The Journal.

The podcast dives into President Trump's controversial attempts to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, raising questions about the independence of the central bank. It explores Trump's unique influence on monetary policy and the timing of his actions. Lisa Cook's groundbreaking role as the first Black woman on the board is examined, along with the tension between her and the president. Political pressures affecting the Fed's decision-making are discussed, highlighting the delicate balance between economic integrity and political influence.

Dean Seal, a reporter for WSJ, shares insights into Scotts Miracle-Gro's ambitious but faltering venture into the cannabis industry. He discusses the company's initial excitement during legalization, their shift in strategy toward hydroponics, and the subsequent challenges they faced, including market oversupply and internal resistance. Seal highlights how the journey through this complex industry reflects broader regulatory changes and the difficulties of navigating a market filled with potential yet fraught with obstacles.

A sudden death leaves a rural Tennessee community grappling with a clash of values between growth and tradition. Farmers find themselves divided over the future of their land, facing the harsh realities of urban expansion. Personal stories reveal the emotional stakes behind the fight to preserve farmland amid a push for development. As local regulations loom large, residents navigate the complexities of community identity and agricultural heritage, all while confronting the pressing need for balancing economic growth with the preservation of their way of life.

Join WSJ journalist Anne Targesen as she delves into the evolving landscape of 401ks. With President Trump's recent executive order, she discusses the potential for everyday Americans to invest in private equity and cryptocurrencies. Targesen weighs the risks and rewards of these high-risk assets against traditional investment strategies. Explore how the shift from pensions to 401k plans has opened new doors for diversification, while highlighting the excitement and concerns surrounding these changes in retirement savings.

Rebecca Picciotto, who covers real estate for the WSJ, dives into New Rochelle's bold strategy to keep rents down while many areas struggle. She explains how the city revitalized itself, turning challenges into opportunities by building thousands of new housing units. The discussion also highlights the balancing act between attracting newcomers and addressing the concerns of long-time residents. Picciotto reveals how New Rochelle's innovative approaches could influence nationwide housing policies, showcasing a potential model for sustainable urban development.

Greg Ip, the Chief Economics Commentator for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the intriguing shift in American capitalism. He discusses how recent government interventions in key industries might align the U.S. economy more closely with state capitalism akin to China's. Ip raises concerns about the deepening political control over the economy under the Trump administration and compares this trend with historical U.S. economic modifications. This conversation sparks debate on the future of capitalism and government roles in shaping economic policy.

Lingling Wei, Chief China correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, dives into Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's ambitious journey amidst U.S.-China trade tensions. She discusses Huang's transformation from co-founder to corporate lobbyist, highlighting his strategic moves to navigate diplomatic challenges. The conversation reveals how Huang is developing chips for China while managing complex lobbying efforts in Washington. Wei also sheds light on the broader implications of U.S. export policies and the evolving landscape of tech trade tensions.

Katherine Long, a WSJ reporter, investigates a shocking case in Los Angeles where a couple has 22 children through surrogacy, raising ethical alarms in the industry. She discusses how surrogates felt deceived and the implications of unregulated practices. The episode delves into discrepancies in birth records and the emotional toll on surrogates, highlighting the complexities of a multi-billion dollar market. Long sheds light on the lack of federal oversight and the dire need for regulation to protect all parties involved.

Derek Mobley, a determined job seeker who faced over 100 rejections after losing his IT job, is suing Workday for allegedly discriminating against him through its hiring algorithm. He shares the emotional toll of automated rejections and the frustration of navigating modern application processes. The discussion sheds light on the complexities of proving algorithmic bias, especially concerning age and race. With insights from WSJ’s Lauren Weber, the conversation raises crucial questions about the fairness of AI in recruitment and its broader implications for job seekers.

Stu Woo, a journalist at WSJ, dives into the controversial leadership of Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, known as 'Mr. Chip' for his pivotal role in China’s chip industry. Tan has come under scrutiny, even prompting calls for his resignation from President Trump due to his ties with China amidst escalating U.S.-China tech tensions. Woo unpacks the balance between tech leadership and political pressures, as well as the implications for Intel’s future in a fiercely competitive market. The conversation reveals the intersections of geopolitics and technology in today's corporate landscape.