Business Wars

In 2009, Taco Bell is on a quest to attract younger consumers as it approaches its 50th anniversary. The brand collaborates with Frito-Lay to innovate with a Doritos-flavored taco. Meanwhile, Chipotle faces a major crisis due to a food poisoning outbreak that shakes customer trust. The rivalry intensifies as Taco Bell takes bold marketing steps, launching the wildly successful Doritos Locos Taco, while both brands navigate their unique challenges in a changing fast-food landscape.

In the late '90s, Chipotle's founder navigates the fast-food giant's influence while striving for quality. As Chipotle flourishes, Taco Bell battles to keep diners loyal with unique menu innovations. The podcast highlights Taco Bell’s image crisis over beef authenticity and its bold campaign to regain trust. Meanwhile, Chipotle's new COO enforces high standards and a fresh identity. With Taco Bell's impending 50th anniversary, the contrasting journeys of these two dining titans illustrate the evolving fast-food landscape.

In the 1950s, Glen Bell takes on the burger giants with a bold idea: introducing tacos as fast food. His journey is filled with skepticism and challenges, but his determination pays off. As Taco Bell rises to fame, the competitive landscape heats up, leading to a dramatic potential sale that could change everything. The story dives into the intense negotiations and strategic moves that shaped the fast food industry, revealing how one entrepreneur turned an exotic dish into a cultural icon.

John Martin, former CEO of Taco Bell, dives into the intense competition of the fast-food industry. He shares his bold marketing strategies to revive Taco Bell's sales amid rising rival Chipotle. With a creative metaphor comparing market share to meringue pie, Martin discusses how Taco Bell's innovative menu aimed to disrupt the status quo. The challenges of declining sales and the contrasting approaches of Taco Bell and Chipotle create a captivating narrative highlighting the evolution of fast food.

Heather Haddon, a Wall Street Journal reporter focusing on fast food, teams up with comedian Josh Gondelman to dissect the ever-evolving landscape of the fast food industry. They explore how nostalgia and innovative marketing strategies shape consumer preferences, especially around iconic items like chicken nuggets. From the role of celebrity collaborations to the balance between comfort food and healthier options, they highlight how major chains adapt to stay relevant. This lively discussion reveals the cultural significance and ongoing competition in the fast food arena.

It’s safe to say that Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun are…never, ever, getting back together. Taking us inside their battle is Chris Willman, senior music writer at Variety, who’s covered Taylor since her early days as an up-and-coming young artist on the country music scene.Later, we’ll dive into the growing artist labor movement with Damon Krukowski, the drummer for the late 80s indie band Galaxie 500. Damon shares how the band bought back its masters from their label and why most bands aren’t as fortunate. He’s also breaking down the impact of streaming on musicians' pocketbooks, and what smaller artists are doing to advocate for their rights.Binge all episodes early and ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/businesswars.Support us by supporting our sponsor!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By 2019, Taylor Swift's battle to get her masters back from Scooter Braun has gone public. She decides to fight by deploying her own, very dangerous weapon -- the Swifties. And Braun pulls out all the stops to protect his $300 million asset.Binge all episodes early and ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/businesswars.Support us by supporting our sponsor!ZipRecruiter - Make the hiring process easier by trying ZipRecuriter for free by going to ziprecruiter.com/bwSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scott Borchetta, the founder of Big Machine Label Group, played a pivotal role in launching Taylor Swift's career. In this discussion, they explore Taylor's bold shift to pop music and her turbulent relationship with her label. The episode dives into her quest for artistic control, the brewing conflict with Scooter Braun over music masters, and the emotional turmoil behind her major decisions. Borchetta sheds light on the harsh realities of the music industry, highlighting Taylor's struggle for ownership amidst public scrutiny.

When Taylor Swift signed to an upstart country label as a teen, she probably didn't realize that she was signing away the rights to something she would spend decades getting back -- her masters. Swift’s fight for her $300 million master recordings is a scrimmage that could reshuffle the entire business model of the music industry. But first, Swift has to make it big. And that's a one-in-a-million shot.Binge all episodes early and ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/businesswars.Support us by supporting our sponsor!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Brittany Spanos, a Senior staff writer at Rolling Stone, and Naima Cochrane, a music journalist and former record label executive, as they unravel the complexities of the modern music industry. They discuss the economic struggles artists face in the streaming era, the fallout from Neil Young's controversy with Spotify, and the evolving definition of superstardom. Insights on the industry's push for social justice and sustainable practices reveal a transformative landscape, where artists must navigate new challenges for fair compensation and empowerment.