The Journal.

Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson, Wall Street Journal reporters specializing in international affairs and geopolitics, delve into a surprising peace strategy proposed by the Trump administration regarding Ukraine. They discuss the intriguing business-led negotiations initiated by Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev, highlighting Russia's enticing economic offers to U.S. firms. The duo explores the ramifications of these talks on U.S.-European relations and questions whether such economic ties could genuinely foster peace or further fracture alliances.

Laura Cooper, a dedicated reporter covering the heart of Sonoma County, shares firsthand insights into the acute crisis hitting California's wine industry. Joining her is John Belletto, a second-generation winegrower grappling with unsold grapes and devastating financial losses. They discuss how shifting consumer habits and economic pressures have led to a glut of grapes, prompting growers to rethink their strategies. The conversation explores the near-collapse of exports, the impact of tariffs, and the urgent need for innovative survival tactics in an evolving market.

Betsy McKay, a Senior writer at The Wall Street Journal, and Investigative reporter Shalini Ramachandran delve into the alarming long-term use of psychiatric medications, particularly benzodiazepines and antidepressants. They reveal how these drugs, meant for short-term relief, are often prescribed for years, leading to severe side effects and challenging withdrawal experiences. The duo discusses the troubling trend of overmedication in America, the lack of long-term studies on antidepressants, and the necessity for better informed consent in psychiatric care.

WSJ reporter Josh Chin dives into the escalating AI race between China and the U.S., drawing chilling parallels to the Cold War. He explains China's ambitious 2017 plan to dominate AI by 2030 and how the rapid rise of ChatGPT has reshaped the competition. Chin highlights China's struggle with advanced chips, the innovative DeepSeek model, and Huawei's unique strategies to catch up. The discussion also touches on the alarming safety sacrifices made in the race to innovate. This is a crucial talk on the future of global tech rivalry.

Chavie Lieber, a Staff Reporter at The Wall Street Journal specializing in fashion and culture, dives into Quince's impressive ascent in the e-commerce realm. She discusses their unique business model that focuses on creating affordable dupes of luxury goods, the technology behind identifying best-sellers, and the strategic decision-making of CEO Sid Gupta. Lieber also touches on legal battles with competitors and how consumer behavior is shifting towards price over brand loyalty, suggesting a possible future where such trends dominate shopping choices.

Nick Kostov, an investigative reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the jaw-dropping tale of Hermès heir Nicolas Puech and his missing $15 billion fortune. He unravels the complex relationship between Puech and his financial advisor, Frémont, whose questionable handling of funds raises alarms. Kostov reveals how a suspicious transfer to a handyman sparked the investigation. The shocking conclusion exposes that nearly all of Puech's shares were sold to LVMH, while Frémont's deceptive testimony adds layers to this financial saga. Puech's ongoing legal battles leave listeners questioning the true fate of his fortune.

Join Wall Street Journal reporter Nick Kostov as he dives into the bewildering case of Nicolas Puech, the Hermès heir who mysteriously lost his $15 billion in shares. Kostov explores Puech's lavish lifestyle, sudden decisions to cancel foundation gifts, and allegations of manipulation by his handyman. Unravel the past as he investigates LVMH's secretive attempts to acquire Hermès and the chaos surrounding bearer shares that obscured ownership. This financial mystery is packed with intrigue and unexpected twists!

Crystal Hur, a markets reporter focusing on financial markets and collectibles, discusses the surprising investment potential of Pokémon cards. She shares stories of collectors profiting from their childhood finds and reveals high-profile card auctions, like a Pikachu that fetched $500,000. The podcast explores the pandemic-driven surge in card interest and the influence of social media on prices. However, Hur also warns of market risks, including fraud and overproduction, highlighting the delicate balance between nostalgia and speculative investment.

Heather Haddon, a restaurant-industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the struggles of KFC, a once-iconic fast-food leader now facing fierce competition. She shares insights on KFC's origins and its rapid growth, along with the rise of competitors like Chick-fil-A. Haddon highlights KFC's misstep in ignoring the boneless chicken trend and discusses Yum Brands' strategic shifts to revive the brand, including edgier marketing and nostalgic offerings. Early signs of recovery are emerging as KFC adapts to changing consumer tastes.

Chip Cutter, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in corporate and labor trends, dives into the wave of layoffs sweeping American companies like Amazon and Microsoft. He discusses how CEOs are shifting to leaner headcounts and using AI as both a tool and a reason for job cuts. Cutter highlights the potential for AI to reshape white-collar jobs, raises concerns about its economic impact, and describes modern corporate tactics for executing layoffs discreetly. The conversation paints a stark picture of job insecurity in the emerging AI era.