logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
34m 1s

Saving Barnes and Noble | The Emperor of...

Wondery
About this episode

In the 1970s, Leonard Riggio buys the famous New York bookstore Barnes & Noble and turns it into a national chain. But as the decades pass and retail shifts around him, Leonard struggles to adapt to the digital age as a new rival emerges for Barnes & Noble’s crown.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.

Up next
Today
Breaking Bell | Stuck in a Quagmire | 3
AT&T bosses throw everything at the wall in the hope of getting a federal antitrust lawsuit dismissed. But as the case finally reaches court, the lawyers and politicians going up against AT&T prove to be unreliable negotiators.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, ... Show More
33m 23s
Jul 3
Breaking Bell | Wheelin' & Dealin' | 2
Deals to secure the future of AT&T fall apart as the fight for the future of America’s telephone system turns increasingly fractious, and the continuing crisis forces John deButts to make the most difficult decision of his career.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcas ... Show More
33m 48s
Jun 26
Breaking Bell | The Decision to Decide | 1
After almost a century of controlling the telecommunications industry in the United States, AT&T’s dominance is threatened by new competition. It’s a challenge that “Ma Bell” has weathered before, but this time is different—the political climate has changed, and the powerbrokers ... Show More
35m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 16
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Vision Quest | 1
When Texas hippie John Mackey opens an organic supermarket, he gets high on running a business. But when his ambitions sink its profits, sparks fly between him and his co-founders. They clash over the question of whether to chase a bigger dream or enjoy the money they’re already ... Show More
36m 38s
May 21
Netflix and the Fall of Television | The Game Changer | 1
In 2017, Netflix stuns Hollywood by paying television producer Shonda Rhimes an unprecedented amount of money to develop shows exclusively for the streamer. The move announces Netflix as a true rival to the legacy studios and kicks off the streaming wars. But when the business ta ... Show More
40 m
Jun 10
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Cold Hard Hand | 4
As the 1940s draws to a close, Georgia Tann is still making thousands from her black-market baby ring. But although she’s been untouchable for the last two decades, a shift in Memphis’s political climate signals trouble.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curate ... Show More
37m 13s
Dec 2024
Disney Under Siege | The ‘Bob’ of It All | 3
Bob Iger has held the keys to the Disney castle since 2005. The last time this larger-than-life CEO tried to leave, an entire proxy battle broke out under the nose of his successor. Now, with Iger’s contract up in 2026, the entertainment industry (and Wall Street) are wondering w ... Show More
37m 16s
Dec 2024
Disney Under Seige | Peltz Strikes Back | 2
When CEO Bob Iger fails to reassure Wall Street about his plans for Disney’s traditional TV operations, Nelson Peltz seizes the chance to launch a fresh attack on the Magic Kingdom. And this time, he won’t back down.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated re ... Show More
34m 10s
Apr 30
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Harsh Realities | 3
After a stock market shakeout stunts Whole Foods’ growth, co-founder John Mackey finds himself struggling to protect the grocery store chain from circling predators. And he knows if he loses this battle, everything he worked to build could be cast aside.Be the first to know about ... Show More
39m 35s
Apr 23
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks | 2
CEO John Mackey is on a mission to take Whole Foods national. But he is about to run into major opposition. And to succeed in his quest, he must face down rebellious employees, ambitious rivals, animal rights activists and his own father.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newes ... Show More
45m 1s
Apr 9
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Shrinkage | 2
After 10 years of rapid growth, the dollar stores hit big trouble. Rats, burglars, unhappy workers, online agitators and inflation erode their profits. And a new online dollar store makes inroads. Can they survive these existential threats?Be the first to know about Wondery’s new ... Show More
39m 30s
Feb 2025
TikTok vs the U.S.A. | Reeling | 2
TikTok scrambles to respond to President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring ByteDance sell the app to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. But the election of Joe Biden in November 2020 offers the company a brief reprieve. TikTok works to make a deal with the new administratio ... Show More
33m 55s
Jan 2025
The Unraveling of Boeing | Blow Out | 4
With losses from the 737 Max scandal spiraling into the billions, Boeing’s new CEO Dave Calhoun is looking to bring the crisis to a swift end. But he’s about to face major headwinds. Headwinds that threaten to destroy the entire company.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest ... Show More
35m 3s