logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
41m 34s

Spanx vs Skims | Not Your Grandmother’s ...

Wondery
About this episode

In 1998, a young office equipment sales rep named Sara Blakely can’t find anything to wear under a pair of tight fitting white pants. Everything she tries on makes her feel unattractive. In a moment of inspiration, she cuts off the feet of a pair of pantyhose, saving the outfit and the day. She realizes she’s not the only woman who might like a product like this, so she takes her modest life savings and invents a product that changes an entire industry. 

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 Wars 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 or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ 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
Aug 21
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Bumpy Skies Ahead | 3
Southwest Airlines announced some big changes recently, and customers of the “Love Airline” are not feeling it. Joe Guinto, a business reporter who wrote this season, joins David to discuss the airline’s next steps, and what it’ll take to keep fans and employees loyal. Later, Ban ... Show More
39m 52s
Aug 20
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Excess Baggage | 2
It’s 2023 and Southwest Airlines’ stock is in a nosedive. With costs ascending, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan freezes hiring and slashes spending. Amid all that, a crisis at Boeing has left Southwest short on jets. With Southwest weakened, an unwelcome, activist investor rushes on boa ... Show More
42m 14s
Aug 13
Can Southwest Airlines Survive? | Hard Landing | 1
It's 2021 and for the first time in nearly 50 years, Southwest Airlines posts an annual net loss. Amid the crisis, thousands of Southwest workers head for early retirement. The next year, Southwest is short on staff as Americans return to the skies. Pilots and flight attendants c ... Show More
40m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Oprah's Empire | The Oprah Effect | 3
Oprah launches her book club, fights off an entire industry of cattlemen - and becomes a billionaire in the process.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Mover ... Show More
32m 26s
Feb 2025
Pioneers and Rivals - Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam C.J. Walker | Tangled | 2
Sarah Walker sparks a business rivalry with her former boss, Annie Pope, when she sets up her own hair care company.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Mover ... Show More
33m 16s
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
Feb 2025
Pioneers and Rivals - Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam C.J. Walker | Rinse, Lather, Repeat | 3
Sarah Walker faces business and personal challenges as she grows her hair care business.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 wher ... Show More
33m 34s
Dec 2024
Oprah's Empire | Living Her Best Life | 4
Oprah Winfrey says goodbye to The Oprah Winfrey Show and moves on to focus on her new network: OWN. But launching her own channel proves more challenging than she expected.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at http ... Show More
33m 21s
Dec 2024
Snoop and Martha: Nothing Short of Perfect (Encore) | 259
Martha Stewart always knew she was going to build a better life for herself. Money and stability were the only things she craved, and she had the ambition to get them. But when a stockbroker job goes belly up, Martha’s forced to become the housewife she always disdained. But… may ... Show More
50m 1s
Dec 2024
Christina Nadin's Most Coveted Fashion and Beauty Secrets - Including The Perfect Loafer Sock
We all have those friends who's style and beauty secrets we're dying to know, and Christina Nadin is mine. Whether it's her perfect hair, gorgeous skin that you probably recognize from the Summer Friday's ad on your TSA bin at LAX, or chic and colorful style, Christina has built ... Show More
33m 1s
Feb 2025
Pioneers and Rivals - Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam C.J. Walker | Roots of Success | 1
Annie Turnbo’s homemade hair care products are a hit among the Black women of St. Louis, Missouri.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 A ... Show More
34m 1s
May 20
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Judge's Daughter | 1
In the early 20th century, a young woman named Georgia Tann begins her career in social work and becomes determined to change adoption in America—even if it means destroying lives and tearing families apart.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendat ... Show More
38m 58s
Sep 2024
Encore: Theranos | Startup | 1
Elizabeth Holmes has an idea that could revolutionize medicine—and make her very rich. But first, she'll need to find investors and put together a company.Need more American Scandal? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, binge new seasons first, and listen completely ad-free. S ... Show More
40m 49s