Uncle Sal in his green tracksuit and gold aviators, sitting in a leather armchair with his nephew

Wise Guy Bedtime

Uncle Sal tucks in his nephew with a true story about a self-made man: the failures, the comebacks, and the name you already know.

Tonight's story

Episode 3: P.T. Barnum

No. 3 · The Greatest Show on Earth · 1810–1891

Read his biography

The Family Business

Every story so far. Newest on top.

  1. Episode 3: P.T. Barnum New

    The Greatest Show on Earth · 1810–1891

    “15 years old. Couldn't afford shoes for his dad's funeral.”

    Read his biography
  2. Episode 2: Soichiro Honda

    Honda Motor Co. · 1906–1991

    “Bombs flatten his factory. An earthquake knocks down another.”

    Read his biography
  3. Episode 1: Milton Hershey

    Hershey's chocolate · 1857–1945

    “His first candy shop went bust. So did the next one.”

    Read his biography