The Journal.

Alexander Saeedy, a banking correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, dives into Elon Musk's extraordinary turnaround of X, formerly Twitter. He discusses the dramatic shift from near-bankruptcy to a valuation exceeding $100 billion, fueled by Musk's merger with xAI. Saeedy explores the impact of Musk's political connections on advertising recovery and investor confidence, alongside the ambitious launch of the Grok chatbot. The conversation paints a vivid picture of Musk's bold strategies and the financial implications of this high-stakes venture.

Rebecca Feng, a reporter for WSJ, dives deep into the significant $22.8 billion deal by billionaire Li Ka-shing to sell stakes in Panama Canal ports. The deal has sparked contrasting reactions, thrilling Donald Trump while infuriating Xi Jinping. Feng highlights the complicated geopolitical dynamics at play, revealing how business decisions intertwine with international relations. She also discusses the challenges Hong Kong tycoons face amid rising political tensions and the impact on foreign investment in China.

Rolfe Winkler, a Wall Street Journal reporter, investigates the hidden dangers of hair loss treatments offered by telehealth companies. He highlights the alarming trend of young men experiencing severe side effects from easy-to-access medications like finasteride. Winkler discusses the lack of transparency in advertising and the emotional toll on users, who often aren't aware of the risks. The conversation reveals the clash between convenience and safety, urging for more responsible practices in the telehealth industry.

In this discussion, Laura Cooper, a WSJ reporter specializing in the soda industry, reveals how Pepsi is struggling to reclaim its status from Dr Pepper. She highlights the brand's intriguing evolution, focusing on the new beverage chief, Ram Krishnan's efforts to pivot back to drinks after years of prioritizing snacks. The conversation touches on the historical rivalry with Coca-Cola, innovative marketing strategies aimed at younger consumers, and Pepsi's acquisition of Poppi to appeal to health-conscious drinkers. Will Pepsi's comeback strategy pay off?

White House reporter Josh Dawsey joins to shed light on the Trump administration's recent tariff pause. He discusses the intense internal dynamics and shifting political tides that led to this sudden change of heart. Listeners get insights into the tense aftermath of the announcement, examining how market reactions influenced decision-making. The episode dives into the complexities of tariff policies and the growing pressures within the White House, providing a fascinating look at the intersection of politics and economic strategy.

Lingling Wei, a reporter for WSJ, sheds light on China's formidable trade tactics amidst rising tensions with the U.S. She discusses how China's response has evolved from initial negotiations to preparing for a long-term economic conflict. The conversation dives into the dramatic impact of tariffs, potential global market repercussions, and the challenges of diplomacy under the Trump administration. Wei highlights the complexities of both countries' strategies and suggests we might be in for a protracted standoff with no easy solutions.

Lee Zeldin, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and a key figure in shaping Trump’s deregulatory agenda, discusses his ambitious plans for the agency. He dives into the tension between economic growth and environmental protections, emphasizing the need for smart regulations. Zeldin also addresses water quality issues, including challenges facing the Delaware River and the consequences of pollution from Tijuana. His insights reveal the complexities of navigating scientific integrity while adapting to evolving environmental policies.

Explore the rise and fall of Newberry, South Carolina, as it grapples with job losses from factory closures. Discover how strategic investments, like Samsung's $380 million bet, aim to reignite local manufacturing. Dive into the debate surrounding tariffs and their promise to boost jobs while also potentially raising prices for consumers. Unravel the intricate balance of trade policies and their real-world consequences, sparking a conversation on the complexities of revitalizing American manufacturing in today's economy.

Gregory Zuckerman, a seasoned markets reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the chaos sparked by President Trump's recent tariffs. He discusses the staggering $6.6 trillion loss in U.S. stock value and highlights the unexpected backlash from Wall Street leaders like Bill Ackman and Jamie Dimon. The conversation reveals investors' growing anxiety and confusion amidst this self-inflicted crisis, and underscores significant fears of a bear market that could shake both corporate dynamics and the lives of everyday Americans.

Kris Maher, a WSJ reporter, dives into the hot-button issue of fluoride in municipal water. He discusses the significant backlash against water fluoridation, highlighting Utah's recent ban and the wave of communities opting for removal. Maher uncovers public fears fueled by health concerns, particularly regarding children's neurological development, and shares insights from a passionate town hall meeting in Florida. The conversation touches on how this controversy could reshape public health policies across the nation.