Business Movers
Wondery
Behind every successful business is a story. It starts with a vision and a leap of faith. Along the way, leaders make bold decisions, ride booms and busts, and sometimes, they reach new heights. From Wondery, the makers of the hit series Business Wars, and Lindsay Graham, the host of American History Tellers and American Scandal, comes a weekly podcast that brings you the true stories of the brilliant but all-too-human businesspeople who risked it all. From Walt Disney’s creation of a theme park in Orlando, to the colossal failure of New Coke, Business Movers will explore the triumphs, failures and ideas that transformed our lives.Need more Business Movers? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.app.link/inIc9lKeyLb now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 19, 2025 • 4min
Listen Now: Business Wars | The Race to Ozempic
Business is war. Sometimes the prize is your wallet or your attention. Sometimes, it’s just the fun of beating the other guy. The outcome of these battles shapes what we buy and how we live. Business Wars gives you the unauthorized, real story of what drives these companies and their leaders, innovators, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. In the newest season of Business Wars, dive into the high-stakes race to supply the world’s hottest weight-loss drug. Listen to Business Wars: The Race to Ozempic: https://wondery.fm/BW_IFDSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 4, 2025 • 5min
Listen Now: Against The Odds | Tsunami In Thailand
Humans are resilient. In our toughest moments, we will fight, we will struggle, and we will triumph...often against the odds. In this immersive series from Wondery, host-adventurers Mike Corey and Cassie De Pecol will share thrilling stories of survival. From the daring rescue of a soccer team trapped in an underwater cave in Thailand, to a woman taken hostage by Somali pirates, these stories made headlines around the world.Against The Odds will make you feel as though you’re living these experiences with our heroes as they push themselves to their limits. Listen to Against The Odds: Tsunami In Thailand: https://Wondery.fm/ATO_IFDSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 3min
An Update About Business Movers | 6
The speaker reflects on the incredible journey they've taken, highlighting the valuable business stories shared throughout the series. There’s a heartfelt appreciation for the listeners and the team that contributed to its success. As the curtain falls, there's an invitation to explore other fascinating podcasts that blend business with history, ensuring the spirit of storytelling continues.
Aug 28, 2025 • 40min
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Author Jeffrey Richardson explores Howard Hughes’s impact on Hollywood and the American film industry | 5
Jeffrey Richardson, author of 'Howard Hughes and the Creation of Modern Hollywood', delves into the enigmatic life of Howard Hughes, exploring his dual legacy as both a brilliant filmmaker and a tortured soul. He reveals how Hughes's obsession with perfection led to increased isolation and mental health struggles. The discussion highlights Hughes's audacious marketing strategies that transformed the portrayal of actresses and examines his impact on RKO's decline. Richardson also posits how Hughes would maneuver the modern film industry, grappling with fame and fortune.
23 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 34min
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | The Red Scare | 4
Howard Hughes' obsessive quest to root out communists nearly collapses RKO Pictures. A critical courtroom moment reveals the moral dilemmas Hollywood faced during the Red Scare. His extreme measures alienate talent and plunge the studio into financial chaos. Court battles expose Hughes' psychological struggles and the weight of fame. High-stakes negotiations illustrate the turmoil of ownership, showcasing Hughes' ambitious yet disastrous decisions. Ultimately, his legacy reshapes the entertainment industry amidst the emerging rise of television.
4 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 35min
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Selling Scandal | 3
Howard Hughes takes bold risks to transform RKO Pictures, facing skepticism from industry veterans. He implements aggressive cost-cutting and aims for high-budget films, all while navigating fierce resistance. The fallout from actor Robert Mitchum's drug arrest becomes a marketing opportunity, revitalizing both his and the studio's fortunes. Additionally, Hughes's tumultuous relationship with Ingrid Bergman during the challenging production of 'Stromboli' highlights the intertwining of scandal and creativity in Hollywood.
13 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 35min
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Censored | 2
Howard Hughes challenges Hollywood norms with provocative storytelling in his quest for artistic freedom. His infamous film 'Scarface' faces intense censorship battles, showcasing the tension between creativity and regulation. As he navigates industry pressures, Hughes strives for success while maintaining his vision. The podcast also highlights his transition from aviation to filmmaking, revealing how controversy fueled his commercial triumphs. Ultimately, Hughes' legacy reshapes modern cinema, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.
14 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 32min
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Calling the Shots | 1
Howard Hughes, the teenage millionaire, heads to Hollywood with big dreams but quickly faces the harsh realities of filmmaking. His journey includes funding ambitious projects and navigating the challenges of Tinseltown. The tumultuous production of 'Hell's Angels' showcases Hughes' struggles with creative control and the shift to sound in film. As he tries to redefine his legacy after setbacks, Hughes' resilience and daring spirit shine through, making for an inspiring and chaotic story of ambition and innovation in the film industry.
Jul 24, 2025 • 48min
Breaking Bell | Writer Jon Gertner discusses AT&T’s impact on technological innovation | 5
Jon Gertner, a journalist and author of 'The Idea Factory,' discusses AT&T’s monopoly and its monumental breakup. He highlights how Bell Laboratories pioneered key technologies like the transistor, fostering a unique culture of collaboration. The conversation dives into the socio-political influences on these innovations and critiques the shift from long-term research to immediate profits in the tech sector. Gertner stresses the importance of government investment in innovation to revive breakthroughs reminiscent of Bell Labs.
24 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 35min
Breaking Bell | The Deal | 4
AT&T is facing a major antitrust lawsuit that could force a corporate breakup. Executives propose a radical Inter-Intra Split to navigate legal challenges. As they juggle negotiations with the Department of Justice, they explore new opportunities in computing. The tension escalates as political shifts threaten their position, leading to intense courtroom battles. Ultimately, the decision to split marks a pivotal shift in the telecommunications landscape, intertwining corporate strategy with historical insights on educational engagement.
