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
8 snips
May 11, 2022 • 27min
Encore: Häagen-Dazs vs Ben & Jerry's | Big Chunks O'Love | 1
In the vibrant '70s, Ben and Jerry embark on an ice cream adventure, wanting to have fun and create unique flavors. As their business takes off, they find themselves clashing with the heavyweight Häagen-Dazs. The podcast recounts pivotal moments, including a tense legal crisis that could threaten their autonomy. Throughout their journey, innovative marketing tactics and personal challenges come to light, showcasing the sweet and tumultuous world of ice cream rivalry.
10 snips
May 5, 2022 • 37min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Plant-Based Food on A Roll | 6
Heather Haddon, a food industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins comedy writer Hallie Kiefer, known for her work on Crooked Media and the horror podcast Ruined. They dive into the plant-based food revolution as big-name brands like Beyond Meat partner with giants like PepsiCo. They discuss how fast-food chains are adapting menus to cater to shifting tastes and the implications of branding changes, including M&M's efforts towards inclusivity. The duo also examines the rise of functional sodas and the evolving landscape of consumer beverage preferences.
11 snips
May 4, 2022 • 37min
Tesla vs Detroit | Tales From the Tipping Point | 5
Aarian Marshall, a Wired staff writer focused on transportation, and Dana Hull, a Bloomberg reporter covering Tesla, dive into the electric vehicle landscape. They highlight the rising consumer interest driven by soaring gas prices and discuss Tesla's pivotal role in shaping attitudes towards EVs. The conversation shifts to serious allegations of racial discrimination at Tesla's factory, examining the impact on the company's reputation and the challenges faced by its Black workers. This clash of innovation and workplace justice creates a compelling narrative.
21 snips
Apr 27, 2022 • 35min
Tesla vs Detroit | Appetite for Destruction | 4
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, dives into the challenges and triumphs of the electric vehicle landscape. He discusses Tesla's ongoing battle with scrutiny over safety concerns while fiercely innovating Autopilot technology. Musk shares insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic tested the company's resilience and how competitors are scrambling to catch up. He candidly reflects on his provocative social media presence, which seems to both alienate and attract investors, ultimately boosting Tesla's skyrocketing value.
14 snips
Apr 20, 2022 • 36min
Tesla vs Detroit | Motor City Fights Back | 3
Dive into the electrifying clash between Tesla and the automotive giants of Detroit. Discover how Tesla’s burgeoning market value puts it in a prime position to outpace GM within a decade. Explore the innovative sales model that challenges traditional dealerships and learn about the tough road ahead, including production hurdles and service concerns. Meanwhile, find out how Detroit's established networks are strategizing to reclaim dominance in the EV market. The competition has never been more intense!
12 snips
Apr 13, 2022 • 36min
Tesla vs Detroit | Survival Mode | 2
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, dives into the tumultuous journey of Tesla Motors in 2010. He shares insights from his secret visit to an old Toyota factory, unveiling his ambitious plans for the Model S. Musk tackles the fierce rivalry with traditional automakers and discusses Tesla's fight for direct sales in Texas, challenging the dealership norms. As production ramps up, he reflects on internal challenges and leadership shifts, all while navigating the electric vehicle revolution’s competitive landscape.
33 snips
Apr 6, 2022 • 39min
Tesla vs Detroit | Accelerate Faster | 1
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, takes us through the tumultuous journey of electric vehicles. He reveals the financial hurdles Tesla faced in its early years, marked by his unwavering determination to innovate. Musk recounts a pivotal dinner meeting in 2008 when he sold his ambitious vision for transforming the automotive industry. He also discusses the importance of overcoming traditional manufacturing challenges and highlights how Tesla emerged stronger from the financial crisis, marking a significant shift in the automotive landscape.
23 snips
Mar 31, 2022 • 40min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Electric Vehicles Shock the System | 5
Join Insider editor Alex Davies, author of "Driven," and comedian Josh Gondelman as they dive into the booming electric vehicle market. They explore the fierce competition between traditional automakers and Tesla, highlighting General Motors' ambitious $35 billion investment in EVs. With a mix of humor and insight, they discuss the future of transportation, the challenges facing Volkswagen, and the cultural shifts toward electric trucks like Ford's F-150 Lightning. Expect laughs along with serious talk about the automotive industry's electrifying transformation.
13 snips
Mar 30, 2022 • 36min
Airbnb vs NYC | Pulling Back the Curtain | 4
In this engaging discussion, Natalie Robehmed, a Business Wars writer, and Olivia Carville, a Bloomberg journalist, dissect the turbulent relationship between Airbnb and New York City. They explore how Airbnb evolved from a small startup to a controversial giant, revealing the legal pressures it faces. Olivia sheds light on her investigation into Airbnb's safety measures, unveiling serious shortcomings in its crisis response. The conversation offers a revealing look at the complexities of trust and transparency within the sharing economy.
12 snips
Mar 23, 2022 • 37min
Airbnb vs NYC | The Gathering Storm | 3
By 2017, Airbnb faces mounting legal troubles and an unforeseen challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast uncovers a tense confrontation in Manhattan involving private investigators and highlights the growing conflict over short-term rental regulations. Local frustrations over rising rents and housing shortages intensify as Airbnb expands amidst these challenges. The pandemic shifts consumer behavior towards suburban rentals, showcasing both struggles and unexpected financial successes for the company, while tensions with New York City's regulations remain high.
