Business Wars: "Lawless Planet" Episode Summary

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: David Brown (Wondery's Business Wars)

Introduction to "Lawless Planet"

In the episode titled "Lawless Planet," Business Wars delves into a gripping narrative that intertwines personal tragedy with the broader implications of environmental crimes. The episode centers around the mysterious disappearance of LJ Price, a prominent figure in the coal mining industry, and unearths the dark underbelly of corporate greed and environmental disregard.

The Disappearance of LJ Price

The story begins with a distressing call from Amy Price at [01:09], reporting her missing husband:

Amy Price ([01:09]): "Yeah, I was just calling. I'm trying to figure out my husband. He's been missing for a while. I see him, I can't figure out where he is."

Amy describes her husband, Larry "LJ" Price Jr., providing a vivid portrait:

LJ Price ([01:53]): "Larry Price Jr., or LJ as he's known to friends, is 38 years old, 5'10", muscular build, with a tattoo of a panther on his bicep and another of Jesus with the cross on his chest."

J.J. outlines LJ's significant role in the coal mining industry, highlighting his influence and recent struggles:

LJ Price ([01:53]): "LJ has spent his life in coal mines and he's risen to become a bit of a power player in the industry, involved in mines from Virginia all the way to Montana. But lately, Amy could tell things at work were not going well."

Search Efforts and Unfolding Events

Amy recounts the last conversation with LJ, hinting at underlying tensions:

Amy Price ([01:44]): "He told me, if something happens to me, be thankful for the years we've had together. Also, liquidate all the stuff and stay in one location."

As the search intensifies, law enforcement mobilizes resources to locate LJ:

Narrator ([01:53]): "Police officers, helicopters, and canines fan out across the county looking for LJ Detectives. They contact the last person Amy believes saw him—his pastor."

The suspense heightens when LJ reappears nearly 24 hours after his disappearance:

Narrator ([02:30]): "LJ Price is alive, but his troubles are just beginning. His sudden disappearance and reappearance will set off a chain of events that will expose not only LJ Price but the dirty underbelly of one of the country's largest coal mines."

Environmental Crimes and Corporate Cover-ups

The episode transitions to broader environmental issues, illustrating how LJ's story is a microcosm of larger systemic problems. Amy voices urgent concerns about environmental degradation:

Amy Price ([04:10]): "Are we really safe? Is our water safe? You destroyed our time."

LJ provides a harrowing account of environmental disasters linked to corporate negligence:

LJ Price ([04:20]): "I could tell I was floating in oil, and I remember looking under the rig and seeing the water on fire."

These testimonies shed light on the catastrophic impact of unchecked industrial activities, positioning them as crimes against the planet.

Host’s Insights and Broader Implications

Zach Goldbaum, the host, ties LJ's personal ordeal to the global climate crisis, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues:

Zach Goldbaum ([05:10]): "The premise of Lawless Planet is that the crime of the century is the one being waged on our planet. The time to listen is now."

He underscores the interconnectedness of individual stories and overarching environmental challenges, highlighting:

LJ Price ([04:30]): "Over the years, I've reported on environmental activists chaining themselves to pipelines... These are the stories about our changing planet that we need to tell."

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode culminates with a powerful message about the necessity of awareness and action in combating environmental crimes. Goldbaum encourages listeners to engage with the content to understand the full scope of these battles:

Narrator ([05:10]): "You can listen to new episodes of Lawless Planet early and ad free right now by joining Wondery Plus."

Key Takeaways

• Personal Tragedy as a Catalyst: The disappearance and reappearance of LJ Price serves as a narrative device to explore deeper environmental and corporate malpractices.

• Environmental Crimes Exposed: The episode highlights real-world examples of how industrial activities lead to environmental disasters, framing them as criminal acts against the planet.

• Interconnected Stories: By weaving personal stories with global issues, Business Wars emphasizes the pervasive impact of environmental negligence.

• Call for Awareness: The host stresses the importance of listening and awareness to drive change and address the climate crisis effectively.

Notable Quotes

• Amy Price ([01:44]): "But he's been kind of depressed lately and I know there's a lot of things going on with him. I'm just real concerned."

• LJ Price ([04:15]): "I could tell I was floating in oil, and I remember looking under the rig and seeing the water on fire."

• Zach Goldbaum ([04:30]): "These are the stories about our changing planet that we need to tell."

Final Thoughts

"Lawless Planet" serves as a compelling episode that not only narrates the suspenseful tale of LJ Price but also brings to the forefront critical discussions about environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility. Through meticulous storytelling and poignant testimonies, Business Wars urges listeners to recognize and engage with the ongoing battles that shape our world.