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
12 snips
May 29, 2024 • 39min
College Football Wars | Title Fight | 1
In the 90s, college football is teetering on chaos and ripe for profit. TV executives propose the Bowl Championship Series, aiming to revamp the sport and cash in on its potential. As negotiations unfold, tensions rise over broadcast rights, tradition clashes with commercialization, and a unified playoff system emerges. The Big Ten Network's strategic rise signals a changing landscape, while talks of conference expansions spark rivalry and ambition in the sport. It's a fascinating mix of money, power, and the evolution of college football.
19 snips
May 23, 2024 • 37min
Poppi vs Olipop: Soda’s Second Coming | 6
Ann Gehan, a retail reporter from The Information, joins the discussion on the reinvention of soda. She explores how health-conscious brands like Poppi and Olipop are challenging traditional giants by offering flavorful alternatives without the sugar crash. Gehan highlights their innovative marketing strategies, focusing on influencer collaborations to engage younger consumers. The conversation dives into the evolving perception of soda, questioning whether these brands signify a genuine shift in consumer preferences or just another passing trend.
May 22, 2024 • 41min
Jeep vs Bronco | Back in the Saddle | 5
Join Mark Grueber, Ford’s Director of Vehicle Personalization, who played a pivotal role in reviving the Bronco. He shares the ups and downs of the Bronco's comeback, including the challenges faced during its launch. Larry Webster, Editor-in-Chief of Hagerty Media, discusses the legacy of legendary SUVs and the future of electric off-roading vehicles. The conversation highlights the deep connections enthusiasts have with classic models and the evolving landscape of off-road adventures as automotive technology advances.
4 snips
May 15, 2024 • 34min
Jeep vs Bronco | Full Throttle | 4
In 2008, the U.S. auto industry faced a crisis, prompting intense negotiations for a Chrysler bailout. The revival of the iconic Ford Bronco aimed at appealing to millennials brought fresh competition for Jeep. As Chrysler merged with Fiat, Jeep ramped up production to keep pace. Tensions escalated in the battle for off-road supremacy, with Jeep and Bronco vying for consumer attention amidst rising demand and striking market dynamics. Price markups at dealerships signaled a booming interest in retro-styled vehicles.
4 snips
May 8, 2024 • 33min
Jeep vs Bronco | Bye Bye Bronco | 3
Explore the tumultuous history of the Bronco's rise and fall in the late '90s. Witness Ford's internal struggle as a clandestine group fights to revive the iconic SUV while Jeep grapples with management turmoil after a messy merger. Discover how nostalgia fuels innovation in design and strategy, enabling a battle for market dominance. Amidst financial crises and shifting consumer preferences, the legacy and future of both the Bronco and Jeep hang in the balance.
6 snips
May 1, 2024 • 33min
Jeep vs Bronco | Engine Trouble | 2
In the 1960s, Ford's Bronco emerged as a fierce competitor against Jeep, spotlighting a dramatic moment when the Bronco outperformed a struggling Jeep. As both brands expanded their lineups, Jeep responded to Bronco's power boost by launching the Grand Cherokee, igniting an SUV arms race. Cultural shifts impacted their rivalry, notably with the infamous O.J. Simpson chase that catapulted the Bronco back into the spotlight, while the rugged model slowly lost its consumer appeal.
17 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 37min
Jeep vs Bronco | Battle Hardened | 1
Travel back to 1942, where modified Jeeps assist heroic soldiers in a daring desert mission against Nazis. Discover the origins of the Jeep and its transformation into a symbol of American resilience in WWII. Meanwhile, a fierce rivalry brews with Ford's Bronco, challenging Jeep's dominance in the off-road market. Uncover the post-war struggles for Willys Overland as they adapt from military to civilian production, and witness the innovative approaches that shape the automotive landscape. It's a tale of survival, competition, and the evolution of iconic vehicles.
7 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 38min
Allbirds: The Rise and Fall of Direct to Consumer | 5
Ann Gehan, a retail reporter at The Information, and Elizabeth Segran, a senior staff writer at Fast Company, delve into the rise and fall of Allbirds, the sustainable shoe brand once valued at $4.1 billion. They discuss Allbirds’ innovative approach to comfort and sustainability, its battle against Nike, and the challenges of declining sales post-IPO. The conversation explores the broader struggles faced by direct-to-consumer brands amidst economic shifts and digital marketing pressures, raising questions about the future of retail.
20 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 42min
Sam Altman & the Battle for OpenAI | Is OpenAI Out of the Woods? | 4
Julia Black, a tech reporter at The Information, dives into the whirlwind of events at OpenAI following Sam Altman's controversial ousting. She discusses the internal investigations and lawsuits, particularly involving Elon Musk. Black highlights the shifting dynamics within OpenAI and examines its evolution from altruistic beginnings to a competitive powerhouse in AI. The conversation touches on the ethical challenges and leadership conflicts that shape the company’s future and the intense rivalry with Google in the evolving AI landscape.
32 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 36min
Sam Altman & the Battle for OpenAI | Blood in the Water | 3
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and a key figure in the AI revolution, shares his experiences amid chaos and competition. He discusses the tumultuous changes at OpenAI following his reinstatement and the impact of powerful rivals like Google and Microsoft. Altman reveals how internal conflicts have highlighted vulnerabilities within the organization. The conversation also touches on the controversial shift towards military applications of AI and the ethical dilemmas posed by technology, including revelations about investments in AI-driven military technologies.
