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
Nov 6, 2019 • 25min
Hershey vs Mars - Mars Attacks! | 4
In 1965, Forrest Mars gears up to challenge Hershey in a fierce battle for candy supremacy. With Hershey stuck in its traditional ways and lacking a marketing department, Mars seizes the opportunity to outmaneuver its rival. New strategies emerge as Hershey grapples with operational struggles and pivots toward innovation in marketing. Meanwhile, Mars employs aggressive tactics to dominate the market, highlighting the escalating tension in this sugar-fueled showdown. Who will emerge victorious in the clash of these candy titans?
Nov 4, 2019 • 25min
Hershey vs Mars - A Candy-Coated Prayer | 3
Dive into the fierce rivalry of the 1940s as Forrest Mars plots to transform his father’s company into a giant to rival Hershey. Witness the complexities of launching M&M's with Hershey’s unexpected support amidst wartime challenges. Explore how Mars shifts towards a performance-focused culture, introducing strict regulations and financial incentives. Meanwhile, Hershey grapples with the legacy of its late founder while eyeing global expansion opportunities. Sweet business strategies create a battle for chocolate supremacy!
Oct 30, 2019 • 23min
Hershey vs Mars - Blast Off | 2
Forrest Mars, son of Frank Mars, played a crucial role in the expansion of the Mars candy empire. In this discussion, they delve into the intense family dynamics that shaped their business journey. Forrest recounts the creation of the iconic Milky Way and the strategic launch of the Mars Bar in the UK. Tensions rise amidst the Great Depression and WWII, influencing their innovative marketing tactics. Learn how familial strife and economic challenges fueled a candy revolution that would ultimately compete with Hershey.
Oct 28, 2019 • 27min
Hershey vs Mars - Chocolate Town | 1
In 1886, Milton Hershey fights to save his failing candy business in New York, facing overwhelming debt. A pivotal visit turns his fortunes around, introducing America to milk chocolate. The rivalry with Mars heats up as both companies innovate and compete, shaping the chocolate landscape. Discover the fascinating beginnings of the Hershey empire and the challenges that soon arise in this sweet battle of confectionery titans.
Oct 23, 2019 • 29min
Facebook vs Snapchat - TikTok, The New Social Media Sensation | 7
In this insightful discussion, Natalie Robamed, an author and social media trends expert, dives into the fierce rivalry between Facebook, Snapchat, and the latest phenomenon, TikTok. She highlights TikTok's addictive, short-form video format that's capturing the attention of younger audiences. The conversation also touches on TikTok's rapid rise, regulatory challenges, and its implications on free speech. As the dynamics of social media evolve, Robamed explores how these platforms are responding to competition in a landscape defined by shifting user behavior.
Oct 21, 2019 • 25min
Facebook vs Snapchat - Snapchat’s Comeback | 6
In June 2018, Mark Zuckerberg faces turmoil as Facebook grapples with data breaches, while Snapchat seizes the moment to attract disaffected teens. The rivalry intensifies as Snapchat rolls out new features like SnapKit and Snap Games, positioning itself as the appealing alternative. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg is on a mission to regain user trust and contend with regulatory pressures. Amidst the chaos, Snapchat's strategic reboot and the focus on user engagement highlight the evolving landscape of social media, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown.
Oct 16, 2019 • 23min
Facebook vs Snapchat - Stock Market Tailspin | 5
In April 2017, Mark Zuckerberg launched face filters to challenge Snapchat directly. Meanwhile, Snapchat's founder Evan Spiegel grappled with user loss and a slumping stock price. A redesign attempt backfired spectacularly following Kylie Jenner's criticism, leading to even greater market fallout. As Facebook faced a data scandal and scrutiny from Congress over user privacy, the competitive landscape shifted dramatically, leaving both giants wrestling with their public images and future strategies.
Oct 14, 2019 • 23min
Facebook vs Snapchat - Facebook Fights Back | 4
In September 2015, Snapchat revolutionizes social media with popular face filters, drawing attention from Mark Zuckerberg. Faced with fierce competition, Facebook adopts a new strategy of imitation. As Snapchat gains popularity, shaped by influencer engagement, tensions rise. The rivalry intensifies as Facebook rolls out features like Instagram Stories, threatening Snapchat's market share. With an IPO on the horizon, both platforms scramble to maintain relevance, showcasing a battle where creativity meets corporate strategy in the fast-paced tech landscape.
7 snips
Oct 9, 2019 • 26min
Facebook vs Snapchat - The Offer | 3
In November 2013, Mark Zuckerberg makes a jaw-dropping $3 billion offer to Snapchat's founders, which they shockingly reject. This sparks a fierce rivalry as Facebook begins to copy Snapchat’s features. Meanwhile, Snapchat faces a major crisis with a data breach that jeopardizes its growing credibility. As both platforms vie for user engagement, Snapchat's innovative strategy begins to shift from fear of missing out to monetization, while Facebook struggles to maintain its youthful appeal amidst competition.
Oct 7, 2019 • 27min
Facebook vs Snapchat - Children of Privilege | 2
Mark Zuckerberg, bored in high school, is on the brink of creating a tech revolution while Evan Spiegel enjoys a party-filled Stanford life. Their privileged backgrounds mold them into innovators facing off in the social media arena. Entrepreneurial risks escalate as Spiegel drops out to chase his vision for Snapchat, igniting a rivalry with Facebook. As Zuckerberg tries to replicate Snapchat's unique features, legal dramas add extra tension to their fierce competition, highlighting the unpredictable nature of technology's evolution.
