The Journal.
The Journal is a daily podcast that explores the most important stories about money, business, and power. Hosted by Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza, it is a co-production of Spotify and The Wall Street Journal. Each episode delves into topics like corporate scandals, economic trends, and the people shaping the global economy.
Episodes
How Deadly Airbags Are Getting Inside Cars
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Airbags are meant to save lives, but imported, counterfeit parts have killed at least 10 U.S. drivers. and regulators have don't know how many more are in cars on the road today. WSJ’s Ryan Felton breaks down the market for these parts, the race to figure out where they’re coming from and how you can stay safe. Ryan Kn
Can't Get an IMAX Ticket? That's Kind of the Point.
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is one of the biggest movies of the year. It is also his first film entirely shot on IMAX 70mm film. But there are fewer than 40 70mm film IMAX theaters in the United States, making those tickets some of the most coveted this summer. Ryan Knutson talks with IMAX’s CEO, Richard Gelfond, about the company’s origins, his relationship with Nolan and why he isn’t scare
Do Sanctions Still Work?
The U.S. has leaned on sanctions for decades as a way to apply pressure on its adversaries. But countries like Iran and Russia have found increasingly sophisticated ways to get around those sanctions. WSJ’s Rory Jones explains why Washington’s ability to force other governments to change through economic pressure is diminishing. And Jessica Mendoza sits down with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D., CT
What's Going On With Lettuce?
Thousands of people across the country have fallen ill in a parasitic outbreak of cyclosporosis linked to contaminated lettuce, but a series of conflicting announcements about where this outbreak started has left consumers confused. WSJ's Jesse Newman and Sabrina Siddiqui look into Taylor Farms, the sprawling company at the center of the outbreak, and explain the communication breakdown. Jessica
How State Farm's New Contract Sparked an Uproar
This past year Progressive usurped State Farm as the nation’s biggest personal auto insurer, losing a throne State Farm had held since World War II. The shift sparked a dramatic overhaul at the company, including new agent contracts, sweeping benefit cuts and a big push into AI. WSJ's Jean Eaglesham reports on the fallout. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Insuring a Home in Califor
How an Influencer Built His Business, One Dog at a Time
Elias Weiss Friedman, better known on social media as The Dogist, has made a career out of shooting portraits of dogs. Ryan Knutson met up with Elias in a New York City park to talk about photography, social media pressures, and how The Dogist has evolved and expanded over the last decade.
Further listening:
- How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind)
- Financial Influencers on
The World Cup Story, Part 3: ‘FIFA, What Have You Become?'
The stage is set: Spain takes on Argentina in the World Cup final this coming Sunday. WSJ’s Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg discuss the highs, lows and controversies of this year’s tournament, and explain how political interference as well as FIFA’s drive to make as much money as possible have changed the World Cup forever. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- The World Cup Story Part 1
To Beat Musk, Bezos Befriended Trump
In his first term, President Trump called Jeff Bezos “Bozo.” But things have changed. The Amazon founder has gone from an avowed enemy of the president to an energetic ally. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli unpacks Bezos’ previously icy relationship with Trump and how he has turned things around. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Are Trump and Musk Done for Good?
- Amazon After Bezos
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Apple vs. OpenAI
Apple sued OpenAI and one of its top executives on Friday, alleging the AI company stole trade secrets as part of its effort to develop competing devices. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler unpacks the explosive filing and explores what it might mean for the tech landscape. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- Tim Cook Built the Apple Empire. What's Next for His Successor?
- Artificial: The OpenAI Story
How Microfinance Failed the World's Poor
Microfinance was once hailed as a miracle cure for global poverty, promising to empower the world's most vulnerable with small business loans. But in countries like Cambodia, the industry has devolved into a cycle of predatory debt that is leaving families struggling. WSJ’s Gabriele Steinhauser explains why this once-celebrated solution has failed so many. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening
A Master Conman in His Own Words
Over the phone, Paul Regan offered prospective clients something that sounded too good to be true: investments with guaranteed returns of 10-15%. It was all part of a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. WSJ’s Jason Zweig obtained hours of recorded phone calls, in which Regan seduced his victims, who were often older and needed help. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- An Influencer’s False
How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind)
Artificial intelligence models have taken over the corporate world, and workers are trying to figure out how to collaborate with their new robot co-workers. In this first episode of “Work Mode,” a new series from The Journal on the evolution of work, WSJ’s Callum Borchers shares the strategies that work best and the pitfalls to avoid. And we hear from Michael Rueckert, AI power user who transforme
Big Egg’s Price-Fixing Scandal
Record-breaking egg prices in recent years were blamed on an avian flu outbreak. But a recent Department of Justice complaint spells out another cause: a scheme among some of America’s top egg producers to bid up the cost of eggs. WSJ’s Patrick Thomas explains how they allegedly manipulated the “Wall Street of Eggs.” Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Eggs Are Still Expensive. Is This
A Buckling Skyscraper Shakes Confidence In Office Conversions
On Tuesday morning, something potentially very scary happened in New York City. Images of buckling steel beams at the former Pfizer headquarters led to a large evacuation in midtown Manhattan. WSJ’s Peter Grant reports on what happened and what this high-profile setback means for the nationwide trend of converting empty skyscrapers into apartments. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- Com
The Inside Story of Europe’s Breakup With the U.S.
President Trump’s tariffs, threats against Greenland, and other “America-first” demands have turned away the U.S.’s longtime allies. Now, Western leaders are considering how to decouple from American influence and move forward without the decades-long partnership. WSJ’s Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw explain how this "loveless marriage" is coming apart. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
Europe Is Hot as Hell. Why Doesn’t It Want Air Conditioning?
As Europe experiences record-breaking heat waves this summer, many residents are reconsidering the continent’s long resistance to air conditioning. Europe’s summer high temperatures often cause tens of thousands of people to die from heat-related causes. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton reports that the battle over air conditioning is shaping political debates. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
How Polymarket Made Fake Bets Go Viral
Hundreds of social media videos showed people hitting it big on Polymarket. But it turns out, none of it was real. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff and Katherine Long report on their investigation into a fake viral marketing campaign. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- Insiders Are Cashing In on Prediction Markets
- How Betting on U.S. Politics Is Getting Big
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The Booming Industry Keeping Taylor Swift's Wedding a Secret
Celebrities and ultrawealthy people are spending millions on advanced military-style tactics to keep their weddings private, including security, fake-out venues, airtight NDAs and secret tunnels. WSJ’s Chavie Lieber takes us inside the growing wedding security industrial complex as rumors circulate around the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at historic Madison Square Garden. Jessica Mendo
Microsoft’s CEO Has a Message: Don’t Let AI Eat the Economy
Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella recently wrote a blistering essay criticizing how the race for AI supremacy has played out, and specifically called out tech leaders’ dire prophecies about job losses. Nadella says the industry needs to figure out a path forward that is more beneficial to everyone, not just the biggest AI companies. WSJ's Bradley Olson, who spoke with Nadella in an exclusive interview
The Supreme Court and Trump: From Birthright to Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s attempt to curtail birthright citizenship, rebuffing the administration’s plans to upend the longstanding guarantee that virtually everyone born on American soil is a U.S. citizen. WSJ’s James Romoser unpacks the unexpectedly close decision, and the other wins conservatives have had at the court over the past year. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further L
Weight-Loss Drugs Are Gobbling Up Small Town Budgets
Many small towns across the country added GLP-1 weight-loss drugs to their employee health insurance plans. Now, some of those towns are being hit with huge unexpected premiums as use of the drugs continues to grow. Imani Moise speaks to a selectwoman from Belchertown, MA who helped navigate her town through a devastating bill and WSJ’s Owen Tucker-Smith takes us through the economics for towns ar
Inside a Debate at OpenAI Over Mass Shootings
This past summer, employees at OpenAI had a meeting. On the table were about 10 cases where users discussed violence. Months later, one of those users committed one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history. Sam Altman wrote an apology letter to the devastated town of Tumbler Ridge. WSJ’s Georgia Wells reports on why OpenAI resisted internal calls to alert law enforcement. Ryan Knutson h
McDonald’s and Coke's Marriage Might Need a Refresher
For 70 years, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola have teamed up as fast food juggernauts. WSJ’s Heather Haddon and Laura Cooper explore how changing consumer tastes and increasing competition are challenging their iconic brand partnership. Imani Moise hosts.
Further Listening:
- McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both?
- 'It Came out of Nowhere': The Rise of Dr Pepper
- KFC Got Fri
Why Alan Greenspan Is Key to Understanding Today’s Fed
Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan died this week at the age of 100. He was a towering figure in modern finance who oversaw unprecedented growth in the US economy. But Greenspan was also blamed for stripping away safeguards that might have prevented the Great Recession. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains that while Greenspan retired two decades ago, his ideas are providing a model for the new Fed chairm
Inside Trump and Netanyahu’s Complicated Relationship
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cultivated a close relationship with President Donald Trump. But in recent weeks Trump has grown frustrated with Netanyahu over the war with Iran. The relationship has major ramifications for a region on the cusp of a potential peace deal, whose future could be undone by further military attacks by Israel. WSJ’s Josh Dawsey takes us inside the complex
Why iPhones Will Probably Get Even More Expensive
Artificial intelligence is driving up the cost of the chips inside your iPhone. In an exclusive interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook warned that price increases are “unavoidable.” WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler breaks down how AI companies’ race for memory and storage has sent chip prices soaring, forcing Apple to choose between shrinking profits and charging customers more. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
The Big Business of Holding Back Eighth-Graders
Holding students back in school once came with a negative connotation. But with college athletes now able to earn endorsement deals, they are preparing younger and younger to be recruited and potentially get paid. WSJ's Harriet Ryan reports on the rise of special middle schools where students hold themselves back on purpose so they can grow, develop and mature before high school. Ryan Knutson host
The Economy Is Booming. Why Does It Feel Like a Bust?
Stock markets are hitting record highs, the job market is doing fine and productivity is up. Yet many Americans are feeling strapped despite the positive data. WSJ’s Harriet Torry explains the contradictory signals. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Energy Shock Is Here
- Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It?
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The Rise of the World’s First Trillionaire
The initial public offering for SpaceX crowned Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire. WSJ’s Theo Francis takes us inside the staggering finances of the world’s richest man, and explores what the impact of his new status might be. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Is SpaceX Worth the Hype?
- The Great IPO Frenzy of 2026
- Musk vs. Altman
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The Great IPO Frenzy of 2026
2026 is set to be a monster year for tech IPOs. SpaceX hit the market with a blockbuster $1.77 trillion valuation while Anthropic and OpenAI are set to go public later this year. WSJ’s investing columnist Spencer Jakab takes us inside the IPO bonanza and explores the risks potentially hiding behind all the hype. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Is SpaceX Worth the Hype?
- Musk v
The World Cup Story, Part 2: Too Big To Fail
As the World Cup begins, we bring you a two-part Sunday special charting how FIFA built the World Cup into a global phenomenon. In Part 2, WSJ sports journalists Jonathan Clegg and Joshua Robinson explore FIFA under its current president Gianni Infantino and how he has maximized revenue for FIFA by exploiting new markets for soccer in the Arab world and the U.S. at the expense of the sport’s longs
These Movies Finally Got Gen Z Into Theaters
Two scrappy horror films are taking Hollywood by surprise. “Backrooms” and “Obsession” have wildly exceeded expectations at the box office. Both spring from internet culture and have brought an unprecedented numbers of Gen Z-ers into theaters. WSJ's Ben Fritz explains what this new wave means for the movie business. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Why Hollywood Can't Find Good S
Is SpaceX Worth the Hype?
SpaceX is preparing the largest public offering ever on Friday. Elon Musk’s space-satellite-AI-social-media company plans to sell $75 billion worth of shares at a “take-it-or-leave-it” price of $135 a share. WSJ’s Corrie Driebusch takes us inside the SpaceX books and details what investors are thinking about the massive IPO. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- Musk vs. Altman
- Elon Musk
How Beef Got So Expensive
In the era of the $100 steak, WSJ reporter Patrick Thomas traveled from a steakhouse in Omaha to a manure-splattered cattle auction in the Nebraska sandhills. What he found was a story about drought, debt and a stunning reversal of fortune that has left America's ranchers holding more power than they've had in decades. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Beef Between Cattle Ranchers an
Bill Gates’s Carefully Crafted Image Is Cracking
For years, Bill Gates was best known for his charitable work. The Gates Foundation spends billions on humanitarian efforts around the world. At one point, Gates was ranked as the world’s most admired man. But as details surface about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, that carefully crafted image is eroding. WSJ’s Emily Glazer reveals the lengths that Gates’s team has taken in order to burnish
Why Sweden Embraced Capitalism
Sweden, once considered by many as the standard bearer of high-tax and high-spend government, has embraced capitalism. WSJ’s Tom Fairless reports on how the Nordic country privatized large swaths of its healthcare and school systems, promoted business and shrank the state. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It?
- China's Cheap Goods Are Euro
The World Cup Story, Part 1: Soccer and Scandal
As the World Cup begins this week, we bring you a two-part Sunday special charting how FIFA built the World Cup into a global phenomenon and how it became marred in scandal and corruption. In Part 1, WSJ soccer experts Jonathan Clegg and Joshua Robinson go back to the World Cup’s origins — how it grew from a small tournament in Uruguay into a massive empire. And how an investigation by the U.S. De
Americans Have More Credit Card Debt Than Ever
The collective credit card debt of Americans has reached an all-time high of $1.25 trillion. Soaring interest rates and stubborn inflation have also led more people to be late making their credit card payments or not paying at all. WSJ’s Dan Frosch reports on why that debt is growing and where people can turn for help. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
Swipe, Spend, Repeat: The Perks Ar
How AI Is Being Trained to Do Your Job
There’s a new gig economy that involves training AI to do white collar jobs. And one company, Mercor, is leading the charge. The training startup hired 30,000 contractors just last year to help AI companies get their models trained up on sophisticated roles. Ryan Knutson spoke to one former Mercor contractor about the job and WSJ’s Katie Bindley lays out the tactics that have landed the startup in
Can the U.S. Keep Chinese Cars Out?
China’s carmakers like BYD, Geely and Great Wall Motor have seen immense growth in recent years. But their cars are not for sale in the U.S. due to high tariffs and tight regulations. WSJ’s Ryan Felton reports on America’s rising interest in Chinese cars, particularly because they’re so affordable. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening: - Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over
- H
Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers
For the first time since the 1930s, more people are moving out of the U.S. than moving in. It's a trend driven largely by the Trump Administration’s deportation agenda, but WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson also report that U.S. citizens are moving away in numbers not previously seen. The high costs of healthcare and housing, coupled with the ability to work remotely, are contributing to an exo
Why Hollywood Can't Find Good Scripts
How to get discovered in Hollywood has been a decades-old struggle. For screenwriters, that game started to change when Franklin Leonard launched the Black List, an annual ranking of the “most liked” but not-yet-produced screenplays. Since 2005, more than 500 of those scripts have become feature films, including several Best Picture Oscar-winners. Ryan Knutson interviewed Leonard about how to fix
The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce
The class of 2026 is the most AI-native group of graduates to come out of college, with ChatGPT debuting their freshman year. WSJ’s Allison Pohle reports on how this cohort used AI in school and what future employers expect from them. And we hear from various college students and recent graduates about their hopes and fears when it comes to AI and their careers. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further List
The Shake-Up Coming for Car Dealerships
There’s finally another way to buy a new car, as companies like Carvana and Volkswagen’s new brand Scout are challenging the traditional dealership model. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains how a decades-old system is starting to show some wear. Jessica Mendoza hosts.Further Listening: - Why People Aren't Lining Up for This $120,000 Job
- The Repo Man Is Busier Than Ever
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Is Florida Just for Rich People Now?
Florida, once an affordable haven, is rapidly transforming into a state for the wealthy. As a result, living costs are rising and population growth is slowing overall. WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores reports on the affordability crisis and speaks with Republican Senator Rick Scott about what the state can do to create better-paying jobs and housing. Ryan Knutson hosts.Further Listening:
- The Florida C
Novo Nordisk's CEO Has a Comeback Plan
When Maziar Mike Doustdar took over as CEO of Novo Nordisk last year, the company had lost ground in the anti-obesity drug market. Doustdar spoke with Jessica Mendoza about his plans to turn the company around, the recent success of their Wegovy pill and what keeps him up at night.
Further Listening: - Ozempic Is a Hit. So Why Is the Drugmaker’s CEO Out?
- Trillion Dollar Shot
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How YouTube Took Over the American Classroom
American classrooms are awash with YouTube. One survey showed that 94% of teachers have used YouTube in their roles. A WSJ investigation reveals the business strategy behind Google’s push to bring the technology to schools and looks at how YouTube is affecting children. WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran lays out her reporting, and Jessica Mendoza talks with a math teacher who has been wrestling with YouT
Barney Frank’s Legacy of Financial Reform
Barney Frank, the former Democratic congressman, died this week at the age of 86. Frank was best known as the architect of the Dodd-Frank law that reshaped the U.S. financial system in the wake of the 2008 crisis. WSJ’s Damian Paletta talks about Frank’s legacy. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Man Who Waged War on Inflation
- Two Executives on What It's Like to Stop a Bank RunSign
Why Chinese Customers Are Running From Nike
Nike co-founder Phil Knight visited China nearly 50 years ago and dreamed of selling sneakers. He laid out an ambitious vision—“One billion people, two billion feet”— it was an ambitious strategy. By 2010, China was among Nike’s most lucrative markets, offering a blueprint for U.S. companies seeking to cash in on China’s rise. Today, Nike’s China business is bleeding. WSJ’s Jon Emont explores the
Trapped in the Strait of Hormuz
Approximately 20,000 seafarers have been stranded, many since late February, because they can’t get through the Strait of Hormuz. WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw spoke with sailors trapped in the strait and reports on their worsening conditions. And WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains why it is so hard to get the cargo ships moving again. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- How Iran's Regime Changed...
For Riz Ahmed, Life is a Spy Thriller
Sometimes, actor Riz Ahmed says, his life feels like a spy thriller. He made his new show, “Bait,” about that feeling, and sat down with Jessica Mendoza at our Journal Live show in Los Angeles to talk about it. The actor, known for blockbusters like “Star Wars: Rogue One” and his Oscar-nominated performance in “Sound of Metal,” also spoke about his career, what it takes to succeed in Hollywood and
Musk vs. Altman
The blockbuster lawsuit between OpenAI co-founders Elon Musk and Sam Altman has wrapped up. The three-week trial has exposed some of the inner workings and personal feuds behind Silicon Valley’s artificial intelligence boom. WSJ’s Angel Au-Yeung explains what happened during the trial and what the verdict could mean for the future of AI. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza.
Further Listening:
- The Unrav
Jerome Powell’s Last Stand at the Fed
A new chairman is taking over from Jerome Powell at the Federal Reserve. But Powell isn't leaving. He plans to stay on as a voting member on the Fed’s board of governors. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos reflects on Powell’s tenure and unpacks his controversial decision to remain at the central bank. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Who Is the New Fed Chair?
- Why is the Fed Chair Facing a Cri
Trump and Xi to Meet at High-Stakes Summit
President Trump has arrived in Beijing for a two-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. WSJ's Annie Linskey and Lingling Wei lay out what each side is hoping to get out of the talks, which will range from trade to Taiwan to the war in Iran. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- China's Cheap Goods Are Europe's Problem Now
- Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over
- The Miss
The Vape Cloud Hanging Over the FDA
Dr. Marty Makary has resigned as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Makary faced criticism over the FDA’s rejections of rare-disease drugs, the agency’s handling of abortion pills and high-profile departures of key FDA staff. But WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte reports that it was a battle over flavored vapes that sealed Makary’s fate. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Flu S
She Let AI Take Over Her Life For a Year
Personal tech journalist Joanna Stern let AI be her doctor, driver, colleague, housekeeper, therapist and lover as research for her new book "I Am Not a Robot." In this live taping of The Journal, Stern discusses how artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how we think and work. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over
Inside M
Can GameStop Really Buy eBay?
GameStop has made an unsolicited offer to buy eBay for about $56 billion. The proposed deal, which eBay says it is reviewing, is the brainchild of GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen. In an interview with WSJ’s Lauren Thomas, Cohen said that putting his videogame retailer and eBay under one roof could create opportunities to cut costs and improve earnings. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- To t
A Data Center Revolt in Missouri
Around the country, there’s been a construction boom in AI data centers, but opposition is surging too. In the small town of Festus, Missouri, a $6 billion project angered residents, leading to the removal of local council members and a campaign to recall the mayor. WSJ's Will Parker explains how intense local pushback is changing where data centers are built. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listen
'Eject! Eject! Eject!' Inside the Private Credit Panic
Private credit was the hottest craze on Wall Street. Throughout the boom, one firm became its poster child, Blue Owl. But a recent panic posed a troubling question. What happens if investors suddenly want out at the same time? WSJ's Matt Wirz reports on the turmoil and explains why private credit is something American workers need to pay attention to. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
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Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It?
After years of industrial decline, the Germany economy is stagnant. Government officials now hope an audacious plan, to pivot from consumer goods to weapons, will kickstart growth again. WSJ’s Bojan Pancevski explains how the same factories built to make German car parts are now gearing up to supply the defense industry. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Global Scramble for Patri
R.I.P. Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday after a possible government bailout plan fell apart. WSJ’s Alison Sider reports on the company’s challenging last few years and what the end of Spirit means for travelers. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Why Air Travel Costs Will Continue to Rise
- How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy
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The College Student Who Defeated the World’s Biggest Cyberweapon
Last year, a massive cyberweapon terrorized the internet. It launched thousands of DDoS attacks, threatening tens of millions of people around the world. The weapon came to be known as Kimwolf. WSJ’s Robert McMillan reports that cybersecurity experts were stumped. Kimwolf’s attacks seemed to be launched from millions of internet-connected devices like TV boxes, cameras and picture frames. Eventual
How IKEA Is Keeping Its Furniture Affordable
Tariffs, inflation and an energy crisis have driven up the cost of nearly every consumer good. Despite those economic headwinds, IKEA has tried to keep its furniture affordable. Juvencio Maeztu is the CEO of the Ingka Group, IKEA’s largest franchise, and he explains how the company is making the numbers work. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
Can Burger King Regain Its Crown?
T
Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over
In China, humanoid robots are on the rise. Robots with heads and torsos have been spotted staffing the front desk at hotels, working factory floors, and serving lattes. It's all thanks to an investment boom and subsidies from the Chinese government, which is betting on "embodied AI" as the next frontier in a global arms race. WSJ's Yoko Kubota explains how China's robots got so good, and what the
Inside Meta’s Big AI Pivot
Meta is kicking its AI transformation into high gear. The Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram parent is getting aggressive about AI talent, integrating AI technology into employees’ workflows and even developing an AI agent to help its CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Last week, the company announced a 10% cut in its global workforce. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky unpacks what the pivot means for the AI race and the c
Why Air Travel Costs Will Continue to Rise
The war in Iran has sparked a global jet fuel crunch, sending prices soaring. Now, airlines are passing costs onto travelers, with higher ticket prices and additional fees. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton and Alison Sider explain how jet fuel has been caught up in the crisis and why airlines aren't planning to lower prices anytime soon. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- How China Keeps Iran's
The Crypto President: Part 2
Four days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration, an Emirati royal known as the “spy sheikh” secretly purchased a stake in Trump's cryptocurrency venture World Liberty Financial for half a billion dollars.
In the second of two episodes about World Liberty Financial, WSJ’s Rebecca Ballhaus details what the Sheikh received from the Trump Administration following his deal with the Trump family’s
The Crypto President: Part 1
At the height of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign for re-election in 2024, Trump gathered with his sons and longtime friend Steve Witkoff to launch a new money machine: a crypto company called World Liberty Financial. Since its launch less than two years ago, the company has earned the Trump family at least $1.2 billion dollars. It turns out much of that has come from secret business dealings
Tim Cook Built the Apple Empire. What's Next for His Successor?
After 15 years as the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook announced this week that he will be stepping down. During his tenure, Cook quadrupled Apple’s revenue and transformed the company’s supply chain, building a complex global network that churns out hundreds of millions of devices each year. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler reports on Cook’s legacy, and the new guy that’s set to replace him. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Furthe
How China Keeps Iran's Oil Industry Afloat
Get your tickets to our L.A. live show here!In the first Trump administration, the U.S. launched a “maximum pressure” campaign to cut Iranian oil from the global market and eliminate Tehran’s biggest source of revenue. Today, Iran sells billions of dollars’ worth of oil every month via a shadow fleet of ships that have been passing through the Strait of Hormuz. WSJ’s Rory Jones takes us inside Ira
Cybersecurity Braces for AI ‘Bugmaggedon’
AI models like Anthropic's Mythos are finding software bugs at an unprecedented rate, kicking off a cybersecurity scramble to prevent what experts are calling “bugmageddon.” Thanks to these new models, hackers will be able to exploit those bugs more quickly than ever before. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains why major corporations and the White House are scrambling to patch their systems. Jessica Men
How Iran's Regime Changed...for the Worse
Get your tickets to our L.A. live show here!At the outset of the U.S.-Iran War, the U.S. and Israel assassinated key figures in the Iranian regime, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But the killings of high-ranking officials have failed to spark the popular uprising President Trump initially called for. WSJ’s Margherita Stancati explores the current regime and reports that Iran’s theocratic dictat
An Influencer's False Promise to Make His Followers Rich
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In 2019, influencer Tai Lopez made a pitch to his social media followers: by buying up distressed retail brands like Radio Shack and Pier 1 out of bankruptcy, they could all get rich. But as WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner reports, the Securities and Exchange Commission accused Lopez of running a “Ponzi-like scheme” through his company, Retail Ecommerce Ventures.
Why People Aren't Lining Up for This $120,000 Job
The automotive industry is facing a shortage of mechanics. Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley has said his company’s dealerships have 5,000 open jobs – positions he says can pay up to $120,000 a year. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains why more people aren’t taking him up on it. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager’s Six-Figure Salary
- The Repo Man Is Busi
The Energy Shock Is Here
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The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz means millions of barrels of oil are still trapped in the Persian Gulf. As countries around the world begin to feel the impact of that energy shock, new inflation numbers are signalling that the U.S. economy is being impacted too. WSJ’s David Uberti explains how the stock market and consumers are processing what cou
The IRS Shrank. Will That Lead to More Tax Cheating?
Get your tickets to our L.A. live show here!The Trump administration has shrunk the IRS. WSJ’s Richard Rubin reports on how the federal government has scaled back tax enforcement, leaving fewer federal employees to audit returns and collect unpaid tax debts. The cutbacks could lead to more Americans skirting the tax law. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- How Do You Refund $166 Billio
The Strait of Hormuz Showdown
President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. military would blockade the Strait of Hormuz sets up a risky showdown to control the strategic chokepoint. WSJ’s Vera Bergengruen explains what the blockade could look like, explores the global economic damage caused by the conflict and discusses what could come next in the war. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening: - In Iran, an Uneasy Calm Amid
Can Burger King Regain Its Crown?
When Tom Curtis took over as president of Burger King in 2021, the company was struggling. After joining, Curtis worked to update restaurants and streamline the menu. Jessica Mendoza talks with Curtis about the fast food chain’s recent struggles, the rising price of beef and his turn as a social media influencer.
Further Listening:
- KFC Got Fried in the Chicken Wars. Can It Come Back?
- The E
In Iran, an Uneasy Calm Amid a Cease-Fire
Get your tickets to our L.A. live show here!After nearly six weeks of war in Iran, a fragile cease-fire is holding for now. But for people on the ground, the uncertainty is far from over. Jessica Mendoza speaks with a Tehran resident living through the strangeness of war and WSJ’s Jared Malsin unpacks the sticking points for achieving long-term peace.
Further Listening:
- Will the U.S.-Iran Ce
Will the U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Hold?
The U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week cease-fire. President Trump said the truce was conditional on Iran opening up the Strait of Hormuz. WSJ’s Damian Paletta explains how the fragile cease-fire came together, why there are still many unanswered questions and what comes next. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Israel Wants "Decisive Victory" in Iran. Is It Succeeding?
- Iran Thinks
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