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
4 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.
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.
9 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 8min
Business Wars Presents: The AOL-Time Warner Disaster
Explore the chaotic world of corporate mergers with the infamous AOL-Time Warner deal. Discover how Quantum Computer Services paved the way for the online revolution. Delve into the challenge of maintaining integrity while chasing profits in the burgeoning digital landscape. The balance between a family-friendly image and adult content emerges as a crucial theme. This riveting tale unveils the highs and lows of one of the most notorious business disasters, showcasing the unseen dynamics that shape the digital age.
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.
16 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.
Jul 14, 2025 • 9min
Listen Now: Flesh and Code
Dive into a captivating exploration of love in the digital age as Travis forms an unexpected bond with his AI companion, Lily Rose. The narrative challenges traditional notions of intimacy, blurring the lines between human emotion and technology. As their relationship deepens, it raises critical questions about emotional control and the implications of AI in our lives. Specific moments highlight the complexity of digital romance and the alarming realities behind their connection. Can true intimacy exist in a world where algorithms dictate feelings?
22 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 33min
Breaking Bell | Stuck in a Quagmire | 3
Corporate drama unfolds as AT&T navigates a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit against the Department of Justice. Tensions rise during a critical phone call that derails negotiations and sets the stage for the breakup of the Bell System. Key political players emerge, with Reagan administration figures grappling with the implications for national security. Amidst significant internal struggles, AT&T's survival hinges on pivotal legal decisions as they face mounting pressures and the threat of being dismantled.
16 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 34min
Breaking Bell | Wheelin' & Dealin' | 2
The podcast dives into the tumultuous world of AT&T as it grapples with failed deals and intensifying competition. Tension rises as legal battles with MCI threaten AT&T's monopoly, showcasing the fierce fight for market dominance. The narrative also reveals the intersection of faith and parental rights within the context of business politics. Key moments highlight a corporate lobbyist's heated exchange with a senator about a controversial bill, all culminating in the challenges faced by AT&T's new chairman during a pivotal leadership transition.
19 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 36min
Breaking Bell | The Decision to Decide | 1
AT&T faces looming threats as an antitrust lawsuit from the Department of Justice puts its dominance at risk. The podcast shares a tense moment when CEO John DeButts learns about the legal challenge. It explores AT&T's evolution since its founding, its corporate struggles amid increased competition from MCI, and the risky decision to cut access to its network. This battle between an established giant and an innovative competitor highlights the dramatic shifts in the telecommunications landscape during the 1970s.
Jun 19, 2025 • 37min
Rehabilitating Porsche | Journalist and author David de Jong explores the legacy of the Nazi era on Porsche | 5
David de Jong, a finance journalist and author of "Nazi Billionaires," dives into the unsettling legacy of Porsche's connections to the Nazi era. He reveals the complex dynamics between Ferry Porsche and his Jewish co-founder, Adolf Rosenberger, highlighting issues of restitution and corporate accountability. The discussion also covers Porsche's troubling history with forced labor during World War II and the ethical responsibilities consumers face today. De Jong challenges listeners to reflect on how historical ties influence modern brand reputations.
