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
7 snips
Dec 21, 2022 • 32min
Sotheby's vs Christie's | The Point of No Return | 2
In this thrilling discussion, DeDe Brooks, former COO and CEO of Sotheby’s, and Christopher Davidge, current CEO of Christie’s, reveal the clandestine price-fixing scheme that rocked the art world in the '90s. They recount how both auction houses intertwined their fates to combat declining sales while navigating intense leadership pressures. The guests highlight the delicate dance of trust and rivalry as they detail secret meetings, strategic shifts, and the tension that escalated into a major legal showdown, forever changing the art auction landscape.
11 snips
Dec 14, 2022 • 36min
Sotheby's vs Christie's | Going Once | 1
In the cutthroat world of art auctions, a fierce rivalry brews between two titans. Alfred Taubman aims to transform Sotheby's while tackling a struggling economy and increasing competition. As both houses face financial turmoil, they secretly strike a collusion agreement that raises eyebrows. The history of scandals, landmark auctions, and the impact of innovative strategies come to light, revealing the high stakes and potential fallout of their actions in the art market.
10 snips
Dec 8, 2022 • 43min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Notes on a Tech Scandal | 6
Victoria Song, a reporter at The Verge, and comedian Matt Braunger join the discussion. They dive into the corporate blunders faced by tech giants like Peloton and Uber, analyzing their recovery tactics. The conversation touches on Meta's battle against TikTok, particularly how it affects parenting and data privacy. Additionally, they reveal Peloton's struggles with loyalty amid scandals and the broader implications for the fitness industry. Finally, the dialogue highlights consumer loyalty in the face of corporate controversies.
24 snips
Dec 7, 2022 • 37min
Toyota vs Honda | New Cars on the Block | 5
Christina Rogers, the Wall Street Journal Autos Editor with over a decade in the automotive sector, dives into the shifting landscape of the car market. She discusses the late transition of Toyota and Honda into the electric vehicle (EV) realm, reflecting on their past successes with hybrids like the Prius. The conversation highlights the rising competition from Hyundai and Kia, their quality improvements, and innovative designs. Rogers also explores how changing consumer attitudes and regulatory shifts are reshaping the future of cars and mobility.
31 snips
Nov 30, 2022 • 39min
Toyota vs Honda | A Fight for the Future | 4
As the year 2000 approaches, Toyota's new leader aims to dominate the market with the revolutionary Prius, challenging Honda's Civic hybrid. The battle for hybrid supremacy heats up as both companies innovate amidst internal and external pressures. Toyota grapples with a safety crisis while striving to enhance its brand, transforming the automotive landscape. Meanwhile, the shift toward electric vehicles intensifies, with both manufacturers racing to keep up with newcomers like Tesla. It's a thrilling clash of innovation, strategy, and survival in the auto industry.
13 snips
Nov 23, 2022 • 36min
Toyota vs Honda | Breaking Ground | 3
In the backdrop of the 1980s, the battle between Honda and Toyota heats up as the American market pushes back against Japanese cars. Honda aims for the luxury segment, challenging Toyota's traditional approach. As Ford seeks ties with Toyota, tensions rise. Cultural clashes emerge when former GM workers adapt to Toyota’s rigorous standards. Meanwhile, Lexus faces recalls, and both companies race to innovate in hybrid technology, revealing the fierce competition for the future of the automotive industry.
10 snips
Nov 16, 2022 • 37min
Toyota vs Honda | Motor City Massacre | 2
In the 1960s, Honda races to enter the car market while battling internal conflicts about its identity. Meanwhile, Toyota is solidifying its American presence, navigating fierce competition. The introduction of compact vehicles sparks rivalry, with Honda's microcar debut and Toyota’s impactful Corona. As fuel efficiency trends rise in the aftermath of the oil crisis, Japanese automakers thrive, challenging the traditional giants. The story unfolds with pivotal innovations like Honda's CVCC engine shaping the industry landscape.
25 snips
Nov 9, 2022 • 38min
Toyota vs Honda | Out of the Wreckage | 1
Kiichiro Toyoda, the visionary founder of Toyota and son of an industrialist, shares insights from the post-war era in Japan. As the nation rebuilds from devastation, Toyota grapples with labor disputes and the ambition to create a world-class passenger car. Toyoda's dreams are cut short by personal tragedy, yet his legacy inspires his cousin to pursue innovation. Meanwhile, Soichiro Honda rises from humble beginnings, seeking inspiration in Europe for groundbreaking creations like the Super Cub, foreshadowing an intense rivalry in the automotive industry.
10 snips
Nov 3, 2022 • 43min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Sticker Shock | 6
In this lively discussion, Wall Street Journal reporter Sean McLain, an expert on the electric vehicle market, shares insights on the ongoing chip shortage and its effects on car production. Comedian Kurt Braunohler adds humor while addressing the serious issues of car recalls, particularly concerning Toyota and Rivian. Together, they delve into consumer confidence in electric vehicles, the joy of driving them, and the innovative future of two-wheel electrics, all while keeping the tone engaging and entertaining.
15 snips
Nov 2, 2022 • 38min
Taco Bell vs Chipotle | Taco Talk | 5
Join fast food experts Mary Meisenzahl and Andrew Pridgen as they dive into the fierce competition between Taco Bell and Chipotle. Mary shares her eye-opening tour of Taco Bell's test kitchen, unveiling innovative menu concepts aimed at Gen Z. Andrew discusses Bakersfield's unique role as a fast food test market, where new creations first hit the streets. The conversation highlights Taco Bell’s playful marketing strategies compared to Chipotle’s focus on quality, revealing the nuances that fuel this delicious rivalry.
