

The Journal.
The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios
The most important stories about money, business and power. Hosted by Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza. The Journal is a co-production of Spotify and The Wall Street Journal.Get show merch here: https://wsjshop.com/collections/clothing
Episodes
Mentioned books

167 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 27min
Trump 2.0: Group Chat Fallout
Nancy Youssef, a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, sheds light on a shocking text blunder involving Trump administration officials discussing military operations. The conversation dives into the implications of using unsecured communication platforms and raises critical questions about national security and military accountability. Youssef also reflects on the historical context of such scandals, exploring how communication failures can jeopardize American troops and complicate U.S. military strategies in volatile regions like Yemen.

43 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 21min
Three Federal Workers Hit by DOGE
Discover the heartfelt stories of three federal workers grappling with layoffs during the Trump administration. They share how these cuts are affecting vital public services and the emotional struggles they face. The discussion dives into the broader implications of budget cuts on government efficiency and the challenges of maintaining essential services like those from the VA and Social Security. Plus, hear about the unique journey of an Air Force veteran navigating budget challenges at the IRS, spotlighting the crucial need for accountability in government spending.

57 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 19min
Trump's Attack on Big Law
Joining the conversation is Erin Mulvaney, a WSJ reporter specializing in legal affairs. She explores President Trump's pressure campaign against major law firms, including Paul, Weiss's controversial decision to negotiate with him. The discussion highlights the political threats these firms face and the complexities of navigating client relationships under such scrutiny. Mulvaney also emphasizes the broader implications for the legal community as firms contend with unprecedented executive orders and the shifting dynamics of political influence.

57 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 21min
Arrivederci, Donatella Versace
Suzanne Kapner, a WSJ reporter covering the fashion industry, dives into the dramatic exit of Donatella Versace after nearly three decades. She dissects the tensions between creative vision and corporate interests that led to this pivotal moment in the brand's history. The conversation highlights Donatella's impact on Versace's iconic designs, the clash of cultures in luxury fashion, and the brand's uncertain future as it navigates a changing market. Get ready for insights into a legacy at a crossroads!

86 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 18min
Trump's College Crackdown
Douglas Belkin, a WSJ reporter specializing in higher education, delves into Columbia University’s significant concession to President Trump, triggering a $400 million funding crisis. He discusses the delicate balance between financial support and academic freedom, alongside increasing political pressures on campus. The conversation highlights rising tensions from protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, worries about anti-Semitism, and the chilling impact on student activism. Belkin explains how these developments reflect broader trends affecting universities nationwide.

172 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 23min
The New Hit Depression Treatment? A Ketamine-Derived Nasal Spray
Explore the transformative journey of Spravato, a nasal spray derived from ketamine, which is revolutionizing treatment for depression. Once struggling after its 2019 approval, it has now surged to over $1 billion in sales. Discover the contrast between recreational use and its groundbreaking potential in mental health care. Personal stories highlight the rapid effects of this innovative treatment, especially for those battling treatment-resistant depression. Delve into the evolving pharmaceutical landscape and the rising acceptance of psychedelics in therapeutic settings.

81 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 28min
Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary
Jess Bravin, a seasoned Supreme Court reporter for the WSJ, joins the discussion on the tumultuous relationship between President Trump and the judiciary. They delve into Chief Justice Roberts' rebuke of Trump's rhetoric and explore the implications of executive power clashes. The conversation takes a turn towards presidential immunity, revealing how it affects Trump’s legal strategies. Additionally, Bravin highlights the struggles within the Democratic Party as tensions rise amidst upcoming elections, all while sneaking in some humor about the Supreme Court's hidden basketball court.

71 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 20min
Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners?
Sune Rasmussen, a WSJ reporter, discusses the untapped mineral wealth of Greenland and the complex reasons why mining efforts have stalled. He explores the intricate balance between economic potential and environmental concerns, highlighting indigenous resistance to resource extraction. Rasmussen also dives into the geopolitics surrounding Greenland's mineral resources and how they could reshape global supply chains. With local communities grappling with mining's socio-economic implications, this conversation sheds light on a pivotal yet contentious frontier in mining.

62 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 19min
A New Phase in Trump's Immigration Fight
Michelle Hackman, a WSJ reporter specializing in immigration, discusses how the Trump administration is now targeting immigrants who arrived through a Biden-era humanitarian parole program, affecting many fleeing the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She delves into the evolution of immigration policies, the shift from deportations to initiatives like Uniting for Ukraine, and the emotional turmoil faced by immigrants amid these legal changes. Listeners also hear personal stories that highlight the challenges and resilience of those navigating this uncertain landscape.

154 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 19min
The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Nassauer, a WSJ reporter specializing in retail news, dives into the fierce rivalry between Walmart and Amazon. She highlights Walmart's longstanding dominance in retail and the looming threat from Amazon. The conversation touches on Walmart's evolution, its strategic shift toward same-day grocery delivery, and innovative use of technology like the Spark app to compete effectively. Nassauer also underscores the challenges faced by Walmart, including abandoned orders and the impact of its Jet.com acquisition.