Best Wizards Brew Podcasts (2025)

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How Nvidia Owned A.I. | Once in a Lifetime | 2 42:52

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4d ago42:52

42:52

Flush from its success in video game graphics, Nvidia sets its sights on turning its gaming chips into the tools that will power the next wave of computing advancement. With both investors and computer scientists skeptical, their plan looks like money down the drain. Right up until A.I. researchers discover the untapped power hidden inside Nvidia’s…

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Ep. 83 - Outer Worlds 2 & Double Gingerbread Cookies 2:15:03

4d ago2:15:03

2:15:03

This time on The Mana Logs, the show where we crack open a drink, boot up our memory banks on our chosen game, and see how they stack up on our scoreboard. Tonight on episode 83 we're heading to the Arcadia star system with The Outer Worlds 2 –a sequel promising bigger choices, sharper satire, and even more corporate nonsense in the cold vacuum of …

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How Nvidia Owned A.I. | Light Speed or Bust | 1 44:24

11d ago44:24

44:24

It’s the early 1990s and video games are about to go 3D. And in a Denny’s in Silicon Valley, three engineers are plotting to cash in on the transition with a startup called Nvidia. But when they misjudge the market, CEO Jensen Huang will have to pull off a multi-million dollar Hail Mary to save it from ruin. Be the first to know about Wondery’s new…

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Ep. 82 - Ghost of Tsushima & Rum Barrel-Aged Pecan Pie 1:38:30

10d ago1:38:30

1:38:30

This time on The Mana Logs, we have one of the most recommended games of our tenure here on the podcast with Ghost of Tsushima and what better way to warm up the insides on this windy cold November day than a glass of a rum barrel-aged pecan pie from Boulevard. Something we decided to change at the last minute for a good way to get ready for Thanks…

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The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | Game On | 3 39:51

17d ago39:51

39:51

Fifty years after its inception, Dungeons & Dragons has become more than just a fantasy game for nerds. It’s a cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and livestream channels like Critical Role. So how can D&D’s parent company Wizards of the Coast keep the momentum going and deliver more innovations? Ryan Dancey, former V…

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The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | A Kingdom Reborn | 2 38:39

18d ago38:39

38:39

After years of falling sales, Dungeons & Dragons’ publisher TSR is being dragged under by massive debts and in need of rescue. But as hopelessness takes hold, TSR boss Lorraine Williams resorts to desperate measures that will put the future of the famed game on the line. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations,…

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The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | Wizards and Witch Hunts | 1 43:58

25d ago43:58

43:58

When Gary Gygax and his gaming pal Dave Arneson create Dungeons & Dragons, he believes he’s onto something special and starts a business called TSR to publish it. But when TSR publishes the game, he must find a way to overcome player confusion to make it a best-seller. But just when everything seems ready to come together, a missing kid plunges TSR…

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Listen Now: American Scandal | The West Memphis Three 7:49

27d ago7:49

7:49

On May 5, 1993, three 8-year-old boys were brutally murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas. The tiny local police department launches an investigation but finds little physical evidence to lead them to a suspect. Eventually, outside pressure pushes them to charge someone with the killings, whether or not the evidence supports their conclusions. America…

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Ozempic Wars | The Next Injection | 2 36:48

1M ago36:48

36:48

Novo Nordisk can't keep up with demand for Ozempic and Wegovy, giving competitor Eli Lilly the edge in the GLP-1 market. And off-brand competitors continue to hammer the company's market position. Layoffs and board resignations signal that Novo Nordisk has entered a downward spiral. But with new leaders, acquisitions and deals, can they force a com…

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Ozempic Wars | The Hundred-Year Duel | 1 34:55

1M ago34:55

34:55

When pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk developed a new medication for type 2 diabetes, they noticed that a welcome side effect was a small amount of weight loss. They had no idea that their new diabetes medication was about to become a multibillion-dollar weight loss drug. But they had no sooner launched this game-changing drug, then competitors sw…

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Gap's Revival | Better in Navy? | 3 39:49

1M ago39:49

39:49

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 bra…

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Gap's Revival | Back in Blue | 2 38:17

2M ago38:17

38:17

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 financi…

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Gap's Revival | Faded Khakis | 1 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

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 …

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Ep. 80 - Dying Light: The Beast & Founder's Porter 1:22:59

2M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

This time on The Mana Logs, to bring in the Halloween season we have a special guest Z and one of his beloved franchises with Dying Light the Beast. Since he isn’t of age HE will be enjoying a Smorey Time from Bones Coffee Company and following his lead we will be enjoying Founders Porter with roasted coffee notes and graham cracker sweetness. Dyin…

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Ep. 81 - Halloween Special 5: Silent Hill f & A Sample Pack 2:21:00

2M ago2:21:00

2:21:00

This time on The Mana Logs, for the fifth year, we settle in for another scarefest alongside our better halves to experience Silent Hill F. To get over the horrors we have seen, we have 3 different beers from around the country. Silent Hill f - https://www.konami.com/games/silenthill/f Coexpressionalism - https://untappd.com/b/side-project-brewing-…

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How Lululemon Won Athleisure | Mirror, Mirror | 2 33:00

2M ago33:00

33:00

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…

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How Lululemon Won Athleisure | Child's Pose | 1 39:56

2M ago39:56

39:56

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 C…

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The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Pedal On | 3 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

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 onlin…

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The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Maximum Effort | 2 36:23

2M ago36:23

36:23

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 …

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Ep. 79 - Blue Prince & Berry Cobbler Wizard 1:12:01

2M ago1:12:01

1:12:01

This time on The Mana Logs we venture into a mysterious mansion in Blue Prince in hopes to win the inheritance left to us by our great uncle. Our beverage tonight is from Confluence brewing The Berry Cobbler Wizard, a sour ale long overdue. Blue Prince - https://www.blueprincegame.com/ Berry Cobbler Wizard - https://untappd.com/b/confluence-brewing…

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The Rise and Fall of Peloton | Welcome to the Ride | 1 39:31

3M ago39:31

39:31

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 follo…

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Dieselgate | Running on Fumes | 2 38:38

3M ago38:38

38:38

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, curate…

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Ep. 78 - Subnautica: Below Zero & Octohaze 1:49:17

3M ago1:49:17

1:49:17

This time on The Mana Logs, we venture into the cold depths of ocean planet 4546B as Robin. Searching for clues of our sister Sam’s mysterious death. Building, crafting, exploring, and avoiding scary things in the ocean along the way. So pull up a chair and listen in as we discuss Buhu’s megalohydrothallasaphobia and enjoy 4hands brewery once again…

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Dieselgate | Truth or Dare | 1 30:45

3M ago30:45

30:45

In 2007, Volkswagen's new CEO Martin Winterkorn sets his sights on besting GM and Toyota to become the top automaker in the world. But the company can't get there without cutting a few regulatory corners. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter List…

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The Great Sriracha Feud | If You Can't Stand the Heat | 3 43:55

3M ago43:55

43:55

Why has hot sauce gotten so - well, hot? Bon Appétit’s Joseph Hernandez sheds some light on the rise of condiment culture, and why the spicy stuff got so popular over the past ten years (even Mötley Crüe has a hot sauce line!). Later, we explore our biological reactions to spice and heat with Nik Sharma, author, chef and molecular biologist. He’s g…

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The Great Sriracha Feud | Showdown | 2 37:49

3M ago37:49

37:49

The rift between David Tran’s Huy Fong Foods and Underwood Ranches becomes insurmountable. The two companies sue each other and wait for the courts to decide who was in the right. But in the meantime, Huy Fong struggles to find peppers to make their Sriracha. Meanwhile, Underwood Ranches desperately tries to make up the income they’ve lost when Huy…

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Ep. 77 - Assassin's Creed Shadows & Tozai Sake 1:45:04

3M ago1:45:04

1:45:04

This time on The Mana Logs, for lucky number 77 we have Assassin's Creed Shadows. And a minor correction because we are pulling out all the stops with some authentic Tozai Sake. Assassin's Creed Shadows - https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/shadows Tozai Typhon - https://tozaisake.com/products/typhoon Tozai Blossom of Peace - https:/…

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The Great Sriracha Feud | The Only Hot Sauce Billionaire | 1 38:03

4M ago38:03

38:03

In the early 80s, David Tran developed a sauce he called Sriracha; its popularity quickly spread among chefs and customers throughout Southern California. But to grow his business, Tran needs to find a reliable source of red jalapeños. So he forms a partnership with a farm called Underwood Ranches. For nearly 30 years, the two companies have an end…

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McDonald's vs The Burger Revolution | The Price is Right | 2 38:39

4M ago38:39

38:39

The “better burger” business has been rapidly expanding across the United States and internationally, with chains like Five Guys and Shake Shack growing at break-neck speed. In response, McDonald’s has tried switching up its own menu to lure back health-conscious customers. But when the pandemic hits and people start tightening their wallets, the b…

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McDonald's vs The Burger Revolution | Better Burgers | 1 40:13

4M ago40:13

40:13

It's the mid-2000s, and new burger chains are popping up across the United States. Places like Five Guys and Shake Shack are touting their higher-quality ingredients. As these chains rapidly expand, they force behemoths like McDonald’s to reevaluate their own businesses and switch up their menus. And as “better burgers” make it big, they start comp…

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Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Bumpy Skies Ahead | 3 39:52

4M ago39:52

39:52

Southwest Airlines announced some big changes recently, and customers of the “Love Airline” are not feeling it. Joe Guinto, a business reporter who wrote this season, joins David to discuss the airline’s next steps, and what it’ll take to keep fans and employees loyal. Later, Bankrate’s Benét Wilson (also known as the “Aviation Queen”) https://www.…

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Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Excess Baggage | 2 42:14

4M ago42:14

42:14

It’s 2023 and Southwest Airlines’ stock is in a nosedive. With costs ascending, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan freezes hiring and slashes spending. Amid all that, a crisis at Boeing has left Southwest short on jets. With Southwest weakened, an unwelcome, activist investor rushes on board. Jordan jettisons staffers along with longstanding policies like op…

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Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Hard Landing | 1 40:29

5M ago40:29

40:29

It's 2021 and for the first time in nearly 50 years, Southwest Airlines posts an annual net loss. Amid the crisis, thousands of Southwest workers head for early retirement. The next year, Southwest is short on staff as Americans return to the skies. Pilots and flight attendants complain of being overworked. A winter storm cripples Southwest’s opera…

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The AOL Time Warner Disaster | TTYL, AOL | 4 42:53

5M ago42:53

42:53

Can you remember the last time you got mail from an AOL email address? Or fired off an IM? In the 1990s, AOL was the hottest name in cyberspace, but now it’s a digital ghost. Journalist and author Nina Munk is the author of Fools Rush In: Steve Case, Jerry Levin, and the Unmaking of AOL Time Warner — she explains how the merger meltdown led to AOL’…

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The AOL Time Warner Disaster | Cold Case | 3 43:56

5M ago43:56

43:56

The AOL Time Warner merger is done. Now Jerry Levin and Steve Case must deliver on the bold promises. But will disharmony in the ranks and slumping ad sales be the undoing of the merger — or was the entire deal doomed from the start? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wond…

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Ep. 76 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 & Voltron Volume 8 2:14:36

5M ago2:14:36

2:14:36

This time on The Mana Logs, we venture into a turn based RPG getting all the love from the gaming community; Clair Obscure: Expedition 33. Of course we have to keep our IPA podcast title and what better way than indulging in another huge success, 4hands and 3 sheeps brewing collaboration Voltron series 8. But wait! there's more! We also have a spec…

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The AOL Time Warner Disaster | The Deal of the Century | 2 42:08

5M ago42:08

42:08

When AOL and Time Warner find a way around their differences, the biggest merger in history is on. But when rivals attack and tech stocks meltdown, AOL finds it must meet Wall Street expectations or watch its mega-deal derail. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/…

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The AOL Time Warner Disaster | You've Got Mail | 1 46:58

5M ago46:58

46:58

It’s 1999 and America Online’s the hot stock of the dot.com boom. But when AOL’s CEO Steve Case gets nervous about the future, he settles on a bold plan: to buy media giant Time Warner in the biggest merger in U.S. history. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/won…

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Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Tweets Aren't Loading Right Now | 6 29:11

5M ago29:11

29:11

Elon changes Twitter's algorithm to make himself king of the hill, but can he protect himself from public opinion? 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 e…

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Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Assassination Coordinates | 5 37:47

5M ago37:47

37:47

Elon goes on a banning spree. And even his most ardent supporters find themselves asking, is the battle over Twitter worth it? 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. Expe…

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Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Extremely Hardcore | 4 34:18

5M ago34:18

34:18

After Elon decimates the workforce in one fell swoop, chaos reigns supreme. Will Elon's dreams for a free and open Twitter turn into everyone's worst nightmare? 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 wh…

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Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Chief Twit | 3 34:55

6M ago34:55

34:55

Elon Musk seals his purchase of Twitter with a tweet: ""The bird is freed."" But everyone inside of Twitter soon starts to worry, will the bird soon be dead? 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 where…

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Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | I Am Supposed to Believe This Man is a Genius? | 2 33:09

6M ago33:09

33:09

Elon Musk makes the Twitter board an offer they can’t refuse — a $44 billion offer, to be exact. But this won’t be an easy marriage. No sooner does Twitter accept than Elon starts raising doubts. Publicly, Elon can’t help taking shots at Twitter and its leaders, sending their stock into a spiral. And it’s the everyday employees of Twitter who are s…

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Flipping the Bird: Elon vs Twitter | Maximum Amazing | 1 29:09

6M ago29:09

29:09

Twitter is at a crossroads. Its founder, Jack Dorsey, has stepped down from his role as CEO. The social media heavyweight is also under fire for alleged bias, censorship, and the roving army of bot accounts wreaking havoc on the site. In this moment of crisis, the only would-be savior to step up is also one of Twitter’s harshest critics: Elon Musk.…

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Ep. 75 - Star Wars Jedi : Survivor & ChewBOCKa 1:47:22

6M ago1:47:22

1:47:22

This week, we return to a galaxy far, far away as Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Our brew of choice: ChewBOCKa, a doppelbock from Confluence Brewing—a pairing stronger than any stormtrooper shot. STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor - https://www.ea.com/games/starwars/jedi-survivor ChewBOCKa - https://untappd.com/b/confluence-brewing-company-chewbocka…

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Rebuilding LEGO | Brick to the Future | 2 40:08

6M ago40:08

40:08

It’s late 2003 and LEGO’s turnaround strategy has failed. It’s hurtling towards bankruptcy. Its only hope now is a three-man shadow leadership team. And they’re about to learn that the problems at LEGO go way deeper than anyone thought. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://w…

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Rebuilding LEGO | A Burning Platform | 1 41:39

6M ago41:39

41:39

It’s early 1997, and after decades of success, LEGO is rocked by a sudden collapse in its profit. To recover, the Danish toy manufacturer jacks up its innovation efforts. But can it deliver a company-saving idea in time? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonder…

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23andMe's Fatal Flaw | Guess Who’s Back | 3 37:55

6M ago37:55

37:55

Just when it looked like 23andMe was selling to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, founder Anne Wojcicki placed a bid through her new nonprofit in an attempt to win it back at the eleventh hour. Lila MacLellan, Senior Writer at Fortune, joins David to discuss Wojcicki’s leadership style, and what the new version of 23andMe might look like under her control…

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23andMe's Fatal Flaw | Defying Gravity? | 2 39:17

6M ago39:17

39:17

Plagued by low sales of its genetic tests, 23andMe adopts a bold new plan: slash prices and enter the pharmaceutical industry. But with investors nervous, can CEO Anne Wojcicki keep the show going long enough to make her DNA dream pay off? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https:…

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23andMe's Fatal Flaw | Great Expectorations | 1 36:42

7M ago36:42

36:42

When Silicon Valley power-player Anne Wojcicki sees gold in genetics, she forms 23andMe. She wants to bring genetic testing to the masses. But behind the hype and celebrity endorsements, can she build a company that’s selling more than just an expensive novelty product? Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, …