The Journal.

Dr. Marty Makary, the new head of the FDA and a former professor and surgeon, discusses his ambitious plans to reform the agency. He highlights how the FDA has been influenced by Big Food and Big Pharma. Key topics include the rise of ultra-processed foods linked to childhood obesity, the need for clearer vaccine regulations amidst rising measles cases, and the integration of AI in speeding up drug approvals. Makary emphasizes a transparent approach to rebuild trust in public health initiatives.

Matt Grossman, a WSJ reporter specializing in business and financial news, dives into the controversy surrounding the Bureau of Labor Statistics after President Trump fired its commissioner. He discusses the shockingly low job growth numbers and the implications for economic statistics. Grossman explores Erika McEntarfer's impressive leadership at the bureau and addresses concerns about data integrity amid accusations of political manipulation. The conversation reveals the challenges faced by the agency, including operational issues and rising costs.

Greg Ip, Chief economics commentator for The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into the intricacies of President Trump's trade strategies. He argues that Trump has created a new, albeit delicate, trade order through aggressive tariffs, especially with the EU and Japan. The discussion emphasizes the historical context of these policies, drawing parallels to past tariff acts. Ip also highlights how geopolitical factors and negotiations with nations like China and Canada shape the current landscape of international trade.

In this engaging discussion, WSJ journalist Laura Cooper dives into the beverage industry's sweet dilemma with Coca-Cola. She explains the shift from cane sugar to high-fructose corn syrup and the challenges of reversing that trend. The episode also features a taste test revealing surprising flavor differences. Cooper discusses the rise of high-fructose corn syrup in the mid-20th century, its cost benefits, and how public perception shapes the debate on health implications. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of sweetener choices and their effects on consumer preferences.

Hannah Miao, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in the coffee industry, dives into the rivalry between Luckin Coffee and Starbucks. She unpacks how Luckin, recovering from a significant accounting scandal, is now thriving in China with its tech-driven approach. Miao discusses Luckin's expansion into the U.S. market, contrasting its rapid growth with Starbucks' struggles to adapt to mobile ordering chaos. The conversation highlights the innovative strategies each brand uses to win over customers in a fiercely competitive landscape.

Sean McLain, a WSJ auto industry reporter and VW bus enthusiast, dives into the struggles of Volkswagen's ID Buzz, their all-electric revival of the iconic bus. He discusses the hype surrounding its launch and the significant challenges it faced in capturing American consumer interest. The historical legacy of the VW bus as a cultural icon contrasts sharply with the current lackluster market response. McLain also highlights how Volkswagen aims to rebuild trust post-Dieselgate while navigating fierce competition in the EV landscape.

Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz, dives deep into the ramifications of President Trump's proposed tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals. He outlines the minimal incentives for U.S. manufacturing and how these tariffs threaten the affordability and availability of generic drugs. Saynor also compares brand-name and generic companies, discussing the ethical dilemmas of rising costs for patients. He emphasizes the need for structural reforms in the generics industry as a critical step towards improving access to affordable medications in the shifting landscape of U.S. pharma.

Joe Flint, a media expert from the WSJ, digs into the surprising cancellation of CBS's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He explores financial struggles and political undertones influencing the decision, particularly Colbert's critique of Paramount. Flint reflects on the evolution of late-night TV, touching on how the genre's comedic and political landscapes have changed since the days of Johnny Carson. The conversation highlights the competition from platforms like YouTube and raises alarms about the future of communal TV viewing in today's fragmented media landscape.

Jenny Strasburg, a reporter from WSJ specializing in the diamond industry, dives deep into the evolving landscape of diamonds. She reveals how lab-grown diamonds are changing consumer perceptions and market dynamics. The conversation highlights De Beers' struggles to maintain their dominance as ethical sourcing rises in importance. Personal shopping experiences illustrate the shift in preferences, showing consumers are increasingly drawn to cost-effective and ethical alternatives. This intriguing exploration examines the future of what luxury means in the diamond trade.

In this engaging discussion, WSJ journalist Alexander Saeedy dives into JPMorgan Chase's bold strategy on private credit, a rising star on Wall Street. He explores the contradictions of a major bank investing heavily in this risky market, despite warnings of potential financial chaos reminiscent of the 2008 crisis. Saeedy highlights how private credit is challenging traditional banking and the implications for investors' retirement plans. His insights raise critical questions about the stability of financial systems as they embrace such volatile investments.