Pushkin Industries and iHeartMedia have announced the launch of a new podcast titled “Business History,” hosted by Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith, both former hosts of NPR’s “Planet Money.” The show marks Pushkin Industries’ first podcast to feature full video episodes from its debut.
The decision to include video content comes after Pushkin saw significant growth in audience engagement on YouTube for its other shows. For example, the company reported that monthly YouTube viewership for its flagship show “Broken Record” increased by over 221% following an expansion in video offerings.
The first season of “Business History” will cover topics such as the development and challenges faced by Southwest Airlines, allegations against Thomas Edison, Adolf Hitler’s involvement with the Volkswagen Beetle, and the rise and decline of Sears.
Jacob Goldstein said, “The history of business is full of incredible, high-stakes stories. I can’t believe somebody hasn’t made this show already. We’re making a show that’s like Acquired, but with more history. Or like The Rest is History, but with more business. It’s the show we wanted to listen to but that didn’t exist.”
Robert Smith added, “I love Business History because the stories tell us so much about how our world works today. Founders and investors seem to always tackle the same dilemmas: dealing with technological change, turning ideas into products, and facing personal failure. These are rich human stories with surprising, useful lessons.”
“Business History” is co-produced by Pushkin Industries and iHeartPodcasts. New episodes will be released every Wednesday starting November 5, 2025 on the iHeartRadio app as well as other major podcast platforms. Full video episodes will also be available on the Business History YouTube channel.
Goldstein has previously worked as a staff writer at several newspapers including The Wall Street Journal and has contributed to outlets such as The New York Times Magazine and This American Life. He holds degrees from Stanford University and Columbia University.
Smith serves as a Professor of Journalism at Columbia University and continues his work with NPR’s Planet Money while directing the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economic and Business Journalism.
Pushkin Industries was founded in 2018 and produces podcasts that have reached top positions on Apple Podcasts charts.
