Pushkin Industries Launches ‘Business History’ Podcast: Video-First Storytelling Redefines the Future of Podcasts
Pushkin Industries—a pioneer in narrative-driven audio storytelling—is stepping boldly into the visual realm. The company has officially launched its newest podcast series, “Business History,” taking a video-first approach from day one.
Long celebrated for its high-quality audio productions, Pushkin is now embracing the next evolution of digital storytelling: integrated video podcasts that enhance engagement, accessibility, and discovery across platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok.
With this move, Pushkin joins the growing ranks of production houses transforming their podcasts into immersive multimedia experiences—a strategic shift designed to capture the attention of younger, video-native audiences who increasingly consume podcasts with their eyes as much as their ears.
The shift wasn’t made on a hunch. Pushkin’s experiment with video formats has already yielded compelling results.
One of its most acclaimed series, “Broken Record,” co-created by Malcolm Gladwell, saw a 221% surge in its monthly YouTube audience after incorporating full-length video sessions and behind-the-scenes footage.
That success proved that fans not only wanted to listen — they wanted to watch the stories unfold. Now, Pushkin is channeling that momentum into its next ambitious project: “Business History.”
Introducing ‘Business History’: Where Economics Meets Human Drama
At its core, “Business History” is more than a podcast—it’s an exploration of how visionaries, inventors, and industrialists shaped the modern economy. Hosted by Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith, both renowned for their work on NPR’s Planet Money, the show promises to uncover high-stakes stories, forgotten rivalries, and enduring business lessons.
A Collaboration Between Industry Powerhouses
Produced by: Pushkin Industries & iHeartPodcasts
Hosts: Jacob Goldstein (author and journalist) & Robert Smith (Columbia University professor and longtime Planet Money contributor)
Format: Weekly episodes with full-length video and audio versions
Launch Platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pushkin.fm
Inside the First Season: A Journey Through Commerce and Controversy
Each episode of Business History dives deep into the people, decisions, and disruptions that built—or broke—some of the world’s most influential companies.
Here’s a glimpse into what listeners and viewers can expect:
🔹 Episode 1: The Rise and Plateau of Southwest Airlines
How a scrappy Texas airline rewrote the rules of aviation, became a symbol of low-cost efficiency, and faced challenges in adapting to the modern era of digital booking and fluctuating fuel costs.
🔹 Episode 2: Thomas Edison’s Murder Accusation
Exploring the darker side of innovation—how the man who lit up the world became embroiled in scandal and conspiracy at the height of his fame.
🔹 Episode 3: Hitler and the Volkswagen Beetle
An unsettling dive into how one of the world’s most beloved cars was born from propaganda and political manipulation, tracing its transformation from Nazi-era engineering to a global pop-culture icon.
🔹 Episode 4: Sears — From Boom to Bust
Once the backbone of American retail, Sears’ story mirrors the transformation of commerce itself, from catalog convenience to e-commerce dominance. What went wrong, and what lessons remain?
Each narrative weaves together archival materials, interviews, and cinematic storytelling to create a podcast that feels as engaging as a documentary film.
Hosts Who Bring Business to Life
Jacob Goldstein: The Voice of Financial Curiosity
Goldstein, a journalist with an uncanny ability to make economics understandable—and fun—spent over a decade hosting Planet Money. He’s also the author of Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing, praised for its wit and clarity.
Before his podcasting fame, Goldstein wrote for:
The Wall Street Journal
The Miami Herald
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle
His career has always revolved around translating complex economic concepts into relatable human stories — a skill perfectly suited for Business History.
Robert Smith: The Educator Storyteller
Smith, a Professor of Journalism at Columbia University and a veteran storyteller at NPR, brings academic rigor and emotional insight to the series. His work at Planet Money has explored everything from cryptocurrency and inflation to the psychology of investing.
Together, Goldstein and Smith form a dynamic duo—analytical yet entertaining, educational yet human.
“The Show We Wanted to Listen To But Didn’t Exist”
In Goldstein’s own words:
“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.”
Smith adds:
“Founders and investors always face the same dilemmas — dealing with technology, turning ideas into products, confronting failure. These are human stories with timeless lessons.”
Their enthusiasm speaks to a broader mission: to make business history both educational and entertaining, offering audiences an experience that’s part documentary, part masterclass, and part storytelling theater.
The Broader Industry Trend: Why Podcasts Are Going Visual
Pushkin’s decision reflects a broader media trend: the rise of video podcasting.
According to Spotify and YouTube analytics:
Over 57% of podcast listeners now prefer shows that include a video component.
Video podcasts drive higher audience retention and search visibility.
YouTube has surpassed Apple Podcasts as the top discovery platform for new shows.
By embracing video-first production, Pushkin is future-proofing its brand and creating new revenue streams through advertising, visual branding, and YouTube monetization.
The Future of Storytelling: Blending Sound and Sight
Pushkin’s leadership believes that the next frontier of audio storytelling lies in the hybridization of mediums. Rather than replacing audio, video enhances it—providing an additional layer of narrative depth and accessibility.
For instance:
Visual cues can help illustrate complex business concepts.
Body language enhances emotional connection.
Video shorts and clips on social media platforms drive viral reach.
The goal isn’t just to “add video,” but to expand storytelling beyond traditional boundaries.
Strategic Implications for Pushkin Industries
By launching Business History as a video-first podcast, Pushkin is:
Expanding its audience base to include visual-first consumers.
Enhancing discoverability through YouTube’s powerful search algorithms.
Creating cross-promotional opportunities for advertisers and sponsors.
Positioning itself competitively against giants like Wondery, Gimlet, and The Ringer.
This marks a pivotal evolution for a company long known for audio craftsmanship, signaling a new era of multimedia excellence.
The Weekly Release Schedule and Accessibility
Fans won’t have to wait long for new episodes. Business History drops every Wednesday, ensuring a steady flow of new content for binge listeners and casual viewers alike.
Each episode is:
Available in audio-only format on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pushkin.fm.
Streamable in full video on YouTube.
Clipped into short, digestible highlights for social sharing on Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
This multi-platform strategy ensures that Business History meets audiences wherever they are.
The Bigger Picture: How Business Shapes Culture
Beyond numbers and profits, Business History explores the emotional, ethical, and cultural dimensions of capitalism itself. The show delves into:
Moral dilemmas faced by founders.
Cultural impact of business innovations.
Economic patterns that mirror societal change.
Each story becomes a reflection of how business decisions ripple across generations — from boardrooms to living rooms.
Why ‘Business History’ Matters Now
In a world still recovering from pandemic-driven economic shifts, supply chain crises, and rapid technological disruption, understanding how past business leaders navigated uncertainty is more relevant than ever.
The series aims to provide:
Historical insights for entrepreneurs and executives.
Educational value for students and professionals.
Engaging storytelling for general listeners.
As the line between entertainment and education continues to blur, Business History offers both — wrapped in a compelling, cinematic package.
Where to Watch and Listen
“Business History” premieres exclusively on:
YouTube: [Official Pushkin Channel]
Spotify Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
Pushkin.fm
New episodes release every Wednesday.
Final Thoughts: Pushkin’s Bold Step Into the Future
Pushkin Industries’ pivot to video-first content is more than a marketing move — it’s a signal of where the podcast industry is headed. By merging visual storytelling with journalistic depth, the company is setting a new standard for what modern podcasts can be.
For fans of thoughtful, narrative-rich programming, Business History isn’t just a show — it’s an experience. And for the industry, it’s a case study in adaptation and innovation.
