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
56 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 37min
Sam Altman & the Battle for OpenAI | If You Come At the King… | 2
Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, navigates a whirlwind after a shocking firing by Ilya Sutskever. In a tense atmosphere filled with corporate drama, Altman strategizes to reclaim his position, engaging in late-night talks and negotiations fueled by urgency. With Microsoft backing him, a coalition forms to counter the board's decision. Employees voice their disagreement, leading to significant unrest, as internal struggles unfold. The episode captures the chaotic clash of leadership and the critical stakes for the future of AI innovation at OpenAI.
80 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 45min
Sam Altman & the Battle for OpenAI | Misalignment | 1
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and a pivotal figure behind ChatGPT, shares insights into the dramatic internal turmoil at the company following its rapid rise in the AI sector. He discusses the ethical dilemmas of commercialization and the intense pressures leading to his unexpected firing. The podcast dives into internal conflicts over leadership strategies, the collaboration with Microsoft, and urgent debates surrounding AI's ethical implications. Altman's reflections reveal the chaotic dynamics and humor in navigating a high-stakes corporate environment.
6 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 44min
Costco's Wholesale Revolution | 6
Dominic Reuter, a Business Insider reporter specializing in big box stores, joins the discussion about Costco's remarkable growth and membership model. They dive into how Costco maintains an impressive retention rate with minimal advertising, reflecting on its unique shopping experience and customer loyalty. The conversation also covers the company's innovative evolution from Price Club, its global expansion strategies, and the challenges it faces in e-commerce. Tune in to discover the secrets behind Costco's wholesale revolution!
12 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 41min
Taylor Swift vs The World | Taylor Nation | 5
Lauren Lipman, a pop culture YouTuber, and Autumn Kennedy, a digital creator from TS Tour Tips, dive deep into the whirlwind of being a Taylor Swift fan today. They discuss Taylor's monumental impact on both the music industry and pop culture, particularly during her NFL era. Lauren shares her personal encounter with Taylor and the challenges of covering her journey, including the fight for her masters. Autumn shares insights into managing her massive fan base while chronicling the global Eras Tour, showcasing the unique bond between Taylor and her fans.
19 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 39min
Taylor Swift vs The World | Ticketmaster Trouble | 4
Taylor Swift, the globally adored singer-songwriter, dives into her unexpected battle against Ticketmaster over her Eras Tour ticketing crisis. She shares the chaos fans faced with bots and scalpers, leading to unprecedented demand and frustrations. The discussion highlights the ensuing Senate hearings addressing Ticketmaster's monopolistic practices and the broader implications for the concert industry. Swift also reflects on her cultural impact, including her foray into Hollywood and the financial ramifications of her rise as a billionaire.
25 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 33min
Taylor Swift vs The World | Revenge of the Swifties | 3
In 2019, Taylor Swift's quest to reclaim her music masters from Scooter Braun takes center stage. As tensions rise, her dedicated fanbase, the Swifties, emerges as a powerful ally. The podcast explores the emotional complexities of betrayal and industry politics, highlighting Swift's determination to re-record her hits amid public scrutiny. It also examines the clash between artistry and ownership, reflecting on how social media amplifies both support and backlash in the music world.
21 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 32min
Taylor Swift vs The World | Bad Blood | 2
Taylor Swift, an iconic singer-songwriter known for her relatable lyrics and powerful fan connections, delves into her bold transition into pop music. She reveals the struggles of balancing artistic integrity with commercial expectations, especially when confronting her label about her new sound. The podcast also illustrates her fierce battle for ownership of her masters amid tensions with mega-manager Scooter Braun. Swift shares her journey of resilience, navigating public scrutiny and redefining her identity in the rapidly evolving music industry.
23 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 38min
Taylor Swift vs The World | On the Outside | 1
In this intriguing discussion, Taylor Swift shares her journey from signing with a small country label as a teenager to becoming a pop icon. She reflects on the challenges of ownership in the music industry, particularly her fight for her master recordings, a battle that could change the industry landscape. The conversation also highlights her dramatic career shift after the Kanye West incident, revealing how it propelled her into mainstream fame and influenced her artistic evolution.
Feb 15, 2024 • 34min
The Business of Barbie | 5
Join Eliana Dockterman, a Time reporter and Mattel expert, and Matthew Jacobs, an entertainment journalist, as they unravel Barbie's captivating legacy. They dive into the cultural evolution of Barbie, from a rejected doll to a behemoth brand. Discover how Mattel faced fierce competition, adapted to market changes, and revived the brand through strategic moves, including the recent live-action movie. The duo also discusses the film's impact on societal views of empowerment, identity, and its surprising Oscar nominations.
4 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 41min
Apple Watch vs Samsung | The Rise of Apple Watch with Steven Levy (Wired) & Cam Wolf (GQ) | 4
Wired editor-at-large Steven Levy, who has covered Apple since the 1980s, and GQ's Cam Wolf, a senior style writer, dive into the transformation brought by the Apple Watch. They discuss how the smartwatch’s rise has revitalized interest in traditional timepieces, especially among younger consumers. Levy shares insights from his experiences with Steve Jobs, while Wolf highlights the delicate balance between smartwatches and classic watches in today's market, emphasizing consumer shifts influenced by technology and style.
