Warby Parker vs Luxottica | Getting Vertical | 2

Warby Parker vs Luxottica | Getting Vertical | 2

Author: Audible August 19, 2026 Duration: 43:22
Warby Parker is three weeks old and its online glasses store is proving so popular the brand’s in danger of burning out. But if it’s going to pose a real challenge to Luxottica, it needs to learn how to sustain that momentum.Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Business Wars ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind every product you use and every brand you recognize, there's a hidden history of rivalry and strategic gambles. Business Wars, from Audible, pulls back the curtain on these epic corporate clashes that quietly define our daily lives. It’s not just about quarterly earnings; it’s a deep narrative exploration where ambition, innovation, and sometimes sheer ego collide. Hosted by David Brown, whose experience as a former Marketplace anchor brings a seasoned clarity to complex stories, each series within this podcast dissects a famous business feud. You’ll hear the tense boardroom decisions, the disruptive marketing campaigns, and the personal rivalries that pushed companies like Nike and Adidas or Netflix and HBO to the brink. The storytelling goes beyond the official press releases to uncover the unauthorized maneuvers and human dramas that led to monumental triumphs or stunning downfalls. By weaving together elements of history, management theory, and pure suspense, this series reveals how these battles for your wallet and attention ultimately shape the cultural and commercial landscape we all navigate. Tune in for a compelling chronicle of what it really takes to win, or lose, in the high-stakes arena of modern business.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Business Wars
Podcast Episodes
Gatorade Sweats the Competition | Be Like Mike | 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
It’s the early 1970s, and Gatorade isn’t just the leader in sports hydration — it is sports hydration. No other competing brand comes close. But that dominance won’t last forever. Soon, Gatorade must fend off challenges…
Gatorade Sweats the Competition | Searching for a Solution | 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:33
It’s 1965 and at the University of Florida, a team of kidney scientists is working hard on an electrolyte beverage solution to prevent dehydration. It’s a hit with the school’s football team, the Florida Gators, and so t…
The Buy Now Pay Later Takeover | Fake Money | 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:36
In the 2010s, FinTech companies emerged offering a Buy Now, Pay Later service that made financing available, at a time when trust in big banks was low. But as dependence on these apps grows, consumers are starting to rea…
The Buy Now Pay Later Takeover | Maxing Out | 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:58
Klarna’s popularity in the United States soars as the Covid-19 pandemic closes brick-and-mortar stores and online shopping surges. But Klarna also has a fresh wave of competitors. And as consumers find themselves sucked…
The Buy Now Pay Later Takeover | No Interest | 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:34
In the early 2000s, Sebastian Siemiatkowski identified a gap in Europe’s burgeoning ecommerce market — consumers were hesitant to buy products sight unseen. Siemiatkowski’s new company would front the bill and give consu…
CrowdStrike: All Systems Down | Digital Dominos | 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:19
When CrowdStrike's faulty software update shuts down airports, hospitals and TV networks around the globe, they face intense backlash from the public. The world is forced to reckon with a terrifying new reality. As our s…
CrowdStrike: All Systems Down | Guarding the Cloud | 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:38
In 2011, CrowdStrike launched with an innovative vision: using cloud-based software to provide cybersecurity. They attracted big clients, including Fortune 500 companies and critical government agencies. And along the wa…
Waymo and the Rise of the Robotaxis | Driving Too Fast | 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:57
When the demands of war ignite a race to build autonomous cars, Google invests billions in the hope of owning the driverless future of transportation. But can it really turn this technological challenge into a viable bus…
Waymo and the Rise of the Robotaxis | Test Drive | 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:56
Ever wondered what it’s like to ride in a Waymo? David and his daughter headed to downtown Austin to take their first trip in a driverless taxi. Together, they documented all the ups, downs, twists and turns. Later, auth…