Cruciverbalists gather ‘round… this week’s podcast is something you’re not going to want to miss. On April 18th, 1924, the first crossword puzzle book was published by Simon and Schuster. It included a pencil and eraser, but no answers. Nearly 100 years later, approximately half of all Americans aged 18 and older do crosswords, 60% of them in newspapers. Listen to…
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This Week in Business History for April 12th: Kickin’ A Big Ol’ Dent in the Universe:- Steve Jobs & John Sculley
In this episode of “This Week in Business History”, your host Scott W. Luton dives into the early, but critical days of Apple. In particular, Scott covers some of the story between Steve Jobs and John Sculley. The good, the bad & some of the ugly. But both leaders were a big part of the journey that led the company to where it stands today: one of the most iconic…
This Week in Business History for April 5th: The Sweetest Comeback in the History Of Ever
What sweet treat started as banana flavored, moved to vanilla because of a World War II supply chain disruption, and contains an ingredient also found in rocket fuel? It’s the Twinkie! In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner tells the story of the Twinkie from the heart of the Depression, through two bankruptcies, and to a race to push the limits…
This Week in Business History for March 29th: What’s Up with Wabash & More Tech Business History
In this episode of “This Week in Business History”, host Scott W. Luton dives into several factoids and milestones in the Technology Industry; from electrical lighting to (failed) software to lesser-known start-up leadership. You might even walk away with a better understanding of 19th Century concerns related to the impact light bulbs might have on…
This Week in Business History for March 22nd: Lovin’ an Elevator
In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner shares the story of the first successful passenger elevator, installed on March 23, 1857 in the Haughwout Emporium in New York City. Designed and installed by Elisha Graves Otis, founder of the Otis Elevator Company, this half engineering marvel half sales gimmick revolutionized the potential height of…
This Week in Business History for March 14th: 4 Things You Didn’t Know About Liz Claiborne Inc
In this episode of “This Week in Business History”, host Scott W. Luton dives into a business legend: the incomparable Liz Claiborne. Scott takes us through key aspects of her journey, from Claiborne’s inauspicious beginnings to the founding of her company – – to some of the unique aspects of how Liz Claiborne Inc. operated, including its keys to success…
This Week in Business History for March 8th: The Buck Starts Here- The History of U.S. Paper Money
In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner traces the history of United States paper currency from its first printing in 1862 to the present day. Learn about origins, manufacturing, innovations, and the unique individuals who made their mark – in some cases literally – on the current monetary system…
This Week in Business History for March 1st: 4 Things You Didn’t Know About the OREO
Are you a big fan of the OREO cookie like we are? Well, then check out this episode of This Week in Business History where host Scott W. Luton offers up “4 Things You Didn’t Know About the OREO”. From the OREO origin story, to Sam “Mr. Oreo” Porcello to cookie industry revenue leaders (and a lot more), Scott shares some surprising aspects to the OREO story…
This Week in Business History for February 22nd: Drivers! Start… your… engines! The History of NASCAR
In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner turns back the clock and marks the incorporation of NASCAR, the governing body instrumental in turning stock car racing into one of the most popular spectator sports in history. She shares some history as well as the many rules and regulations that they are responsible for detailing and enforcing…
This Week in Business History for February 15th: The Business of Valentine’s Day
In this episode, host Scott W. Luton dives into “The Business of Valentine’s Day”, touching on candy hearts, chocolate, flowers and even the history of valentine cards in the U.S. All of these things & more are part of the $23.9B expected to be spent on Valentine’s Day 2022 in the United States alone. So grab you a Whitman’s Sampler, sit down and take a listen.
This Week in Business History for February 8th: Nobody Ran Like John Deere
In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner celebrates the birthday of John Deere, founder of the John Deere company. And despite everything you think you know about this well-established American brand, there are some great surprises to be unearthed along the way (no pun intended). In addition to being an innovator, he was a strong…
Business History Classic: 6 Things You Didn’t Know About Black History
In this classic episode of This Week in Business History, host Scott W. Luton offers up “6 Things You Didn’t Know About Black History”. He shares stories & accomplishments from legendary figures such as Carter G. Woodson, Thomas L. Jennings, Ursula Burns and Dr. Lonnie Johnson.