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
Jul 13, 2020 • 23min
Diamond Wars | Monopolies Aren’t Forever | 6
In the late 1990s, the dark truth of blood diamonds surfaces as rebel armies fund terror with these gems. De Beers faces growing scrutiny, prompting a pivotal shift towards ethical branding. The tension at a 1996 Mumbai conference highlights industry fears over falling prices and De Beers' dominance. A glamorous London launch in 2002 reveals the stakes involved with high-value diamonds, while the mid-2000s usher in a wave of competition and new threats, including the impact of the Blood Diamond film and synthetic alternatives.
Jul 8, 2020 • 26min
Diamond Wars | Blood and Champagne | 5
In 1966, a geologist at De Beers battles skepticism while hunting for diamonds in Botswana, revealing the high stakes involved for the nation. Meanwhile, a surprising discovery in Australia threatens to upset the diamond monopoly. The rivalry between De Beers and Argyle intensifies as they vie for dominance in the market, with Botswana caught in the middle. Amidst a backdrop of war and commerce, the tragic realities of the Angolan Civil War clash with De Beers' glamorous marketing. Tensions rise as Argyle considers breaking free from the cartel.
Jul 6, 2020 • 25min
Diamond Wars | The Shadow World | 4
In the 1950s, De Beers grapples with a surge in diamond smuggling from West Africa, seeking to protect its monopoly. Meanwhile, a new threat arises in the Soviet Union, complicating the diamond trade landscape. The podcast also reflects on the tragic Sharpeville massacre, a pivotal moment in South Africa's history, impacting the diamond industry's international relations. Additionally, it delves into how 1960s Japan embraces diamond rings as symbols of love, marking a significant cultural shift and raising ethical concerns surrounding diamond mining.
Jul 1, 2020 • 24min
Diamond Wars | Diamond Dogfight | 3
Set against the backdrop of World War II, a Dutch diamond merchant navigates high-stakes negotiations to protect precious gems from Nazis. The rise of De Beers reveals how diamonds became a symbol of defiance and romance in America. As the Oppenheimer family takes the reins, they face new challenges, including a game-changing discovery in Siberia. The intertwining of smuggling, legacy, and societal shifts showcases the diamonds' pivotal role in history and culture during turbulent times.
Jun 29, 2020 • 24min
Diamond Wars | The Puppet Master | 2
In this segment, diamond expert Ernest Oppenheimer navigates the competitive landscape of early 20th-century Africa amidst the upheaval of World War I. Hired by De Beers, he assesses the threat posed by newly discovered diamond mines in German South West Africa. As the war complicates deals, Oppenheimer seizes the opportunity to catapult himself to power. The conversation also touches on the revolutionary advertising campaign that redefined diamonds as symbols of romance and status, forever altering their cultural significance.
Jun 24, 2020 • 30min
Diamond Wars | The Diamond Rush | 1
In 1869, a diamond rush draws fortune-seekers to Cape Colony, led by the ambitious Barney Barnato and the scheming Cecil Rhodes. Their rivalry ignites as they navigate the chaotic diamond mining landscape. Hear tales of miners vying for claims and the brutal lengths some went to find gems. The struggle for financing from Rothschild Bank adds tension, while the establishment of the De Beers monopoly marks a pivotal shift in the industry. Survival of the fittest takes on a whole new meaning in this cutthroat chase for diamonds.
Jun 22, 2020 • 22min
Uber vs Lyft | Examining Toxic Company Culture in the Rideshare Industry | 7
Mike Isaac, a New York Times technology reporter and author of "Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber", dives deep into the contrasting cultures of Uber and Lyft. He highlights how Lyft presents itself as the friendlier, eco-conscious option, while Uber, under former CEO Travis Kalanick, faced accusations of ruthlessness and toxic culture. The discussion reveals the ongoing challenges both companies face regarding driver treatment and the ethical responsibilities they owe to consumers in a rapidly evolving gig economy.
Jun 17, 2020 • 23min
Uber vs Lyft | Evolve or Die | 6
The clash between Uber and Lyft heats up as both companies face a tough new leader and a disappointing IPO. A brewing discontent among drivers fuels a global strike, highlighting the struggle for better rights. As COVID-19 alters the ridesharing landscape, Uber pivots to food delivery while Lyft introduces Essential Deliveries to survive. Financial woes loom large, with venture capitalists rethinking their support and both companies vying for profitability amidst fierce competition and changing market dynamics.
Jun 15, 2020 • 24min
Uber vs Lyft | Damage Control | 5
Travis Kalanick’s heated confrontation with an Uber driver on Super Bowl Sunday spirals into a PR nightmare. A former employee’s whistleblower account of harassment shatters Uber's image, giving Lyft a golden opportunity. Kalanick's resignation opens a new chapter for Uber under Dara Khosrowshahi, as the company gears up for its IPO amid immense scrutiny. With a staggering $120 billion valuation in sight, Uber faces critical challenges that could redefine its future in the ride-sharing landscape.
Jun 10, 2020 • 25min
Uber vs Lyft | Kill or Be Killed | 4
Uber faces backlash from the taxi industry, riders, and even Tim Cook of Apple regarding its questionable business practices. Lyft fights back with strategic partnerships, including an alliance with Didi to expand globally. The rivalry intensifies as Uber works to maintain dominance while battling protests and regulatory issues. In a landscape of aggressive competition, both companies navigate crises and cybersecurity threats to assert their claim over the ride-sharing market.
