
Business Movers
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2025 • 36min
Rehabilitating Porsche | The Need for Speed | 3
Ferry Porsche faces high stakes as he prepares the Porsche 356 for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. The company transforms from a design firm to an automotive powerhouse post-World War II. The Porsche 550's innovative mid-engine design sets new standards in racing. Tragedy strikes with James Dean's fatal crash, forcing the brand to navigate a PR crisis. Surprisingly, this leads to unexpected growth, steering Porsche toward becoming synonymous with high-performance sports cars.

Jun 2, 2025 • 6min
Wondery Presents: How to Survive Against the Odds
Dive into gut-wrenching tales of survival against nature's fury. Discover how to endure life at sea by sourcing food and water, and learn the vital strategies when facing bear encounters. Uncover essential tactics to maintain composure after an earthquake, including techniques to stave off hunger while trapped. Each gripping story not only highlights the grit required to survive but also shares insights from experts on physiological responses and practical survival tips. Be prepared to defy the odds!

7 snips
May 29, 2025 • 34min
Rehabilitating Porsche | Stalled | 2
In post-war Austria, Ferdinand Porsche navigates the stormy waters of his war crimes past while trying to revive his company. His son Ferry takes the reins, battling bureaucratic challenges and political tensions to breathe new life into the family legacy. The podcast reveals the intricate negotiations with Volkswagen and the craftsmanship dilemmas faced in the production of the iconic 356. Listeners witness a compelling tale of ambition, resilience, and the drive to innovate amid chaos.

9 snips
May 22, 2025 • 35min
Rehabilitating Porsche | Blueprints | 1
Discover how Ferdinand Porsche envisioned a mass-market car that would transform the auto industry, backed by Adolf Hitler. Hear about his intriguing trip to Michigan, where he learned mass production techniques, evolving into a manufacturing pioneer. The podcast reveals the dark turn of Porsche's career during World War II, from designing civilian vehicles to producing military ones under grim conditions. Explore the moral complexities surrounding his legacy amidst the chaos of war and his relocation to Austria, shedding light on a captivating automotive history.

May 15, 2025 • 43min
Former Virgin Mobile USA executive Stacy Schwartz discusses Richard Branson’s spectacular business journey | 5
Stacy Schwartz, a marketing consultant and former executive at Virgin Mobile USA, shares insights into Richard Branson's remarkable entrepreneurial journey. She discusses how Branson transformed Virgin from a music store into a multi-billion-dollar empire, emphasizing his adventurous spirit and unorthodox business strategies. Schwartz highlights the innovative culture of Virgin Mobile, the rise and fall of the brand, and how Branson's bold ventures into space travel reflect a commitment to customer-centric disruption and creativity.

12 snips
May 8, 2025 • 35min
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | Flight Path | 4
An unexpected event at a Puerto Rican airport sparks Richard Branson's ambition to launch Virgin Atlantic. He faces intense challenges, including an engine fire during the inaugural flight, but the airline ultimately prevails. As Branson battles British Airways' aggressive tactics, he prepares for a legal showdown while securing Virgin's future. The resolution of this legal conflict marks a turning point, cementing Virgin Atlantic's position in the aviation industry and Branson's ascent as a business legend.

10 snips
May 1, 2025 • 34min
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | Growing Pains | 3
Richard Branson faces the fallout of a tax evasion arrest, testing his resolve as Virgin Records strives for success. The growth of Virgin is marked by key influences like Simon Draper, balancing a friendly vibe with business needs. Conversations with DJ John Peel reveal the intersection of culture and Branson’s entrepreneurial spirit. As he embarks on launching a new label with the groundbreaking 'Tubular Bells', creativity and artistic freedom take center stage, highlighting Branson's innovative strategies amid a changing music landscape.

7 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 32min
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | E for Export | 2
A young Richard Branson faces the repercussions of risky choices as he navigates customs scrutiny over tax evasion. He transforms challenges into successes with innovative strategies in his mail-order record business. The quest for an ideal recording studio takes him to Shipton Manor, where financial pressures surge. Branson's controversial foray into publishing obscene literature unexpectedly boosts his reputation while also presenting legal challenges. His journey showcases the fine line between ambition and ethical dilemmas in the business world.

Apr 17, 2025 • 33min
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | Sowing the Seeds | 1
Dive into the remarkable beginnings of Richard Branson as a teenage entrepreneur. Discover how a brush with police over magazine content fueled his passion for unorthodox business ideas. Follow his journey from selling Christmas trees to breeding parakeets, showcasing the tenacity required to navigate early setbacks. Witness his leap into student advocacy with 'Student Magazine', laying the groundwork for the Virgin brand. Branson's spirit shines through as he transforms challenges into opportunities in his unprecedented quest for success.

Apr 10, 2025 • 37min
Making the News - Ted Turner and CNN | Author Lisa Napoli discusses CNN’s impact on American television and culture | 5
Journalist and author Lisa Napoli explores how CNN pioneered a new form of television news, and the role played by media mogul Ted Turner in the channel’s early history.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Movers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/business-movers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.