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
Jun 8, 2020 • 23min
Uber vs Lyft | Race to the Bottom | 3
In 2013, Lyft throws a party for drivers, only to be interrupted by Uber's aggressive tactics. The rivalry heats up as Uber's founder employs cutthroat strategies to gain the upper hand. Meanwhile, Lyft's eco-friendly approach faces hurdles despite reaching a million rides. As financial struggles loom, the co-founders must choose between their values and survival in a cutthroat market. This corporate showdown reveals the lengths each company will go to dominate the rideshare landscape.
Jun 3, 2020 • 24min
Uber vs Lyft | Revenge Business | 2
Travis Kalanick's college days spark a journey of entrepreneurial highs and lows with his file-sharing platform. Meanwhile, Logan Green turns traffic woes into a mission for Lyft, showcasing the power of inspiration. The intense rivalry between Uber and Lyft escalates as they battle for dominance, employing aggressive tactics that reshape public perception. Through legal battles and innovative ideas, the podcast reveals the gritty side of startup life and the relentless pursuit of success.
Jun 1, 2020 • 27min
Uber vs Lyft | Black Cars and Pink Mustaches | 1
In December 2008, two friends envision a taxi alternative that makes ordering a ride as easy as pressing a button—thus, Uber is born. Meanwhile, two college grads launch Lyft, tackling the challenge of convincing riders to share cars with strangers. The podcast dives into the rivalry between these two giants, highlighting their very different approaches to business and culture. Additionally, it reveals the tensions faced by rideshare drivers advocating for fair treatment amid this competitive clash. It's a thrilling glimpse into the evolution of ridesharing!
May 27, 2020 • 24min
Business Battles | Toilet Paper Wars: White Gold | 5
During the pandemic, panic over toilet paper led to bizarre buying frenzies worldwide. The industry has transformed from a basic product to a multi-billion-dollar market, facing the rise of eco-friendly competitors. Delve into the history of toilet paper, from its introduction in 1857 to today's strategic innovations. Discover how psychological factors influenced consumer behavior and hoarding during the crisis, and learn about the ongoing challenges the industry faces as it adapts to changing consumer preferences.
May 20, 2020 • 27min
Business Battles | Tetris: Soviet Blocks | 4
In 1988, Tetris emerges as the first Soviet video game, igniting a fierce competition for ownership rights. A British media mogul faces off against a Russian programmer amid Cold War tensions, leading to a chaotic battle in Moscow. The fallout from this clash reveals the complexities of cultural exchange and corporate ambition. The episode also teases the remarkable success of Tetris over the years and hints at the intriguing dynamics of the toilet paper industry during the pandemic, showcasing unexpected social implications.
May 18, 2020 • 25min
Business Battles | Cola Space Race: One Giant Sip for Mankind | 3
In 1984, the cola war heats up as Pepsi threatens Coca-Cola's dominance. To reclaim its edge, Coca-Cola embarks on a secret mission with NASA to create a zero-gravity soda can. The rivalry intensifies as Pepsi scrambles to keep pace. Discover how the fierce competition leads to thrilling test flights and unexpected challenges aboard the Challenger shuttle, sparking a unique cola space race that aims to change the way astronauts enjoy their drinks.
May 13, 2020 • 27min
Business Battles | Monopoly: Winner Takes All | 2
In 1902, Lizzie Magie dreams of a board game to promote her land-value tax idea, but her vision faces fierce competition. Fast forward to 1935, Charles Darrow negotiates to sell a game called Monopoly, raising questions of authorship and integrity. The podcast unearths the surprising history behind Monopoly, revealing its transformation from a political tool into a pop culture phenomenon. Betrayal permeates the story as Darrow co-opts Magie's original concept, highlighting the complexities of intellectual property and ambition in the board game industry.
May 11, 2020 • 27min
Amazon vs Walmart | How COVID-19 Could Change the Retail Landscape | 7
In this engaging discussion, Jason Del Rey, a senior correspondent covering commerce at Recode and host of 'Land of the Giants: The Rise of Amazon', dives into how Amazon and Walmart thrived amidst the challenges of COVID-19. They tackled soaring customer demands while facing worker safety protests. Del Rey analyzes the evolving competitive landscape, noting Amazon's innovative edge and Walmart’s grocery strengths. The conversation raises captivating questions about corporate responsibility and what the retail future looks like post-pandemic.
May 7, 2020 • 29min
Sponsored: When Small Businesses Think Big - Chobani & Wrigley (Dell Podference) | 2
Discover the inspiring journeys of two entrepreneurs who transformed their dreams into successful empires. A Kurdish immigrant revives an abandoned factory to create Chobani, revolutionizing the Greek yogurt market and challenging giants like Yoplait and Dannon. Meanwhile, William Wrigley Jr. navigates the competitive chewing gum landscape with innovative flavors and savvy advertising, ultimately becoming the nation's top gum supplier. Their stories celebrate ambition, creativity, and the spirit of small businesses taking on industry titans.
May 6, 2020 • 26min
Amazon vs Walmart - The Stealth Enemy | 6
As the pandemic grips the world, Amazon and Walmart face unprecedented challenges in meeting surging consumer demand. The chaos in retail leads to frantic shopping scenes and supply chain issues. Workers urge better safety measures, uniting in protests that highlight internal strife at Amazon. Meanwhile, both companies must navigate changing consumer habits and innovate to maintain their dominance. The clash reveals vulnerabilities in their powerful operations, showcasing a unique moment in the competitive landscape of retail.
