May 17, 2019 ▸ History, Other

Episode 387: Coca-Cola: From Jolly Santa to Nazi Fanta

On this episode of the world famous Sofa King Podcast, we do some corporate snooping and explore the history, pitfalls, and popularity of the most iconic brand in the world: Coca-Cola. From cocaine to Nazis, this one has it all. Coke is one of the biggest corporations on the planet, and it all started with one man who suffered one saber wound in the Civil War. That man was Colonel John Pemberton. He was slashed across his vitals and expected to die, so his doctors loaded him up on morphine. Lots and lots of morphine. They knew it was addictive, but nobody gave him a prognosis of survival.

But survive he did, and he went home to Atlanta where he became a pharmacist just to feed his crazy morphine habit. After a number of years, he decided to kick the junk, and he developed some elixirs to help. The first was a wine/cocaine mix which did well until local prohibition made the wine illegal. Eventually, he settled on a syrup made from cocaine and kola, and the coke and caffeine and sugar did him good.

He sold the drink as Coca-Cola, and is was off to (slow start). Eventually, one of his alleged original investors Asa Candler wanted to buy the brand from him. Pemberton said no, died, his son said no, died, and Candler eventually took over.

Candler turned out to be a business genius. He had the iconic Coke logo developed, invented the American billboard, created coupons for the first time ever, and even did a massive make over on Santa Clause that really defines what the fat man looks and acts like, even to this day. Coke spread and eventually ditched the cocaine (we think? The recipe is so secret even congress can’t see it…).

So, what has Coke been up since it ditched the cocaine? Well, they helped launch the German Fanta as a drink for Nazis to enjoy, but the story is a bit crazier than you might think. It involves beets. So, what was the deal with New Coke, and why did it fail? What the hell was the Magican, and why did it leave Coke fans smelling like farts? Why did a Russian general insist on drinking clear Coke? How much cocaine was in a serving of Coke, and what corporate ills has the company done? Oh, and what about their immoral marketing toward children? Listen, laugh, and learn…

Some of the nasty things Coke has done :https://www.corp-research.org/coca-cola-company