The Journal.
The most important stories about money, business and power. Hosted by Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson, with Jessica Mendoza. The Journal is a co-production of Spotify and The Wall Street Journal.Get show merch here: https://wsjshop.com/collections/clothing
Mon, April 14, 2025
A Quick Fix for Hair Loss Is Making Some Men Sick
Telehealth companies make hair loss drugs easy to get. They also don’t have to disclose side effects in ads. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler reports that some young men say they are suffering serious health consequences , and that they didn’t understand the risks. Kate Linebaugh hosts. Further Listening: - Testosterone Clinics Sell Virility. Side Effects Sometimes Included. - ‘Uncontrolled Substances’ from The Journal. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 11, 2025
Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?
After decades of fighting Coca-Cola to be the nation’s favorite soda, Pepsi dropped to third place, after Dr Pepper. Now PepsiCo needs to win back soda drinkers . WSJ’s Laura Cooper reports that after years of focusing on potato chips and energy drinks, the company’s new beverage head Ram Krishnan is trying to refocus PepsiCo on drinks, in part with an agreement to purchase prebiotic soda brand Poppi . Allison Pohle hosts. Further Listening: - ‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper - The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps - PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 11, 2025
Trump 2.0: Tariff Turnaround
Kate Linebaugh and Molly Ball go behind the scenes of the administration’s tariff pause. We dive deep with WSJ’s Josh Dawsey , exploring the tension in the days after the announcement and what really changed the president’s mind . Plus, your questions! Further Listening: - China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal - The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices - Wall Street Speaks Out Against Tariffs Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, April 10, 2025
China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal
In the early days of President Trump’s second term, China was ready to negotiate on trade. Then came Liberation Day. Now China is ready with a trade war arsenal taking aim at U.S. companies. WSJ’s Lingling Wei explains how China is gearing up for an extraordinary conflict with no immediate exits. Kate Linebaugh hosts. Further Listening: - Trump’s Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade - The Trade War With China Is On Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 09, 2025
The Head of the EPA on the Future of the Agency
President Trump has a new vision for the Environmental Protection Agency that significantly rolls back environmental regulations . Kate Linebaugh speaks to the man overseeing that vision— Administrator Lee Zeldin, about his plans and new approach to environmental governance. Further Listening: - The Fight Over Fluoride - Hot, Dry and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study - Why Microsoft Wants Three Mile Island's Nuclear Power Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 08, 2025
The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices
President Trump is ramping up his long-planned tariff war , promising to restore “Boomtown USA.” Before the start of the president’s first term, one small town made a bid to revive its manufacturing glory days. After a foreign company came to town, it made some headway. WSJ’s Chao Deng explores the story of Newberry, South Carolina . Further Listening: - Wall Street Speaks Out Against Tariffs - Trump 2.0: Trade Wars and Deportation Battles - Trump’s Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 07, 2025
Wall Street Speaks Out Against Tariffs
Last week, U.S. stocks lost $6.6 trillion in value during a two-day washout after President Trump announced large tariffs on countries around the world . As markets continue to swing, Wall Street leaders are speaking out , including billionaire investor Bill Ackman and JPMorgan Chase executive Jamie Dimon . Host Kate Linebaugh talks with Gregory Zuckerman about the market chaos and how investors are responding. Further Listening: - Trump’s Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade - Trump 2.0: Trade Wars and Deportation Battles Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 04, 2025
The Fight Over Fluoride
For decades, the majority of Americans have been drinking tap water with added fluoride to improve oral health. But WSJ’s Kris Maher says that backlash to fluoride is spreading . Nearly 20 communities have halted the practice since October and Utah has now banned adding fluoride to water across the state. This comes after a landmark ruling by a federal judge that the mineral poses an “unreasonable” risk, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spoken out against it. Ryan Knutson hosts. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Further Listening: - The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 04, 2025
Trump 2.0: Trade Wars and Deportation Battles
Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball unpack the administration’s onslaught of new tariffs and break down what election results in Florida and Wisconsin mean for each party. Plus, they speak with WSJ’s Michelle Hackman about Trump’s aggressive immigration efforts including student deportations . Further Listening: - Trump’s Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade - Trump 2.0: Group Chat Fallout - Three Federal Workers Hit by DOGE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, April 03, 2025
Trump’s Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade
Yesterday, in the Rose Garden, President Trump sent out a clear message: the era of globalization is over. Trump announced sweeping tariffs on trillions of dollars of imports. The new duties immediately shook Wall Street and sent stocks plummeting. WSJ’s White House economic policy reporter Brian Schwartz explains how President Trump has wanted this day to happen for decades. And we talk to an American business owner who is deeply worried about what these tariffs mean for his company’s survival. Kate Linebaugh hosts. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Further Listening: - The Trade War With China Is On - Trump’s Tariff Whiplash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 02, 2025
The Fraud Trial That Became JPMorgan's Headache
Charlie Javice sold her financial aid startup Frank to JPMorgan Chase for $175 million. But soon after the ink on the deal was dry, the bank discovered that their new acquisition was not at all what it seemed. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy explains how a trial about fraud committed against JPMorgan resulted in the bank feeling the heat . Kate Linebaugh hosts. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Further Listening: - A $175 Million ‘Huge Mistake’ - JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What’s Next for the Economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 01, 2025
He Revived Barbie. Now He’s Turning Around Gap
Gap Inc. was once the king of mall-brand fashion. In recent years though , its Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta chains have been outmaneuvered by discount stores like Target and fast-fashion brands like Zara and Shein . Ryan Knutson speaks with the new CEO Richard Dickson who is translating his previous experience resurrecting the Barbie brand into a new era for the iconic clothing seller. Further Listening: Rent the Runway’s CEO on How it Survived the Pandemic Shein: Fast Fashion, Slow IPO How Target Got Off Target Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 31, 2025
Why Utah Is Regulating Mom Influencers
Last year, a popular Utah influencer with six children went to prison for child abuse. Now the state has put a new law into place to protect the children in these videos. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson on the Ruby Franke scandal and her daughter’s efforts to keep it from happening again. Further Reading: - A Former Child Star Is Taking On the Dark Side of Utah’s Mommy Bloggers Further Listening: - The Rise of the Tween Shopper - Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 28, 2025
Inside the Hunt for Putin’s Sleeper Agents
A family of deep-cover Russian spies hiding in the heart of Europe. A Slovenian spycatcher with a daunting mission. After months of reporting, WSJ's Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson unspool the story of the global hunt for Vladimir Putin's sleeper agents, and how it culminated in the biggest game of hostage diplomacy since the Cold War. Further Reading: - The Global Hunt for Putin’s ‘Sleeper Agents’ - Inside the Secret Negotiations to Free Evan Gershkovich Further Listening: - The Historic U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap - Inside Russia’s Spy Unit Targeting Americans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 28, 2025
Trump 2.0: Group Chat Fallout
A journalist was added to a text thread with high-level Trump administration officials revealing plans for the timing and weapons to be used in a military strike against Houthi militants. Administration officials disputed that any classified information about the military operation had been shared. WSJ’s Nancy Youssef joins the chat with Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss the fallout of the group chat pinged ‘round the world. Further Reading: - An Annotated Analysis of Signal Group Chat With Top Trump Officials - Hegseth Comes Under Scrutiny for Texting Strike Details as Fallout Grows - Democrats Are Taking Their Anger Out on Chuck Schumer Further Listening: - Trump’s Attack on Big Law - Trump’s College Crackdown - Trump 2.0: A Showdown with the Judiciary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, March 27, 2025
Three Federal Workers Hit by DOGE
President Trump’s unprecedented effort to shrink the federal labor force is impeding work at government sites across the country. Three laid-off federal employees tell their story and WSJ’s Lindsay Ellis reports on the wider impact of the layoffs. Further Listening: - Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy - Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart Further Reading: - The Collateral Damage of Trump’s Firing Spree - The Federal Workers Who Are Not Quite Fired, Not Quite Working Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 26, 2025
Trump's Attack on Big Law
The White House is waging a pressure campaign against some of the country’s most prominent law firms. WSJ’s Erin Mulvaney on how the firm Paul, Weiss came to the decision to make a deal with President Trump. Further Reading: - Trump Signs Order Targeting Law Firm Jenner & Block - Law Firms Scramble to Avoid Being Trump’s Next Target - Why Law Firm Paul Weiss Pleaded Its Case With Trump, and Not With a Court Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 25, 2025
Arrivederci, Donatella Versace
After nearly three decades as creative director, Donatella Versace is stepping down from her role at her family’s fashion house. The announcement comes after years of clashes between the designer and the American businessman who acquired her family’s brand. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner unpacks the drama and discusses what it means for the fashion house. Further Reading: - Inside the Versace Clash Between Donatella and the ‘American Cowboy’ CEO - Donatella Versace to Step Down as Chief Creative Officer of Versace - The Plan to Revive Michael Kors and Versace Tanked Their Sales Instead Further Listening: - The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch - Old Navy Tried to Make Sizes for All. It Backfired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 24, 2025
Trump's College Crackdown
Columbia University gave in to President Trump’s demands after he revoked roughly $400 million in federal funding. WSJ’s Douglas Belkin explains how the university made its decision, and the impact that may have on campuses across the country. Further Reading: - Universities Sprint from ‘We Will Not Cower’ to Appeasing Trump - Columbia Yields to Trump in Battle Over Federal Funding Further Listening: - Pro-Palestinian Protests and Arrests at U.S. Colleges - The 2024 College Financial Aid Mess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 21, 2025
The New Hit Depression Treatment? A Ketamine-Derived Nasal Spray
After it was approved in 2019, Spravato, a depression treatment derived from the club drug ketamine, was looking like a dud. But recently it has taken off, and it surpassed $1 billion in annual sales last year for its maker, Johnson and Johnson. Further Listening: - A Lawyer Says He Doesn't Need Help for Psychosis. His Family Disagrees. - America's Maternal Mental Health Crisis Further Reading: - J&J’s Ketamine-Derived Drug Is Taking Off - Big Pharma Walked Away From Mental Health. Why Some Are Coming Back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 21, 2025
Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary
A battle has been brewing between President Trump and the judicial system as courts delay some of the administration's rapid fire executive orders. WSJ’s Jess Bravin joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss the recent clashes between Trump and the courts. Further Reading: - Chief Justice Roberts Criticizes Trump’s Call to Impeach Judges - Trump Escalates Push Against Legal Norms - A Presidency of Upheaval Emboldens Trump Further Listening: - A New Phase in Trump’s Immigration Fight - Trump 2.0: The Uncertainty Economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, March 20, 2025
Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners?
Greenland could satisfy the world’s hunger for minerals, if miners could just start digging. WSJ’s Sune Rasmussen explains why Greenland’s minerals remain mostly untapped, and what bringing these rare earths to the surface could mean to the global supply chain. Further Reading: - Greenland Has the Makings of a Mining Boom. So Where Is Everyone? - Greenlanders Reject Trump’s Overtures at the Ballot Box Further Listening: - Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals - Why an Arctic Treasure Is Spurring Hope and Dread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 19, 2025
A New Phase in Trump's Immigration Fight
Immigrants who took advantage of a Biden-era program to enter the U.S. are now being targeted by the Trump administration, including people who fled the Russia-Ukraine war. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains how the program came to be and how Trump cancelled it. Further Reading: - They Thought They Came to the U.S. Legally. Now They’re at Risk for Deportation. - What Green Card and Visa Holders Need to Know About Recent Deportations Further Listening: - Trump's Immigration Overhaul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 18, 2025
The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon
Walmart has been America’s largest retailer by revenue for over three decades. But that title might change hands this year, with Amazon hot on the supercenter’s heels. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer explains how Walmart has fought hard to keep its crown. Further Reading: - How Walmart Built the Biggest Threat Amazon Has Faced - Walmart’s Reign as America’s Biggest Retailer Is Under Threat Further Listening: - The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager’s Six-Figure Salary - What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 17, 2025
The Download That Led to a Massive Hack at Disney
Matthew Van Andel’s ordinary life unraveled when he accidentally downloaded a trojan horse that gave a hacker access to his entire computer. But the hacker didn’t just get Van Andel’s information. It also got his employer: Disney. Further Reading: - A Disney Worker Downloaded an AI Tool. It Led to a Hack That Ruined His Life. - How to Keep Hackers From Destroying Your Digital Life Further Listening: - Six Days of Chaos at MGM's Casinos - Hack Me If You Can Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 14, 2025
The High Pressure Tactics Gloria Allred Uses On Her Own Clients
Gloria Allred’s lifelong crusade against men accused of sexual misconduct has made her a high profile feminist lawyer. But little is known about what happens between Allred and her clients, mostly women, behind the scenes. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar reports. See the Journal live! Take our survey! Further Reading: - The High-Pressure Tactics Attorney Gloria Allred Uses—On Her Own Clients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 14, 2025
Trump 2.0: The Uncertainty Economy
The Federal Reserve has been focused on cooling inflation and achieving a so-called soft landing. President Trump’s trade policies have sent markets reeling and fears of a recession are on the rise. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss Trump’s economic vision. Plus, the Trump administration is moving to deport a permanent legal resident of the United States and the possibility of a government shutdown has Democrats in a pickle. Further Listening: - What’s Going On With the Economy - Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk - The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps Further Reading: - How Trump 2.0 Is Shifting Its Tone on Markets - A Presidency of Upheaval Emboldens Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, March 13, 2025
Trump Family Has Explored Deal with Binance
In 2023, crypto exchange Binance and its CEO and founder, Changpeng Zhao, pleaded guilty to violating U.S. money laundering laws. Now, an investigation finds that representatives of President Trump’s family have been in talks to take a financial stake in the U.S. arm of Binance. At the same time, Zhao has pushed the Trump administration to grant him a pardon. WSJ’S Rebecca Ballhaus brings exclusive reporting. Further Reading: - Trump Family Has Held Deal Talks With Binance Following Crypto Exchange’s Guilty Plea - How the Trumps Turned an Election Victory Into a Cash Bonanza Further Listening: - Love Trump? Now You Can Buy His Meme Coin - Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 12, 2025
What's Going On With the Economy?
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump said he wasn’t going to rule out a recession in the U.S.'s future. WSJ's Ashby Jones explains the cracks starting to appear in the economy and Brian Schwartz reports on how the White House is managing those cracks. See The Journal live! Take our survey ! Further Reading: - Trump’s Economic Messaging Is Spooking Some of His Own Advisers - Inflation Cooled to 2.8% in February, Lower Than Expected - CEOs Don’t Plan to Openly Question Trump. Ask Again If the Market Crashes 20%. Further Listening: - The Trade War With China Is On - Trump’s Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 11, 2025
Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s politics have eroded Tesla’s appeal among some core buyers of electric vehicles. Some customers have started getting rid of their Teslas, and the company’s sales are down worldwide. Meanwhile, Musk is looking at new ways to expand Tesla’s business. WSJ’s Becky Peterson explains how Tesla’s fortunes are falling as Musk rises in Trump world. See the Journal live! Take our survey! Further Reading: - Tesla’s Fortunes Fall as Musk Rises in Trump World - Tesla Caps Roller-Coaster Year With Mixed Fourth-Quarter Earnings Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance - Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart - Tesla's Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 10, 2025
The Collapse of Walgreens
Not much has gone right for Walgreens. Facing tough headwinds, the brand has been playing catch up to other U.S. pharmacy retailers for years. WSJ’s Joseph Walker on what went wrong for Walgreens and the private equity deal that could sell the company for parts. See The Journal live! Take our survey ! Further Reading: - Walgreens Goes From $100 Billion Health Giant to Private-Equity Salvage Project - The Walgreens Billionaire Watching His Empire Come Apart Further Listening: - How Target Got Off Target - What Went Wrong at Bed Bath & Beyond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 07, 2025
The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps
Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s Make America Healthy Again movement is leading an effort to stop people from spending food stamps on soda. WSJ’s Laura Cooper explains how one state is leading the charge and how beverage companies are pushing back. See The Journal live! Take our survey! Further Reading: - RFK Jr. And His Allies Target Trump’s Beloved Soda Further Listening: - PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda -Who Wants Non-Alcoholic Beer? Everyone, Apparently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 07, 2025
Trump 2.0: ‘Just Getting Started’
President Trump delivered a celebratory speech to Congress, declaring that he had swiftly notched several wins for the American people. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia joins Kate Linebaugh and Molly Ball to discuss the roadmap Trump laid out and what it means for the next few years. See The Journal live! Take our survey ! Further Listening: - The Trade War With China Is On - Trump's Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry - Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy Further Reading: - An Annotated Fact-Check and Analysis of Trump’s Speech to Congress - How Trump’s Polite Meeting With Zelensky Descended Into Acrimony Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, March 06, 2025
The Botched Software Update That Cost $600 Million
Sonos, the high-end speaker company, continues to reel from its disastrous app update last May. The company lost revenue and approximately $600 million in market capitalization. Then came the layoffs and a CEO exit. WSJ’s Ben Cohen explains. See The Journal live! Take our survey! Further Listening: - The Glitch That Crashed Millions of Computers - The Snowballing Problems at Vail Resorts Further Reading: - The $500 Million Debacle at Sonos That Just Won’t End - Sonos Finally Hits the Hard Reset Button Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 05, 2025
The Trade War With China Is On
In the last month, the Trump Administration has levied 20% tariffs on imports from China. We speak to the CEO of an American home goods company about the impact of the trade war. WSJ’s Hannah Miao explains how it’s already affecting manufacturers and the economy in China. See The Journal live! Take our survey! Further Reading: - The Tariff Pain Is Getting Real for Chinese Companies - Chinese Manufacturers Speed Up Efforts to Dodge Trump Tariffs Further Listening: - Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals - Trump 2.0: Shaking Up Europe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 04, 2025
Trump's Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry
President Trump’s 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada took effect first thing Tuesday. The American auto industry will be hit hard by these tariffs since many parts and materials come from Mexico and Canada. WSJ’s Mike Colias and a U.S. a uto parts supplier talk about the impact of the tariffs. Further Listening: - Trump’s Tariff Whiplash - How One Business Is Getting Ahead of Trump’s Tariffs Further Reading: - Auto Executives Try to Sway Trump on Tariffs, EV Subsidies - Tariff Threat Prompts Automakers to Find New Suppliers, Consider Higher Prices - Canada and Mexico Gambled on a Free Trade Future. The Bet Is Turning Sour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 03, 2025
The Killing Spree Tied to a Silicon Valley Intellectual Movement
The Zizians, a cult-like group of militant vegans, has been connected to six killings across the country. The violence has sent shockwaves throughout Silicon Valley. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson explains how the Zizians splintered from a Bay Area intellectual movement concerned with AI safety. Further Reading: - A Silicon Valley Intellectual Society Kicked Them Out. Now They’re Tied to a Killing Spree. - How a Fervent Belief Split Silicon Valley—and Fueled the Blowup at OpenAI Further Listening: - The Fall of Crypto’s Golden Boy - The Story Behind the Stabbing of a San Francisco Tech Exec - The Biotech Founder Facing Murder Charges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, February 28, 2025
Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy
In the first few minutes of the Trump presidency, Elon Musk’s programmers made a surprise incursion into a key personnel agency. Since then, DOGE programmers operating in the shadows have burrowed into systems across the government, resulting in thousands of layoffs. WSJ’s Scott Patterson explains how DOGE has entered vast parts of the federal bureaucracy. Further Reading: - Inside DOGE’s Clash With the Federal Workforce - DOGE Claims It Has Saved Billions. See Where. Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance - Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, February 28, 2025
Trump 2.0: A Big, Beautiful Bill
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget resolution this week that serves as a first draft of the “big, beautiful bill” President Trump has been seeking. WSJ’s Siobhan Hughes joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss how Congress is working with Trump. Plus, we take a look at what impact recent rulings from the judicial branch might mean for Trump's agenda. Further Reading: - The Weight of Trump’s Agenda Sits on Mike Johnson’s Shoulders Further Listening: - Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals - Trump 2.0: Shaking Up Europe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, February 27, 2025
Will Paramount Settle With Trump?
Paramount Global is wrestling with whether to settle President Trump’s lawsuit against its CBS unit. At the same time, the company is waiting for regulatory approval from the Trump administration for its merger with Skydance Media. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel explains. Further Reading: - CBS Owner Discusses Settling Trump Suit, With Merger Review on Tap - FCC Requests ‘60 Minutes’ Harris Interview Material as It Reviews Paramount-Skydance Merger - Paramount Executives Ask: Could They Be Sued for Settling Trump’s $20 Billion CBS Lawsuit? Further Listening: - Mayhem at Paramount as Merger Looms - Why Buying Paramount Global Won’t Be Easy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 26, 2025
Why Gold Bars Are Flying Over the Atlantic
If you landed on a flight from Europe to New York recently, you might have been an unwitting participant in a high-stakes, high-altitude gold trade. WSJ’s Joe Wallace explains what's going on with the gold market, and why gold bars have been flying commercial. Further Reading: - Why Dealers Are Flying Gold Bars by Plane From London to New York Further Listening: - Trump's Tariff Whiplash - The Underground Battle for Colombia's Richest Gold Mine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 25, 2025
An Eggspensive Dilemma
As the U.S. fights a persistent bird flu outbreak, the cost of eggs has skyrocketed. The owner of a brunch cafe tells us about the impact of high-priced eggs on his business and WSJ’s Patrick Thomas unpacks one possible fix that the egg industry wouldn't consider – until now. Further Reading: - Soaring Egg Prices Reignite Debate Over Bird Flu Vaccinations - At the ‘Wall Street of Eggs,’ Demand Is Surging - First Cows, Now Cats. Is Bird Flu Coming for Humans Next? Further Listening: - Bird Flu and the High Price of Eggs - Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, February 24, 2025
Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals
The Trump administration is pushing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hand over mineral rights worth hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. Zelensky said a deal is possible but he wants better terms. WSJ's James Marson explains why these minerals are so valuable and what this potential deal could mean for ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: Shaking Up Europe - Ukraine's $30 Billion Problem Further Reading: - A Guide to U.S.-Russia Talks on Ending the War in Ukraine - Ukraine’s Zelensky Wants Better Terms on Minerals Deal Demanded by Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, February 21, 2025
Germany's Economy Is Broken. There's No Plan B.
For decades, Germany has relied on manufacturing and exports – a model that made it the world’s third largest economy. But that model is breaking down, and the country’s leaders are offering few alternatives in the upcoming election. WSJ’s Tom Fairless and Bertrand Benoit discuss Germany’s downturn and what can be done about it. Further Reading: - Germany’s Economic Model Is Broken, and No One Has a Plan B - Why Germany’s Confidence Is Shattered and Its Economy Is Kaput Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: Shaking Up Europe - Germany’s Difficult Breakup with Russian Energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, February 21, 2025
Trump 2.0: Shaking Up Europe
The Trump Administration turns its focus to Europe as President Trump signals a willingness to cooperate with Russia. WSJ’s Alex Ward joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss what that means for an end to the war in Ukraine. Further Reading: - Trump’s Turn to Russia Spooks U.S. Allies Who Fear a Weakened NATO - Trump’s Attack on Zelensky Signals New World Order Taking Shape Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance - R.I.P. CFPB? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, February 20, 2025
Why Influencers Say Honey Is Stealing Their Money
A controversy among YouTube influencers has led to a series of lawsuits accusing browser extensions like PayPal Honey of swiping their commissions. PayPal said it disagrees with the claims in these lawsuits and look forward to defending itself. The litigation shines a light on the sometimes murky world of affiliate marketing, a $12 billion business. Further Reading: - Creators Insist Coupon Browser Extensions Are Stealing Their Money. Will the Courts Agree? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 19, 2025
State Farm Cut Policies. Then the Fires Hit.
In recent years, most home insurers were fleeing areas of California with high risk for wildfires. But State Farm was there, dominating the market. Then, just months before the devastating L.A. fires, the company dropped 30,000 homeowners from their books. WSJ’s Jean Eaglesham explains how the risk that State Farm unloaded is now a problem for the rest of California. Further Reading: - State Farm Was All In on California – Until it Pulled the Plug Before the Fires - Insurers’ Rule Change Puts California Homeowners on the Hook for L.A. Fire Further Listening: - Their L.A. Neighborhood Burned. Two Residents Find What’s Left. - Insuring a Home in California Is Getting Harder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 18, 2025
The Life and Death of a Boeing Whistleblower
John Barnett worked at Boeing for nearly 30 years. Before he left the company, he filed a whistleblower complaint, alleging he was retaliated against for raising safety concerns. Last March, after two days of testimony, he was found dead in his truck. Police ruled his death a suicide. We tell the story of Barnett’s life, and death, as a Boeing whistleblower. Further Reading: - Boeing CEO Apologizes to MAX Crash Families, Calls Culture ‘Far From Perfect’ - The Disarray Inside Boeing’s 737 Factory Before the Door Plug Blowout - Can Boeing Be Fixed? Aerospace Leaders Offer a Repair Manual Further Listening: - The Failures Inside Boeing's 737 Factory - A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, February 17, 2025
The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager's Six-Figure Salary
We’re off for Presidents Day, but we wanted to reshare this episode. Walmart is offering higher pay, bonuses and more stock options this year to retain and attract managers. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer spent a day with one manager, Nichole Hart, to understand why the job is commanding such a high salary these days, and why Hart logs about 20,000 steps a day. This episode was originally published in May 2024. Further Reading: - A Day in the Life of a Walmart Manager Who Makes $240,000 a Year - Walmart Takes On Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods With New Premium Brand Further Listening: - What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, February 14, 2025
The U.S. Spent Billions Fighting AIDS. What Now?
At the beginning of his presidency, Donald Trump suspended most U.S. foreign aid, causing vast confusion and concern around the world. One affected program was PEPFAR, the bipartisan initiative that works to fight HIV/AIDS globally. WSJ’s Nicholas Bariyo from Uganda and Michael M. Phillips from Kenya report. And we hear from Karl Hoffman, the CEO of the public health organization HealthX Partners. Further Listening: - Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart Further Reading: - Trump Aid Whiplash Hits Refugees, AIDS Patients Worldwide - Trump Order Freezing Foreign Aid Halts Programs Worldwide, Prompts Confusion and Rush for Waivers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, February 14, 2025
Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance
It’s been a busy month in D.C. for Elon Musk. WSJ’s Tim Higgins joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss what Musk’s strategies as a CEO can tell us about his plans for DOGE and the federal government. Plus, we get into Trump’s relationship with the judiciary and take a question from a listener about American expansionism. Further Reading: - Musk Brings His Business Playbook to Washington: Move Fast and Claim Victory - DOGE, Musk and Trump—Our Reporters Answered Your Questions Further Listening: - R.I.P. CFPB? - Trump 2.0: Less Foreign Aid, More Tariffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, February 13, 2025
Grindr Makes a Date With AI
Dating app companies are seeing a decline in demand, so they’re looking to recruit a new matchmaker: AI. WSJ’s Belle Lin reports on Grindr’s big bet that its new AI “wingman” will help its users find love. And we talk to someone who tried it. Further Reading: - Grindr Aims to Build the Dating World’s First AI ‘Wingman’ Further Listening: - The Price of Dating Apps - ‘Love Is Blind’ Is Back. Not All the Drama Is On-Screen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 12, 2025
‘Love Is Blind’ Is Back. Not All the Drama Is On-Screen.
Netflix’s hit reality show “Love is Blind” returns this Friday with its eighth season. But behind the scenes, there is a legal battle brewing over the treatment of cast members looking for love. We spoke to a former participant and others in the industry about how this could change reality TV. Further Reading: - How ‘Love Is Blind’ Helped Netflix Crack the Reality-TV Code Further Listening: - James Bond Is Missing. He's Trapped in a Fight With Amazon. - Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 11, 2025
R.I.P. CFPB?
The Trump administration's newly installed acting Consumer Financial Protection Bureau chief Russell Vought is closing the agency and has ordered staff to halt all work. WSJ’s Brian Schwartz explores what the agency does and why it’s become the next target for Trump allies like Vought and Elon Musk. Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: Less Foreign Aid, More Tariffs - Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart - Trump’s Tariff Whiplash Further Reading: - CFPB to Close Office After Vought Tells Staff to Halt All Supervision - Russell Vought Taking Over as New Acting Head of CFPB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, February 10, 2025
Women's Soccer Is Getting a Big Upgrade
Denver was named the winner of a new women’s pro soccer franchise last month, in part because it plans to build one of the first stadiums exclusively for the league. WSJ’s Rachel Bachman explains the seismic shift in women’s sports - and the big money that is coming with it. Further Reading: - The Force in Women’s Sports That’s Even More Powerful Than Caitlin Clark - No One Wanted to Finance Their Stadium. Now Every Game Is a Sellout. Further Listening: - Can the WNBA Cash in on the Caitlin Clark Effect? - The Kiss Rocking Women’s Soccer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, February 07, 2025
How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in Sports
If you’ve watched any professional sports this year, chances are you’ve seen ad after ad pushing parlay bets. WSJ’s Katherine Sayre explains how parlays became big business for sports betting companies. Further Listening: - How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps - Disney Gets Into Gambling Further Reading: - America Has Fallen in Love With Long-Shot Sports Bets - This Year’s Big NFL Winners: Fans, Not Sportsbooks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, February 07, 2025
Trump 2.0: Less Foreign Aid, More Tariffs
WSJ’s Joel Schectman joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to explore the dismantling of USAID and what it means for America’s future as a global leader. Plus, Trump's tariffs, a Gaza proposal and remaking the CIA. Further Listening: - Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart - Trump’s Tariff Whiplash Further Reading: - How Trump Gutted America’s $40 Billion Aid Agency in Two Weeks - CIA Offers Buyout to Entire Workforce as Part of Trump Makeover - Democrats Have a New Leader but Haven’t Come to Grips With Failure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, February 06, 2025
Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart
President Donald Trump wants the world's richest man, Elon Musk, to shrink the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency. And one of DOGE's first targets? USAID, the agency that focuses on foreign assistance. We talk to a USAID worker who is out of work this week and to WSJ’s Brian Schwartz about how powerful Musk and DOGE have become. Further Reading: - How Trump Gutted America’s $40 Billion Aid Agency in Two Weeks - Trump Hints at Curbs on Musk’s Powers After Billionaire Shakes Up Washington Further Listening: - DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the Government - Is DEI Done? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 05, 2025
The Snowballing Problems at Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts is the king of the mountain. But recently, the ski company has been facing issues with overcrowding and labor disputes. WSJ travel reporter Allison Pohle on how Vail Resorts might be a victim of its own success. Further Reading: - Vail Resorts Has an Epic Problem - Vail Resorts Shareholder Calls for Overhaul, Ouster of Executives Including CEO Further Listening: - How Target Got Off Target - A Surprise Turkey and 200 Lemons: Everyday Stories From the Pandemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 04, 2025
RFK Jr.'s Nomination Just Got a Shot in the Arm
Today, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cleared a major hurdle to becoming the nation's chief health officer. WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte on Kennedy’s history and the heated lead-up to a full Senate vote. Further Reading: - RFK Jr. Clears Committee Vote, Putting Him on Track to Become Health Secretary - RFK Jr. Backs Vaccines and Trump’s Agenda in Senate Testimony - How RFK Jr. Transformed From Green Hero to Vaccine Skeptic Further Listening: - Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance - PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, February 03, 2025
Trump’s Tariff Whiplash
The White House announced wide-ranging tariffs against the U.S.'s biggest trading partners: Mexico, Canada and China. At the last minute, both Canada and Mexico negotiated a pause. WSJ’s Gavin Bade unpacks the significance of the tariffs and the latest updates. Further Reading: - Trump Slaps Tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China in Opening Salvo of Trade War - Trump Aides Hunt for 11th-Hour Deal to Dial Back Canada-Mexico Tariffs Further Listening: - Trump 2.0 A Whiplash on Federal Spending - Trump 2.0: A Fast Start to a Second Term - How One Business Is Getting Ahead of Trump’s Tariffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, January 31, 2025
A Plane Crash, Warning Signs and an Investigation
The collision of American Airlines flight 5342 and an Army helicopter is the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in 23 years. But there were warning signs. WSJ's Benjamin Katz reports on recent safety concerns about D.C.'s increasingly busy airspace and explains where the investigation goes next. Further Listening: - Your Flight Delay Is Probably New York's Fault Further Reading: - How a Plane and a Helicopter Collided in a Crowded Airspace Around Reagan Airport - Washington’s Jam-Packed Airspace Has Prompted Warnings for Years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, January 31, 2025
Trump 2.0: A Whiplash on Federal Spending
Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball round up the week’s news including nomination hearings, inspectors general firings and the airplane crash in D.C. Plus, they speak to WSJ’s Washington coverage chief Damian Paletta about the administration's freeze on potentially trillions of dollars in government financial assistance. Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: A Fast Start to a Second Term - Trump’s Immigration Overhaul Further Reading: - White House Budget Freeze Tried to Flip Script on Busted Budget Process - Trump Blames DEI, Democrats for Deadly Plane Crash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, January 30, 2025
Meta Settles With Trump for $25 Million
In 2021, President Donald Trump sued Meta after his accounts were suspended in the wake of the January 6 riot. WSJ’s Rebecca Ballhaus explains why Mark Zuckerberg agreed to settle for $25 million yesterday. Further Reading: - Meta to Pay $25 Million to Settle 2021 Trump Lawsuit - Meta Ends Fact-Checking on Facebook, Instagram in Free-Speech Pitch - ABC News to Pay $15 Million to Settle Donald Trump Defamation Lawsuit Further Listening: - Corporate America's Embrace of Trump 2.0 - The End of Facebook’s Content Moderation Era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 29, 2025
How DeepSeek Sank The Stock Market
Last week, the Chinese company DeepSeek debuted a new AI model -- and overturned years of conventional wisdom about what it takes to build great AI. The shock unleashed a $1 trillion bloodbath on Wall Street. WSJ’s Stu Woo and WSJ’s Gunjan Banerji unpack DeepSeek's achievement and the market chaos it unleashed. Further Reading: - How China’s DeepSeek Outsmarted America - The Day DeepSeek Turned Tech and Wall Street Upside Down Further Listening: - The Company Behind Chat GPT - The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 28, 2025
The Unraveling of OpenAI and Microsoft's Bromance
Some of the world’s most prominent names in technology are pledging billions to build artificial-intelligence infrastructure in the U.S. in a joint venture called Stargate. Notably missing? Microsoft. WSJ’s Tom Dotan explains how the partnership that launched the AI boom has deteriorated. Further Reading: - Tech Leaders Pledge up to $500 Billion in AI Investment in U.S. - OpenAI’s Stargate Deal Heralds Shift Away From Microsoft - Musk Pours Cold Water on Trump-Backed Stargate AI Project Further Listening: - Artificial: The OpenAI Story - What's the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 27, 2025
Is DEI Done?
President Donald Trump has wasted no time in dismantling DEI programs in the federal government and pressuring private companies to do the same. As WSJ's Chip Cutter reports, Trump’s actions could reshape corporate America. Further Listening: - Corporate America's Embrace of Trump 2.0 - One Man’s Campaign Against DEI Further Reading: - How Trump’s Assault on DEI Will Ripple Across Corporate America - Why Costco Isn’t Joining the Backlash Against DEI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, January 24, 2025
The Epic Mess at TGI Fridays
An iconic chain that became known for its fun cocktails and family dining, TGI Fridays has seen a sharp decline in recent years, leading to a bankruptcy filing in November. WSJ’s Heather Haddon explains the company’s unraveling and a former CEO talks about his plans to keep the chain alive. Further Listening: - Red Lobster's New CEO Plots Its Comeback - McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both? Further Reading: - The Epic Mess at TGI Fridays - TGI Fridays Ex-CEO Blanchette to Take Over Chain’s Management Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, January 24, 2025
Trump 2.0: A Fast Start to a Second Term
Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball are back! This time to unpack the new administration's first 100 days. Today, we discuss President Trump’s slew of executive orders and what they tell us about the next four years. Plus, they speak to WSJ’s Sadie Gurman about changes taking shape at the Justice department. Further Listening: - Trump Declares a ‘Golden Age’ for America - Trump’s Immigration Overhaul Further Reading: - Trump’s Immigration Playbook: Breaking Down His Moves This Week - Trump Takes Office Determined to Bend Government to His Singular Will Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, January 23, 2025
Love Trump? Now You Can Buy His Meme Coin.
The crypto industry has hailed President Trump as a savior. But shortly before his inauguration, Trump made a surprise move that shook the crypto world. WSJ’s Vicky Ge Huang explains the president’s new cryptocurrency and why it has ruffled feathers. Further Reading: - $TRUMP Is Already Worth Billions. What to Know About the Meme Coin. - Crypto Thought Trump Would Bring It Legitimacy. Then He Launched a Meme Coin. Further Listening: - Bitcoin Hit $100k. What's Next? - Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 22, 2025
Trump's Immigration Overhaul
Shortly after taking office on Monday, President Trump signed several immigration executive orders. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman reports on the new administration’s plans to curtail legal and illegal immigration and on the new border czar who’s leading the efforts. Further Listening: - Trump Declares a ‘Golden Age’ for America - Why Biden Is Cracking Down on Asylum at the Border Further Reading and Watching: - Why Trump’s Immigration Plans Will Upend U.S. Agriculture - The Trump Border Czar Who Wants to Combine MAGA With Realism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 21, 2025
Wait… Was That the TikTok Ban?
President Trump tried to ban TikTok during his first term, but now he’s being hailed as the app’s savior. WSJ’s Georgia Wells explains the saga to make a deal with the Chinese-owned social media app. Further Reading: - TikTok Restoring Service for U.S. Users, After Trump Signals He Will Save It - What Happens Now That TikTok’s Gone Dark? Further Listening: - The TikTok Ban Goes to the Supreme Court - Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 20, 2025
Trump Declares a ‘Golden Age’ for America
Today, Donald Trump was sworn in as president for a second time. WSJ’s Natalie Andrews discusses Trump’s inaugural address. And we hear from Trump supporters who gathered in Washington D.C. to celebrate. Further Listening: - The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet - What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump Further Reading: - President Declares New 'Golden Age' for the U.S. - Trump Trashed Washington for Years. Now He’s Vowing to Make Over the City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 20, 2025
Ben Shapiro and Preet Bharara on the ‘Podcast Election’
In a special video edition of The Journal, WSJ's Ryan Knutson sits down with Ben Shapiro of The Ben Shapiro Show and Preet Bharara of Stay Tuned with Preet in the Spotify mobile studio in Washington DC. We discuss how new media has shaped politics and how politics has shaped a new era of media. Further Listening: Corporate America’s Embrace of Trump 2.0 The End of Facebook’s Content Moderation Era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, January 17, 2025
Corporate America's Embrace of Trump 2.0
CEOs of major companies are preparing for a second Trump administration, taking trips to Mar-a-Lago and contributing millions to his inauguration fund. WSJ's Chip Cutter explains corporate America's new strategy for engaging with the incoming U.S. president. Further Reading: - The CEOs Who Are Tearing Up the Policies Trump Hates - Corporate America Drew Back From DEI. The Upheaval Isn’t Over. Further Listening: - DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the Government - How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, January 16, 2025
A Fragile Cease-Fire Deal in Gaza
On Wednesday, mediators announced a deal between Israel and Hamas to pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip, opening up a pathway to end the 15-month war. But Israel has yet to finalize the deal. WSJ’s Anat Peled unpacks what we know about the deal and the sticking points to getting it done. Further Listening: - The Risk of an All-Out War in the Middle East - What the Ceasefire in Lebanon Means for the Middle East - The Brutal Calculation of Hamas's Leader Further Reading: - Israel, Hamas Agree to Deal to Pause Fighting in Gaza - Netanyahu Strikes Cautious Tone on Gaza Cease-Fire as He Tries to Hold Government Together - Israel Delays Cabinet Vote on Cease-Fire Deal, Blames Hamas for Reneging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 15, 2025
The Nazi Ties to Credit Suisse
After harrowing probes in the 1990s, Swiss banks thought they’d come to terms with their WWII-era ties to Nazis. But WSJ’s Margot Patrick explains how documents newly unearthed from bank archives include shocking revelations. Further Reading: - Nazi Ties to Credit Suisse Ran Deeper Than Was Known, Hidden Files Reveal Further Listening: - What Just Happened at Credit Suisse? - The Financial Legacy of the Nuclear Tests on Bikini Atoll Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 14, 2025
What's the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out.
How close is artificial intelligence to building a catastrophic bioweapon or causing other superhuman damage? WSJ's Sam Schechner reports on the team at Anthropic testing for AI dangers. And the team leader, Logan Graham, explains how the tests work. Further Listening: - Artificial: The OpenAI Story - The Big Changes Tearing OpenAI Apart Further Reading: - Their Job Is to Push Computers Toward AI Doom - AI Startup Anthropic Raising Funds Valuing It at $60 Billion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 13, 2025
Their L.A. Neighborhood Burned. Two Residents Find What’s Left.
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles has been decimated by some of the worst fires in U.S. history. On Friday, WSJ’s Katherine Sayre accompanied two residents who went back to see what is left of their homes. Further Reading: - The Palisades Residents Who Took Long Journeys to See What’s Left of Their Lives - Their Wealth Is in Their Homes. Their Homes Are Now Ash. Further Listening: - The Race to Save an Iconic Train From Falling Into the Ocean Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, January 10, 2025
The TikTok Ban Goes to the Supreme Court
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the federal law that requires TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to either shut down or find a new owner. WSJ’s Jess Bravin breaks down the arguments from each side. Further Listening: - How TikTok Became The World’s Favorite App - A TikTok Star Wrestles With the App's Possible Ban - What's Up With All the TikTok Bans? - House Passes Bill to Ban TikTok Further Reading: - Supreme Court Questions TikTok’s Arguments Against Ban - How TikTok Was Blindsided by U.S. Bill That Could Ban It Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, January 09, 2025
The End of Facebook’s Content Moderation Era
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced this week that Facebook, Instagram and Threads would dramatically dial back content moderation and end fact checking. WSJ’s Jeff Horwitz explains what that means for the social media giant. Further Reading: - Social-Media Companies Decide Content Moderation Is Trending Down - Meta Ends Fact-Checking on Facebook, Instagram in Free-Speech Pitch Further listening: - Meta Is Struggling to Boot Pedophiles Off Facebook and Instagram - Is Fighting Misinformation Censorship? The Supreme Court Will Decide. - The Facebook Files Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 08, 2025
Will Honda Be Nissan's Ride or Die?
Once fierce rivals, Japanese car giants Honda and Nissan recently announced their plans to merge in 2026. The deal would create the world’s 3rd largest automaker. WSJ’s Sean McLain reports on why Nissan struggled in recent years and the challenges the merged company would face. Further Listening: - Inside Carlos Ghosn's Escape From Japan - The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here Further Reading: - Nissan Needs a Honda Rescue. What Went So Wrong? - Honda, Nissan Plan to Create World’s No. 3 Automaker in 2026 Merger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 07, 2025
Why Justin Trudeau Stepped Down
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would resign. He is the latest global progressive leader to fall from power. WSJ’s Vipal Monga reports on Trudeau’s legacy and downfall. Further Listening: - A Murder That Sparked a Diplomatic Crisis - Canada’s Trucker Protests Further Reading: - Trudeau to Resign as Voters Sour on His Vision for Canada - The Populist Vying to Lead Canada and End a Decade of Liberalism - The Progressive Moment in Global Politics Is Over Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 06, 2025
Netflix’s Culture Led to Extraordinary Parental Leave. That’s Over.
Netflix was known for its “no rules” culture that executives say attracted the best talent. But as it’s grown, the company has pulled back on some of that freedom, including its generous parental leave. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel explains why Netflix is changing the culture that fueled its success, and what it means for employees. Further Reading: - Netflix’s Extraordinary Parental Leave Was Part of Its Culture. That’s Over. - Netflix Is Rethinking Employee Freedom, a Core Tenet of Its Vaunted Culture Further Listening: - Netflix Turns to Ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, January 03, 2025
How to Make a $12.98 T-Shirt... in the U.S.
After decades of manufacturing in the United States moving overseas, there are calls to bring it back. But doing that is not straightforward. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner and the founder of American Giant explain how that company produced inexpensive T-shirts in the U.S. Further Reading: - How a $12.98 T-Shirt Is Made in America—at a Profit Further Listening: - How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs - China, an Alabama Business and a 20-Year Battle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, January 02, 2025
The Underground Battle for Colombia's Richest Gold Mine
Gunmen of the Gulf Clan, a drug-trafficking militia in Colombia, are seizing tunnels inside one of the largest gold motherlodes in Latin America. The mine belongs to Zijin Mining Group, a Chinese company, which says it has surrendered nearly two-thirds of its tunnels and lost an estimated $200 million worth of gold in 2023. WSJ's Juan Forero reports. This episode has been updated to include comment from the Gulf Clan. Further Reading: - A Drug Gang Stole 3 Tons of Gold in a Scam So Perfect It’s Still Going Further Listening: - Smuggling Migrants Toward the U.S. Is a Booming Business - Why Black Lung Is Rising in Coal Country Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 30, 2024
The Missing Minister: The Vanishing of Qin Gang
Last year, China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, suddenly disappeared. Qin was a rising star in Chinese politics and a protegé of China’s strongman leader, Xi Jinping. In the first episode of our three-part investigation , we chart Qin’s rise and begin to untangle the mystery of his disappearance . This series was originally published in October. Further Listening: - Episode 2: The Affair - Apple | Spotify - Episode 3: The Downfall - Apple | Spotify We'll be back with something new on January 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 24, 2024
Happy Holidays! An Interview with the Christmas Queen
Mariah Carey released "All I Want for Christmas Is You" in 1994 to moderate success. Today, the song is a megahit and Christmas playlist staple. What happened? WSJ's John Jurgensen called up the "Queen of Christmas" to find out. This episode was originally published on December 11, 2020. We'll return with something new on January 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, December 20, 2024
James Bond Is Missing. He's Trapped in a Fight With Amazon.
James Bond is one of Hollywood's most famous characters. So when Amazon bought the rights to distribute Bond, executives had big plans for the brand’s intellectual property. But so far, Amazon hasn't made a single Bond movie. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel takes us inside the feud that’s tying up the franchise. Further Reading: - Where Is James Bond? Trapped in an Ugly Stalemate With Amazon Further Listening: - Why Hollywood Is Betting Big on 'Wicked' - Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, December 19, 2024
Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance
The killing of a top health insurance executive outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel this month triggered an outpouring of public anger at private health insurance companies. WSJ’s Julie Wernau reports that many doctors are among the aggrieved. And two doctors explain how dealing with health insurers is getting worse. Further Listening: - The Suspect in the UnitedHealth Killing Further Reading: - Doctors Say Dealing With Health Insurers Is Only Getting Worse - Clues Left by a Killer Echo Widespread Anger at Health Insurers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 18, 2024
Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In.
BookTok, the corner of TikTok that’s all about books, has shaken up the publishing world. Over the last few years, the platform has pulled in new readers, especially in the romance and fantasy genres. And now some of the largest publishers in the U.S. are finding new talent and rethinking their strategies because of TikTok. We hear from an author, a bookstore owner and a publisher about how TikTok has transformed the book industry. Further Listening: - The Rise of the Tween Shopper - Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans - Scholastic's Succession Drama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 17, 2024
Why GM Is Giving Up on Cruise Robotaxis
After nearly a decade and $10 billion in development, General Motors is ending its robotaxi program. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains why Cruise wasn’t working for the legacy car company. Further Reading: - General Motors Scraps Cruise Robotaxi Program - GM’s Self-Driving Car Unit Skids Off Course Further Listening: - How Waymo Won Over San Francisco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 16, 2024
The Chip Business Is Booming. Why Isn’t Intel?
Intel—the company whose chips were “inside” your ‘90s desktops—has fallen behind in recent years. Now, the CEO hired to turn things around is suddenly out. WSJ’s Asa Fitch explains how the once-dominant chip brand lost its edge. Further Reading: - He Was Going to Save Intel. He Destroyed $150 Billion of Value Instead. - Intel Co-CEOs Outline Strategy Following Pat Gelsinger’s Ouster Further Listening: - America’s Answer to the Chip Shortage - Why Washington Went to Wall Street to Revive the Chips Industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, December 13, 2024
The Suspected Russian Plot to Set Airplanes on Fire
Since the war in Ukraine began, strange attacks have been happening across Europe, including a plot to set DHL packages on fire. WSJ’s Bojan Pancevski on Russia’s escalating shadow war in Europe. Further Reading: - Chinese Ship’s Crew Suspected of Deliberately Dragging Anchor for 100 Miles to Cut Baltic Cables - Russia Suspected of Plotting to Send Incendiary Devices on U.S.-Bound Planes - The Misfits Russia Is Recruiting to Spy on the West Further Listening: - Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations with Vladimir Putin - How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, December 12, 2024
The Biggest Supermarket Merger That Wasn’t
This week, a federal judge blocked a proposed $20-billion merger between the U.S.’s two largest supermarket chains, Kroger and Albertsons. WSJ’s Patrick Thomas reports on what happened in the trial, why the two chains turned on one another and what’s next for the grocery business. Further Listening: - The Fight for 7-Eleven - Why the FTC is Challenging a $25 Billion Supermarket Merger Further Reading: - Albertsons Sues Kroger, Terminates Merger After Judge Blocks Supermarket Megadeal - Kroger-Albertsons Merger Blocked by Court, Handing Victory to Biden Antitrust Enforcers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 11, 2024
Bitcoin Hit $100k. What's Next?
Last week, the price of Bitcoin reached $100,000 per coin, an all-time-high as President-elect Donald Trump promises his administration will be crypto-friendly. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich breaks down the outlook for cryptocurrency. Further Reading: - Bitcoin Hits $100,000, Lifted by Hopes of a Crypto-Friendly Washington - Crypto Players Celebrate SEC Pick, Bitcoin Touches $100,000 Further Listening: - Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance - Coinbase’s CEO on the Future of Crypto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 10, 2024
The Suspect in the UnitedHealth Killing
After a manhunt lasting nearly a week, authorities have arrested and charged a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson. WSJ’s Joshua Chaffin unpacks what we know about the alleged killer, his possible motivations, and the public rage that has bubbled up as the search continued. Further Reading: - Suspect in UnitedHealth Killing Was Ivy Leaguer With Anticapitalist Leanings - Manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer Meets Unexpected Obstacle: Sympathy for the Gunman - Murder at Dawn: A Top Executive’s Final Moments in Manhattan Further Listening: - The Story Behind the Stabbing of a San Francisco Tech Exec - Why So Many Emergency Rooms Are Failing Kids in America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 09, 2024
Assad's Regime Falls. What's Next For Syria?
After decades of brutal dictatorship in Syria, the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell in a matter of days. WSJ’s Yaroslav Trofimov reports on the rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani and how regional players are responding to political change in Syria. Further Listening: - What the Ceasefire in Lebanon Means for the Middle East - Ten Days That Shifted Power in Syria Further Reading: - The 11-Day Blitz by Syrian Rebels That Ended 50 Years of Assad Rule - Assad’s Downfall Marks a New Realignment in the Middle East - How a Syrian Rebel Went From an American Jail to Seizing Aleppo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, December 06, 2024
The $6 Million Banana’s Appeal
Last month, Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian,” a piece of conceptual art that consists of a banana duct taped to a wall, sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $6.2 million. WSJ’s Kelly Crow traces the banana’s origins from Art Basel Miami in 2019 to the top of the art market this year. Further Listening: - A Russian Billionaire, an Art Dealer and an Epic Feud - The Basquiat Sisters on Managing One of Art's Hottest Brands Further Reading: - A $6.2 Million Banana and the Unexpected Return of the Art Market - Someone Just Paid $6.2 Million for a Banana Duct-Taped to a Wall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, December 05, 2024
How Target Got Off Target
Target used to be a cheap and chic place to shop, but now the retailer is in a sales funk, losing market share to competitors like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer explores what happened to the beloved box store’s numbers and the strategies executives may be discussing to get back on target. Further Reading: - Target’s Slide From Cheap Chic to Dull Chore Further Listening: - What Went Wrong at Bed Bath & Beyond? - Old Navy Tried to Make Sizes for All. It Backfired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 04, 2024
DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the Government
President-elect Donald Trump has proposed radically downsizing the federal government, and two of his allies are going to be in charge: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. WSJ’s John McCormick walks us through the plans for DOGE, or the Department of Government Efficiency. Further Reading: - Musk, Ramaswamy Want Federal Workers in the Office Full Time. There’s a Hitch. - Vivek Ramaswamy’s Marching Orders: Cut Trillions for Trump Further Listening: - Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations - The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 03, 2024
How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs
As President-elect Donald Trump lays out his plan for increasing tariffs on goods made in China and Mexico, some U.S. businesses are stockpiling. Small business owner Jason Junod explains what he thinks the impacts of the proposed tariffs will be, and why he hasn’t been able to go fully “Made in America.” Further Reading: - American Companies Are Stocking Up to Get Ahead of Trump’s China Tariffs - Trump Fires Salvo on North American Trade Pact Further Listening: - China, an Alabama Business and a 20-Year Battle - Why China Is Risking a Trade War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 02, 2024
Your Flight Delay Is Probably New York's Fault
To ease flight delays and staffing shortages in the New York City area, the FAA shifted oversight of Newark Airport’s airspace to Philadelphia earlier this year. But WSJ’s Andrew Tangel reports that problems remain and new risks have surfaced. Further Listening: - How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy - How Southwest Airlines Melted Down Further Reading: - Why Fixing New York Air Traffic Has Been a Bumpy Ride - To Ease Newark Flight Delays, the FAA Turned to Philly. Here’s Why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, November 28, 2024
Canned or Homemade? America’s Biggest Cranberry Company Wins Either Way
Happy Thanksgiving! This episode was originally published in November 2023. Ocean Spray’s farmers are responsible for 65% of the world’s cranberries. It’s not a publicly traded company. It’s not a traditional private company, either. It’s a cooperative founded nearly a century ago and owned by roughly 700 families. WSJ’s Ben Cohen tells the story of how the cranberry got into the can and how the company is planning for a future beyond your Thanksgiving table. Further Reading: - These People Are Responsible for the Cranberry Sauce You Love to Hate Further Listening: - Are Rotisserie Chickens 'Inflation-Proof'? - The Twinkie: From Bankruptcy to Billions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 27, 2024
What the Ceasefire in Lebanon Means for the Middle East
Israel and Lebanon have reached a ceasefire agreement that ends more than a year of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah. WSJ’s Jared Malsin takes us inside the deal and explores what it could mean for the region. Further Reading: - Israel Says Cease-Fire Takes Effect in Lebanon - Israel Approves Cease-Fire With Lebanon Aimed at Ending Hezbollah Conflict Further Listening: - The Risk of an All-Out War in the Middle East - Exploding Pagers and the Risk of a Spreading War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 26, 2024
Inside Trump's Pick for Treasury Secretary
After two weeks of uncertainty, Donald Trump nominated Scott Bessent, a longtime Wall Street investor, as his next Treasury secretary. The pick capped a behind-the-scenes battle one advisor called a “knife fight.” WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia takes us inside the decision, explores why Bessent triumphed and unpacks what his tenure could mean for the U.S. economy. Further Reading: - How Scott Bessent Won the ‘Knife Fight’ to Be Trump’s Treasury Secretary - Scott Bessent Sees a Coming ‘Global Economic Reordering.’ He Wants to Be Part of It. Further Listening: - Gaetz, Bondi and Trump's Department of Justice - The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump's Cabinet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 25, 2024
Why Hollywood Is Betting Big on ‘Wicked’
The movie musical “Wicked” collected a blockbuster $114 million in its opening weekend. Over the past year, Universal and its parent company Comcast have launched an all-out marketing blitz to blanket the world in “Wicked.” WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel reports on how it is the new Hollywood playbook. Further Listening: - The Curtain Closes on Phantom of the Opera - The Rise of the Minions - Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows Further Reading: - Inside Hollywood’s Big ‘Wicked’ Gamble - ‘Wicked’ Flies High on Big Screen, With $114 Million Opening Weekend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, November 22, 2024
Gaetz, Bondi and Trump's Department of Justice
After recognizing his nomination was facing an uphill battle, former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for U.S. Attorney General. WSJ's Sadie Gurman describes how president-elect Donald Trump's first pick unraveled and why he chose former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the role instead. Further Reading: - Trump Picks Pam Bondi for Attorney General After Gaetz Withdraws - Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration as Trump's Attorney General - Matt Gaetz Had Sex With 17-Year-Old, Witness Told House Ethics Committee Further Listening: - The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet - What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, November 21, 2024
The Biggest Trade in Sports Wasn't an Athlete — It Was a TV Show
When TNT lost the rights to broadcast NBA games this year, fans worried that the network’s long-running popular show “Inside the NBA” would also end. But, as WSJ’s Joe Flint explains, a complicated trade has allowed the show to live on. Further Listening: - The NBA’s Media Rights Are Up For Grabs. Billions Are At Stake. - The Media Mogul Taking an Ax To Hollywood Further Reading: - Warner Bros. Discovery, NBA Settle Legal Battle Over TV Rights - Warner’s TNT Sues NBA, Alleging Breach of Media-Rights Contract Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 20, 2024
How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy
For years, Spirit Airlines soared with a low-cost, no-frills business model. This week, it came in for a bumpy landing. WSJ's Alison Sider explains how the big airlines learned to compete with Spirit––and helped put the carrier in bankruptcy. Further Listening: - The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines - Frontier, Spirit and the Future of Low-Cost Airlines Further Reading: - How Spirit Airlines Went From Industry Maverick to Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - Discount Airline Spirit Files for Bankruptcy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 19, 2024
The Fight for 7-Eleven
Earlier this year, Canadian convenience store company Alimentation Couche-Tard put in a bid to acquire 7-Eleven. Then, management from inside 7-Eleven’s parent company, Seven & i, proposed a record-breaking buyout to counter. WSJ’s Jinjoo Lee on the drama around who will own the world’s largest convenience store chain. Further Listening: - The Fight Over U.S. Steel and the Community Caught in the Middle - Why the FTC is Challenging a $25 Billion Supermarket Merger Further Reading: - The Fight for 7-Eleven Isn’t Just About Money - Talk of a 7-Eleven Takeover Has Japan Worried About the Rice Balls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 18, 2024
The Mysterious Fees Inflating Your Grocery Bill
Grocery bills are going up for a lot of reasons. One has to do with how food gets on grocery store shelves. WSJ’s Jesse Newman explains a hidden layer of fees that are getting passed down to the consumer. Further Reading: - The Mysterious Fees Inflating Your Grocery Bill - After Years of Raising Prices, Food Companies Hit Consumers’ Limits Further Listening: - The Twinkie: From Bankruptcy to Billions - Food Fight: PepsiCo vs. Carrefour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, November 15, 2024
The Onion Is Buying Infowars. No Joke.
The Onion, the satirical news outlet, wants to buy Infowars, the platform conspiracy theorist Alex Jones used to defame families of the Sandy Hook massacre. Onion CEO Ben Collins shares why and John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, explains what it means to Sandy Hook families and the fight against disinformation. Further Reading: - The Onion Is Buying Alex Jones’s Infowars Site - Alex Jones Files for Bankruptcy Following Sandy Hook Trial Losses Further Listening: - How Much Will Alex Jones Pay for his Sandy Hook Lie? - What One School District Is Doing About Rising Gun Violence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, November 14, 2024
How the U.S. Fell Behind China on Climate Diplomacy
Leaders from around the world are meeting in Azerbaijan for the U.N.’s COP29 climate conference. With Donald Trump’s recent election victory looming over the event, the U.S.’s role will be diminished. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton explains why this moment might be China’s chance to shine. Further Listening: - The Oil Giant Hosting This Year’s U.N. Climate Summit - The Fight Over Climate Change's Price Tag Further Reading: - Trump Victory Leaves China Calling the Shots at COP29 Climate Negotiations - Welcome to Baku, a City Built on Oil Hosting the World’s Climate Conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 13, 2024
Does Warren Buffett Know Something We Don’t?
The famous investor and muti-billionaire CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is doing something unusual: selling stocks and hoarding cash. WSJ’s Spencer Jakab breaks down possible reasons why and what everyday investors can learn from his choices. Further Reading: - Does Warren Buffett Know Something That We Don’t? - A $150 Billion Question: What Will Warren Buffett Do With All That Cash? Further Listening: - Charlie Munger: Curmudgeon, Sage and Investing Legend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 12, 2024
Abortion Was A Winning Issue – Just Not for Kamala Harris
After abortion access wins in 2022, Democrats made a bet that voters backing abortion on states’ ballot measures would also back Democratic candidates. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto explains why that bet turned out to be wrong. Further Listening: The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump Further Reading: Voters Continued to Back Abortion Rights. It Didn’t Help Democrats. A State-by-State Guide to Abortion Access in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, November 08, 2024
The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet
The incoming Trump administration has just named its White House chief of staff and more appointments will be coming soon. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia on who is in the running and how this transition could be different from 2016. Further Reading: - The Scramble Is On to Fill Out Trump’s Cabinet - Lutnick Consults With Musk, Kushner, Wall Street in Rush to Staff Trump White House - Meet the Wall Street Bigwig Who Has Become Trump’s Headhunter in Chief Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Why Trump Won and Where Democrats Go Next - What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, November 08, 2024
Red, White and Who? Why Trump Won and Where Democrats Go Next
The race is over! Molly Ball and Ryan Knutson dive into the election results to understand what the electorate is feeling. Plus, where did it all go wrong for Democrats and what will day one of a Trump presidency look like? Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? It’s Trump. - Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout? Further Reading: - How Trump Won the Economy-Is-Everything Election - Trump Win Marks a Blow to Biden’s Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, November 07, 2024
What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump
Former president Donald Trump is now president-elect. But that wasn’t the only win this week for the GOP. Republicans have also secured a majority in the Senate, and they’re poised to win the House of Representatives. WSJ’s Siobhan Hughes breaks down what this Republican trifecta could look like. Further Reading: - Republicans Poised to Keep Control of House After Winning Senate - How Republicans Regained Control of the Senate Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? It's Trump. - How Donald Trump Pulled Off a Historic Comeback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 06, 2024
How Donald Trump Pulled Off a Historic Comeback
Republican former president Donald Trump defeats Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, reclaiming the White House. WSJ’s Alex Leary reports on Trump’s winning strategy and the campaign that fueled it. Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist Further Reading: - Trump Defeats Harris, Marking Historic Comeback - How Donald Trump Won—by Being Donald Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 06, 2024
Red, White and Who? It's Trump.
After flipping Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, Donald Trump will become the 47th President of the United States. In the early hours of the morning, Molly Ball and Ryan Knutson discuss election night and Trump's victory. Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout? - Red, White and Who? The Undecided Voters Who Could Decide The Election Further Reading: - Live Coverage from WSJ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 05, 2024
What We're Watching for Tonight
Election night is here, and the U.S.–and the world–is watching as the votes come in. WSJ's Politics Editor Ben Pershing walks us through what he's keeping a close eye on, and how long it might take before a winner is called. Further Reading: - Election Day 2024 Live: It's Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump as America Votes - A (Don’t Hold Us to It) Hour-by-Hour Guide to Election Night Further Listening: - Harris, Trump and the Inflation Election - Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 04, 2024
Harris, Trump and the Inflation Election
Tomorrow is Election Day, and both Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump have campaigned on bringing down inflation. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos breaks down how both candidates’ plans will impact everyday costs. Further Listening: - Why Trump and Harris Aren’t Talking About the $1.8 Trillion Deficit - Red, White and Who? Playlist Further Reading: - Economists Warn of New Inflation Hazards After Election - Inflation Continues Its Bumpy Decline With Mixed September Reading Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, November 01, 2024
Child Care Is on the Ballot in One Texas County
For decades, activists and lawmakers have tried to change the way child care works in the U.S. But they haven’t had much success. More recently, a fight has been brewing at the local level. This Tuesday, several places around the country will vote on whether to subsidize childcare. WSJ’s Harriet Torry explains what that could mean for one county in Texas. Further Reading: - Are American Taxpayers Ready to Foot the Bill for Child Care? - Child Care, Rent, Insurance: Where Inflation Hits Hardest Now Further Listening: - How Employer-Funded Child Care Can Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, November 01, 2024
Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout?
Rachel Humphreys and Molly Ball share dispatches from two major campaign events with Ryan Knutson. Molly analyzes the closing arguments and outlines what to expect on election day. Plus, we finally answer listeners’ most asked question: What’s up with the electoral college? Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? The Undecided Voters Who Could Decide The Election - Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage Further Reading: - America Is Having a Panic Attack Over the Election - Pennsylvania Has Already Become Ground Zero for Election-Fraud Claims Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, October 31, 2024
How Waymo Won Over San Francisco
After a rocky start, self-driving car company Waymo seems to have won over riders in San Francisco. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky talks about the company’s push to convince the public its robotaxis are safe and the challenges of replicating that progress elsewhere. Further Reading: - How San Francisco Learned to Love Self-Driving Cars - America’s Most Tech-Forward City Has Doubts About Self-Driving Cars Further Listening: - The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 30, 2024
Why One Family Rejected Boeing's Latest Offer
For four generations, the Merwin family has worked in Boeing’s factories in Washington state. But for the last six weeks, Tony Merwin and his son Patrick have been on strike, along with 33,000 machinists. They explain why they’re demanding higher wages and pension benefits. Further Reading: - For This Boeing Family, the Job Is the Same. The Payoff Isn’t - Boeing Strike Extended After Union Machinists Reject Contract - Boeing’s CEO Is Shrinking the Jet Maker to Stop Its Crisis From Spiraling Further Listening: - Why 33,000 Boeing Workers Walked Off the Job - Boeing's Long Flight Delay – in Space - Boeing Agrees to Felony Plea. Now Its Future Is Up in the Air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 29, 2024
Former Election Security Head on America’s Biggest Threats
During the Trump administration, Chris Krebs was the top cybersecurity official at the Department of Homeland Security. He spoke with WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler at WSJ Tech Live about the upcoming U.S. election and growing cyber threats from foreign governments. Further Listening: - The Chinese Hackers Spying on U.S. Internet Traffic - Red, White and Who? Playlist Further Reading: - China-Linked Hackers Breach U.S. Internet Providers in New ‘Salt Typhoon’ Cyberattack - U.S. Wiretap Systems Targeted in China-Linked Hack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 28, 2024
Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations with Vladimir Putin
For the past two years, tech billionaire Elon Musk has been having regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. WSJ’s Thomas Grove reports on what we know about the nature of their conversations and why that contact raises potential national security concerns for some in the current administration. Further Reading: - Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations With Vladimir Putin - Musk Says He Thwarted Attack on Russian Fleet in Ukraine’s Crimea Further Listening: - Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations - The Russian Military is Using Elon Musk’s Starlink Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 25, 2024
Hans Zimmer Isn’t Scared of AI
Hans Zimmer, Academy Award-winning composer, and Golnar Khosrowshahi, CEO of Reservoir Media, discuss AI in the music industry, why human creation is still unique and whether or not Zimmer approves of “The Journal” theme music. Further Listening: - Artificial: The OpenAI Story - When AI Comes for Your Art Further Reading: - Hans Zimmer, Movie Maestro - Music Labels Take On AI Startups With New Lawsuits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 25, 2024
Red, White and Who? The Undecided Voters Who Could Decide the Election
Five undecided voters in swing states speak to Rachel Humphreys about how they're feeling as election day looms. Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball unpack the stakes. Plus, will betting markets predict the winner? Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage - How Betting on U.S. Politics Is Getting Big Further Reading: - Trump Takes Narrow Lead Over Harris in Closing Weeks of Race - Meet the Traders Making Money Off the Trump Shooting and Biden’s Stumbles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, October 24, 2024
Sex-Trafficking Charges for Former Abercrombie CEO
Mike Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, was arrested and charged with running an international sex-trafficking ring. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar describes the alleged crimes and the potential fallout for the company. Further Reading: - Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries Is Arrested, Charged in Sex-Trafficking Case Further Listening: - The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch - JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 23, 2024
Stop the Steal 2.0
Across the country, elections officials are bracing for a potentially contentious election day. At the same time, a network of conservative election integrity groups are preparing to challenge the result. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus reports on the billionaire-funded effort to contest the election, and WSJ's Jim Carlton reports how Maricopa County, Arizona is preparing for the worst. Further Reading: - The Secretive Billionaire Network Funding ‘Stop the Steal’ 2.0 - ‘It Feels Very Dystopian.’ Republican County Officials Brace for Election Deniers—Again Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage - Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 22, 2024
The Mysterious Drones Flying Over U.S. Military Bases
For 17 days last year, unidentified drones swarmed an area in Virginia that is home to a military base and other sensitive intelligence sites. WSJ’s Gordon Lubold looked into why it was so difficult for U.S. officials to stop them. Further Reading: - Mystery Drones Swarmed a U.S. Military Base for 17 Days. The Pentagon Is Stumped. Further Listening: - How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea - Cheap Drones Are Transforming the Battlefield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 21, 2024
Why People Are Thinking Twice About Living in Florida
Clouds are gathering over the Sunshine State’s housing market. Especially along the state’s Gulf Coast, housing inventory is up and buyer interest is slowing. WSJ’s Deborah Acosta talks through the cooling-off of one of America’s biggest housing booms and what it says about what it means to live in Florida now. Further Listening: - Is Asheville No Longer a 'Climate Haven? - Years After Surfside Collapse, Florida Condos Are In Crisis Further Reading: - The Great Florida Migration Is Coming Undone - Why the Tampa Area Is So Vulnerable to a Hurricane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 18, 2024
The Missing Minister, Episode 1: The Vanishing of Qin Gang
Last year, China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, suddenly disappeared. Qin was a rising star in Chinese politics and a protegé of China’s strongman leader, Xi Jinping. In the first episode of our three-part investigation, we chart Qin’s rise and begin to untangle the mystery of his disappearance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 18, 2024
The Missing Minister, Episode 2: The Affair
In the second episode of our investigation, we examine the life and career of Fu Xiaotian: the prominent Chinese TV host who had an affair with Qin Gang. Like Qin, Fu was sharp and ambitious, but her high-flying career would come to an abrupt halt. And like Qin, she would also mysteriously disappear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 18, 2024
The Missing Minister, Episode 3: The Downfall
In our final episode, we get a break in the case of the missing minister: According to our sources, Chinese officials were told that Qin disappeared due to an explosive allegation. We dig into that story and its consequences for Fu and for Qin – Xi Jinping’s trusted aide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 18, 2024
Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage
With millions of votes already cast, the race is on for each campaign to get their supporters to the polls. Ryan Knutson talks with Molly Ball about the different strategies Trump and Harris are taking, and why election denial is such a big issue in Arizona. Plus, Rachel Humphreys speaks to a Gen Z Voter. Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? Foreign Policy and the Rise of Donald Trump Jr. - Red, White and Who? Veep Veep! All Eyes on Vance and Walz Further Reading: - Republicans Rush to Bolster Trump’s Ground Game - Kari Lake’s 2022 Fraud Claims Are Costing Her in 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, October 17, 2024
Lilly Ledbetter: The Woman Who Fought the Pay Gap
Lilly Ledbetter, equal pay trailblazer, died on Saturday. WSJ’s Joseph De Avila reports on how Ledbetter faced pay discrimination at her job and sued her employer, taking her case all the way to the Supreme Court. And WSJ’s Lauren Weber discusses the persistence of the gender pay gap. Further Reading: - Fair-Wage Advocate Lilly Ledbetter Dies at 86 - Data Show Gender Pay Gap Opens Early Further Listening: - The TikTok That Changed College Hoops - What Corporate America Can Learn From Coke’s Reckoning With Race Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 16, 2024
How One Teenager Became a Legendary Hacker
Investigators say that Arion Kurtaj’s life in cybercrime began at age 11, and ultimately led to his participation in the hacks of major companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Uber. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how Kurtaj’s case has brought worries about a new breed of fearless young hackers. Further Reading: - This Teenage Hacker Became a Legend Attacking Companies. Then His Rivals Attacked Him. - Hackers Leaked ‘Grand Theft Auto’ Footage, Rockstar Games Says Further Listening: - Hack Me If You Can, Part 1: The Making of a Russian Hacker - How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 15, 2024
Listeria, Liverwurst and the Family Feud at Boar's Head
Over the summer, an outbreak of listeria in Boar’s Head products killed 10 people and sickened dozens more. In the months after the crisis, the family that runs the company has said little. WSJ’s S arah Nassauer dug through court documents to piece together a decades-long story of a family fighting over ownership of a deli meat empire. Further Reading: - Inside the Half-Century Feud Dividing the Boar’s Head Family - Boar’s Head Closing Virginia Factory Tied to Deadly Listeria Outbreak Further Listening: - Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food - Food Fight: PepsiCo vs. Carrefour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 11, 2024
The Money Laundering Behind TD Bank’s $3 Billion Fine
TD Bank’s U.S. entity pleaded guilty and agreed to pay more than $3 billion in penalties, acknowledging it failed to properly monitor money laundering by drug cartels and other criminal groups. WSJ’s Dylan Tokar unpacks the investigation that led to such a historic deal. Further Listening: - The Suitcases Full of Cash Flowing Through Airports Further Reading: - TD Bank Agrees to $3 Billion in Penalties and Growth Restrictions in U.S. Settlement - TD Pays Hefty Penalties as Prosecutors Detail Nearly a Decade of Lax Controls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 11, 2024
Red, White and Who? Foreign Policy and the Rise of Donald Trump Jr.
Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball explore what we know about both candidates’ approach to foreign policy. Plus, Molly shares what she learned about the future of MAGA from an interview with Donald Trump Jr. and JD Vance. Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? Veep Veep! All Eyes on Vance and Walz - Red, White and Who? It's Always the Economy! Further Reading: - How Donald Trump Jr. Became the Crown Prince of MAGA World - JD Vance’s Version of Trump Is Better Than the Real Thing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, October 10, 2024
Why Trump and Harris Aren’t Talking About the $1.8 Trillion Deficit
The U.S. budget deficit topped $1.8 trillion in the last fiscal year. Meanwhile, both candidates for president are proposing plans that would increase the deficit for years to come. WSJ’s Richard Rubin explains how the deficit got so large and why the candidates don’t talk about it. Further Listening: - The Economy: Trump vs. Harris - The Clock Is Ticking on the Debt Ceiling Further Reading: - Federal Deficit Hit $1.8 Trillion for 2024, CBO Says - Federal Debt Is Soaring. Here’s Why Trump and Harris Aren’t Talking About It. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 09, 2024
Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations
Elon Musk's financial support for Republican causes has been much more extensive and started earlier than previously known. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli reports on Musk’s rightward political shift and explains how he hid his donations. Further Listening: - Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump Further Reading: - Elon Musk Gave Tens of Millions to Republican Causes Far Earlier Than Previously Known - Inside Elon Musk’s Hands-On Push to Win 800,000 Voters for Trump - How Elon Musk Broke With Biden and the Democrats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 08, 2024
The Chinese Hackers Spying on U.S. Internet Traffic
WSJ reporting has revealed a major cyberattack from a group tied to the Chinese government. Hackers penetrated the networks of several broadband providers and gained access to the U.S. domestic wiretapping system. Dustin Volz unpacks what the attack could mean for national security. Further Listening: - ‘Hack Me If You Can’ - Hacking the Hackers Further Reading: - U.S. Wiretap Systems Targeted in China-Linked Hack - Chinese-Linked Hackers Breach U.S. Internet Providers in New ‘Salt Typhoon’ Cyberattack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 07, 2024
Is Asheville No Longer a ‘Climate Haven?’
Asheville, North Carolina, was thriving until floodwaters and heavy wind from Hurricane Helene ripped through the region and destroyed large parts of the city's commercial districts. We talk to two business owners who are trying to figure out what comes next. Further Reading: - The Hurricane That Threatens to Sink Asheville’s Feel-Good Success - North Carolina in Crisis Mode as Helene Rescues Continue Further Listening: - Hot, Dry and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study - ‘Everything Is Gone’ — One Resident on the Maui Wildfires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 04, 2024
Why Microsoft Wants Three Mile Island's Nuclear Power
Last month, Microsoft and Constellation Energy announced a deal to restart Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island, the site of the country’s worst nuclear power accident. WSJ’s Jennifer Hiller reports that the goal is to power the tech giant’s growing artificial intelligence ambitions. Further Listening: - Artificial: The OpenAI Story - Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's Big Bet on AI Further Reading: - Three Mile Island’s Nuclear Plant to Reopen, Help Power Microsoft’s AI Centers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, October 04, 2024
Red, White and Who? Veep! Veep! All Eyes On Vance and Walz
The vice-presidential candidates took center stage at a debate this week. Ryan Knutson talks with Molly Ball about the important takeaways, and Rachel Humphreys speaks to a listener about why she’s thinking about climate change this election. Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? It's Always the Economy! - Red, White and Who? Why Ohio Could Decide the Senate Further Reading: - JD Vance’s Version of Trump Is Better Than the Real Thing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, October 03, 2024
The Missteps That Led Nike Off Course
Under CEO John Donahoe, Nike pulled away from retailers and ramped up production of its classic sneaker lines. Now sales have plummeted, the company has lost market share to competitors and Donahoe is stepping down. WSJ's Inti Pacheco discusses what went wrong. Further Reading: - Nike CEO John Donahoe Stepping Down After Rocky Tenure - How Nike Missed the Boom in Running Culture - Nike Reverses Course as Innovation Stalls and Rivals Gain Ground Further Listening: - Nike’s Sneaky Sneaker Thieves - How Allbirds Lost Its Footing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 02, 2024
The Risk of an All-Out War in the Middle East
Israel is now fighting on multiple fronts, after clashing with Hezbollah in Lebanon and sustaining Iranian strikes yesterday. WSJ’s Michael Amon explains the growing risk of an all-out regional war. Further Reading: - Israel Clashes With Hezbollah in Lebanon - Israeli Response to Iran’s Attack to Set Course of Widening War - Israeli Review Shows Minor Damage From Iran’s Missile Barrage Further Listening: - Exploding Pagers and the Risk of a Spreading War - The Brutal Calculation of Hamas’s Leader Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 01, 2024
The Big Changes Tearing OpenAI Apart
In less than two years, OpenAI—the company behind ChatGPT—has gone from a little-known nonprofit lab to a world-famous organization at the forefront of an artificial intelligence revolution. But the company has faced a series of challenges, culminating last week in another high-profile departure and the decision to become a for-profit corporation. WSJ’s Deepa Seetharaman discusses the permanent change to OpenAI's ethos and what it could mean for the AI industry. Further Listening: - Artificial: The OpenAI Story - Artificial: Episode 1, The Dream Further Reading: - Turning OpenAI Into a Real Business Is Tearing It Apart - OpenAI’s Complex Path to Becoming a For-Profit Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, September 30, 2024
The Justice Department Takes On Visa
The Department of Justice is taking Visa, the largest card network in the U.S., to court, accusing the company of illegally monopolizing the debit card market. WSJ's Angel Au-Yeung breaks down the Justice Department's allegations. Further Listening: - The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card - The Deal That Could Change Credit Cards - The Trustbuster Taking on Ticketmaster Further Reading: - Justice Department Sues Visa, Alleges Illegal Monopoly in Debit-Card Payments - Google Faces Blockbuster Antitrust Case—Again - Getting Oasis Tickets Was a Nightmare. Ticketmaster Is Again Being Asked for Answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, September 27, 2024
How Eric Adams Became New York City’s First Indicted Mayor
The mayor of America’s largest city likes to say he’s been “rejected, arrested and then elected.” Now, he’s been indicted. WSJ’s Jimmy Vielkind unpacks the unprecedented federal foreign bribery case against Eric Adams. Further Listening: - Gold Bars, Cash and a Mercedes: A U.S. Senator's Corruption Trial Further Reading: - Inside the Eric Adams Indictment - After the Eric Adams Indictment, What’s Next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, September 27, 2024
Red, White and Who? It’s Always the Economy!
After two big economic speeches this week, Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball discuss the candidates’ different economic strategies. Plus, voting has begun! We explore mail in voting and its impact on this election! Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? Why Ohio Could Decide the Senate - Red, White and Who? A Swing-State Debate Further Reading: - Harris Puts Government Intervention at Heart of Economic Policy - Trump Says Plan Will Convince Foreign Companies to Shift Jobs to U.S. - Voters Love the Policies That Economists Love to Hate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, September 26, 2024
China, an Alabama Business and a 20-Year Battle
Milton Magnus, an Alabama businessman who runs one of the last makers of wire hangers in the U.S., has waged a decades-long tariff battle against Chinese manufacturers to try to stay afloat. We hear from Magnus and we talk to Chao Deng about th e effectiveness of tariffs as the trade tool becomes more popular with politicians. Further Listening: - Why China Is Risking a Trade War - The Fight Over U.S. Steel and the Community Caught in the Middle Further Reading: - The Family Business in Alabama That Fights China for Survival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 25, 2024
Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance
Former president Donald Trump wants to be the crypto president. With stops at a bitcoin conference and a bitcoin-themed bar, Trump is tapping into an industry that’s eager to support a crypto-friendly candidate. WSJ’s Vicky Huang explains how Trump and the crypto industry have cozied up ahead of the 2024 election. Further Reading: - Trump Hitches His Campaign to the Crypto Crowd - That Time Donald Trump Walked Into a Bar and Bought a Round Using Bitcoin - The Crypto Industry Is Trying to Elect Political Allies. The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher. Further Listening: - Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 24, 2024
Red Lobster's New CEO Plots Its Comeback
This month, Red Lobster emerged from bankruptcy. At the helm of the restaurant chain is its new CEO, 35-year-old Damola Adamolekun. Ryan Knutson talks to Adamolekun about what brought about Red Lobster’s decline and his plan to revitalize the company. Further Listening: - McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both? Further Reading: - The 35-Year-Old CEO Plotting Red Lobster’s Comeback - Red Lobster Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy With New Owners, CEO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, September 23, 2024
The Return of Religious Films to Hollywood
Christian filmmakers have surprised Hollywood with a series of box office hits and now investors are pouring in millions. WSJ’s John Jurgensen explains how their successes could change the entertainment industry. Further Reading: - Religious Movies Are Sweeping Hollywood. Rich Investors Are Pouring In Millions. - Fans Pour Funding - and Faith - Into a Hit Drama About Jesus - A Child-Trafficking Thriller Is Taking on Hollywood. Who’s behind it? Further Listening: - With Great Power, Part 1: Origin Story - Mattel Bets Big on Barbie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, September 20, 2024
The Fed Finally Cut Rates. What Does That Mean?
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates this week, after a two year battle with inflation. David Uberti explains how that will impact the economy and we hear from two couples about what they hope this means for their finances. Further Listening: - A Fed Insider on the Looming Rate Cut - What the Stock Market Panic Says About the Economy - Trump Allies Draft Plans to Rein in the Fed Further Reading: - Americans Are Desperate for Relief. The Rate Cut Is a Glimmer of Hope . - The Fed Aims to Repeat Greenspan’s 1990s Masterpiece - Fed Cuts Rates by Half Percentage Point Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, September 20, 2024
Red, White and Who? Why Ohio Could Decide the Senate
Ryan Knutson talks with Molly Ball and Rachel Humphreys about their recent trip to Ohio, where they talked to voters about a tight Senate race and why it might matter so much for both parties. Plus, look at another important Senate race in Montana. Further Listening: - Red, White and Who? Playlist - Red, White and Who? A Swing-State Debate - Red, White, and Who? How Abortion Plays for Trump and Harris Further Reading: - A Populist Democrat Fights to Survive the Trump-Fueled Populist Wave Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, September 19, 2024
Exploding Pagers and the Risk of a Spreading War
On Tuesday afternoon, thousands of pagers issued to Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon exploded at the same time, killing 12 people and injuring more than 2,800. The next day, walkie-talkies detonated in a similar way. Michael Amon reports on one of Israel’s most ambitious covert operations and what the attacks could mean for a broader war. Further Listening: - The Brutal Calculation of Hamas’s Leader - Why Israel and Hamas Could Be Headed Into a Forever War Further Reading: - How a Covert Attack Against Hezbollah Unfolded Across Lebanon’s Streets and Malls - Israel Scored a Stunning Blow Against Hezbollah. Its Path to Victory Is Less Clear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 18, 2024
A Cocaine Kingpin and the Rise of Drug Violence in Europe
Organized crime used to be considered a remote threat in much of Western Europe, but ruthless violence by criminal gangs is now rattling the peace in some of the world’s safest societies. WSJ’s Sune Rasmussen explores the rise of one drug kingpin and how his brutal tactics have spread around the continent. Further Reading: - Violent Drug Gangs Bring Mayhem to Western Europe Further Listening: - The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl - Afghanistan's Desperation Economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 17, 2024
Rupert Murdoch’s Succession Drama Goes to Court
This week, a trial got under way to determine whether Rupert Murdoch can change a trust holding the family’s assets for his children. Murdoch wants to ensure that when he dies control of the trust passes to his oldest son, Lachlan. Three of his other children, James, Elisabeth and Prudence, oppose the change because they would stand to lose voting power. Amol Sharma reports. Further Listening: - Media Giant Rupert Murdoch Is Stepping Down - Behind the Breakup of Fox and Tucker Carlson Further Reading: - The Family Rift Driving Rupert Murdoch to Redo His ‘Irrevocable’ Trust - Murdochs Face Off in a Reno Courthouse Over Family Trust Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, September 16, 2024
Why 33,000 Boeing Workers Walked Off the Job
Tens of thousands of Boeing’s unionized workers are on strike after they rejected a new contract last week. WSJ’s Sharon Terlep reports on the rising tensions that have led to this breaking point and what it could mean for the only American manufacturer of both commercial and military aircraft. Further Reading: - Boeing Freezes Hiring, Delays Pay Raises as Strike Worsens Finances - Boeing Union Goes on Strike, Halting 737 Production Further Listening: - Boeing's Long Flight Delay – in Space - Boeing Agrees to Felony Plea. Now Its Future Is Up in the Air. - The Failures Inside Boeing's 737 Factory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, September 13, 2024
Fraudulent Online Returns Cost Retailers Billions
Scammers are exploiting retailers’ online return programs like never before, fueled by websites and messaging apps. WSJ’s Liz Young reports on the bind retailers now find themselves in, stuck between helping their customers and stopping the fraud. Further Reading: - Online Returns Fraud Finds a Home on Telegram, Costing Retailers Billions - Brick-Filled Boxes. Bogus Receipts. Retailers Battle Fraudulent Returns. Further Listening: - How Cyber Thieves Are Disrupting U.S. Goods - The Slaves Sending You Scam Texts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, September 13, 2024
Red, White and Who? A Swing-State Debate
After a tense debate, Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball unpack a busy election week and examine what’s next for both campaigns in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania. Plus, could a state like Nebraska decide the election? Further Listening: - Red, White, and Who? How Abortion Plays for Trump and Harris - For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead - Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track? Further Reading: - We Asked Undecided Voters Who Won the Trump-Harris Debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, September 12, 2024
The Fight Over U.S. Steel and the Community Caught in the Middle
President Biden, Vice President Harris and former President Trump have all signaled their opposition to the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel. But, as Kris Maher reports, views on the deal are more complex in the place it could matter most: Pittsburgh. Further Listening: - Why China Is Risking a Trade War Further Reading: - Biden Prepares to Block $14 Billion Steel Deal - Japan Bid for U.S. Steel Runs Up Against U.S. Politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 11, 2024
Testosterone Clinics Sell Virility. Side Effects Sometimes Included.
Testosterone therapy is booming, touting a boost at the gym and in the bedroom, but the potential side effects (like infertility) are less well known. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler on the clinics making millions on this growing industry. Further Reading: - Testosterone Clinics Sell Virility. Some Men End Up With Infertility. Further Listening: - Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 1: Birth of a Blockbuster - The Rise of Botox and the Wrinkle in Its Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 10, 2024
Your New Hire May Be a North Korean Spy
North Korean cybercriminals have developed a new way to access networks in corporate America: getting IT jobs. According to U.S. officials, hundreds of U.S. companies have unknowingly hired North Korean operatives in information-technology roles. Dustin Volz explores how these spies get hired, and one CEO describes how his company fell for the scheme. Further Listening: - How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto - North Korea’s Propaganda Mastermind - The Cyberattack That’s Roiling Healthcare Further Reading: - North Korean Spies Are Infiltrating U.S. Companies Through IT Jobs - Kim Jong Un Wants to Block All North Koreans From Escaping. It Isn’t Working. - A North Korean Diplomat Managed a Rare Defection: A Flight Out of Cuba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, September 09, 2024
How Betting on U.S. Politics Is Getting Big
WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich explores the world of political betting. We meet a trader making big money making predictions on the upcoming U.S. elections over a platform called Polymarket and examine the fight that is brewing with regulators over the practice. Further Reading: - Meet the Traders Making Money Off the Trump Shooting and Biden’s Stumbles - Judge Holds Off on Allowing Election Bets–For Now - The Hot New Trade That Everyone Is Watching: Will Biden Drop Out? Further Listening: - How Gambling Scandals Are Rocking Sports Leagues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, September 06, 2024
Hot, Dry and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study
Kyle, Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It is also facing heat and drought that has been exacerbated by climate change and is expected to get worse. Matt Wirz reports on the tensions in Kyle as the city continues to build, even as it runs low on water. Further Listening: - A Plan to Hack the Planet Further Reading: - This Texas City Is Too Hot, Short on Water—and Booming - Welcome to Y’all Street, Texas’ Burgeoning Financial Hub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, September 06, 2024
Red, White and Who? How Abortion Plays For Trump and Harris
Who will win the race to the White House? A new series from The Journal podcast explores the issues that are shaping this election. This week, Ryan Knutson and WSJ’s Molly Ball delve into reproductive rights, examining how the issue is playing out for both Democrats and Republicans. Plus..what makes a state a swing state? Further Listening: - For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead - Hope, Unity (and Some Nerves at the DNC) - Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, September 05, 2024
A Fed Insider on the Looming Rate Cut
This month, for the first time in over two years, the U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates. Mary Daly, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, is one of 12 people who will decide how aggressive that cut should be. She talks to Kate about inflation, unemployment, the economy and Taylor Swift. Further Listening: - What the Stock Market Panic Says About the Economy - Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts Further Reading: - The Make-or-Break Moment That Will Determine the Economy’s Fate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 04, 2024
The Rise of the Tween Shopper
Tweens, or kids aged 8 to 12, have learned to shop online. Brands are taking note. WSJ’s Chavie Lieber spoke to TikTok-er Demetra Dias and explains the impact of influencers like her on young shoppers and the brands that court them. Further Reading: - Teen Girls Are Spending Big. She Tells Them What to Buy. - Why Tweens Are Obsessed With This $110 Sweatsuit Further Listening: - How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet's Favorite Water Bottle - Teens Are Falling Victim to AI Fake Nudes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 03, 2024
What's Behind the Arrest of the Telegram CEO?
Pavel Durov, the CEO of the messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France last month. He was charged with a host of crimes, including complicity in distributing child pornography, illegal drugs and hacking software on the app. Matthew Dalton reports on how the charges represent a major escalation by the French government in holding tech executives accountable for the content that appears on their platforms. Further Reading: - Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Charged by French Authorities - Exclusive | Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Was Wooed and Targeted by Governments Further Listening: - Is Fighting Misinformation Censorship? The Supreme Court Will Decide. - What Happens to Privacy in the Age of AI? - Meta Is Struggling to Boot Pedophiles Off Facebook and Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, August 30, 2024
For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead
Kamala Harris is trying to step out of President Biden’s shadow without distancing herself from their administration’s policies. Molly Ball breaks down a new WSJ poll that shows Harris has a narrow lead in the presidential election and unpacks the VP’s first big interview. She also takes your questions. Further Reading: - Harris Has Taken Narrow Lead Over Trump, WSJ Poll Finds - Race Is On To Reach the Rapidly Shrinking Pool of Undecided Voters Further Listening: - Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track? - Kamala Harris, In Context Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, August 29, 2024
Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL
The world’s most lucrative sports league is allowing private equity to buy into teams. WSJ’s Andrew Beaton and Miriam Gottfried unpack why the NFL is opening up, and what it could mean for owners and fans. Further Reading: - Private Equity Ownership Is Coming to the NFL - College Sports Is About to Turn Pro. Private Equity Wants In. Further Listening: - Why Three Media Giants Are Betting on Sports Streaming - ESPN’s Big Bet on an F-Bomb-Throwing YouTube Star Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 28, 2024
Why China Is Risking a Trade War
Faced with stagnating economic growth, Chinese leader Xi Jinping decided to go all in on manufacturing and exporting. But, as Lingling Wei reports, the increase in low-cost Chinese goods is squeezing businesses around the world and raising the specter of a new trade war. Further Listening: - How Xi Jinping's Dream Slowed China's Economy - The Political Cost of China's Faltering Economy Further Reading: - Why China Is Starting a New Trade War - China Revives Socialist Ideas to Fix Its Real-Estate Crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 27, 2024
Lending Elon Musk Money Was A Very Bad Bet
When Elon Musk bought Twitter in 2022, he borrowed $13 billion dollars from several banks to complete the deal. Now, it looks like the banks may not get all their money back. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy on what the banks didn’t take into account when they made those loans. Further Reading: - Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover Is Now the Worst Buyout for Banks Since the Financial Crisis - Elon Musk’s Hard Turn to Politics, in 300,000 of His Own Words Further Listening: - Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump - Tesla’s Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk - Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Is Losing Advertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, August 26, 2024
Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community?
For almost 20 years, Etsy has been a popular website for handmade and specialized goods on the internet. But as the company grew, many current and former sellers say the platform has changed and is now full of mass-produced goods. They’ve also complained about increased seller fees. The CEO, Josh Silverman, responds, saying Etsy is still true to its original mission to keep commerce ‘human.’ Further Listening: - What’s Behind Amazon’s Review Problem - The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch Further Reading: - Temu’s U.S. Entry Is an Orange Flag for Etsy - E tsy to Cut 11% of Marketplace Workforce in Restructuring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, August 23, 2024
Hope, Unity (and Some Nerves) at the DNC
Last night, Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. It capped off a boisterous, speaker-packed week in Chicago as the Harris campaign tries to reach a broad swath of American voters. Molly Ball reports from Chicago. Further Listening: - Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track? - Takeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control Further Reading: - Kamala Harris Defines the Democrats’ New Normal - Democrats’ Upbeat Convention Has Nancy Pelosi to Thank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, August 22, 2024
Outcry at Bank of America Over Dangerous Workloads
In May, an associate at Bank of America died unexpectedly after working long hours on a big acquisition. The death sparked an outcry about the all-nighters and 100-hour weeks that grind down young investment bankers. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy spoke to over three dozen current and former employees about a pervasive culture of overwork at the bank. Further Reading: - How Bank of America Ignores Its Own Rules Meant to Prevent Dangerous Workloads - Bank of America Urges Bankers to Sound Alarm on Overwork After WSJ Investigation Further Listening: - Lewd Photos, Booze and Bullying: Inside the FDIC’s Toxic Culture - JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 21, 2024
The Inside Story of Starbucks’s CEO Drama
Last week, Starbucks ousted its CEO Laxman Narasimhan and replaced him with Brian Niccol, the current leader of Chipotle. Lauren Thomas reports on the dramatic leadership change, as Starbucks struggles to turn around its business and contend with activist investors. Further Listening: - Can Chinese Customers Rescue Starbucks? - The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback Further Reading: - Inside Starbucks’s Surprising CEO Firing and Hiring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 20, 2024
At the DNC, Democrats Are Divided Over Gaza
The Democratic National Convention is underway in Chicago, where the party aims to unite behind its new nominee for president, Kamala Harris. But the war in Gaza, and American military aid for Israel, is dividing the party. WSJ’s Sabrina Siddiqui explains why that fracture could impact the Harris campaign. Further Reading: - DNC 2024 Live Updates - DNC Protesters Have a Message for Kamala Harris: ‘Talk Is Cheap’ - Pro-Gaza Activists Size Up Kamala Harris Further Listening: - The Economy: Trump vs. Harris - Trump Courts the Union Vote - Pro-Palestinian Protests and Arrests at U.S. Colleges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, August 19, 2024
The Economy: Trump vs. Harris
Last week, the two presidential candidates put forward some specific policy proposals about the economy. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia breaks down what each candidate is proposing. Further Reading: - Harris Calls for Expanded Child Tax Credit, 3 Million New Housing Units - Harris, Trump Propose Divergent, Costly Solutions for Inflation Further Listening: - Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track? - 'Phony' and 'Weird.' Trump and Harris Size Each Other Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, August 16, 2024
Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track?
WSJ’s Molly Ball breaks down the past week for the Trump campaign as the former president continues to try and counter a surge of support for Harris. Plus, do undecided voters truly exist? Molly answers your questions. Further Reading: - Race Is On To Reach the Rapidly Shrinking Pool of Undecided Voters - Inside Elon Musk’s Hands-On Push to Win 800,000 Voters for Trump Further Listening: - The Week that Changed the Presidential Race - Kamala Harris, In Context Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, August 15, 2024
She Was Google’s First Landlord. And She Changed the Internet.
Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki died last week at the age of 56. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa shares how Wojcicki developed a reputation as perhaps the most important Google employee that few people have heard of outside of the company’s walls. Further Reading: - Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Dies at Age 56 - YouTube’s Susan Wojcicki on Transforming the Video Service Further Listening: - Why the DOJ Is Suing Google Again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 14, 2024
One Man’s Campaign Against DEI
In the past three months, Robby Starbuck has fueled social-media attacks that have led to two companies rolling back their diversity initiatives. He is part of a larger movement that is pushing back against diversity, equity and inclusion policies at companies. WSJ’s Chip Cutter reports. Further Listening: - Conservatives Come for ESG Further Reading: - The Activist Pushing Companies to Ditch Their Diversity Policies - Diversity Goals Are Disappearing From Companies’ Annual Reports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 13, 2024
China Is Finally Doing Something About the Fentanyl Crisis
After years of pressure from the U.S., China is imposing new restrictions on chemicals used in the production of fentanyl. WSJ’s Brian Spegele says the move marks a small step forward after nearly a decade of sometimes-tense negotiations. Further Reading: - China Restricts Fentanyl Chemicals After Years of U.S. Pressure Further Listening: - The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl - How a Balloon Burst U.S.-China Relations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, August 12, 2024
Boeing's Long Flight Delay – in Space
In June, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station. But issues with its propulsion system have called into question its safety. Now, NASA is weighing alternatives to bring the astronauts home. WSJ’s Micah Maidenberg shares how the Starliner program has faced a bevy of problems and what it means for Boeing. Further Reading: - Boeing Sent Two Astronauts Into Space. Now It Needs to Get Them Home. - NASA Says Starliner Astronauts Could Return With SpaceX—Next Year - Two Astronauts Are Stuck in Space. Here’s How They’re Passing the Time. Further Listening: - Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX - The New Race to the Moon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, August 09, 2024
Will Tracking Cocoa Beans Help Save the Rainforest?
The world’s rainforests have shrunk dramatically in recent decades due to the expansion of land for growing cash crops, like cocoa. The European Union is trying to limit destruction with a new law which aims to track where cocoa is grown. Farmers who want to sell to Europe— the world’s largest cocoa market— are racing to meet the law's requirements, or lose out. WSJ’s Alexandra Wexler details how the law will impact millions of cocoa farmers in West Africa. Further Reading: - Chocolate Prices Have Soared. A New Law Threatens to Keep Them High. - Your Sweet Tooth Is Getting Expensive Further Listening: - How Indonesia Tamed Rainforest Destruction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, August 08, 2024
$25 Billion to Zero: Bill Ackman’s Bungled IPO
Bill Ackman has pressed pause on the initial public offering of a new fund aimed at everyday investors after a lack of demand. Ackman originally aimed to raise around $25 billion in the offering, hoping to capitalize on his social-media celebrity but his fund goals shrunk dramatically. WSJ’s Peter Rudegeair unpacks what happened. Further Reading: - Can Bill Ackman Turn Social-Media Stardom Into a Blockbuster IPO? - What Bill Ackman Got Wrong With His Bungled IPO Further Listening: - The Life of One of Wall Street’s Greatest Investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 07, 2024
Judge Rules ‘Google Is a Monopolist’
In a historic decision this week, a federal judge ruled that Google acted to illegally maintain a monopoly in online search. The case was the first of several antitrust lawsuits the U.S. government has brought against some of the nation’s leading tech companies, and the ruling marks a major victory for its efforts to reign in big tech. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa explains how this decision could shake up Google’s business and potentially change how we search the internet. Further Reading: - Google’s Antitrust Loss Set to Reshape Search and Mobile Industries - Google Loses Antitrust Case Over Search-Engine Dominance Further Listening: - Why the DOJ Is Suing Google Again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 06, 2024
What the Stock Market Panic Says About the Economy
Slow job growth in the U.S. and interest rate cuts in Japan triggered a global stock market sell off on Monday. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos breaks down how it happened, what it says about the economy, and what it means for the Federal Reserve’s long-term goal of a soft landing. Further Listening: - Live from Seattle: A Weird Economy + Election = ?? - Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts Further Reading: - Market Selloff Upends Fed Rate-Cut Calculus - Lousy Jobs Report Forces Fed to Reckon With Hard Landing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, August 05, 2024
Who is Filing Thousands of Disability Lawsuits Against Businesses?
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, businesses are supposed to make their websites accessible to the visually impaired. WSJ's Ruth Simon found that this requirement has led to an explosion of lawsuits, many of which are against small businesses. Further Reading: - The Law Firm Hitting Businesses With Thousands of Disability Suits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, August 02, 2024
'Phony' and 'Weird.' Trump and Harris Size Each Other Up
As Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign gets underway, Democrats and Republicans are rushing to define her. And Democrats are shifting the way they talk about the GOP. WSJ’s Molly Ball explores the strategies behind how both sides are framing each other. Further Listening: - The Week That Changed the Presidential Race - Takeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, August 01, 2024
The Historic U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap
Russia freed wrongfully convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and more than a dozen others on Thursday as part of the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War. WSJ’s Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw report on the effort to bring Gershkovich home. Further Listening: - Russia Tries a WSJ Reporter in a Secret Court - Two Parents on a Crusade to Free Their Son Further Reading: - Inside the Secret Negotiations to Free Evan Gershkovich - WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich Is Free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 31, 2024
Alexa is in Millions of Homes and Amazon is Losing Billions
After ten years of sales, 500 million Amazon smart devices have found their way into homes around the world. But the company is losing billions of dollars on the devices. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli discovered an accounting tool that’s kept the huge losses under wraps. Further Reading: - Alexa Is in Millions of Households—and Amazon Is Losing Billions Further Listening: - Amazon's Secret Operation to Gather Intel on Rivals - What Is Amazon's Secret 'Project Nessie'? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 30, 2024
The Paris Olympics’ $1.5 Billion Poop Problem
Today, Olympics officials in Paris postponed the men’s triathlon because of elevated E. coli levels in the River Seine, where the event was set to take place. WSJ’s Joshua Robinson reports on how decades of trying to clean up the river may not have been successful. Further Reading: - Paris Olympics Postpones Triathlon Because of Pollution in River Seine - Yes, They’re Actually Doing Olympic Swimming in the River Seine. Gulp. - Herculean Feat in Paris Olympics: Make the Seine Safe to Swim Further Listening: - Simone Biles and the Power of Saying No Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 29, 2024
The Slaves Sending You Scam Texts
Have you ever thought about who is behind your scam texts? WSJ reporter Feliz Solomon spent months investigating and discovered that many of these texts are coming from slaves trapped in scam dens in Southeast Asia. She talked to one person who had been imprisoned there and learned how he became ensnared in a growing criminal empire. Further Listening: - Pig Butchering: A Texting Scam With A Crypto Twist Further Reading: - Posing As ‘Alicia,’ This Man Scammed Hundreds Online. He Was Also A Victim. - ‘She Hooked Me’: How An Online Scam Cost A Senior Citizen His Life’s Savings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, July 26, 2024
The Week That Changed the Presidential Race
The 2024 presidential election has taken a major turn after Biden dropped out of the race. WSJ’s Molly Ball charts how the 2024 political election has hit a reset and what Harris’s candidacy could mean for her party and the country. Further Listening: - Takeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control Further Reading: - Biden Withdrawal Caps Weeks of Epic Political Turbulence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, July 25, 2024
The Quest to Save American-Made Antibiotics
USAntibiotics's plant in Tennessee is one of the last plants in the United States that makes amoxicillin, the crucial antibiotic that has been in shortage in some forms since 2022. But the plant isn’t breaking even, financially. WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte reports on why it is so hard for American-made generic drugs manufacturers to survive. Further Listening: - Will Florida’s Plan to Get Cheap Drugs From Canada Work? - Trillion Dollar Shot Further Reading: - Drug Shortages in America Reach a Record High - Drug Shortages Trigger FTC Probe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 24, 2024
Kamala Harris, In Context
Democrats are rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris as she takes over President Biden’s campaign. WSJ’s Tarini Parti discusses some key moments in her political career and explores what they reveal about her as a candidate. Further Listening: - Biden Taps Out. Harris Taps In. - T akeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control Further Reading: - Inside the Slow-Building Biden-Harris Relationship - How Kamala Harris Views Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 23, 2024
The Glitch That Crashed Millions of Computers
Last Friday, 8.5 million computers around the world stopped working. All kinds of businesses were impacted, from airlines to banks to hospitals. The cause was a routine update sent out by a software company called CrowdStrike. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how the meltdown happened and why Microsoft’s software was especially vulnerable. Further Reading: - Blue Screens Everywhere Are Latest Tech Woe for Microsoft - CrowdStrike Made Its Name Fighting Technology Problems. Now It Has Caused One. Further Listening: - The Computer Glitch That Caused Nearly 1,000 Convictions - Hacking the Hackers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 22, 2024
Biden Taps Out. Harris Taps In.
On Sunday, President Joe Biden ended his bid for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Annie Linskey reports on Biden’s big decision and what lies ahead for Harris and the Democratic Party. Further Listening: - Takeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control - Will Biden Stay in the Race? Further Reading: - How the Bet on an 81-Year-Old Joe Biden Turned Into an Epic Miscalculation - Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race, Endorses Harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, July 19, 2024
Takeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control
The Republican National Convention came to a close Thursday night with a speech by presidential nominee Donald Trump that called for unity while also returning to familiar rhetoric. WSJ’s Molly Ball says it’s a remarkable turnaround for a candidate who was once an outsider, and has now remade the party in his image. Plus, Jessica Mendoza and Jacob Gallagher give the convention a fit check. Further Reading: - Trump Hasn’t Changed, but the GOP Has - Crypto Dads, Trump Suits and Four-Letter Words: Scenes from the Cultural Frenzy at the RNC Further Listening: - Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump - Trump Courts the Union Vote - The Secret Service’s Failure to Protect Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, July 18, 2024
Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump
Elon Musk has said he is committing around $45 million a month to a pro-Trump super PAC, according to people familiar with the matter. He is the biggest name in tech now turning Donald Trump’s way. WSJ’s Emily Glazer reports on how Musk and others in Silicon Valley are throwing their support and money behind Trump’s campaign for president. Further Listening: - Tesla’s Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk - Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla’s Board - Trump Courts the Union Vote Further Reading: - Musk Turbocharges Silicon Valley Support for Trump - Elon Musk Has Said He Is Committing Around $45 Million a Month to a New - Pro-Trump Super PAC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 17, 2024
Russia Tries a WSJ Reporter in a Secret Court
WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich has been held in Russia for more than a year on an espionage accusation that he, the U.S. government and The Wall Street Journal vehemently deny. Gershkovich will appear in court Thursday for another hearing. WSJ’s Matthew Luxmoore explores what we know about the secret trial and why even the Gershkovich’s defense lawyers are restricted from publicly discussing it. Further Reading: - The Shadowy Judicial System That Controls the Fate of WSJ’s Evan Gershkovich Further Listening: - A WSJ Reporter Arrested in Russia - Russian Court Upholds WSJ Reporter’s Detention - Two Parents on a Crusade to Free Their Son Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 16, 2024
Trump Courts the Union Vote
Last night at the Republican National Convention, Sean O’Brien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, spoke. O’Brien was the first Teamsters president to ever speak at an RNC and his presence represents a shift in union voters away from the Democratic Party. WSJ’s Paul Kiernan reports on why some union voters are interested in voting for former President Trump this election. Further Listening: - ‘We’ll Strike All Three’: The UAW’s Historic Walkout Further Reading: - For Embattled Biden, Union Members Aren’t the Reliable Support They Used to Be Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 15, 2024
The Secret Service’s Failure to Protect Trump
On Saturday, a shooter attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Now, the Secret Service is coming under scrutiny for failing to prevent it. WSJ’s Sadie Gurman and Ryan Barber on what we know about the shooter, and about what went wrong for the Secret Service. Further Reading: - Trump Rally Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks Said to Have Been Loner Who Rarely Voiced Politics - Trump Shooting Is Secret Service’s Most Stunning Failure in Decades Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, July 12, 2024
Teens Are Falling Victim to AI Fake Nudes
Last fall, nude photos of a 14-year-old student started spreading around her high school. But they weren't real… they’d been created with AI. WSJ’s Julie Jargon breaks down how fake photos like these are a growing trend among teens and why it’s difficult to deal with. Further Reading: - ‘I Felt Shameful and Fearful’: Teen Who Saw AI Fake Nudes of Herself Speaks Out - AI Fake Nudes Are Now a Frightening Reality for Teens Further Listening: - Artificial: Episode 1, The Dream - He Thought Instagram Was Safe. Then His Daughter Got an Account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, July 11, 2024
The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Abercrombie & Fitch was the hottest teen clothing brand. Kids would flock to their local mall to get the expensive, moose-emblazoned apparel. But then, after a series of controversies and a change in fashion, the brand seemingly lost its edge. WSJ’s Katie Deighton reports on how Abercrombie & Fitch revived itself and embraced millennial women. Further Listening: - Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash. - The Unraveling of Stitch Fix - Old Navy Tried to Make Sizes for All. It Backfired. Further Reading and Watching: - How Jeans for Millennials Helped Revive Abercrombie & Fitch Stock - Abercrombie & Fitch Is Reaping the Rewards of Taking Adult Women Seriously Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 10, 2024
Gold Bars, Cash and a Mercedes: A U.S. Senator's Corruption Trial
After his first corruption case ended in a mistrial in 2017, Sen. Bob Menendez had a message for his supporters: “Today is resurrection day.” Now, Menendez is back in a courthouse facing new corruption charges. WSJ’s Corinne Ramey unpacks the case. Further Reading: - Menendez Declared His ‘Resurrection.’ Then He Fell in Love. Further Listening: - The 'Mystery Man' Tells Us How He Helped Free Rod Blagojevich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 09, 2024
Boeing Agrees to Felony Plea. Now Its Future Is Up in the Air.
In a stunning concession, Boeing agreed Sunday to plead guilty to misleading air-safety regulators ahead of two deadly 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. WSJ’s Andrew Tangel reports on Boeing’s long and complicated journey to the plea deal and what a felony record would mean for the company. Further Listening: - The Failures Inside Boeing’s 737 Factory - A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing Further Reading: - Boeing Agrees to Plead Guilty in 737 MAX Criminal Case - Inside DOJ’s Wrenching Decision on Whether to Prosecute Boeing - Boeing Violated Criminal Settlement After 737 MAX Crashes, Justice Department Says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 08, 2024
Coinbase’s CEO on the Future of Crypto
After high-profile collapses and government crackdowns, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is one of the last big digital-asset founders standing. He speaks with Ryan Knutson about taking up the mantle, clashes with the SEC and the future of crypto. Further Listening: - The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy - The Fall of (Another) Crypto King Further Reading and Watching: - Who Is Brian Armstrong? Coinbase CEO Is Taking On the SEC - Coinbase CEO Says He’ll Challenge the SEC for ‘Clarity’ on Crypto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, July 05, 2024
McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both?
Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, sits down with Kate Linebaugh to talk about how the company is trying to keep customers happy despite rising prices and a shift towards healthier eating. Further Reading: - The Fast-Food Fight Over the $5 Meal Deal - A Day in the Life of a California Fast-Food Manager Who Makes Up to $174,000 Further Listening: - Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food - Beyond Meat Loses Its Sizzle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 03, 2024
Will Biden Stay in the Race?
Pressure is mounting on President Joe Biden to step back as candidate for president. A new WSJ poll shows Biden has fallen six points behind Donald Trump and that 80% of respondents said they worry about Biden’s age. WSJ's Annie Linskey explores the rising panic inside the party, and how Biden’s tight inner circle is urging him to stay the course. Further Listening: - Behind Closed Doors, Biden's Age is Showing Further Reading: - Tight Inner Circle Urges Biden to Press On - Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 02, 2024
A Troubled Plan to Ship Migrants to Rwanda
After a steep increase in migration, the United Kingdom turned to a controversial plan: sending migrants to Rwanda. But the plan has faced years of delays and legal challenges. Max Colchester explains why the U.K. pushed ahead, and what Rwanda stands to gain. Further Reading: - Britain’s Radical Plan to Tackle the Migrant Crisis Turns Into a Cautionary Tale Further Listening: - Smuggling Migrants Toward the U.S. Is a Booming Business - Texas Took On Border Security. Is It Working? - What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 01, 2024
Trump Has Broad Immunity
The Supreme Court dealt a major blow to prosecutors hoping to convict Donald Trump on charges he sought to subvert the 2020 election. The court ruled 6-3 that former presidents enjoy sweeping immunity for their acts while in office. WSJ's Jess Bravin discusses what this ruling could mean for the future of American democracy. Further Reading: - Supreme Court Deals Blow to Trump’s Prosecution, Ruling He Has Broad Immunity Further Listening: - Will the Supreme Court Kick Trump off the Ballot? - The Origin Story of Trump's Guilty Verdict Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, June 28, 2024
Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food
Alice Waters helped the farm-to-table movement go mainstream in the U.S. through her restaurant Chez Panisse. In the decades since she has kept advocating for locally grown, organic food over the fast food Americans regularly consume. Kate Linebaugh sat down with Waters at The Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum. To watch a video of the conversation, check out the episode on Spotify. Further Listening: – Could Paris Hilton Create the 'Next Disney?' – Live from Seattle: A Weird Economy + Election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, June 27, 2024
All Eyes on Biden, Trump – and CNN
Tonight, two presidents, one current and one former, are set to debate live on CNN. The stakes are high for the candidates and for the network that’s been struggling to win viewers. WSJ’s Isabella Simonetti reports on how CNN is remaking the debate, and Annie Linskey analyzes what the format change could mean for the candidates. Further Reading: - Presidential Debate Carries Great Opportunity—and Risk—for CNN - Biden-Trump Debate Takes Shape - We Rewatched the 2020 Trump-Biden Debates. Here’s What We Learned. Further Listening: - The Downfall of CNN’s CEO - Behind Closed Doors, Biden’s Age is Showing - The Origin Story of Trump’s Guilty Verdict Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 26, 2024
How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea
Ukraine has sunk or damaged about two dozen Russian ships using a technical innovation: naval drones. WSJ’s James Marson unspools the story of the drones’ development and explores how they’re turning the tide in a key area of the war. Further Reading: - How Ukraine’s Naval Drones Turned the Tide in the Battle of the Black Sea Further Listening: - Ukraine Makes a Deal with Wall Street - Ukraine's $30 Billion Problem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 25, 2024
The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card
Rent has long been an expense people wanted to pay on credit cards. In 2022, Wells Fargo launched a credit card with Bilt Technologies that allowed users to pay for rent, avoid processing fees and earn points. But the partnership is costing Wells Fargo millions. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis reports. Further Listening: - The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe - The Deal That Could Change Credit Cards Further Reading: - Wells Fargo Bet on a Flashy Rent Credit Card. It Is Costing the Bank Dearly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, June 24, 2024
Southwest Changed Flying. Can It Change Itself?
An activist investor says Southwest Airlines is stuck in the past. Elliott Investment Management says it has amassed a $1.9 billion stake, making it one of Southwest’s biggest shareholders and one of its most vocal critics. WSJ’s Alison Sider explains what Elliott wants, and why critics say some of the things that made Southwest great are now holding it back. Further Reading: - Southwest Changed Flying. Now It Can’t Change Fast Enough - Meet the Southwest Superfans Who Don’t Want the Airline to Change Further Listening: - Ryanair: Cheap, Cramped and Making Its CEO a Fortune - The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, June 21, 2024
Zyn pouches, ‘Zynfluencers’ and ‘the Zyndemic’
For about a decade, Zyn, a brand of nicotine pouch, was a niche product used by former smokers. But now it’s exploded in popularity and is hard to find on store shelves. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney explains how Zyn achieved social media virality and has found itself in the middle of a culture war. Further Reading: - Zyn Nicotine Pouches Take Off—and Land in the Culture Wars - Why America Is Running Low on Zyn Nicotine Pouches Further Listening: - The Juul Paradox - The ‘Existential Threat’ Facing Big Tobacco - How Puff Bar Became the Most Popular Vape for Kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, June 20, 2024
Sam Altman's Opaque Investment Empire
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has a day job and a side gig. Only one of them makes him rich. WSJ's Berber Jin explains how Altman makes most of his wealth through investing in tech startups and how some of those startups' business relationships with OpenAI raise questions about conflicts of interest. Further Reading: - The Opaque Investment Empire Making OpenAI’s Sam Altman Rich Further Listening: - Artificial: The OpenAI Story - Tesla's Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 18, 2024
How ‘Conflict Gum’ Is Helping Fuel Sudan’s Civil War
Gum arabic is a widely used but little-known ingredient found in products like soda, gum, makeup and beer. But as WSJ’s Nicholas Bariyo and Alexandra Wexler report, the product has been used for a darker purpose: helping to fund the civil war in Sudan. Further Reading: - How Soda, Chocolate and Chewing Gum Are Funding War in Sudan - What Is Happening in Sudan? The Fighting Explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, June 17, 2024
The Brutal Calculation of Hamas’s Leader
Yahya Sinwar is the Hamas leader inside Gaza who allegedly plotted the October 7th attacks. According to private messages reviewed by the WSJ, Sinwar believes that a rising Palestinian death toll—and the international condemnation it brings—is in the best interest of his cause. WSJ’s Rory Jones walks us through Sinwar’s strategy. Further Reading: - Gaza Chief’s Brutal Calculation: Civilian Bloodshed Will Help Hamas - The Hamas Leader Who Studied Israel’s Psyche—and Is Betting His Life on What He Learned Further Listening: - Why Israel and Hamas Could Be Headed Into a Forever War - Inside the White House's Scramble to Avert a Bigger Middle East War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, June 14, 2024
Tesla’s Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk
Tesla shareholders voted to reapprove Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package, signaling support for the EV maker’s CEO and giving the board ammunition in its fight to preserve the court-rejected compensation plan. WSJ’s David Benoit explores the fight to get Musk billions and why the Tesla board is so invested in making the huge pay package happen. Further Listening: - Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX - Why is Tesla Pulling Back on EV Charging? - Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla’s Board Further Reading: - Tesla Shareholders Vote to Uphold Elon Musk’s $48 Billion Pay Package - Elon Musk’s $55.8 Billion Tesla Pay Package Struck Down by Judge - Tesla Hits the Road to Persuade Shareholders to Pay Elon Musk $46 Billion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, June 13, 2024
The Hidden Life of Google’s Secret Weapon
Joshua Wright was a star in the world of antitrust, from his time at the Federal Trade Commission to his work with some of the biggest tech companies. He was well respected and powerful until accusations of sexual misconduct came to light. WSJ’s Brody Mullins talks us through his reporting on Wright’s downfall. Further Reading: - The Hidden Life of Google’s Secret Weapon - For Years, an Esteemed Law Professor Seduced Students. Was He Too Important to Fire? - Hubris, Revenge and a Breakup Brought Down Big Tech’s Proudest Ally Further Listening: - Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX - Lewd Photos, Booze and Bullying: Inside the FDIC’s Toxic Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 12, 2024
Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX
The billionaire founder showed several female employees at SpaceX an unusual amount of attention or pursued them. WSJ's Joseph Palazzolo describes the revelations. Further Reading: - Elon Musk’s Boundary-Blurring Relationships With Women at SpaceX Further Listening: - Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla's Board - Elon Musk's 'Demon Mode' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 11, 2024
New York’s U-Turn on a Plan to Reduce Traffic
The nation’s first congestion-pricing plan was set to take effect at the end of June. But last week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called to indefinitely delay the program. WSJ's Jimmy Vielkind unpacks the surprising move and explores why Hochul made the 11th hour change. Further Reading: - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Abruptly Halts Manhattan Congestion Pricing Further Listening: - NYC’s Food Delivery Workers Fight for a Minimum Wage - New York City's 'De Facto Ban' on Airbnb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, June 10, 2024
Shein: Fast Fashion, Slow IPO
The fast-fashion giant hoped to have a splashy U.S. public offering this year. WSJ's Shen Lu explains how the divide between Beijing and Washington got in the way. Further Reading: - Shein Promised to Have a Big U.S. IPO. Its China Roots Got in the Way. - Fast-Fashion Giant Shein Files to Go Public Further Listening: - Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash. - The Mysterious CEO Leading Shein to an IPO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sun, June 09, 2024
Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 4: The Disruptors
The rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs could cause all kinds of ripple effects. According to one estimate, 9% of the U.S. population could be on Ozempic or similar medications by 2030. Meanwhile, drugmakers are already developing the next generation of weight-loss drugs and researchers are studying the possible health benefits beyond weight loss and diabetes, including addiction. In the final episode of our series we ask: What could all this development mean for businesses, from the food sector to airlines? And who wins and who loses in the post-Ozempic economy? Guests include: David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly; and Mehdi Farokhnia, an addiction researcher at the National Institutes of Health. Listen to Episodes 1, 2 and 3 of “Trillion Dollar Shot” here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, June 07, 2024
‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper
There is a new contender in the cola wars, and it isn’t a cola. It’s Dr Pepper. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney unpacks how after decades as a distant competitor, Dr Pepper has climbed the soda ranks with help from hefty marketing, novel flavors and TikTok videos. Further Reading: - Dr Pepper Ties Pepsi as America’s No. 2 Soda Further Listening: - The Agony and Ecstasy of Tab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, June 06, 2024
Why Biden Is Cracking Down on Asylum at the Border
President Biden unveiled a last-ditch effort to lower illegal crossings at the southern border this week. The move focuses on asylum seekers, and the policy is similar to one that former President Trump tried in 2018. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman describes the policy and tries to answer the question: why now? Further Reading: - Biden Issues Executive Actions on Immigration: What to Know Further Listening: - What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy - What Trump's Immigration Restrictions Could Mean for the Economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 05, 2024
Behind Closed Doors, Biden’s Age is Showing
For much of his career, Biden built a reputation as a master negotiator. He’s known for his detailed knowledge of issues—and for hitting his stride when the pressure was on. Now, 81-year-old Biden is the oldest person to hold the presidency. WSJ's Annie Linskey and Siobhan Hughes go behind closed doors where some who have worked with him describe a president who appears slower. Further Reading: - Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping Further Listening: - Inside the White House's Scramble to Avert a Bigger Middle East War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 04, 2024
A Conversation with Alphabet’s Captain of Moonshots
Astro Teller, the CEO of Aphabet’s X, runs a lab dedicated to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems while also coming up with viable businesses. After he spoke at the WSJ’s Future of Everything festival, we sat down with him to talk about A.I., self-driving cars, and the changing economy of tech. Further Watching: - Astro Teller’s Meaning of Life Further Listening: - Google CEO Sundar Pichai on How AI Could Change Search - The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, June 03, 2024
Mexico Has a New President. Will She Be Different?
Claudia Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, will become Mexico’s first female president. Sheinbaum has pledged to be a continuation of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. WSJ’s José de Córdoba explains the two politicians’ close ties, and what her administration could mean for Mexico-U.S. relations. Further Reading: - Claudia Sheinbaum Elected as Mexico’s First Female President - The Most Dangerous Job in Mexican Politics: Running for Mayor Further Listening: - Texas Took On Border Security. Is It Working? - When the Drug Cartel Takes Over Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sun, June 02, 2024
Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 3: Brad
Bradley Olson has tried a lot of different diets over his 20-year weight-loss journey, including popular programs like WeightWatchers. But nothing was as successful for him as Mounjaro, one in a new class of drugs that people are taking for weight loss. In this episode, Brad talks about his experience on the medicine and grapples with everything the drug couldn’t fix, from his self image to our food system. He confronts the ghosts of diets past and wades into the larger cultural conversation around weight loss. Guests include: Gary Foster from WeightWatchers; Virgie Tovar, a body positivity advocate; Dr. Robert Lustig, an endocrinologist. Listen to Episodes 1 and 2 of “Trillion Dollar Shot” now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, May 31, 2024
The Origin Story of Trump's Guilty Verdict
A New York jury has found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 charges. WSJ reporter Joe Palazzolo recalls the original investigation that eventually led to Thursday's conviction, and legal reporter Corinne Ramey describes the scene as the verdict came down. Further Reading: - Nine Memorable Moments From Donald Trump’s Hush-Money Trial - A History of WSJ’s Hush-Money Investigation Further Listening: - Donald Trump’s First Criminal Trial Is Underway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, May 30, 2024
The Big Short: China Edition
For years, China’s real estate market was booming. Developers, home buyers and Western banks rushed to invest. But the boom turned into a bubble, which eventually burst. WSJ’s Rebecca Feng reports on the warning signs that were ignored and we speak to two people who saw the collapse coming. Further Reading: - The Folly of China’s Real-Estate Boom Was Easy to See, but No One Wanted to Stop It - Evergrande Was Once China’s Biggest Property Developer. Now, It Has Been Ordered to Liquidate. Further Listening: - China’s Property Market Crisis - China’s Evergrande Crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 29, 2024
The Trustbuster Taking on Ticketmaster
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter heads the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. He speaks with Ryan Knutson about the DOJ’s lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, and why the government says the business is an illegal monopoly which the company denies. Further Reading: - Justice Department to Sue Live Nation, Seek Breakup of Concert and Ticketing Giant - J ustice Department Sues to Break Up Live Nation-Ticketmaster Further Listening: - The Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Debacle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 28, 2024
$2.8 Billion for College Athletes and a New World for the NCAA
For over a century, the NCAA has refused to pay athletes. After a recent settlement, that’s going to change. The organization has agreed to set aside $2.8 billion in back payments for some student athletes and moving forward, allow players to get a cut of television revenue. WSJ’s Jared Diamond explains what it might mean for the future of college athletics. Further Reading: - NCAA Agrees to Share Revenue With Athletes in Landmark $2.8 Billion Settlement - He Was the $13 Million QB Recruit. Now He’s Suing the Boosters Who Never Paid Up. Further Listening: - Why an Ivy League Basketball Team Voted to Unionize - The TikTok That Changed College Hoops Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sun, May 26, 2024
Introducing Science Vs - Ozempic: Is It Scarier Than We Thought?
Trillion Dollar Shot , our new series about drugs like Ozempic, will be back next week. Until then, we think you’d enjoy a show from our friends over at Science Vs, a podcast that takes on fads, trends and the opinionated mob to find out what’s fact, what’s not and what’s somewhere in between. This episode examines the fears around the new class of blockbuster weight-loss drugs. This episode does deal with depression and suicidal thoughts. If you are in the U.S. and need help , dial 988. Full list of international hotlines here . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, May 24, 2024
The First Person to Get Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip
Elon Musk’s Neuralink is on a mission to enable humans to communicate with computers using their thoughts. Now they have successfully implanted their device in a human.. WSJ's Rolfe Winkler explores the new technology and speaks to Noland Arbaugh, Neuralink's first participant. Further Reading: - Elon Musk’s Neuralink Shows First Patient Using Its Brain Implant - Elon Musk’s Neuralink Gets FDA Green Light for Second Patient, as First Describes His Emotional Journey Further Listening: - Elon Musk's 'Demon Mode' - Elon Musk on 2024 Politics, Succession Plans and Whether AI Will Annihilate Humanity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, May 23, 2024
Could Paris Hilton Create the 'Next Disney?'
Paris Hilton and her husband, VC investor Carter Reum, talk about "strict" parenting, the importance of A.I. and the huge economic value of her spoiled airhead persona. Ryan Knutson sat down with the couple at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival. To watch the video, check out the episode on Spotify. Further Reading: - Paris Hilton’s Business Empire Is Getting a Makeover Further Listening: - The Business of Dua Lipa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 22, 2024
Years After Surfside Collapse, Florida Condos Are In Crisis
Florida condominium buildings are undergoing inspections after the state set new requirements for how often the structures are put to the test. WSJ's Deborah Acosta explores how costs in one building have climbed to over $134,000. Further Reading: - New Florida Law Roils Its Condo Market Three Years After Surfside Collapse - Florida Condo Owners Brace for New Inspection, Reserve Requirements Further Listening: - Who's in Charge of Fixing Miami's Aging Condos? - The Mixed Signals from the Collapsed Condo's Past Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 21, 2024
Why Israel and Hamas Could Be Headed Into a Forever War
Seven months into the war, Hamas is far from defeated. The Islamist militant group is using guerrilla tactics and a vast underground tunnel network to evade Israeli forces. WSJ’s Jared Malsin reports on how the group’s resilience is stoking fears in Israel that it is walking into a forever war. Further Reading: - Hamas Shift to Guerrilla Tactics Raises Specter of Forever War for Israel - ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Hamas Leader Sinwar - Israel War Cabinet Member Sets Ultimatum and Threatens to Quit Government Further Listening: - A Deadly Strike on Aid Workers in Gaza - The UN Agency Accused of Links to Hamas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, May 20, 2024
Did ‘Roaring Kitty’ Just Spark a Meme Stock Sequel?
Meme stocks took off last week after an unexpected tweet appeared from “Roaring Kitty,” a social media account associated with former financial consultant Keith Gill. He's credited with igniting the meme stock movement in 2021. WSJ’s Jon Sindreu explains the re-emergence of Roaring Kitty and what it means for the meme stock movement. Further Reading: - ‘Roaring Kitty’ Came Out of Hibernation. Is the Meme Stock Craze Bac k? - Is Roaring Kitty the Internet’s Warren Buffett? Further Listening: - To the Moon - Donald Trump’s Meme Stock Moment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sun, May 19, 2024
Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 2: Bank Breakers
As demand for the new class of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs skyrockets, one thing has stood in the way of many people trying to access them: cost. With a price tag around $1,000 a month for U.S. patients and many insurance companies refusing to cover these drugs for weight loss, patients are often turning to alternatives. In episode two of “Trillion Dollar Shot,” we look at the roadblocks to making these drugs more affordable, concerns that their high cost will negatively impact U.S. insurance systems, and the sometimes risk-laden options people are turning to in desperation. Listen: Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 1: Birth of a Blockbuster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, May 17, 2024
The Race to Save an Iconic Train From Falling Into the Ocean
The Pacific Surfliner train in Southern California runs along some of the most beautiful coastlines in America. But some fear it might soon fall into the ocean. WSJ’s Jim Carlton reports on how coastal erosion is impacting an iconic train route and the controversial plans to move parts of the line inland. Further Reading: - The Race to Keep an Amtrak Train From Falling Into the Pacific Further Listening: - What Caused a Train to Derail in East Palestine, Ohio? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, May 16, 2024
The Life of One of Wall Street’s Greatest Investors
Jim Simons pioneered a revolution in financial trading, embracing a computer-oriented, quantitative style in the 1980s well ahead of Wall Street. Following Simons’ recent death, WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman unpacks his legacy from financial algorithms to philanthropy. Further Reading: - How Did Jim Simons’s Firm Make $100 Billion? He Told His Secrets to Our Reporter - Jim Simons, a Pioneer of Quantitative Trading, Dies at 86 - The Man Who Solved the Market: How Jim Simons Launched the Quant Revolution Further Listening: - Charlie Munger: Curmudgeon, Sage and Investing Legend - Rise and Revolt at Renaissance, Part 1 - Rise and Revolt at Renaissance, Part 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 15, 2024
Live from Seattle: A Weird Economy + Election = ??
If the upcoming presidential election could be summed up by a song, what would it be? And will voters cast their ballots based on a bright future or a gloomy one? In a live-taping before an audience at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival, Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson sat down with WSJ political reporter Molly Ball to discuss these topics and more. To watch the video, check out the episode on Spotify. Further Reading: - Biden and Trump, In Two Speeches, Speak to Two Visions of America - Arizona is Booming, But Restless Voters Feel Downbeat About Economy Further Listening : - Trump Allies Draft Plans to Rein in the Fed - Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 14, 2024
North Korea’s Propaganda Mastermind
For six decades, one man has been largely responsible for creating North Korea’s propaganda machine: Kim Ki Nam. He served all three North Korean dictators and is the architect of many of the myths that have helped to keep the Kim family in power. Last week, Kim Ki Nam died at the age of 94. WSJ’s Timothy Martin reports on his controversial legacy. Further Reading: - The Original Mastermind Behind North Korea’s Cult-of-Personality Propaganda Dies - Kim Jong Un’s New Look Is More Man Than Superhuman Further Listening: - How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, May 13, 2024
How FTX Found Billions to Repay Customers
When FTX collapsed into bankruptcy in 2022, many customers never thought they'd see their money again. But FTX's assets have rebounded. WSJ’s Andrew Scurria unpacks why FTX will have more than enough money to fully repay customers and many creditors. Further Reading: - Crypto Exchange FTX Is the Rare Financial Blowup That Will Repay Victims in Full Further Listening: - The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, May 13, 2024
Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 1: Birth of a Blockbuster
Before Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, there was Lotte Bjerre Knudsen. In the 1990s, the young scientist at the Danish drug company Novo Nordisk was trying to unlock the key to a new technology for treating Type 2 diabetes. To her bosses, Lotte’s project, which focused on a hormone called GLP-1, looked like a distraction. But as Lotte fought to save her diabetes project from the chopping block, she couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact her breakthrough would have. Her work would pave the way for a hit drug called Ozempic. And it would unleash a new class of blockbuster drugs, pitting two companies in a race to become the world’s first trillion-dollar pharmaceutical company by market cap. Listen to Part 1 of “Trillion Dollar Shot” now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, May 10, 2024
A Lawyer Says He Doesn't Need Help for Psychosis. His Family Disagrees.
WSJ’s Julie Wernau wanted to test a hypothesis: are there more mentally ill homeless people now, compared to before the pandemic? That question led her to Rob Dart. Once a successful lawyer, in 2022 he went into a downward spiral, which his family has not been able to stop despite their best efforts. Further Reading: - A Lawyer Abandoned Family and Career to Follow the Voices in His Head - A Lawyer’s Slide Into Psychosis Was Captured in a WSJ Profile. He Tells Us His Story. Further Listening: - America's Maternal Mental Health Crisis - Evicted on Wood Street: California's Housing Crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, May 09, 2024
Can Chinese Customers Rescue Starbucks?
Starbucks has a problem: Sales at U.S. stores have fallen sharply and now the company is looking to China, its second biggest market, to boost its revenue. But as WSJ’s Spencer Jakab explains, increased competition there is making that a tall order. Further Reading: - Starbucks Is Running Out of Americans to Drink Its Expensive Coffee - The Furious Race for the Future of Coffee Further Listening: - The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 08, 2024
The Suitcases Full of Cash Flowing Through Airports
London and Dubai's international airports have become conduits for billions of dollars of illicit funds, potentially linked to corruption, drug trafficking and other crimes. WSJ's Margot Patrick explains how couriers in one money-laundering operation transported millions in dirty money on flights. Further Reading: - Billions in Dirty Money Flies Under the Radar at World’s Busiest Airports Further Listening: - How The Government Tied One Couple to Billions in Stolen Bitcoin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 07, 2024
Why Is Tesla Pulling Back on EV Charging?
Tesla announced last week that it’s laying off the team responsible for the biggest electric-vehicle charging network in the U.S. The move comes as consumer demand for EVs is dwindling. WSJ’s Jennifer Hiller reports on how the layoffs shocked the industry and how the change will impact efforts to build out a national EV charging network. Further Reading: - Tesla Is Pulling Back From EV Charging, and People Are Freaking Out - As Electric-Vehicle Shoppers Hesitate, Hybrid Sales Surge Further Listening: - Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla’s Board - How China’s BYD Overtook Tesla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, May 06, 2024
The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager's Six-Figure Salary
Walmart is offering higher pay, bonuses and more stock options this year to retain and attract managers. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer spent a day with one manager, Nichole Hart, to understand why the job is commanding such a high salary these days, and why Hart logs about 20,000 steps a day. Further Reading: - A Day in the Life of a Walmart Manager Who Makes $240,000 a Year - Walmart Takes On Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods With New Premium Brand Further Listening: - What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, May 03, 2024
Guns and Death Threats in Canada’s Baby-Eel Fisheries
The high price of baby eels has triggered an upsurge in illegal fishing and criminal activity in Canada. Earlier this year, the country announced a ban on baby-eel fishing in an attempt to contain the violence and to protect dwindling fish stocks. We speak to WSJ’s Paul Vieira and to a baby-eel fisherman about how a tiny fish has created a turf war in a remote Canadian community. Further Reading: - Guns and Death Threats Spur Canada to Reel in Baby-Eel Fishing Further Listening: - Will Florida’s Plan to Get Cheap Drugs From Canada Work? - Canada’s Historic Settlement with Indigenous People Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, May 02, 2024
The NBA's Media Rights Are Up for Grabs. Billions Are at Stake.
The National Basketball Association is in advanced stages of a new round of media-rights deals. WSJ’s Amol Sharma unpacks why several major media players are jostling for the lucrative rights. Further Reading: - NBC Prepares $2.5-Billion-a-Year Bid to Pluck NBA Rights From TNT - Amazon, YouTube Vie for NBA Streaming Rights as League’s Media Talks Heat Up Further Listening: - Why Three Media Giants Are Betting on Sports Streaming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 01, 2024
Mayhem at Paramount as Merger Looms
On Monday, Bob Bakish stepped down as CEO of Paramount, one of America’s most iconic media companies. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel reports on how Bakish’s relationship with Shari Redstone, chair of Paramount, has deteriorated amidst one of the messiest merger dramas in recent history. Further Reading: - A Media Heiress’s Bid to Sell Sets Off Mayhem Inside Paramount - How Bob Bakish, the Anti-Mogul CEO, Struggled to Rescue Paramount - Shari Redstone’s Path to Power Further Listening: - Why Buying Paramount Global Won’t Be Easy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 30, 2024
Trump Allies Draft Plans to Rein in the Fed
Donald Trump's allies have drafted plans to curb the Federal Reserve’s independence, should Trump win a second term. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia unpacks the proposals, which include giving the president a say in interest-rate decisions. Further Reading: - Trump Allies Draw Up Plans to Blunt Fed’s Independence - Why Inflation Is Biden’s Most Stubborn Political Problem - Even If the Fed Cuts, the Days of Ultralow Rates Are Over Further Listening: - Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts - The Man Who Waged War on Inflation - The President, the Fed, and the Cut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 29, 2024
Amazon’s Secret Operation to Gather Intel on Rivals
For almost a decade, Amazon staff went undercover on Walmart, eBay and other marketplaces selling products under the guise of a company called ‘Big River.’ WSJ’s Dana Mattioli reports on the secret arm of Amazon that surreptitiously gathers intelligence on its competitors. Further Reading: - Inside Amazon’s Secret Operation to Gather Intel on Rivals - Inside Amazon’s Push to Crack Trader Joe’s—and Dominate Everything Further Listening: - TikTok Wants to Be More Like Amazon. Amazon Wants to Be More Like TikTok. - What Is Amazon’s Secret ‘Project Nessie’? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 26, 2024
JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What's Next for the Economy
Jamie Dimon discusses his concerns about the future of the economy, the effect of overseas wars and the importance of U.S. leadership in a wide-ranging interview with WSJ’s Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker. Further Watching: - Jamie Dimon on the Economy, Geopolitical Risks and AI: Full Interview Further Listening: - Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts - Janet Yellen on Inflation and the U.S. Economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, April 25, 2024
Pro-Palestinian Protests and Arrests at U.S. Colleges
With a fresh round of pro-Palestinian protests sweeping campuses nationwide, university administrators are cracking down. WSJ’s Melissa Korn explains what students are demanding and what it could mean for campus life going forward. Further Reading: - At Columbia, Discontent Grows Over Shafik’s Handling of Crisis - Pro-Palestinian Protests Force Colleges to Rethink Graduation Plans Further Listening: - Big Donors Clash with Universities Over Antisemitism, Free Speech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 24, 2024
How Gambling Scandals Are Rocking Sports Leagues
Less than six years after a Supreme Court ruling paved the way for legal sports gambling, U.S. sports leagues are facing an onslaught of betting scandals. The latest example is Jontay Porter, a little-known NBA player, who has been given a lifetime ban for betting on games. WSJ’s Jared Diamond unpacks how major leagues are confronting the darker sides of sports betting with alarming frequency. Further Reading: - NBA Player Banned for Life for Betting on Games - America Made a Huge Bet on Sports Gambling. The Backlash Is Here. Further Listening: - How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps - Disney Gets Into Gambling - FanDuel CEO on Sports Gambling's Big Boom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 23, 2024
Inside the White House's Scramble to Avert a Bigger Middle East War
Over the course of 19 days, U.S. officials raced to contain escalating tensions between Israel and Iran amid a series of attacks. WSJ’s Michael R. Gordon on what was going on behind the scenes as the White House worked to prevent a bigger conflict. Further Reading: - Inside the White House’s Frenetic Scramble to Avert a Full-Blown Middle East War - How the U.S. Forged a Fragile Middle Eastern Alliance to Repel Iran’s Israel Attack Further Listening: - A Deadly Strike on Aid Workers in Gaza - A Deadly Drone Attack and Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance ' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 22, 2024
Donald Trump’s First Criminal Trial Is Underway
Former President Donald Trump is expected to spend the next six weeks in a Manhattan courtroom, defending himself against accusations he covered up a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. WSJ’s Corinne Ramey was in the courtroom for opening statements and WSJ’s Molly Ball unpacks what this trial could mean for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Further Reading: - Trump’s Hush-Money Trial: What to Know as the Case Begins - Donald Trump Played Central Role in Hush Payoffs to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal Further Listening: - Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 19, 2024
How Cyber Thieves Are Disrupting U.S. Goods
Reports of freight fraud are on the rise, vexing trucking companies and regulators. And victims say that they aren’t getting any real help from law enforcement. WSJ’s Inti Pacheco unpacks one form of this fraud, called double brokering, and a trucking executive explains his personal efforts to stop the scammers. Further Reading: - A Brazen Yogurt Heist Shows How Cyber Gangs Are Hijacking U.S. Goods - Growing Freight Fraud is Peeling Millions From the U.S. Shipping Market Further Listening: - Nike’s Sneaky Sneaker Thieves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, April 18, 2024
Think It’s Expensive to Buy a Home? Try Owning One.
It’s not just the cost of buying a home that’s going up. It’s also the hidden costs — like taxes, maintenance and insurance — that are going through the roof. WSJ’s Nicole Friedman explains why these prices are rising so fast, and what it means for the housing market. Further Listening: - 'It's on Fire': Why the Housing Market Is Booming Further Reading: - The Hidden Costs of Homeownership Are Skyrocketing - Home Buyers Are Ready to Buy. But Sellers Aren’t Selling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 17, 2024
Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts
Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell called into question whether the Fed will be able to lower interest rates this year as hoped. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos on how the Fed’s outlook on the economy has changed. Further Reading: - Powell Dials Back Expectations on Rate Cuts - Fed Rate Cuts Are Now a Matter of If, Not Just When Further Listening: - Janet Yellen on Inflation and the U.S. Economy - Inflation Is Down. Unemployment Is Low. Is This a Soft Landing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 16, 2024
Many Cities Fear the ‘Doom Loop.’ St. Louis is in One.
Cities such as San Francisco and Chicago are trying to save their downtown office districts from spiraling into a doom loop. St. Louis is already trapped in one, with abandoned buildings, vacant offices and shuttered shops and restaurants. WSJ’s Konrad Putzier unpacks the lessons from downtown St. Louis’s doom loop. Further Reading: - The Real Estate Nightmare Unfolding in Downtown St. Louis - Commercial Real-Estate Woes Run Deeper Than in Past Downturns - Can San Francisco Save Itself From the Doom Loop? Further Listening: - The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire - What’s Keeping Zombie Malls Alive? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 15, 2024
The Russian Military is Using Elon Musk’s Starlink
SpaceX’s satellite-internet devices are ending up in the hands of American adversaries and accused war criminals. WSJ’s Thomas Grove and Micah Maidenberg explain how the technology is being used illegally in multiple conflicts around the world. Further Listening: - Amazon Takes On SpaceX in Battle for Space Internet - When Elon Musk Moves In Next Door Further Reading: - The Black Market That Delivers Elon Musk’s Starlink to U.S. Foes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 12, 2024
Can the WNBA Cash in on the Caitlin Clark Effect?
Caitlin Clark has lifted women’s college basketball to new heights, setting records on and off the court. Now the Iowa superstar is going pro and joining the WNBA. WSJ’s Rachel Bachman on what Caitlin Clark’s huge popularity might mean for the sometimes-struggling women’s league. Further Reading: - Caitlin Clark Drew 18.7 Million Viewers to Women’s Basketball. Will It Last? - Before Caitlin Clark Dominated Women’s Basketball, She Dominated These Boys Further Listening: - The TikTok That Changed College Hoops - The Kiss Rocking Women’s Soccer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, April 11, 2024
How Employer-Funded Child Care Can Work
Providing child care for employees may not seem like a savvy business choice, but some companies swear by it. WSJ’s Harriet Torry explores the different approaches – and the benefits – at businesses both large and small. Further Listening: - The Labor Shortage That's Causing More Labor Shortages Further Reading: - What One Employer Found When It Started Providing Child Care - More Companies Start to Offer Daycare at Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 10, 2024
What Arizona's Abortion Ban Means for the 2024 Election
This week, the Arizona Supreme Court revived an abortion ban enacted in 1864, decades before the state's formation. WSJ's Laura Kusisto explains how the 160-year-old law could impact the 2024 election. Further Listening: - The Abortion Pill’s Uncertain Future - Kansas’ Big Abortion Vote - The Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade Further Reading: - Arizona Supreme Court Bans Nearly All Abortions, Reviving 160-Year-Old Law - Why Arizona Will Be Ground Zero for the 2024 Abortion Fight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 09, 2024
Biden’s New Plan to Cancel Student Debt
The Biden administration is proposing a sweeping initiative to slash student debt for nearly 30 million borrowers. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia unpacks the proposal and explains why it marks a major new White House effort to try to appeal to progressives and young voters seven months before the November election. Further Listening: - Breaking Down Student Debt Relief - How Biden Plans to Tackle Student Debt Further Reading: - Biden’s Student-Loan Plan Seeks to Slash Debt for 30 Million Americans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 08, 2024
Why No Labels’ Presidential Campaign Failed to Launch
No Labels, the centrist group which was trying to field a third-party presidential candidate, is abandoning its efforts to find someone to lead its “unity ticket.” WSJ’s Ken Thomas explains how the group spent millions of dollars and months of work but ultimately came up short. Further Reading: - How the No Labels 2024 Presidential Campaign Failed to Launch Further Listening: - Donald Trump’s Meme Stock Moment - Biden vs. Trump: The Rematch Nobody Wants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 05, 2024
Janet Yellen Has a Warning for China
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is in China trying to discourage government officials and business leaders from flooding the world with cheap goods. WSJ’s Andrew Duehren is traveling with Yellen, and explores how her thinking on China has changed with shifting global market forces. Further Listening: - Janet Yellen on Inflation and the U.S. Economy - How China's BYD Overtook Tesla Further Reading: - Janet Yellen Missed the First ‘China Shock.’ Can She Stop the Second? - China Shock 2.0 Sparks Global Backlash Against Flood of Cheap Goods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, April 04, 2024
The Failures Inside Boeing's 737 Factory
In January, a door panel blew off a Boeing 737 MAX plane during an Alaska Airlines flight. Informal communication logs between workers at the Boeing plant where the plane was assembled reveal disarray, repeated production delays and crews who apparently didn’t follow procedures. WSJ's Sharon Terlep reviewed the logs and explains what they reveal. Further Reading: - The Disarray Inside Boeing’s 737 Factory Before the Door Plug Blowout - Boeing’s Next CEO Will Have ‘Massive Job’ at Company in Crisis - Justice Department Opens Probe, Interviews Crew in Alaska Airlines Blowout Further Listening: - A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing - The Pressure Inside Boeing - How the Grounded Boeing Jet Shook the Airline Industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 03, 2024
A Deadly Strike on Aid Workers in Gaza
Amid an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed by an Israeli airstrike. WSJ’s Stephen Kalin takes listeners inside the increasingly challenging process to get aid to civilians in Gaza. Further Listening: - Chef José Andrés: How to Feed People in an Emergency - The Hospital at the Center of Israel’s War on Hamas - For Palestinians Trapped in Gaza, There's No Way Out Further Reading: - Israel Confronts Fallout After Strike That Killed Seven Gaza Aid Workers - Celebrity Chef José Andrés Says Aid Workers Killed in Gaza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 02, 2024
The Battle Over Disney’s Board
Disney's business has been struggling in recent years, and there's a fight over how to fix it. On one side is Nelson Peltz, an activist investor, who is campaigning for a seat on Disney's board of directors. On the other side is CEO Bob Iger, who doesn't want Peltz anywhere near his company. WSJ’s Robbie Whelan explains who might win and what it could mean for the iconic brand. Further Reading: - Disney Winning Proxy Fight Against Trian With More Than Half of Votes Cast - Nelson Peltz Wins Key Endorsement in Disney Battle - Nelson Peltz Fights Disney—and Turmoil at His Own Fund Further Listening: - The Troubled Second Act of Disney CEO Bob Iger - Disney Wars: Attack of the Activist Investor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 01, 2024
Ryanair: Cheap, Cramped and Making Its CEO a Fortune
Michael O’Leary has been running Ryanair for the past 30 years — the longest tenure of any major airline boss. During that time he has turned a paltry operation that flew 200,000 customers a year into a low-cost behemoth, with passenger numbers set to reach close to 200 million this year. WSJ’s Benjamin Katz profiles the colorful CEO, who is now on the verge of earning a more than $100 million bonus. Further Reading: - The F-Bomb-Dropping Airline CEO About to Earn a $100 Million-Plus Bonus Further Listening: - How Southwest Airlines Melted Down - A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing - The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 29, 2024
Six Days of Chaos at MGM’s Casinos
A gang of young criminals. A more than $30 million ransom. Casinos in disarray. WSJ’s Robert McMillan brings us inside a cyberattack that brought mayhem to the Las Vegas Strip. Further Reading: - The Audacious MGM Hack That Brought Chaos to Las Vegas Further Listening: - How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto - Hacking the Hackers - Hack Me If You Can Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 29, 2024
25 Years in Prison from “The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy”
Caitlin Ostroff and Rachel Humphreys attend Sam Bankman-Fried’s sentencing hearing and parse through the reasoning behind Judge Lewis Kaplan’s ruling and what a 25 year sentence could mean for the former CEO of FTX. Further Listening: - The Trail of Crypto’s Golden Boy Further Reading: - Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Lengthy Sentence-And Long Odds On Appeal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, March 28, 2024
Donald Trump’s Meme Stock Moment
Not long ago, Donald Trump’s social-media company, Truth Social, seemed like it was on life support. But when the company went public this week, its stock soared. WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar explains how Truth Social’s valuation shot up despite its weak revenue and user numbers, and what it could mean for Trump’s financial and political future. Further Reading: - Truth Social Stock Price Surges on First Day of Trading, Increasing Trump’s Fortune - Trump Can Post Smaller $175 Million Bond in Civil Fraud Case - Dear Donald Trump, Here’s How to Manage Your Stock-Market Fortune Further Listening: - Trump Needs $450 Million He Doesn’t Have - Biden vs. Trump: The Rematch Nobody Wants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 27, 2024
The Baltimore Bridge Catastrophe
Early Tuesday morning, a 1,000-foot container ship lost power and plowed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge leaving six people still unaccounted for. The bridge collapsed, cutting off the port and a major traffic artery for Baltimore. WSJ’s Cameron McWhirter discusses the potential impact of the collapse on the local community and the wider region. Further Reading: - Baltimore Bridge Crash Investigators to Examine Whether Dirty Fuel Played Role in Accident - Bridge Collapse Resets U.S. Supply Chains - How a Night Shift on Baltimore Bridge Turned Deadly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 27, 2024
What Will Sam’s Sentence Be? from "The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy"
Caitlin Ostroff and Rachel Humphreys dive into a mountain of court filings to understand the arguments that will be made at Sam Bankman-Fried’s sentencing hearing. His defense team is arguing for a 6-year sentence, but the government thinks Bankman-Fried should serve 40 to 50 years. Which side will win out? Further Listening: - The Trail of Crypto’s Golden Boy Further Reading: - Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Lengthy Sentence-And Long Odds On Appeal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 26, 2024
Will Getting Rid of Bosses Fix the Workplace?
Bayer is throwing out the corporate playbook to try a radical experiment: getting rid of a huge swath of its bosses. After years of tumbling stock prices, the company has decided to give workers more decision-making power. WSJ's Chip Cutter talks about how this boss-less plan is being implemented among Bayer's 100,000 employees. Further Reading: - One CEO’s Radical Fix for Corporate Troubles: Purge the Bosses - The Boss Wants to Make You More Efficient Further Listening: - The New Layoff: On a Wednesday On Zoom - The End of the GE Era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 26, 2024
Sam's Life in a Brooklyn Jail from "The Trial of Crypto's Golden Boy"
We’re back for Sam Bankman-Fried’s sentencing. After the crypto golden boy was found guilty on all counts in November, this week he’ll find out how long he will serve in federal prison. Caitlin Ostroff and Rachel Humphreys get an insight into Bankman-Fried’s life for the past few months, from unappetizing prison food to tutoring inmates. Further Listening: - The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy Further Reading: - Sam Bankman-Fried’s Life Behind Bars: Crypto Tips and Paying With Fish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 25, 2024
Why the U.S. Government Is Suing Apple
The Department of Justice announced a landmark lawsuit against Apple, alleging that it has built a monopoly in smartphones by thwarting innovative apps and accessories that would make users less dependent on Apple’s technology. WSJ’s Tim Higgins breaks down the lawsuit and what it could mean for the company and its CEO Tim Cook. Further Reading: - Ghost of Microsoft Stalks Apple as DOJ Takes Its Shot - Monopoly Case Pits Justice Department Against Apple’s Antitrust Winning Streak Further Listening: - One Company’s Quest to Burst Apple’s Blue Bubble Texts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, March 22, 2024
Trump Needs $450 Million He Doesn’t Have
Donald Trump’s finances are under stress. He faces a $454 million judgment against him in a civil-fraud case. Meanwhile, his campaign fundraising is trailing President Biden’s. WSJ’s Peter Grant unpacks the developments and a potential windfall for Trump. Further Reading: - Trump Is in a Race Against Time to Protect His Fortune - Trump Makes a New Fortune With Truth Social Listing Further Listening: - Biden vs. Trump: The Rematch Nobody Wants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, March 21, 2024
Is Fighting Misinformation Censorship? The Supreme Court Will Decide.
This week, the Supreme Court is considering whether the Biden administration unlawfully pressured tech companies to suppress social media posts opposed to Covid vaccines. We talk to WSJ’s Jess Bravin about the latest in a series of cases that could set important ground rules for free speech and online content moderation. Further Reading: - Covid-Era Case on Free Speech to Test Supreme Court - Supreme Court Voices Skepticism Over Social-Media Censorship Claims Against Government Further Listening: - Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 20, 2024
Can Reddit’s IPO Survive Its Own Users?
The social-media platform Reddit is making its stock-market debut Thursday and is offering a chunk of shares in its initial public offering to users, who are the lifeblood of its operations. But those same passionate users could cause trouble for the company. WSJ's Corrie Driebusch explains, and a moderator for the popular Reddit forum WallStreetBets weighs in. Further Reading: - Reddit Fueled Meme-Stock Mania. Now Its CEO Is Overseeing His Own Company’s IPO. - They’re Reddit Die-Hards. Do They Want to Be Shareholders, Too? - Reddit Eyes Valuation of Up to $6.5 Billion in IPO Further Listening: - ‘To the Moon’ - An Oral History of WallStreetBets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 19, 2024
Why Women Are Leaving Goldman Sachs
When David Solomon became CEO of Goldman Sachs just over five years ago, he made promoting women to senior levels of the firm a priority. But female executives are heading for the door—among them, Stephanie Cohen, one of the most senior executives at the company, who announced her departure Monday. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis unpacks what’s happening at the Wall Street giant. Further Reading: - Women Aren’t Getting the Big Jobs at Goldman Sachs, and They’re Heading for the Exits - Stephanie Cohen Is Latest Senior Goldman Executive to Depart - Goldman Sachs to Pay $215 Million to Settle Female Employees’ Discrimination Case Further Listening: - The War Inside Goldman Sachs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 18, 2024
How Two Binance Employees Ended Up Detained in Nigeria
Two Binance employees, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, are being held by Nigerian authorities in a guarded house. According to their families, they haven’t been charged with any crimes. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff explains how the two men ended up there and why crypto is being blamed for a country’s currency collapse. Further Listening: - T he Fall of (Another) Crypto King - A Crypto Exchange Crackdown - The Rise of Binance – And the Effort to Reel It In Further Reading: - Crypto Gets Blamed for a Real-Life Currency Crisis - Binance Employees to Remain in Custody in Nigeria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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