Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Pennsylvania Station, where the echoes of travelers' stories breathe life into the bustling space. Discover the historical rivalries among American cities, framed through a tense ticket line scene. Explore the complexities of urban competition and the shared human experiences that shape our journeys. Plus, find out how to unlock more exclusive insights on Patreon!

Dive into the fascinating history of air commerce, from the early days of balloon flight supported by George Washington to the rise of majestic airships and towering skyscrapers. Discover remarkable innovations like mechanical sprinklers and the iconic Woolworth building. Hear about the tragic rise and fall of airships like the USS Shenandoah, and how it shaped public perception alongside the infamous Hindenburg disaster. Journey through the evolution of aviation and communication technologies that revolutionized travel and delivery.

Explore the extravagant shopping habits of Mary Todd Lincoln and their cultural significance in 19th-century America. Discover the transformation of retail after the Civil War, from haggling to fixed prices, and the rise of iconic department stores. Dive into the nostalgia of shopping malls while discussing their decline in modern retail. The podcast also highlights the evolution of sound and visual technologies, plus the rich musical legacy of Tin Pan Alley and the Brill Building, showcasing the interplay between commerce, culture, and innovation.

A mysterious crash. A strange contraption. A fateful race, an outbreak of violent activity and a crafty watch-seller. A look at the railroad history of America and the changes the railroad brought. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Random, yet relevant stories about Jimmy Carter as a candidate, a governor and President Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Wall Street Insiders, Black Monday was not the worst day. The next day, Terrible Tuesday was an agonizing test of the financial system. As part of our series on the commercial history of the United States, we examine the events of Tuesday the 20th. And we look at the history of insurance in America, the reasons there is a stock market, what was learned and not learned from 1987 and a few other things. A Note - We are pleased to be part of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the innovative solutions to commerce challenges in early America, including a unique boat crafted for transporting goods. Dive into the rise and fall of whaling, revealing its socio-economic impacts. Explore how literature intertwined with commerce during significant historical events, like the Erie Canal's construction. Learn about the transformative journey of steamboat technology and the vibrant ice trade, while reflecting on the communal values of early settlers amid the critiques of industrialization.

What's the stock market crash of 1987 got to do with the price of eggs/ Plenty, in a historical context. We look at the infamous crash of 1987 and how the computers did not save us. Nor did insurance which has a lot do with eggs, and eggs have a lot do with feeding Americans and making Americans a little money, and they have a lot do with needing markets - and sophisticated markets - so we'll talk about that.Those who listened to this series in 2019 may notice that I am changing the order. With time, i've found placing the two stock market crashes together works. In the fourth episode of the revised order, we'll get to the next day of the crash - Terrible Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are replaying our series on American business history with an eye to its inseparable effect on politics. In this look at American commercial history we discuss the Black Thursday Stock market crash, the early career of Thomas Edison, how a popular game evolved from a anticorporate activist, and how Wall Street was once in Philadelphia, so to speak.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We will be running the Ark of Commerce series again between now and February. Also pardons, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices