Lou Pearlman rises from humble beginnings in Queens, New York to launch a successful blimp and charter plane company called Trans Continental. In the ‘90s, he cements his reputation as a risk-taking entrepreneur when he creates a pop music “boy band,” the Backstreet Boys. But Pearlman’s “fake it till you make it” approach is built on a foundation of deceptio ... Show More
Dec 2024
Lou Pearlman: The Con Man of Pop | Bye, Bye, Bye | 3
<p>Following his split with the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, Lou Pearlman finds it increasingly difficult to keep up appearances around his rapidly crumbling empire. Soon, investors begin demanding their money back, and an accountant turned whistleblower threatens to expose Pearlma ... Show More
38m 46s
May 2025
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | Growing Pains | 3
<p>As Richard Branson struggles to deal with the consequences of his arrest for tax evasion, Virgin expands its reach with the help of a breakout hit and a notorious punk rock band.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sig ... Show More
34m 28s
Apr 2025
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | E for Export | 2
<p>Virgin gets into the music business, but 20-year-old founder Richard Branson is caught in an illegal scheme that threatens the future of his fledgling business empire.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at ... Show More
32m 11s
Apr 2025
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | Sowing the Seeds | 1
<p>British teenager Richard Branson finds his true calling as an entrepreneur, but it doesn’t take him long to ruffle a few feathers.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at <a href="https://wondery.fm/wonderyn ... Show More
33m 12s
Aug 7
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Censored | 2
<p>Howard Hughes embraces sex and violence in his quest to conquer Hollywood. But his sensationalist approach clashes with industry regulators and censors, sparking a high-stakes battle over artistic freedom, public morality, and the future of American cinema.</p><p>Be the first ... Show More
34m 56s
Sep 8
Brian Reader and the Diamond Wheezers: The Geriatric Jewel Thieves | 177
<p>Brian Reader made his name as “The Guv’nor” in the 1960s and 70s by pulling off daring, Ocean’s Eleven-style heists that turned him into a tabloid sensation. By the 2010s, his glory days were long gone – but when the lure of one final big score proved irresistible, Reader and ... Show More
50m 30s
Feb 2025
From “The Wood” to “The Mandalorian”: Rick Famuyiwa Proves Good Stories Are Universal
<p>There are SO many different ideas out there about what it takes to make it in Hollywood. But our guest today, Rick Famuyiwa, is living proof that carving out your own lane is the move. You probably know him from his recent work, like the hit show “The Mandalorian,” or his 2015 ... Show More
50m 36s