

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

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.

83 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 21min
The Download That Led to a Massive Hack at Disney
Matthew Van Andel, a software engineering manager at Disney, shares his startling experience with a cyberattack that unraveled his life. He accidentally downloaded a trojan horse from an AI tool, exposing not just his personal data but also Disney's sensitive information. Van Andel dives into the chaos that ensued, revealing the shocking impact on his career, including wrongful termination. He discusses the pressing need for better cybersecurity measures and reflects on the emotional toll of facing public scrutiny amid a corporate crisis.

42 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 27min
The High Pressure Tactics Gloria Allred Uses On Her Own Clients
In this thought-provoking discussion, Gloria Allred, a prominent feminist lawyer known for her high-profile representation of sexual misconduct cases, unpacks the complexities of her legal practice. She addresses the duality of her public persona and the internal struggles faced by her clients, revealing the emotional toll and pressure exerted during legal settlements. Listeners gain insight into the challenges of non-disclosure agreements and the difficulty clients encounter when seeking justice against powerful figures, all while navigating the trauma of their experiences.

222 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 25min
Trump 2.0: The Uncertainty Economy
Nick Timiraos, a WSJ reporter specializing in the Federal Reserve, joins the discussion to explore Trump’s economic vision amid rising recession fears. He delves into the chaos caused by Trump's trade policies and the challenges in achieving a soft landing for the economy. The conversation also touches on the controversial deportation of a legal resident and the looming threat of a government shutdown, highlighting the political tensions faced by Democrats. Timiraos provides expert insights on inflation and the Fed's balancing act amidst these uncertainties.

28 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 22min
Trump Family Has Explored Deal with Binance
Rebecca Ballhaus, an investigative reporter from WSJ, reveals exclusive insights into talks between the Trump family and Binance, the controversial crypto exchange. They discuss Binance's struggles with U.S. money laundering laws and the potential financial stake Trump’s family might take. The conversation raises eyebrows as Binance’s CEO seeks a presidential pardon. Additionally, the interplay of politics and cryptocurrency fundraising for the 2024 campaign comes under scrutiny, highlighting ethical dilemmas surrounding this high-stakes negotiation.

123 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 21min
What's Going On With the Economy?
Join WSJ reporter Ashby Jones, who unveils worrying signs in the economy, alongside Brian Schwartz, a White House reporter spotlighting economic policy. They dive into President Trump's candid remarks on a potential recession and explore how ongoing tariff fluctuations are creating confusion. The duo also discusses the impact of consumer confidence on economic indicators and addresses the administration's challenges in navigating these turbulent waters. Tune in for insights on the economy's uncertain future!

212 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 19min
Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk
Becky Peterson, a WSJ reporter specializing in Tesla, dives into the turbulent impact of Elon Musk's political views on the electric vehicle giant. She discusses how Musk's controversial stance has led some loyal customers to abandon their Teslas, resulting in declining sales. The conversation explores Tesla's shift in strategy toward AI and robotics, highlighting innovations like the self-driving Cyber Cab. With Musk becoming a polarizing figure, Peterson sheds light on how these changes could redefine Tesla's appeal in a competitive market.

95 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 19min
The Collapse of Walgreens
Joseph Walker, a WSJ reporter, brings insights into the dramatic decline of Walgreens. He discusses how the pharmacy giant's market value plummeted from over $100 billion to around $10 billion. Walker highlights the company’s struggles to adapt to market changes, the failed partnerships, and the impact of leadership shifts. He elaborates on Walgreens' bold attempts at diversifying through healthcare services but notes that core issues remain unresolved. The conversation unveils the implications of Walgreens' sale to Sycamore Partners in the broader retail landscape.

38 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 18min
The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps
Laura Cooper, a WSJ reporter covering the beverage industry, dives into the ongoing battle to limit soda purchases in food stamp programs. She discusses Arkansas’ pioneering plan, which aims to tackle obesity by banning sugary drinks from SNAP. Beverage giants like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are feeling the heat and are adjusting their strategies accordingly. The conversation raises important questions about public health, consumer choices, and the political maneuvers at play. Tune in to learn about the potential impact on health and the industry.

76 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 26min
Trump 2.0: ‘Just Getting Started’
Andrew Restuccia, White House editor for The Wall Street Journal, joins the discussion on President Trump's bold speech to Congress. They explore Trump's ambitious reshaping of political norms and the potential impact on the Republican Party's future. The conversation delves into the contrasting responses from the public and Democrats, as well as the growing isolationist trends in conservative foreign policy. Lastly, they touch on ongoing diplomatic tensions and budget battles regarding military funding, particularly concerning support for Ukraine.