Business Wars
Audible
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.Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Business Wars ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
18 snips
Apr 19, 2023 • 39min
Encore: Diet Wars | Dieting 3.0 | 5
Emma Court, a health reporter from Bloomberg News, breaks down the transformation of the weight loss industry, highlighting the shift from traditional programs to digital platforms and the impact of medications like Ozempic. Matthew Schneier, features writer at New York Magazine, discusses his article on the cultural implications of these drugs, addressing ethical dilemmas, celebrity influence, and the changing perceptions of food in our lives. Together, they explore what dieting looks like in today's society and the future of weight management.
16 snips
Apr 12, 2023 • 35min
Encore: Diet Wars | Losing Streak | 4
In the battle of weight loss strategies, the 2010s see a surge in calorie-counting apps as Weight Watchers faces mounting challenges. The company grapples with how to evolve while staying true to its dieters. Oprah's connection with WW adds depth to the discussion about dieting versus holistic wellness. The narrative unveils the shift from traditional dieting to a broader emphasis on fitness and well-being, while Noom's rise highlights changing consumer attitudes amid a backlash against conventional diet culture.
9 snips
Apr 5, 2023 • 37min
Encore: Diet Wars | Reaching for the Stars | 3
Dive into the chaotic world of diet brands in the 90s as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and Nutri/System scramble to revive their fortunes. Celebrity endorsements become the new secret weapon in a saturated market, bringing both fame and controversy. Explore the rise and fall of weight loss fads, including the notorious Fenfen scandal. Examine how strategic marketing and personal stories challenge the industry's norms, alongside the pressure of celebrity spokespersons. This battle for weight loss dominance showcases the ever-shifting landscape of dieting.
13 snips
Mar 29, 2023 • 39min
Encore: Diet Wars | Up From Down Under | 2
In 1983, Nutri/System faces a civil war between its CEO and franchisees battling rising costs. Meanwhile, Jenny Craig sets her sights on Australia, vying to reshape local diets with American strategies. As they face setbacks and regulatory hurdles, the weight loss industry heats up with fierce competition and health concerns. The growing backlash against diet giants complicates matters, forcing companies to confront consumer distrust amidst their ambitious expansion plans.
9 snips
Mar 22, 2023 • 38min
Encore: Diet Wars | Scaling Up | 1
In this conversation, Jean Nidetch, a housewife who transformed her life and founded Weight Watchers, shares her inspiring journey. She recounts the pivotal moment in a supermarket that spurred her diet quest and the unique community she built to support her. The podcast explores the emotional challenges of body image and self-acceptance, the innovative strategies that propelled Weight Watchers to success, and the competitive weight loss landscape of the 1970s, featuring various industry players vying for dominance.
7 snips
Mar 16, 2023 • 48min
Business Wars | 5th Anniversary Special | 1
Gina Keating, author and expert on the Netflix vs. Blockbuster rivalry, joins sound designer Kyle Randall to celebrate five years of insightful storytelling. They share the creative journey of the podcast, highlighting the evolution from classic business battles to deeper narratives. The duo discusses the pivotal role of sound in enhancing listener immersion and reflects on the challenges of adapting journalistic writing for audio. The conversation also takes a humorous turn, teasing a new series on the weight loss industry.
15 snips
Mar 15, 2023 • 39min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | 'To Infinity and Beyond' | 5
Join former Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein, who played a key role in the studio’s 3D animation revolution, and entertainment journalist Petrana Radulovic, a keen observer of animation rivalries. They dive into Disney's groundbreaking successes like Frozen while discussing the pivotal shift to CGI. Explore how DreamWorks' 'Shrek' humorously challenges Disney's traditions and the evolving landscape of animation with fresh narratives and styles. Tune in for a lively debate about creativity and technology in the animated realm!
23 snips
Mar 8, 2023 • 42min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | Onward and Upward | 4
In 2006, Pixar leaders wrestle with revitalizing Disney Animation, facing fierce competition from DreamWorks. The rise of 3D technology transforms the industry landscape, with box office battles peaking in 2008. As DreamWorks celebrates hits like 'Kung Fu Panda,' Disney fights back with 'WALL-E.' Meanwhile, struggles after 'The Princess and the Frog' prompt Disney to rethink its animation strategies. The podcast also reveals the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations that impact animated films, highlighting the industry’s financial and creative upheavals.
13 snips
Mar 1, 2023 • 40min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | Regime Change | 3
Tensions rise between Disney and Pixar as their partnership teeters on the brink of collapse. Michael Eisner and Steve Jobs refuse to back down in their high-stakes negotiation. Meanwhile, DreamWorks, led by Jeffrey Katzenberg, aims to seize the animation crown while grappling with its own setbacks. Amidst corporate turmoil and shifting leadership, Bob Iger makes a bold move on his first day as CEO—to acquire Pixar, setting the stage for a groundbreaking transformation in animation. Will alliances shift forever?
21 snips
Feb 22, 2023 • 37min
Disney-Pixar vs Dreamworks | Battle of the Bugs | 2
In 1995, the animation landscape is set ablaze as Pixar's Toy Story gears up for launch. Disney and DreamWorks engage in a fierce rivalry, with Jeffrey Katzenberg snatching talent from Disney to bolster his new studio. As both giants try to outmaneuver each other through release schedule tactics, Pixar finds itself in the line of fire. This thrilling tale explores the chaotic competition reshaping animated films, marked by creative clashes and strategic gambits.
