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Wondery

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.

Business Wars

The “Better in Denim” ad campaign put Gap back on the map for Gen Z — but are viral ads enough to fuel a comeback? Jordyn Holman of the New York Times breaks down how Gap CEO Richard Dickson is taking the company back to its pop culture roots. Later, David dives deeper into Old Navy’s strategy with Aubrey Avery Jr., who helped Gap build the new brand from the ground up. He explains how Old Navy became the company’s shining star. 

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

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

Gap's Revival | Better in Navy? | 3

It’s late 2023, and Gap’s new CEO Richard Dickson is trying to revive the brand’s fading fortunes. Dickson is the man who rescued Barbie from cultural irrelevance and turned her into a blockbuster movie star. To do the same at Gap, Dickson finds out that he’ll have to change Gap’s culture — one that puts a cheerful spin on even the bleakest financials. Dickson also must win back the imagination of shoppers. For that, he’ll try to enlist a big-name fashion designer while pumping up Gap’s ads with some of the hottest pop tracks. But that will put Gap on a cultural collision course with another denim powerhouse. Now, the question is: Who’s got the better jeans?

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

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

Gap's Revival | Back in Blue | 2

The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we'll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator). Listen to American History Tellers: https://Wondery.fm/AHT_IFD

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

Listen Now: American History Tellers | The Mayflower

It’s 2016, and a fire is ripping through a Gap distribution center in Fishkill, New York. When the smoke clears, thousands of Gap T-shirts, khakis, and jeans are reduced to ash. But one analyst sees good news in the wreckage. Gap probably couldn’t have sold all those clothes anyway, and that’s because the company has lost the pop culture cool that once brought shoppers to it in droves. For the next four years, sales don’t improve at Gap and Banana Republic, and Old Navy starts slipping, too. So Gap does something dramatic: It partners with a rapper, a fashion icon, and a lightning rod for controversy — Kanye West. That bold bet won’t spark a comeback, though. It’ll burn Gap instead.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

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

Gap's Revival | Faded Khakis | 1

It's the 2010s, and the athleisure market has exploded. As Lululemon has grown into one of the world's biggest athletic wear companies, brands like Nike and Adidas want a piece of the pie—and new, smaller companies are adding to the competition. Soon, everyone will be selling the same type of yoga pants that Lululemon created. To survive, Lululemon will need to expand its business-model. That means distancing itself from its founder and venturing into a brand new world: tech.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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."

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

How Lululemon Won Athleisure | Mirror, Mirror | 2

In the late 90s, Canadian entrepreneur Chip Wilson identified a new market emerging in North America: young women taking on yoga as a hobby. Wilson recognized that athletic wear for yoga didn’t exist, and invented the yoga pants that have become ubiquitous today; he also created an empire. In the coming years, Lululemon will rapidly expand across Canada and the US. With no real competition and an expanding market, Lululemon should be unstoppable. But soon, the company’s founder will start to get in the way.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

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

How Lululemon Won Athleisure | Child's Pose | 1

Peloton’s pandemic hype and sales have died down and now, the company must determine what’s next. Lauren Thomas of the Wall Street Journal talks to us about what it’ll take for Peloton to continue as a standalone company. Later, we’re talking to fitness creator Cassey Ho, who founded the YouTube channel Blogilates. She shares how she built an online fitness community and later created the activewear brand POPFLEX — and what it was like to have Taylor Swift wear one of her designs. 

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

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

The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Pedal On | 3

As the Covid-19 pandemic rages, Peloton’s stock surges and the company scrambles to keep up with the new demand for its products. They pour millions of dollars into increasing production and cutting down on shipping time. But when tragedy strikes, Peloton’s newfound popularity takes a hit. And soon, it's an open question if the company can survive on its own.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

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

The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Maximum Effort | 2

In 2011, avid fitness fan John Foley comes up with an idea for an internet-connected exercise bike that allows users to experience the communal nature of a cycling class from the comfort of home. He thinks the idea will make gyms a relic of the past. The next year, he and four others found Peloton and the company develops a devoted, but niche following. And when the Covid-19 pandemic hits, Peloton’s popularity skyrockets. The revolution Foley predicted seems like it’s coming true. But can Foley capitalize on this moment, or will Peloton turn into yet another fitness fad?

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

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

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

By 2014, Volkswagen has taken the U.S. auto market by storm with its fleet of affordable, fuel-efficient diesel cars. But a new study threatens to reveal the dirty truth behind so-called ""clean"" diesel. When the EPA comes knocking with questions, the company's very survival is at stake.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

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

Dieselgate | Running on Fumes | 2

It's the early 1980s, and for the first time in 30 years, the U.S. guitar market has gone cold. Bands are switching to synthesizers and kids are ditching their garage bands for computers and video games.

A group of employees has bought the Fender brand but not its factory. Now they need to find a place to keep making guitars — fast. And Gibson has new owners, too — who bring plenty of rock 'n' roll attitude to the job, but little experience. Can these new stewards of guitar's most hallowed brands save their companies from the scrap heap? 

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

Gibson vs Fender - Back From the Brink | 5

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