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Inside The Machine

Inside The Machine

By: National Media Archive
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 The politics, power plays, and secrets inside corporate empires.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Economics
Episodes
  • The Rise and Decline of KFC in America

    The Rise and Decline of KFC in America
    Aug 24 2025
    Once an iconic American fast food brand, KFC has seen a steady decline in U.S. popularity due to increased competition, menu quality issues, marketing missteps, health concerns, and a damaged reputation. Originally driven by Colonel Sanders, KFC grew rapidly before changing hands multiple times. Despite struggles at home, KFC has thrived internationally, especially in China, where most of its locations now operate.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • The Rise and Fall of Radio Shack

    The Rise and Fall of Radio Shack
    Aug 17 2025
    This episode explores Radio Shack’s near 100-year journey, from its 1921 founding to its dramatic decline. Once a major electronics retailer, Radio Shack struggled due to late adoption of online sales, poor product choices, and missteps in the cell phone market. Multiple bankruptcies, failed store strategies, and management turnover sealed its fate. Now, with only a few stores left, Radio Shack is largely a relic of the past.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • The Rise and Fall of the XFL: A Bold NFL Rival

    The Rise and Fall of the XFL: A Bold NFL Rival
    Aug 10 2025
    The XFL, launched in 2001 by NBC Sports' Dick Ebersol and WWF's Vince McMahon, aimed to offer a more extreme, entertaining alternative to the NFL. Despite innovative features like player nicknames, on-field cameras, and unique rules, the league suffered from poor football quality and excessive wrestling influence. Initial high ratings plummeted, leading to its quick demise. Lessons from its failure influenced football broadcasts, and a 2020 reboot was planned with key adjustments.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder

    Thank you to our newest Patreon subscribers since our last episode:

    • Morgan Absher
    • Elyse Willems
    • Zach Anner
    • Adam Pally
    • Thomas Small
    • Michelle MiJung
    • Maryam Banikarim
    • Kate Cagle
    • Jabari Young
    • Jon Gabrus
    • Kaelyn Moore
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.