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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
  • Why Toys R Us Filed for Bankruptcy

    Why Toys R Us Filed for Bankruptcy
    Sep 14 2025
    Toys R Us, once the go-to toy retailer, filed for bankruptcy in 2017 mainly due to overwhelming debt from a 2005 leveraged buyout. While competition from online retailers like Amazon and big-box stores like Walmart and Target hurt sales, the massive debt made it impossible to adapt. Declining toy popularity also played a role. The bankruptcy aims to restructure, giving Toys R Us a chance to remain in business if it can manage its debt and improve its competitiveness.

    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
  • The Rise and Fall of Quiznos

    The Rise and Fall of Quiznos
    Sep 7 2025
    Quiznos, once a fast-growing sandwich chain known for its toasted subs, peaked at 5,000 locations in 2007 but fell to under 1,000 by 2019. The decline is attributed to poor franchisee relations, high supply costs, overexpansion, increased competition, and financial struggles, including bankruptcy. Despite brand recognition and past success, Quiznos faces an uncertain future as new ownership attempts a turnaround.

    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
  • Sbarro: The Rise and Struggles of a Mall Pizza Icon

    Sbarro: The Rise and Struggles of a Mall Pizza Icon
    Aug 31 2025
    Sbarro began as a family-run Italian deli in Brooklyn in the 1950s, evolving into a pizza chain known for its mall food court locations. After rapid expansion, Sbarro faced financial trouble due to heavy debt, declining mall traffic, and criticism of its pizza quality. The company filed for bankruptcy twice (2011, 2014) and has since struggled to regain its former success, challenged by competition and changing consumer tastes.

    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
    13 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.