsh Realities | 3
The podcast dives into Whole Foods' struggle during a stock market downturn, as co-founder John Mackey battles to sustain his chain amidst intense competition and investor scrutiny. It discusses the implications of past online activism, a looming SEC investigation, and the ethics surrounding a market manipulation scandal. The narrative shifts to pivotal meetings with Amazon and their eventual $13.7 billion acquisition that reshapes the grocery landscape. Lastly, it highlights the historic unionization of Whole Foods employees, marking a significant transformation in corporate culture.
64 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 45min
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks | 2
Whole Foods CEO John Mackey grapples with fierce opposition while pushing for national expansion. He faces protests over anti-union policies and a heated exchange with Berkeley's mayor about worker rights. The struggle to balance ethics and profit becomes apparent as the company navigates growth and family ties, particularly with his father's looming resignation from the board. Amidst setbacks in e-commerce and looming board conflicts, Mackey's introspection leads to significant ethical reforms, illustrating the complexities of leadership in a competitive landscape.
73 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 37min
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Vision Quest | 1
The narrative kicks off with John Mackey racing against a storm to save Whole Foods. From cascading floods to financial struggles, the origin story delves into the clash of ideals versus profits. As co-founders grapple with expansion strategies, they face humorous yet serious challenges, including a baker's muffins threatening their reputation. Tensions mount over differing visions as one founder prepares to sell his share, setting the stage for aggressive growth and venture capital dilemmas. It's a rollercoaster of ambition and conflict in the organic retail world.
24 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 42min
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Duped | 3
Annemarie Conte, Deputy Editor at Wirecutter, shares insider tips on smart shopping at dollar stores, revealing which items are worth the buy. Chantal Fernandez from The Cut dives into the buzz around dupes, particularly focusing on the rise of Quince as a game-changer in affordable fashion. Together, they discuss consumer behaviors and strategies behind navigating the evolving landscape of budget shopping in a world of rising prices and online hype.
46 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 40min
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Shrinkage | 2
Dollar stores face a rocky road after rapid growth. Issues like rats, burglaries, and unhappy workers plague their profitability. Community leaders voice concerns about their impact on food deserts and public health. The pandemic shifts the landscape, benefiting some stores but leaving others, like Family Dollar, struggling with renovations. A former CEO aims to revive Dollar Tree amid rising inflation. New competitors like Temu add more pressure, making survival in the discount retail sector more challenging than ever.
114 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 40min
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Billionaire Tug of War | 1
Explore the fascinating rise and fall of dollar stores as Wall Street's darlings turn into financial woes. Discover how Dollar General cleverly adapts to shifting demands while Family Dollar grapples with takeover threats. The rivalry intensifies with corporate maneuvers and strategic shifts creating a thrilling landscape of discount retail wars. Understand the emotional toll on budget-conscious shoppers and the high-stakes negotiations behind the scenes, all set against the backdrop of America's changing economy.
