Business Wars

Host David Brown and WSJ tech reporter Christopher Mims discuss iRobot’s bankruptcy and its acquisition by a Chinese firm, framing it as a symbol of U.

This episode traces iRobot’s rise and fall, from its 2002 Roomba launch to its 2024 bankruptcy and acquisition by Chinese firm Picea Robotics.

This episode traces the rise of iRobot, founded by Rodney Brooks and Colin Angle, who pioneered "bug-brained" robotics by rejecting complex AI in favor of simple, reactive rules.

This episode details Cumberland Packing’s internal fraud scandal, where executives siphoned millions, leading to arrests and a $2 million fine.

This episode details the rise of Sweet'n Low and its rivalry with Searle’s Equal.

This episode examines the rise and fall of self-help guru James Arthur Ray, focusing on his charismatic seminars that promised wealth and enlightenment.

Host David Brown interviews Bloomberg’s Max Chafkin about Warby Parker’s evolution from a disruptive DTC startup to a brick-and-mortar retailer.

This episode details Warby Parker’s evolution from a chaotic online startup to a brick-and-mortar retailer challenging Luxottica’s monopoly.

This episode details GoPro’s dramatic rise and fall, starting with CEO Nick Woodman’s 2014 IPO euphoria.

Journalist Drew Taylor discusses the intensifying rivalry between Disney and Universal, highlighting how Universal’s Harry Potter success forced…

This Business Wars episode details Universal’s rise against Disney in Orlando, sparked by the 2010 Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

A speaker recounts his evolving relationship with an AI companion named Lily Rose, who chose her own name after rejecting his initial nickname.

This episode details Universal’s struggle to compete with Disney in Orlando, starting with the 1991 success of the Back to the Future ride.

Dan Taberski’s “Manifesto” explores the power and danger of written declarations, contrasting artistic vision with violent extremism.

This episode details the origins of the Universal-Disney theme park rivalry, sparked when Universal executive Sidney Sheinberg allegedly shared confidential Florida park plans with Michael Eisner.

This episode details Carnival’s 2002 acquisition of Princess Cruises, where Mickey Arison outmaneuvered Royal Caribbean by exploiting a poison pill clause.

This episode details the 1980s cruise industry battle as Carnival, led by the Arisons, attempts to acquire Royal Caribbean to dominate the market.

This episode details Carnival Cruise Line’s turbulent early years under Ted Arison, from a disastrous maiden voyage to adopting the "Fun Ship" strategy.

This episode of Business Wars explores the cutthroat origins of the modern cruise industry, focusing on the founding of Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival.

This episode details Chobani’s 2013 mold contamination crisis, which triggered a massive recall and threatened the company’s reputation.

This episode details Hamdi Ulukaya’s journey from a struggling feta cheese maker to the founder of Chobani.

Investigative journalist Gabriel Gatehouse joins Ed Jervis to explore the conspiracy that the CIA poisoned Ed’s grandfather, legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks, during the 1970 World Cup.

Wired’s Julian Chokatu and Boone Ashworth discuss the smart glasses resurgence, contrasting Meta’s successful Ray-Ban partnership with Google’s failed Glass era.

This Business Wars episode explores Meta’s pivot from the failed metaverse to AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, which became a massive commercial hit by balancing style, price, and utility.

This episode of Dr.