Vulture · Business

Land of the Giants

Big tech is transforming every aspect of our world. But how, and at what cost? This season of Land of the Giants – The Disney Dilemma – focuses on Disney’s ability to weather the ups and downs of the business cycle and changing tastes and explores what has kept it successful for over 100 years. The entertainment giant has leveraged nostalgia and its intellectual property to build a beloved brand, but after an acquisition spree that included Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Fox, can it sustain high quality and brand loyalty on a scale that keeps it growing? Who is Disney now, and can it compete against the tech giants in a battle for our attention and dollars? From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Episodes

Disney’s evolution from a niche motion picture studio into a $200 billion corporate behemoth has created a fundamental identity crisis. While the company’s foundation rests on "once upon a time" storytelling and the creation of "virtual reality" through theme parks, aggressive expansion under Bob Iger—including the acq...

Elon Saves Humanity

15 Nov 2023

46m

AI processed

This episode of Land of the Giants analyzes Elon Musk's acquisition and transformation of Twitter, now known as X, focusing on his approach to content moderation and its consequences. It explores Musk's ideology, influenced by concerns about a "woke mind virus," and his efforts to promote free speech by loosening conte...

Havoc On the Platform, and Off

08 Nov 2023

49m

AI processed

This episode of "Land of the Giants: The Twitter Fantasy" explores Twitter's evolving role in activism and political discourse, focusing on the Ferguson protests in 2014 and Donald Trump's use of the platform. The podcast details how Twitter became a vital tool for organizers and a megaphone for voices challenging main...

A Million Different Twitters

01 Nov 2023

49m

AI processed

This podcast episode examines the relationship between Twitter as a platform and its users. It explores how users have shaped the platform's development and discusses the challenges and consequences that Twitter has faced as a result. The episode also highlights the positive aspects of Twitter, such as the creation of ...

What We All Got Wrong About Twitter

25 Oct 2023

41m

AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the history and complexities of Twitter. It explores Twitter's role in the 2009 Iranian protests and argues that its importance was overstated. The episode also discusses Twitter's humble beginnings, its breakout moment at the South by Southwest festival, and its transition from a poten...

The Twitter Fantasy

17 Oct 2023

AI processed

This podcast episode explores the evolution of Twitter from its original purpose as a communication tool to its transformation into a platform plagued by issues such as harassment, misinformation, and election interference. It discusses the challenges faced by Twitter's management in dealing with these problems and hig...

The Global Race for EV Adoption

30 Aug 2023

31m

The Self-Driving Experiment

23 Aug 2023

35m

AI processed

This podcast episode explores the capabilities and limitations of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. It discusses the use of cameras, sensors, and AI in navigating various driving challenges, as well as the need for human supervision and intervention. The episode also highlights concerns about the lack of regula...

The Human Cost of Ultra Hardcore

16 Aug 2023

37m

Tesla vs. The Competition

09 Aug 2023

35m

AI processed

This podcast episode explores the increasing competition in the EV market and the challenges that Tesla faces as a result. It discusses concerns about charging EVs, both range anxiety and the availability of charging infrastructure. It also highlights Tesla's advantage in charging infrastructure, partnerships with GM a...

How Tesla Became the Elon Musk Co.

02 Aug 2023

36m

AI processed

This podcast episode explores the genesis of Tesla and the key players behind its inception. It delves into the motivations of Martin Eberhard and Mark Tarpenning, the original pioneers of the company, as well as Elon Musk's role in investing and shaping Tesla's vision. The episode also discusses the challenges faced b...

The Electric Car Goes Mainstream

26 Jul 2023

29m

AI processed

This podcast episode explores the early days of Tesla's Model 3, from its initial unveiling to the challenges of mass production. Despite skepticism from the auto industry, Tesla received a significant number of orders for the Model 3, proving the demand for an affordable electric car. Tesla faced space constraints and...