Business Wars

It’s 1940, and the world is at war. The Allies and Axis powers are scrambling to lock down supplies of the industrial diamonds needed to mass produce their tanks, planes and submarines. But when the White House demands De Beers hands over a year’s supply of industrial diamonds, it soon learns the cartel is as hard to break as the diamonds it sells.  Listen ad-free on Wondery+ here Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19...

It’s 1914 and De Beers’s monopoly is under threat. Diamonds have been discovered on the desolate coast of the German colony of South West Africa. So it hired an ambitious diamond expert named Ernest Oppenheimer and gave him his orders: head to the beach and assess the threat. But then World War One disrupts De Beers chance to do a deal with the German diamond miners. Now, Oppenheimer sees his chance to scramble to the very top of the diamond industry...

It’s 1869 and diamonds have been found in Cape Colony.  Now, diamond hunters from across the world are heading to this remote British outpost in southern Africa, seeking a glittering fortune. And among them are two wide-eyed hopefuls: streetwise Barney Barnato, who hails from the London slums, and Cecil Rhodes, a vicar’s son with a head full of imperialist daydreams. When the diamond rush turns to bust, Barnato and Rhodes embark on a quest to conquer the mines. But only one man can win...

Playboy and Penthouse once defined the adult genre. Now, they’re now fighting to stay relevant.  Hardcore porn, accommodating almost any taste, is available on video tape and cable television, a mere remote click away. Hefner and Guccione are facing the inescapable vagaries of getting older in a young man’s game. Sex industry rivals are coming and they’ll be followed by even bigger guns. But the aging warriors aren’t surrendering yet. Summary See Privacy Policy at https://art19...

Uber and Lyft have made their mark as very different brands. Lyft was born out of a need for more environmentally friendly rideshare options. And is also seen as the “friendlier” of the two companies. While Uber’s former CEO, Travis Kalanick built a reputation for ruthlessness, sexual harassment and “bro culture.” Still, both companies have seen protests from their drivers, who’ve demanded benefits and better pay for countless hours spent on the road...

It’s the early 1970s, and mainstream culture is embracing X-rated material. What was once considered sordid and offensive is now hip and cutting edge. The era of Porno Chic is in full bloom.  Hugh Hefner is riding high. His Playboy empire is vast. He has wealth, women, and the magazine is selling nearly seven million copies a month. He seems untouchable. But trouble is on the horizon: Guccione is determined to take Hefner down. Penthouse is gaining momentum...

The sexual revolution that Hugh Hefner helped set in motion is entering a new phase. Male Baby Boomers are all grown up. Now, they've got power. They’ve got money. And they want to spend it on pictures of beautiful, naked women.  It’s a wildly lucrative market, and Penthouse publisher Bob Guccione wants a piece of the action. A big piece. Playboy rules in the United States, but London-based Guccione is set to bring Penthouse stateside. He’s ready to challenge Hefner on his own turf...

Hugh Hefner and BHugh Hefner and Bob Guccione come to the industry from very different families. Hefner from a stern, Puritan upbringing that left him frustrated and yearning for affection. Guccione from a large, loving Italian-American clan. Hefner wants to be somebody, and he sees an opening in the field for a lifestyle magazine combining intelligent writing on pop culture and social issues with photos of sexy women. Playboy is revolutionary. It takes off, big time...

New CEO Dara Khosrowshahi is cleaning house after the departure of Travis Kalanick. But after a disappointing IPO, Khosrowshahi has to boost the company’s ailing financials and fight against lawmakers who are siding with aggrieved drivers. Then COVID-19 hits. Uber and Lyft are faced with a crisis that could alter ridesharing forever. Khosrowshahi leans into Uber Eats, while John Zimmer and Logan Green struggle to keep their dream alive...

February 2017, Super Bowl Sunday. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick is taking a black car home when he gets in an altercation with the driver. LIttle does he know, the entire exchange has been captured on a dashcam recording. And when it goes viral, Kalanick will have to fight for his reputation — and his job.  Lyft, meanwhile, spies an opening...