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 1, 2021 • 25min
Christmas Movie Wars | A Very Merry Rivalry | 1
Dive into the festive rivalry between Hallmark and Lifetime in the world of holiday movies. Discover how Hallmark's 'Countdown to Christmas' revolutionized the genre, setting off a competitive frenzy. Explore the hurdles each network faces in casting and creating original stories, all while maintaining the holiday spirit. Learn about the pressures of turning dreams into reality for aspiring screenwriters battling in this lucrative marketplace. Get ready for a sprinkle of lighthearted charm and the behind-the-scenes drama of making the perfect Christmas flick!
Nov 29, 2021 • 26min
Blackberry vs iPhone | The Smartphone Generation | 5
Nilay Patel, Editor-in-Chief at The Verge and host of the Decoder podcast, joins to unpack the epic rivalry between BlackBerry and the iPhone. He dives into how BlackBerry dominated the business market before the iPhone transformed smartphones into essential tools for everyday life. Patel highlights the innovations of the iPhone, like the App Store and capacitive touchscreen, which reshaped user expectations and led to widespread smartphone adoption. The discussion touches on the emotional ties users now have with their devices and the future of smartphone competition.
Nov 24, 2021 • 25min
Blackberry vs iPhone | A Requiem in Slow Motion | 4
In January 2011, Research in Motion's co-CEO discovers that BlackBerry's BBM is crucial for Egyptian protestors, highlighting the tech's societal impact amid declining sales. Meanwhile, Apple continues its relentless innovation, introducing a tablet that further erodes BlackBerry's market share. Internal strife leads to the resignation of RIM's co-CEOs, illustrating the company's deepening struggles against a resurgent Apple, emphasizing how critical innovation is in the tech race.
Nov 22, 2021 • 25min
Blackberry vs iPhone | App Attack | 3
In the summer of 2008, BlackBerry's new touchscreen device faces challenges that threaten RIM's reputation and strategic partnerships. Meanwhile, Apple revolutionizes the smartphone world by launching the App Store, allowing developers to create apps and intensifying competition. The rivalry escalates as tensions rise at Apple over competition with Google's Nexus phone, while RIM's missteps with Verizon reveal vulnerabilities. This clash of innovation and strategy highlights the fierce battle for dominance in the mobile technology arena.
Nov 17, 2021 • 25min
Blackberry vs iPhone | The Jesus Phone | 2
In late 2005, Steve Jobs faced a pivotal choice between iPhone prototypes, setting the stage for a monumental shift in mobile technology. Meanwhile, RIM’s co-CEOs struggled to manage skyrocketing BlackBerry orders while battling reputational damage from a scandal. As competition heated up, the intense rivalry between RIM and Apple unfolded, with the iPhone's revolutionary touchscreen presenting a significant challenge. The pressure mounted for RIM to innovate quickly, especially with the launch of the BlackBerry Storm on the horizon.
Nov 15, 2021 • 25min
Blackberry vs iPhone | CrackBerry | 1
On September 11, 2001, BlackBerry's reliable network wins over new fans on Wall Street amidst chaos. Co-founders Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie revolutionize mobile communication with their devices. But as the iPhone emerges, Steve Jobs sees a prime opportunity, igniting a fierce rivalry. Oprah's endorsement propels BlackBerry into the consumer spotlight, yet looming patent challenges cast a shadow. The battle unfolds as both brands innovate, shaping the future of smartphones. It's a gripping tale of ambition, competition, and technology.
Nov 10, 2021 • 25min
Crypto Wars | We're in the (Virtual) Money | 7
In this discussion, Gian Volpicelli, a journalist at Wired UK and author of "Cryptocurrency: How Digital Money Could Transform Finance," dives into the evolution of cryptocurrency since Bitcoin's inception. He explains how crypto operates as a decentralized financial system, contrasting it with fiat currencies. The conversation touches on the booming NFT market, the roll-out of Bitcoin as legal tender in countries like El Salvador, and the regulatory landscape, including China's crackdown on crypto. Finally, Gian speculates on crypto's future impact on global finance.
Nov 8, 2021 • 28min
Crypto Wars | Zuckerpunch | 6
In 2017, as the crypto bubble bursts, chaos reigns with rising scams and investor panic. The Winklevoss twins find themselves facing off against Mark Zuckerberg, who is eyeing a crypto takeover with Facebook. BitConnect's thrilling rise turns into a haunting bust, shaking investor confidence. Meanwhile, the Libra Association struggles through rebranding to Diem while the pandemic reshapes the crypto landscape. The emergence of major players like Coinbase and the involvement of Elon Musk in promoting Dogecoin highlight the shift of cryptocurrencies from rebellion to mainstream finance.
Nov 3, 2021 • 27min
Crypto Wars | New Kids on the Blockchain | 5
Vitalik Buterin, the young visionary behind Ethereum, shares his journey from blockchain enthusiast to a major player in the crypto world. He discusses Ethereum's revolutionary impact on cryptocurrency, particularly through smart contracts and decentralized applications. The conversation dives into the explosive growth of the crypto market in late 2017, revealing the challenges faced by platforms like Coinbase amid increasing demand. Buterin reflects on the chaos and innovation of this digital currency revolution, highlighting the rise of new exchanges and ICOs.
Nov 1, 2021 • 24min
Crypto Wars | Block Busting | 4
In 2015, Coinbase takes on the daunting crypto landscape, clashing with regulators and the Winklevoss twins’ Gemini startup. The pressure mounts as CEO Brian Armstrong navigates compliance challenges and the company's uncertain future. Tensions rise over Bitcoin's block size, revealing deep community divisions. Meanwhile, Ethereum starts to rise as Bitcoin struggles with transaction delays, hinting at a transformative shift in the cryptocurrency world. With innovation and competition at the forefront, the stakes couldn't be higher.
