Isaac Larian left Iran as a 17 year-old with $750 and went on to build a successful career in the US toy industry. Today, at 72, he’s the founder and chief executive of MGA Entertainment, one of the largest privately owned toy companies in the United States.

Over the years, he’s been involved in several high-profile toy launches: from Bratz in 2001 to the acquisition of Little Tikes in 2006, and more recently the L.O.L. Surprise range of toys.

He talks about his journey in life and in business and why he thinks the setbacks along the way are essential to success. 

Business Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.

Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.

Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, the economic impact of the war in the Middle East, and why bond markets are so powerful.

We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.

To get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]

Presenter: Rahul Tandon Producers: Victoriya Holland and Ahmed Adan

(Photo: Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, sitting in front of some dolls. Credit: MGA Entertainment)

Professional wrestling has grown into a global entertainment industry worth billions of dollars, driven by sponsorships, new broadcasting deals, and a growing online audience.

We step inside the ring, exploring how wrestling has become big business, from streaming and new sponsorships to the global fanbase willing to pay for multiple subscriptions.

We also hear from the new and emerging wrestling franchises, aiming to change the sport.

To get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]

Presenter: Megan Lawton Producer: Sam Gruet

Business Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.

Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.

Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, the economic impact of the war in the Middle East, and why bond markets are so powerful.

We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.

(Picture: Wrestler, Ben Webb aka Trent Seven.)

Kodak was written off as a casualty of the digital age. Now, it's betting on film again.

We hear from the chief executive, Jim Continenza, on rebuilding manufacturing, reviving analogue, and turning an industrial icon back around. And we learn why going backwards can be harder than going forwards.

We also hear how a conversation with Hollywood director Christopher Nolan got him truly interested in the medium of film.

If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]   Presented and produced by Leanna Byrne

Business Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.

Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.

Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, the economic impact of the war in the Middle East, and why bond markets are so powerful.

We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.

(Picture: A photographer using a Kodak instant camera in Jakarta, Indonesia. Credit: Getty Images)

Iran’s economy is under strain from war, long-standing sanctions and a nationwide internet shutdown.

We hear from people inside the country, and ask how much damage has been done, and how recovery could begin.

If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]

Presenter: Rahul Tandon Producer: David Cann

Business Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.

Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.

Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, the economic impact of the war in the Middle East, and why bond markets are so powerful.

We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.

(Picture: An Iranian man reads a copy of the Iranian daily newspaper Jame Jam with the headline 'Sea Bluff' outside a kiosk in Tehran, Iran, on the 13th of April 2026, as the conflict between Iran and the US over the Strait of Hormuz continues. Credit: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA/Shutterstock)