Business History

Explore the high-stakes world of Jesse Livermore, who mastered the art of trading and betting against the market. Hear about his uncanny knack for numbers and his rise to fame before the devastating 1929 crash. Discover how he thrived on volatility and manipulated stocks, and learn about his covert short positions leading up to the bubble burst. The episode delves into Livermore's massive $100 million trade, his subsequent isolation, and the tragic decline of his life, along with the lasting impacts on market regulations that followed.

Curt Flood, a star center fielder, took a bold stand against Major League Baseball after being traded without consent. Refusing to go to Philadelphia, he sued, claiming players should be able to choose their teams. His battle highlighted the unjust reserve clause and challenged baseball's unique antitrust exemption. The trial was a turning point, with impactful testimonies, including Jackie Robinson's support. Although Flood lost, his fight for player rights set the stage for free agency and changed sports economics forever.

Dive into the mysterious disappearance of filmmaker Louis Le Prince, who vanished in 1890 before showcasing his groundbreaking moving pictures. Was his rival Thomas Edison involved in foul play? The discussions reveal tales of simultaneous invention, legal battles, and the fascinating world of early cinema. Explore the murky waters of who truly deserves credit for the movies. The podcast also touches on Edison's business strategies, the rise of the motion picture industry, and theories surrounding Le Prince's fate.

Edison's revolutionizing electric grid isn't just about lightbulbs; it set the stage for modern energy. The intense War of the Currents saw Edison championing direct current while battling against the advantages of alternating current led by Tesla and Westinghouse. This rivalry escalated to shocking public demonstrations of AC's dangers, including animal electrocutions. Edison even influenced the electric chair's use in executions, culminating in a notorious botched execution. Discover how this fierce competition shaped the future of electricity and industrialization.

Explore the lesser-known side of Thomas Edison and his monumental role in inventing modern research and development. Discover his fascinating journey from a young boy with hearing challenges to a ground-breaking inventor. The discussion highlights pivotal moments, including the creation of the quadruplex telegraph and Menlo Park's invention factory. Edison's relentless innovation led to the phonograph, transforming sound recording forever. This riveting tale showcases how his entrepreneurial spirit reshaped entire industries and laid the groundwork for future inventors.

It's hard to make money running an airline - but Southwest was profitable every year for nearly five decades. How did it manage it? Business History hosts Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith explore how a carrier with just four airplanes shuttling across Texas revolutionized flying by offering free whisky, cheap late-night tickets and free-for-all seating allocation.  Southwest developed a winning formula that forced its competitors to change how they did business - but then the Southwest model fell apart. Find out why.   Key books: Hard Landing by Thomas Petzinger Jr; Nuts by Kevin and Jackie Frieberg Other sources: The Theory of Economic Regulation by George Stigler; Fortune Magazine: The Rapid Descent of Southwest Airlines; Southwest Airlines: When Herb Met Rollin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was the world's most lovable car originally made just to please Hitler? And what links Thomas Edison and the electric chair? From Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith of Planet Money fame comes Business History, a new show uncovering amazing stories from the history of business.  From sandals to suits, Business History brings to life the greatest innovations, the boldest entrepreneurs and the craziest mavericks in the annals of commerce and finance. We’ll explain why some company stocks soar, while other business ideas crash, and share the valuable lessons. Starting November 5, listen to Business History wherever you get podcasts and get it ad-free with a Pushkin+ subscription - sign up on Business History Apple Podcasts show page or at pushkin.fm/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.