
Bold Names
WSJ’s Bold Names brings you conversations with the leaders of the bold-named companies featured in the pages of The Wall Street Journal. Hosts Tim Higgins and Christopher Mims speak to CEOs and business leaders in interviews that challenge conventional wisdom and take you inside the decisions being made in the C-suite and beyond.
Latest episodes

Aug 9, 2024 • 23min
Are the Skies Going Hypersonic?
Imagine flying across the globe in mere hours! The discussion explores hypersonic engines, potentially revolutionizing travel faster than the retired Concorde. Experts weigh in on complex engineering hurdles and innovations needed for this leap in aviation. Advances in hybrid engines and military competition highlight the race to develop these technologies. Discover how hypersonic flight could reshape international connectivity and the future of air travel, while navigating financial obstacles and redefining passenger experiences.

Aug 2, 2024 • 20min
Google’s AI Can Help Plan Your Next Vacation. Should You Rely On It?
Amar Subramanya, the vice president of engineering for Gemini at Google, dives into the transformative role of AI in travel planning. He discusses how tools like Gemini can craft personalized itineraries and suggest real-time options, enhancing the travel experience. The conversation touches on the balance between convenience and the need for human specificity, addressing privacy concerns. Subramanya also explores the evolving capabilities of AI, pondering whether it will become the go-to agent for travel plans in the future.

Jul 26, 2024 • 11min
Science of Success: What It Takes to Make a Better Berry
Discover the secrets behind creating luxury berries with Driscoll's premium line. From objective taste benchmarks to working with supertasters and sensory analysts, explore the science of producing the best possible berry. Unravel the complexities of consumer taste preferences and the specialized world of berry tasting panels. Dive into the scientific process of sensory profiling for berries to maintain consistency in taste and texture.

4 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 14min
Can Robots Reinvent Fast Food?
Former Chipotle CEO introduces food-making robots and a 'digital-first' approach to restaurants. Discusses consumers' shift to eating less meat. Challenges and benefits of automation in fast-food industry, aiming to solve industry challenges and innovate culinary practices.

Jul 12, 2024 • 18min
Why You Might Be Eating More Seaweed in the Future
Explore the potential of seaweed as a solution to various problems like feeding people, restoring habitats, and providing economic benefits. Learn about the challenges of scaling up seaweed aquaculture in the U.S. and the regulatory hurdles involved. Discover how seaweed could become a bigger part of the American diet in the future.

5 snips
Jul 5, 2024 • 15min
How Designer Fruit Is Taking Over the Grocery Store
Discover how designer fruits are revolutionizing the grocery store experience, from meticulously bred flavors to premium packaging. Explore the higher prices and cultivation methods behind these delicious produce options. Learn about the changing consumer trends towards flavorful designer fruits and the potential impact on future food consumption. Dive into the future of designer fruit and the quest for climate-resilient produce.

Jun 28, 2024 • 11min
Science of Success: The Hot Window AC Making Summers Cool
Discover how Midea's U-shaped window AC is revolutionizing the cooling industry with noise reduction and energy efficiency. Explore the challenges of traditional window AC units and the success story of the innovative design. Learn about the technology advancements reshaping the air conditioning market.

Jun 21, 2024 • 16min
How NASA Sees Climate Change From Space
Top NASA climate scientist Gavin A. Schmidt discusses how NASA monitors climate change from space using satellites to track temperature, radiation, ozone levels, and more. Schmidt also addresses the challenges in climate modeling and highlights the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change.

Jun 14, 2024 • 19min
Keeping Cities Cool in a Warmer Future
Learn how cities like Singapore are adapting to extreme heat by creating detailed digital twins of the city for testing new cooling methods. Get insights on how urban planning and green spaces can combat rising temperatures in cities worldwide.

Jun 7, 2024 • 17min
Saving Ketchup: The Race to Breed a Tomato for a Warming World
Learn about the race to breed tomatoes that can thrive in a warming world as hotter and drier weather threatens tomato harvests. Discover how seed breeders are focusing on developing climate-resistant tomatoes to protect crops against the effects of climate change.
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