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
Oct 27, 2021 • 27min
Crypto Wars | The Great Slow Motion Swindle | 3
In 2013, Bitcoin's rise is overshadowed by high-profile arrests and corporate failures. The arrest of Charlie Shrem shakes the crypto community, highlighting darker aspects of the industry. Meanwhile, the infamous Mt. Gox exchange faces turmoil, leaving customers stranded and questioning security. As chaos reigns, Coinbase positions itself as a trustworthy player, seizing the opportunity to rebuild trust in the market despite the industry's growing pains.
4 snips
Oct 25, 2021 • 25min
Crypto Wars | The Untouchables | 2
In 2011, the Winklevoss twins are sidelined again by Zuckerberg, pushing them to discover the world of crypto. Their challenges lead them to Bitcoin, where they encounter early pioneers and navigate its controversial reputation. As they invest in BitInstant, the cryptocurrency landscape begins to heat up. Meanwhile, Coinbase emerges under Fred Ersam and Brian Armstrong, aiming to simplify Bitcoin transactions amid financial chaos. The competition is fierce, and personal wellness habits, like hydration, also make a surprising appearance in this riveting digital gold rush.
Oct 20, 2021 • 26min
Crypto Wars | Generate Coins | 1
In a suburban home in 2009, Bitcoin quietly emerges, initially dismissed as worthless. A budding crime lord sees its potential, sparking its rise as a digital currency. The Silk Road comes into play, transforming Bitcoin into a tool for illicit trade. The journey of early adopters reveals their motivations and the revolution against traditional finance. Amidst a chaotic backdrop, a health scare pushes one individual to advocate for cryptocurrency. The dramatic collapse of the Mt. Gox Exchange raises questions about Bitcoin's future.
7 snips
Oct 18, 2021 • 26min
Fast Fashion | Can Fast Fashion Sustain Itself? | 6
Rachel Tashjian, a fashion critic at GQ, explores the critical challenges facing the fast fashion industry, known for its heavy environmental impact. She discusses alarming statistics about pollution and textile waste while questioning how long the current model can survive. Tashjian highlights consumer habits and the tension between affordable trends and sustainable practices. The rise of rental apps and resale markets are also examined as potential solutions, reflecting a shift towards eco-friendly fashion consumption that could reshape the industry.
7 snips
Oct 13, 2021 • 25min
Fast Fashion | Long Haul | 5
In 2019, fast fashion takes a hit as Shein faces allegations of design theft from independent creators. Amid growing interest in sustainability, former Topshop director Jane Shepherdson explores clothing rentals as an eco-friendly option. Forever 21 attempts a comeback under new leadership while navigating a changing landscape. The rise of influencers and social media poses fresh challenges for traditional retailers. As the industry shifts, the impacts of COVID-19 further reshape consumer behavior and fashion choices.
6 snips
Oct 11, 2021 • 23min
Fast Fashion | Dress for Excess | 4
In 2018, H&M grapples with an overwhelming surplus of unsold inventory while Shein flourishes, using social media to deliver ultra-cheap fashion swiftly. The tumultuous journey of Topshop unfolds as allegations against its leader spark outrage, and Forever 21 faces its own troubles. The podcast delves into the fast fashion industry's adaptation to viral trends, the impact of scandals on brand reputation, and the ongoing challenges of sustainability amidst rising competition.
8 snips
Oct 6, 2021 • 29min
Fast Fashion | Clothes Call | 3
In 2010, tragic factory fires in Bangladesh put the fast fashion industry under scrutiny. H&M responds by launching an eco-friendly line, while Zara invests in RFID technology to streamline operations. Meanwhile, Forever 21 faces legal challenges over copyright issues. Enter Shein, a disruptor that revolutionizes fast fashion with its online-only model. This shift changes the game, forcing legacy brands to adapt to the rapid pace of consumer demand and technology.
5 snips
Oct 4, 2021 • 24min
Fast Fashion | Stitch by Stitch | 2
In 1974, Amancio Ortega's journey from poverty in Spain leads to the creation of Zara, a fast fashion powerhouse. Meanwhile, Topshop emerges from a department store basement, while a Korean immigrant couple launch Forever 21, capitalizing on affordability. The dynamic rise of these brands showcases innovative strategies and direct-to-consumer approaches amidst the vibrant 1970s fashion scene. Discover how competition between these giants reshapes the industry, highlighting ambition, ingenuity, and the pursuit of the American dream.
6 snips
Sep 29, 2021 • 27min
Fast Fashion | Fire Sale | 1
In the vibrant world of 1987 fashion, Jane Shepherdson catapults Topshop into the limelight, but her journey is jeopardized by the arrival of tycoon Philip Green. Meanwhile, H&M breaks into the US market, revamping fast fashion with a luxe collab with Karl Lagerfeld. Explore the tension between sustainability and consumerism, as a journalist reveals unsettling truths about unsold clothing being incinerated. Discover the fierce competition and evolving trends that define an era, alongside the transformative impact of designer partnerships.
8 snips
Sep 27, 2021 • 28min
Death Row Records vs Bad Boy Records | Life After Wartime | 6
Naima Cochrane, a music and culture journalist and former industry executive, dives deep into the fierce rivalry between Death Row and Bad Boy Records. She shares insights on the impact of the gangsta rap era and how it shaped the hip-hop industry. The discussion touches on the tragic losses of Tupac and Biggie and Faith Evans' pivotal role in this war. Cochrane also highlights the evolution of female representation in hip-hop and contrasts the past with today's emerging voices, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the industry.
