Business Wars

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.

Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.

17 episodes available.

Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Bumpy Skies Ahead | 3

Southwest is ditching free bags and open seating—can the Love Airline survive?

39:52

Aug 21, 2025

Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Excess Baggage | 2

How Southwest went from operational collapse to ending free checked bags and assigned seats.

42:14

Aug 20, 2025

Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Hard Landing | 1

How outdated systems and staffing failures brought Southwest's holiday travel to a halt.

40:29

Aug 13, 2025

The AOL Time Warner Disaster | TTYL, AOL | 4

A rushed mega-merger turned the internet's most beloved brand into a cautionary tale.

42:53

Aug 7, 2025

The AOL Time Warner Disaster | Cold Case | 3

How a celebrated merger became the biggest corporate disaster of its era.

43:56

Aug 6, 2025

The Great Sriracha Feud | If You Can't Stand the Heat | 3

Why America’s condiment craze turned spice into culture, commerce, and chemistry.

43:55

Sep 18, 2025

The Great Sriracha Feud | Showdown | 2

How a pepper dispute sparked lawsuits, new sauce brands, and a national shortage.

37:49

Sep 17, 2025

The Great Sriracha Feud | The Only Hot Sauce Billionaire | 1

How a single farm and a handshake deal nearly sank America’s favorite hot sauce.

38:03

Sep 10, 2025

McDonald's vs The Burger Revolution | The Price is Right | 2

How misfiring toys, activism, and price memes reshaped the modern burger fight.

38:39

Sep 3, 2025

McDonald's vs The Burger Revolution | Better Burgers | 1

How Five Guys and Shake Shack rewrote America's burger rules and challenged McDonald's.

40:13

Aug 27, 2025

The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Welcome to the Ride | 1

How a luxury bike became a streaming studio—and then nearly lost it all.

39:31

Oct 8, 2025

Dieselgate | Running on Fumes | 2

How a duct-taped emissions rig toppled one of the world’s largest automakers.

38:38

Oct 1, 2025

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