Business Wars artwork

Business Wars

623 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 12.2K ratings

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, inventors, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace. From Wondery, the network behind Dirty John and American History Tellers.

New episodes come out Wednesdays for free. Binge new full seasons early and ad-free, plus get exclusive past seasons, only with Wondery+.

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Episodes

Taylor Swift vs The World | Ticketmaster Trouble | 4

March 13, 2024 07:01 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

When Taylor Swift began planning The Eras Tour, she probably didn't expect to be at the forefront of an antitrust battle that could decide the future of concerts in the U.S. But the battle for Taylor Swift tickets leads Swift, her fans, and Senators into a tussle with Ticketmaster, the biggest live events company on the public markets. And Hollywood's next. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info...

Taylor Swift vs The World | Revenge of the Swifties | 3

March 06, 2024 08:01 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen Now: The Cat in the Hat Cast

March 04, 2024 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.62 MB

Hold on tight and prepare to be whisked away on a weekly adventure with Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat! In a world full of delightful mix-ups and exhilarating mayhem, the mischievous Cat takes the reins and enlightens the ever-cautious Fish on the art of hosting a perfectly poised podcast. Featuring alphabet song sing-a-longs, tremendous tongue-twisters, and wondrous wordplay, you'll be left guessing what surprises The Cat will pull out of his hat next. Listen to new episodes of The...

Taylor Swift vs The World | Bad Blood | 2

February 28, 2024 08:01 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MB

By 2014, Taylor Swift has spread her wings into pop. But as her self-confidence grows, so does her discontent with her label. So she makes a bold move. Meanwhile, mega-manager Scooter Braun sees a business opportunity in Swift's early masters. The problem is, Swift has serious beef with Braun and his clients. And when she finds out about his plan, it'll be all out war. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-...

The Business of Barbie | 5

February 22, 2024 08:01 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

We’ve got the keys to Barbie's dream house and we’re unlocking her legacy, staying power and what’s ahead. We're joined by Time reporter and Mattel expert Eliana Dockterman and entertainment and culture journalist Matthew Jacobs to talk about Barbie's ups and downs and the key business decisions that revived the flailing brand. Plus, what's behind the movie's Oscars nominations... and snubs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://a...

Taylor Swift vs The World | On the Outside | 1

February 21, 2024 08:01 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a...

Apple Watch vs Samsung | The Rise of Apple Watch with Steven Levy (Wired) & Cam Wolf (GQ) | 4

February 14, 2024 08:01 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MB

When the Apple Watch first debuted, designer Jony Ive envisioned the gadget as a must-have in the world of high fashion. But even if the smartwatch hasn’t become a mainstay in the luxury world, it has become a tool many of us can’t live without. Wired Editor-at-large Steven Levy joins David to unpack the evolution of the Apple Watch.  Steven’s covered Apple since the early 80s, and he’s connecting the dots to share how the Apple of yesterday brought us the Apple Watch of today. Lat...

Apple Watch vs Samsung | This Watch Will Save Your Life | 3

February 07, 2024 08:01 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

It’s 2016 and in the wake of a major PR fiasco, Samsung is rolling out their new round smartwatch with a beautiful rotating bezel, while an MLB cheating scandal puts the Apple Watch squarely in consumers’ sights. And, enhanced health features in the Series 4 rocket Apple Watch sales to record heights. Meanwhile Samsung gets hit with a lawsuit and then releases a tone-deaf ad campaign savaged by women around the world. And as both smartwatch contenders add more health functionality t...

Apple Watch vs Samsung | Race to the Wrist | 2

January 31, 2024 08:01 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB

It’s 2012 and Apple’s legendary designer in chief, Jony Ive, decides the company’s first product launch after Steve Jobs’ death should be a smartwatch. But he struggles to get buy-in from CEO Tim Cook and upper management. Meanwhile Samsung races to beat Apple to market.. Then Samsung raises the stakes with a wildly successful satirical ad campaign aimed at Apple’s pretentiousness, but eventually launches a flawed smartwatch that leaves consumers cold. After Apple finally greenlight...

Tracing the Steps of Fitbit | 6

January 25, 2024 08:01 - 36 minutes - 33 MB

Before Apple and Samsung took over our wrists, there was Fitbit. The fitness tracker was just about the coolest thing in Silicon Valley, and everyone in tech was wearing one — including Wired Magazine senior editor Michael Calore and senior writer Lauren Goode! Long before the pair started hosting the Wired Gadget Lab podcast, they were crushing their steps goal while reporting on the buzziest wearable on the market. Michael and Lauren join David to help trace the steps that Fitbit...

Apple Watch vs Samsung | From Dust to Dynasty | 1

January 24, 2024 08:01 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

It’s 1936 in a small town in Korea and a rakish scion of a wealthy family realizes he has to clean up his act by starting a small import export business.  By the 1980s, he fast tracks South Korea’s first computer chip factory, and turns hundreds of engineers into fiercely loyal, tirelessly diligent “Samsung Men.” But as Apple’s star rises, Samsung turns to American designers from California to teach its employees innovation and free-wheeling creativity. The result is a 1999 futurist...

Xbox vs Playstation (REMIX) | The Console Conundrum | 5

January 17, 2024 08:01 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MB

Can you imagine video games without Sony? A partnership between Sony and Nintendo could have changed the future of Playstation — and the video game industry — as we know it… if the deal hadn’t ended with a dramatic betrayal. Tristan Donovan, author of Replay: The History of Video Games (and writer of this season of Business Wars), joins David to tell us about the console that almost wasn’t. You’ll also hear why Nintendo is so hard to predict, and where the video games market is goin...

Xbox vs Playstation (REMIX) | Pay to Win | 4

January 10, 2024 08:01 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

It’s 2016 and Xbox boss Phil Spencer’s leading a reboot of the Xbox brand after the Xbox One’s fumbled start. But with Sony and Nintendo surging ahead, he needs to make some big plays to get Microsoft back in action. But when he homes in on a plan to spend tens of billions of dollars to reinvent Xbox and move beyond the console war, Sony’s going to go all out to stop Microsoft from spending its way to victory. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy ...

Xbox vs Playstation (REMIX) | Dis-Kinect | 3

January 03, 2024 08:01 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

It’s 2007 and both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are in trouble. Microsoft’s dealing with an epidemic of dying consoles. Sony lacks sales momentum. And Nintendo’s surging back with the Wii – a console that lets people play using a motion-tracking controller. But when Microsoft hits paydirt with its own motion-controller – the Kinect – it will change the direction for Xbox and give Sony an opportunity for a comeback. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P...

Xbox vs Playstation (REMIX) | The Betrayal | 2

December 27, 2023 08:01 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MB

It’s 2002 and the race to build the next generation of game consoles is already underway. And Sony’s got big plans for the PlayStation 3. It wants to use it to introduce a new kind of computer architecture and it’s teamed up with Toshiba and IBM to do it. But with Microsoft’s gunning to get its next console, the Xbox 360, into stores first, IBM spies a golden opportunity. IBM can make huge profits by partnering with both rivals in the console war. See Privacy Policy at https://art...

Best of Business Wars Daily | Holiday Wars | 6

December 21, 2023 08:01 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

American Girl or Barbie? Transformers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? The Game of Life or Monopoly? We're putting your favorite nostalgic toys head-to-head to determine the GOAT (greatest of all TOYS) with comedian Josh Gondelman and New York Times retail reporter Jordyn Holman. And later on, David goes in the hot seat to choose between some of his most beloved childhood toys (POGs, anyone?). Happy holidays from Business Wars to you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...

Best of Business Wars Daily | Holiday Wars

December 21, 2023 08:01 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

American Girl or Barbie? Transformers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? The Game of Life or Monopoly? We're putting your favorite nostalgic toys head-to-head to determine the GOAT (greatest of all TOYS) with comedian Josh Gondelman and New York Times retail reporter Jordyn Holman. And later on, David goes in the hot seat to choose between some of his most beloved childhood toys (POGs, anyone?). Happy holidays from Business Wars to you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...

Xbox vs Playstation (REMIX) | Crash and Burn | 1

December 20, 2023 08:01 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

It’s the year 2000. Sony’s PlayStation 2 is ready to conquer the game business and leave its Japanese rivals Sega and Nintendo looking like has-beens. But Sony’s gaming success is causing alarm at Microsoft’s headquarters. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates fears Sony will use the PlayStation to conquer computer-based home entertainment and shut Windows out of the home. So he’s striking back by deploying Microsoft’s billions to create a Windows-based game console called the Xbox. But...

Toys R US vs KB Toys | The Comeback Kid, Plus Hot Wheels! | 5

December 13, 2023 08:01 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

‘Tis the season for toys! First, we’re getting an update on where toy retailers stand today with Forbes Senior Contributor Joan Verdon. She’s covered Toys R Us since the late 90s, and has the inside scoop on whether this chain is actually making the big comeback the headlines claim. Later, we’re zooming in on one toy that’s stood the test of time — Hot Wheels – with Bruce Pascal, who has the world’s most valuable, historically-complete collection of these tiny cars. And he’s recent...

Listen Now: Legacy

December 11, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 3.73 MB

Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan tell the wild stories of some of the most extraordinary men and women ever to have lived – and ask whether they have the rep they deserve. Should Nina Simone’s role in the civil rights movement be more celebrated than it is? When you find out what Picasso got up to in his studio, can you still admire his art? Was Napoleon a hero or a tyrant - or both? (And, while we’re at it, was he even short?) Legacy is the show that looks at big lives from the pers...

Toys R US vs KB Toys | Tears 'R' Us | 4

December 06, 2023 08:01 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

It’s 2004 and toy retailers across America are assessing the post-holiday damage from Walmart’s brutal price attack. And with KB Toys mortally wounded, it falls to Toys “R” Us to lead the fight. But when the debts mount and Amazon turns from friend to foe, Toys “R” Us ends up in a desperate battle for survival. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toys R US vs KB Toys: Christmas Carnage | 3

November 29, 2023 08:01 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

It’s 1999 and the world wide web is the new retail frontier. And both KB Toys and Toys “R” Us hope to use the internet to keep Walmart at bay. But Toys “R” Us's plan for online glory is about to go haywire – giving KB Toys the upper hand and forcing Toys “R” Us into a surprise alliance with Amazon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toys R US vs KB Toys | Toy Hunter | 2

November 22, 2023 08:01 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MB

It’s 1990 and Toys “R” Us rules toy retail. But when big-box retailers Walmart and Costco threaten to intrude on its territory, Toys “R” Us uses toymakers to wage retail war. And as the clash of the giant superstores rages around it, the owner of KB Toys loses faith in its mall-based strategy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Best of Business Wars Daily | Toying Around | 6

November 16, 2023 08:01 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

We're talking about legendary toy stores and how they can compete today with comedian Gianmarco Soresi, who's in the new Netflix series "Verified Stand-Up" and editor-in-chief of The Toy Book, James Zahn. Plus which toys are made to become stars of the silver screen (did somebody say Barbie?) and which are destined to flop. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toys R US vs KB Toys | Category Killer | 1

November 15, 2023 08:01 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

It’s the 1950s and in Washington D.C., Charles Lazarus is running a small baby furniture store in the house he was born in. But when a customer comes seeking toys, Lazarus starts on the path towards creating a toy superstore empire called Toys “R” Us and building immense wealth. And he’s not the only businessman chasing toy riches. In Massachusetts, a wholesaler called Kaufman Brothers is building a rival toy chain in the nation’s shopping malls. See Privacy Policy at https://art...

CVS vs. Walgreens | Trouble Behind the Counter | 5

November 08, 2023 08:01 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

Between overworked pharmacists, healthcare consolidation, and rising drug costs, pharmacies are constantly having to adapt. Dan Weissmann, host of the An Arm and a Leg podcast, joins David to talk about how these conditions are affecting pharmacies — big and small — and consumers nationwide.   Later, Liz Tung, a reporter for WHYY’s The Pulse, shares her deep dive into the mysterious world of pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. Her recent reporting examines how these entities hurt c...

CVS vs. Walgreens | The Doctor is In | 4

November 01, 2023 07:01 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

It’s 2013 and CVS boss Larry Merlo is formulating a plan to wipe two-billion dollars off of the company’s sales by stripping cigarettes from the chain’s shelves. But while Merlo seeks to forge a tobacco-free future for CVS, over at Walgreens the pressure is mounting on CEO Greg Wasson. The deal to buy European pharmacy giant Alliance Boots is nearing completion. But the deal’s about to take an unexpected turn that’ll see Walgreens under new management. See Privacy Policy at https...

CVS vs. Walgreens | A New Prescription | 3

October 25, 2023 07:01 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MB

It’s 2009 and Walgreens is in crisis. It’s just lost its CEO and surrendered its top-dog status to CVS. But it’s about to fightback. It’s got a plan to launch itself onto the world stage and sock it to the pharmacy benefit managers that are eroding its profit margins. But when its comeback plan hits trouble, it’ll be CVS that benefits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CVS vs. Walgreens | Clinic Bait | 2

October 18, 2023 07:01 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

It’s the late 1990s and CVS and Walgreens are battling for control of the nation’s best street corners and there’s a huge prize at stake. Tens of millions of boomers are about to turn grey and thanks to new drugs and prescription insurance they will soon be spending billions at the nation’s pharmacy counters. But CVS isn’t just eyeing the prescription dollars. It's formulating a plan to shoot past Walgreens by turning its drugstores into healthcare destinations. See Privacy Polic...

Best of Business Wars Daily | Salty or Sweet? | 5

October 12, 2023 07:01 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MB

No tricks, just treats in this chat with New York Times retail reporter Jordyn Holman and comedian Max Fine. We're talking about candy, and just in time for spooky season! Then, we dig into America's obsession with snacks. Find out which new products are out there, who's selling them, and who's buying. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CVS vs. Walgreens | Powerful Medicine | 1

October 11, 2023 07:01 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

It’s 1895 and Chicago’s a boom town that’s overflowing with pharmacies. But one drugstore is about to emerge from the city’s mass of small-time drugstores and become a national force.  It’s name is Walgreens and by the late 20th century it will be spreading nationwide and looking unbeatable. But then a multi-billion-dollar shoe company bets everything on a little New England drugstore chain called CVS. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice ...

The Rise of AI | Living in an Artificial World | 4

October 04, 2023 07:01 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

Mike Calore and Lauren Goode from Wired are back! The pair co-host Wired’s Gadget Lab podcast, where they’ve been diving deep into what the future of AI looks like. Mike and Lauren join host David Brown to share their predictions, and give us their takes on whether the classic sci-fi films that feature AI are hitting a little too close to home these days. Listen to Gadget Lab.  Catch Mike and Lauren’s latest reporting at wired.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy ...

The Rise of AI | Battle Bots | 3

September 27, 2023 07:01 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MB

With the popularity of ChatBots exploding, Microsoft invests billions of dollars into AI-assisted internet search,trying to strike at Google’s core business. Google answers back with its own ChatBot “Bard”. And Facebook makes a surprising move to stay in the race. But more people start to have questions about whether the disruptions to society are worth the benefits. Politicians push for more regulation and leading researchers warn about the dangers of advanced AI. Some even call fo...

The Rise of AI | No Reservations | 2

September 20, 2023 07:01 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MB

Google is the undisputed leader in the race to dominate AI, in part because of its reputation as a company with strong corporate ethics.  But as questions about the morality and efficacy of AI become more pronounced, Google finds itself mired in internal conflicts and bad PR.  Google’s stagnation gives Microsoft an opportunity to team up with an ambitious start-up called OpenAI.  When OpenAI releases ChatGPT, the chatbot shakes up the AI landscape and puts Google on its heels.  Se...

Best of Business Wars Daily | AI Disruptors | 6

September 14, 2023 07:01 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MB

You've heard about how AI is poised (and already) revolutionizing just about everything. We're digging deeper into that and taking a look at the way AI has altered three industries — climate change management, fast food and advertising. We're joined by journalist Haje Kamps and comedian Kenny DeForest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Rise of AI | The Next Big Thing | 1

September 13, 2023 07:01 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MB

For decades, AI stagnated with only a few dedicated scientists working on it.  But in 2012, a researcher at the University of Toronto made a breakthrough  — and every major tech company wanted in on it.  They were convinced that AI was the next big thing, destined to change the world the way the personal computer, internet, and smart phone all had in previous decades.  The race to be the leader would soon become cutthroat. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...

Hilton vs Marriott | Pretty Cool Hotels | 5

September 06, 2023 07:01 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB

Grab your suitcase, because we’re taking a vacation! Today, we’re joined by Allison Pohle, travel reporter for the Wall Street Journal. She’s zooming in on the hotel industry — the post-pandemic bounceback, labor strikes, and Airbnb’s continued impact — and what this means for travelers.  Later, we’ll venture outside the corporate hotel world with Margaret and Corey Bienert, creators of A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour. Their photo project has documented some of the dreamiest hotels across...

Hilton vs Marriott | The Inn Crowd | 4

August 30, 2023 07:01 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

It’s 2001 and the hotel industry is reeling from 9/11. But terror attacks are only the one of the new challenges closing in on Marriott and Hilton. The uniform hotels of the 20th century no longer cut it with young travelers, Starwood is making inroads, and online travel agents are upending vacations. But Marriott’s got another problem to fret about. Because Hilton’s about to shake free of the Hilton family and go on the attack. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and...

Listen Now: Sports Explains the World

August 28, 2023 08:00 - 6 minutes - 5.94 MB

Sports Explains the World unveils some of the wildest and most surprising sports stories you’ve never heard - And they’re all true. From the teenager who wrote a Wikipedia page that got a young athlete signed to a million-dollar deal - to the Ugandan National basketball coach who was really an undercover agent for the CIA, these stories will amaze and move you at every turn. Reported by award-winning journalists across the globe, Sports Explains the World reveals the human side of a...

Hilton vs Marriott | Wake-Up Call | 3

August 23, 2023 07:01 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

It’s the early 1990s and Marriott’s a financial wreck heading for the rocks, and running out of time to find a way to remedy its debts. But as Marriott crumbles, the sleeping giant that is Hilton is waking up. And it wants its position as market leader back. But to retake the crown it needs to move fast. The hotel industry is consolidating and right now Hilton looks more prey than predator. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://...

Hilton vs Marriott | Bad Heir Day | 2

August 16, 2023 07:01 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB

It’s the late 1960s and succession is top of mind at both Hilton and Marriott. Conrad Hilton’s almost 80 and about to hand his business over to his sons, Nicky and Barron. But their rivalry will push Hilton into making a damaging decision. Meanwhile, Bill Marriott railroads his father, J.W., in order to load up on debt and catapult the Marriott Corporation into the hotel big-time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p...

Best of Business Wars Daily | Room Service | 6

August 10, 2023 07:01 - 37 minutes - 34 MB

We'll take a look at the hotel industry landscape this summer, including the "Taylor Swift effect," and the amped up fight against rental companies like AirBnB. Travel industry journalist Sean O'Neill and comedian Liz Barrett join us for this journey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hilton vs Marriott | Check-In | 1

August 09, 2023 07:01 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

It’s 1919 and Conrad Hilton is among the fortune seekers in the oil-boom town of Cisco, Texas. But when his plan to buy a bank unravels, he turns to hotels and finds himself heading down the rocky road to business success. But as Hilton breaks ground and flirts with bankruptcy, over on the east coast, J.W. Marriott’s starting a business that’s destined to break into the big time not by selling beds, but by serving root beer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...

Subway vs Quiznos | Putting Subs to the Test | 5

August 02, 2023 07:01 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MB

We’ve spent this season telling the story of how Quiznos and Subway battled to create a sub sandwich that would lure the most customers. Now, we’re putting them to the test – a taste test, that is. Josh Scherer and Nicole Enayati are Kitcheneers and hosts of Mythical Kitchen, an offshoot of the popular YouTube channel, Good Mythical Morning. They also co-host the podcast “A Hotdog is a Sandwich.” We’re going deep with them on what makes a winning sandwich and how the current compet...

Subway vs Quiznos | Footlong Fiascos | 4

July 26, 2023 07:01 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

It’s 2008 and as the Great Recession sinks in, Panera, Jersey Mike’s and Firehouse Subs amp up the competition. Quiznos tries to win back dwindling market share with an avalanche of coupons. But store managers refuse to honor them and sue the parent company for abusive practices. While civil war rages at Quiznos, Subway faces down a serious scandal. But Quiznos can’t take advantage of their competitor’s troubles; they’re in a fatal tailspin. Now both franchises experiment with store...

Subway vs Quiznos | One Ounce and You’re Out | 3

July 19, 2023 07:01 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MB

It’s 2003 in Miami, Florida and a Subway franchisee comes up with a catchy promotion: the 5 Dollar Footlong. But Subway Corporate is preoccupied with a costly new innovation: special ovens to toast their subs. Robbed of their “toasty” advantage, Quiznos counters with a hip ad featuring uncanny creatures called Spongmonkeys, and a campaign claiming their steak subs have more meat than Subway’s. But the aggressive media campaign has dramatic fallout for franchisees who are already str...

Subway vs Quiznos | Anywhere and Everywhere | 2

July 12, 2023 07:01 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

It’s 1987 in Denver, Colorado, and a 22-year-old stockbroker named Rick Schaden invests a market windfall into a Quiznos franchise. Four years later, he and his wealthy father buy all 18 stores. Their outlandish dream: take on Subway. Meanwhile, a college kid manages to lose 245 pounds eating 2 Subway sandwiches a day. With “Jared the Subway Guy” as their new spokesperson, and the introduction of freshly baked bread, Subway’s profits and store count soar. But by 2000, the Schadens’ ...

Best of Business Wars Daily | Slicing Up the Sandwich King | 6

July 06, 2023 07:01 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

Can old school fast food chains lure in hipper, younger diners with AI-powered features, EV charging stations and playgrounds? We'll consider what brands like Subway are doing to draw new customers and also whether the grain bowl trend has staying power. Restaurant industry journalist Sam Oches and comedian Kyle Kinane join us for this meaty discussion. Binge all episodes early and ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Ava...

Subway vs Quiznos | Subs Rising | 1

July 05, 2023 07:01 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MB

It’s 1965 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and 17-year-old Fred DeLuca needs money to pay for college. A family friend makes him a surprising offer and they become unlikely partners, opening a string of barely profitable restaurants called Pete’s Submarines. Their luck changes when DeLuca refines their cash flow management process and recruits their  first franchisee. They give the burgeoning restaurant empire  a new name: Subway. Meanwhile, in Denver, an experienced chef perfects artisa...

Target vs Walmart | 'Target' Demographics | 5

June 28, 2023 07:01 - 38 minutes - 35 MB

Is your house team Target or team Walmart? Depending on where you live, or what you’re trying to buy, the answer might be one, or both. Even though these stores sell a lot of the same merchandise, shoppers have very different perceptions — and allegiances. Here to explore the ‘target’ demographics of your favorite big box stores is Wall Street Journal reporter Sarah Nassauer, who has covered major retailers like Target and Walmart for nearly a decade. We’re strolling down the aisle...

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David Meltzer
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Jordan Harbinger
1 Episode
Kara Swisher
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