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 11, 2019 • 25min
Macy’s vs Gimbels - Diversify or Die | 4
Journey back to the 1920s, where the rivalry between two department store giants heats up. Gimbels makes a bold move by acquiring Saks Fifth Avenue, navigating family challenges during the Great Depression. Meanwhile, Macy's pulls out all the stops by hiring a trailblazing female advertising executive and embracing radio to reach a wider audience. As competition intensifies, personal struggles and strategic shifts reshape the landscape of retail, revealing the high stakes behind glamour and innovation.
Dec 9, 2019 • 20min
Macy’s vs Gimbels - Showdown over Manhattan | 3
As the 19th century draws to a close, the tension between Macy's and Gimbels heats up over Manhattan. Discover the ambitious plans of the Straus brothers to build a flagship store amidst personal turmoil, including their fateful connection to the Titanic. Meanwhile, tensions rise with Bernie Gimbel's scheming to outmaneuver Macy's. The contrasts between opulent experiences aboard the Titanic and the competitive strife in retail set a gripping backdrop. Love and rivalry collide as family legacies are tested in a turbulent market.
Dec 4, 2019 • 22min
Macy’s vs Gimbels - Fathers, Sons, and Civil War | 2
Explore the dramatic clashes between R.H. Macy's thriving department store and the ambitious Gimbel brothers. Amid the Civil War, personal turmoil unfolds as Macy's son deserts for the Union Army. Innovative marketing strategies contrast with family struggles, showcasing resilience and reconciliation against a backdrop of societal upheaval. The podcast delves into the significant impact of immigrant partnerships and strategic planning, foreshadowing an intense showdown between two retail giants that will redefine their legacies.
Dec 2, 2019 • 21min
Macy’s vs Gimbels - The Frontiersman and the Whaler | 1
In the mid-1800s, Roland H. Macy sets out on a whaling adventure that shapes his future, while Adam Gimbel embarks on a peddling journey in Indiana. As they establish their dry goods stores, they unknowingly lay the foundation for the modern department store. The rivalry between Macy and Gimbel heats up, showcasing their innovative marketing strategies amidst the California gold rush. Their personal struggles and triumphs reveal the gritty reality of pursuing fortune and the birth of competition in retail history.
Nov 27, 2019 • 22min
The Raisin Cartels - Gambling the Future | 3
The podcast dives into a fierce negotiation between Sun-Maid's CEO and the Raisin Bargaining Association leader, highlighting a pivotal moment for raisin pricing. Tensions escalate at a major expo as independent growers challenge corporate strategies. A crucial debate emerges over the future of California raisins, pitting traditional methods against innovative approaches. The discussion also touches on the growing popularity of almond farming, showcasing its impact on raisin farmers' decisions in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
Nov 25, 2019 • 22min
The Raisin Cartels - A New Sheriff in Raisin Land | 2
Harry Overly, CEO of Sun-Maid in 2018, discusses his mission to make raisins appealing to Millennials while tackling a declining market. As he pushes to lower prices, tensions rise with traditional raisin growers who are fighting for higher payouts. Overly's withdrawal from the Raisin Bargaining Association ignites a fierce power struggle, leading to dramatic confrontations and even death threats. The clash between modern branding strategies and old-school farming values highlights the volatile nature of this sweet industry.
Nov 20, 2019 • 23min
The Raisin Cartels: A Desperate Brotherhood | 1
Dive into the cutthroat world of the raisin industry, where a small group of growers at Sun-Maid wielded immense power through violence and intimidation. Farmers resisting this corporate control faced extreme threats, including kidnappings. As tensions escalated, a brave independent farmer named Rusty emerged, sparking a dramatic shift in the 1960s. This led to the formation of the Raisin Bargaining Association, igniting a fierce struggle for fair prices and empowering farmers to reclaim their autonomy against corporate dominance.
Nov 18, 2019 • 29min
Chocolate and Sustainability | 7
Steven Mufson, a reporter for The Washington Post specializing in business and climate change, dives into the complex world of chocolate production and its environmental impact. He discusses the alarming rates of deforestation in cocoa-growing regions and the immense challenge of sustainable farming for companies like Mars and Hershey. Mufson highlights the difficulties faced by small farmers in West Africa and the implications of corporate sustainability initiatives. He paints a vivid picture of chocolate's climate dilemma and the urgent need for change.
Nov 13, 2019 • 25min
Hershey vs Mars - Global Chocolate Domination | 6
Hershey faces a dramatic showdown with its biggest shareholder, threatening its independence. Tensions rise as the community protests to keep the beloved brand intact. Meanwhile, Mars aims for global candy supremacy, leaving Hershey racing against time. The battle intensifies when Hershey sets its sights on merging with Cadbury to boost overseas presence, leading to fierce competition with Kraft's aggressive bid for the same chocolate giant. Will Hershey secure its future, or will Mars snatch the title of candy king?
Nov 11, 2019 • 24min
Hershey vs Mars - A Chocolate Rolls Royce | 5
In the late 1970s, Hershey faces fierce competition from Mars, the reigning confectionery king. With a new CEO at the helm, Hershey seeks to rejuvenate its brand through bold marketing and innovative products. The rivalry intensifies as both companies aim for dominance, leading to the creation of iconic candies like Reese's Pieces. Unexpectedly, a Hollywood opportunity shifts the landscape, pushing both brands to adapt and evolve. The battle is not just for profits—it's a fight for legacy and market relevance.
