In this episode, we explore the lesser-known aspects of 19th-century wealth accumulation, specifically focusing on families who built their fortunes through the opium trade with China. Often overlooked in history books, these merchants were not merely traders; they played a significant role in an era where global commerce was intertwined with moral ambiguity. I have turned the lights on for you.

Take a dive into the messy world of business where ambition and ethics collide. In this episode, we take a trip back to the time of John Jacob Astor, who ruled the fur trade with China and set the stage for one of the most profitable and controversial trades in history: opium. We’ll look at how Astor’s tight grip on the market and integration strategies still echo in today's big companies like BlackRock and Vanguard, where data has replaced goods as the key commodity, but the game hasn’t changed one bit. I have turned the lights on for you.

Dive into the forgotten pages of history with our podcast, where adventure, commerce, and geopolitics intertwine in the 18th and 19th centuries. In this episode, we continue the journey with the remarkable life of John Ledyard, an American explorer whose exploits set the stage for global trade networks and wealthy merchants that would shape economies and cultures across continents. From the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest to the bustling markets of Canton, we prepare to unfold stories of ambition, innovation, and the complex dance of trade with China involving furs and opium. I have turned the lights on for you.