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
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.
Oct 2, 2019 • 26min
Facebook vs Snapchat - Vanishing Act | 1
In 2011, a Stanford student named Evan Spiegel presents his class project, which will evolve into the groundbreaking app Snapchat. The journey reveals his entrepreneurial spirit and determination to innovate in the world of private sharing. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg faces challenges as Facebook battles to stay relevant with a young audience. Legal troubles and shifting user dynamics heighten the stakes. The narrative highlights the clash between budding tech innovation and established social platforms.
Sep 30, 2019 • 26min
WWF vs WCW - The Future of Pro Wrestling | 7
Join David Shoemaker, a wrestling historian and author of 'The Squared Circle,' as he dives into the shifting landscape of pro wrestling. He unpacks the rise of new promotions like AEW and how they challenge WWE's supremacy. Shoemaker explores the cultural influence of pioneers like Gorgeous George and discusses the criteria for determining the best wrestlers today. With insights on wrestling's evolution and its mythological roots, this conversation reveals the dynamic future of the sport.
Sep 25, 2019 • 30min
WWF vs WCW - Down for the Count | 6
In 1998, the battle between WWF and WCW escalates dramatically as Vince McMahon devises a controversial strategy to reclaim wrestling fans. A pivotal collaboration with a TV executive reshapes wrestling storytelling, leading to WWF's shocking ratings victory. Meanwhile, Eric Bischoff's desperate attempts to save WCW face resistance and internal turmoil. The narrative unveils the rise of WWF amidst WCW's struggles and hints at the fascinating reunion of former rivals, setting the stage for thrilling competitions in sports entertainment.
