
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

11 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 36min
Oprah's Empire | Former OWN Executive Scott Garner on Oprah Winfrey And The Evolution of Television | 5
Scott Garner shares insights on Oprah Winfrey's evolution from daytime talk show host to media mogul. He discusses her impact on television in the 1980s, redefining the genre and amplifying Black culture. The challenges faced in launching OWN reveal her resilience and adaptability in a shifting media landscape. With strategic programming and a focus on audience engagement, Oprah transformed her brand into a powerhouse, leaving an enduring legacy. Expect a sneak peek into her upcoming Christmas special that celebrates meaningful traditions.

8 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 33min
Oprah's Empire | Living Her Best Life | 4
In this captivating discussion, Oprah Winfrey reflects on her journey from the iconic talk show to the challenges of launching the Oprah Winfrey Network. She shares her internal conflicts about embracing change and the innovative decisions that shaped her career. Oprah reveals her emotional highs and lows, including her generous giveaways and a poignant moment in her career transition. She also delves into her strategic entries into streaming and high-profile interviews, showcasing her lasting influence in the ever-evolving media landscape.

9 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 32min
Oprah's Empire | The Oprah Effect | 3
Oprah Winfrey, an iconic talk show host and media mogul, discusses the launch of her influential book club and her journey from reporter to television pioneer. She shares stories of her confrontational shows that shook the cattle industry regarding food safety, highlighting her unwavering commitment. Oprah also reflects on her strategic evolution, including the launch of 'O, The Oprah Magazine,' and her rise to become the first black female billionaire. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and profound impact on both media and society.

Nov 28, 2024 • 33min
Oprah's Empire | Taking Control | 2
As The Oprah Winfrey Show goes from strength to strength, Oprah Winfrey starts building her media empire by creating Harpo Productions. 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.

Nov 21, 2024 • 33min
Oprah's Empire | Betting on Oprah | 1
As a young professional, Oprah Winfrey bounced between radio stations and news outlets, trying to find her groove, until she landed a gig as the host of a morning talk show… a job she would be so good at that, within a year, the network would rebrand the program The Oprah Winfrey Show.Listen 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.

Nov 14, 2024 • 49min
The Missing Mogul | Oxford University’s Professor Christopher McKenna On Corporate Corruption Today | 5
Professor Christopher McKenna from the University of Oxford discusses modern corporate scandals and how much - and how little - has changed in the years since Robert Maxwell’s death.Listen 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.

Nov 7, 2024 • 36min
The Missing Mogul | Overboard | 4
Robert Maxwell desperately tries to prop up his business empire, but decades of deception and dubious dealings are finally uncovered after his mysterious death.Listen 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.

Oct 31, 2024 • 35min
The Missing Mogul | Man in the Mirror | 3
New owner of the Daily Mirror Robert Maxwell splashes the cash to expand his business empire, but when money becomes tight, he turns to unethical practices to make ends meet.Listen 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.

Oct 24, 2024 • 37min
The Missing Mogul | Three Strikes | 2
Robert Maxwell, a media mogul known for his aggressive tactics, shares his tumultuous journey in the competitive world of journalism. He recounts his fierce rivalry with Rupert Murdoch, ignited by deceitful negotiations in 1963. Maxwell discusses his uphill battle to dominate the British media, the chaos at Pergamon Press, and his attempt to reinvigorate Oxford United Football Club. The talk highlights his daring bid for the Mirror Group newspapers, showcasing his transformation from an ambitious refugee to a calculated mogul.

Oct 17, 2024 • 37min
The Missing Mogul | The Bouncing Czech | 1
A Czech refugee transforms into Robert Maxwell, embarking on a complex post-war journey in Britain. His ethical dilemmas in the publishing world spark fierce debates about morality in business. Witness his strategic rise through innovative publishing tactics, alongside the challenges of established competitors. As he navigates the political landscape, allegations of financial mismanagement overshadow his initial successes, revealing the true power dynamics between journalists and politicians. Maxwell's story is one of ambition, controversy, and the shifting tides of influence.