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
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.
Aug 25, 2025 • 5min
Listen Now: Lawless Planet
Dive into the dark world where environmental crime and human tragedy collide. Discover the chilling story of a missing coal miner and the corruption lurking below the surface. Hear about the alarming consequences of pollution and negligence, revealing the urgent need for action. Striking a balance between gripping narratives and a call for awareness, the show showcases the heroes fighting to save our planet from destruction.
14 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.
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.
9 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.
33 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.
23 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.
