

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

76 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 20min
The Botched Software Update That Cost $600 Million
Ben Cohen, a WSJ reporter known for his incisive coverage of tech mishaps, dives into Sonos' disastrous software update that cost the company about $600 million in market cap. He discusses the widespread customer dissatisfaction and the fallout that included layoffs and a CEO exit. The conversation touches on the struggle to maintain a robust user experience in the high-end audio market and the challenges of navigating software update pitfalls. Cohen also shares insights on how Sonos is attempting to rebuild trust and stabilize its operations after the crisis.

108 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 19min
The Trade War With China Is On
In this discussion, Hannah Miao, a WSJ reporter focusing on the tariffs' impact on China, shares insights on the U.S.-China trade war. She reveals how 20% tariffs are reshaping the Chinese manufacturing landscape, forcing companies to rethink production strategies. Miao highlights a shift from China to countries like Vietnam and discusses the broader economic implications, including weak consumer demand and overcapacity in manufacturing. The conversation underscores the complexities that businesses face under these new trade conditions.

64 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 20min
Trump's Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry
Thomas Koval, CEO of Legera Technologies, shares insights on the chaos created by Trump's tariffs on automotive parts. He discusses how the 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada threaten the supply chain crucial for U.S. auto manufacturing. Koval highlights the financial pressures faced by businesses, the potential for increased car prices, and the need for strategic inventory management. With job investments at stake, he emphasizes the urgent call for policy stability in the industry.

88 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 20min
The Killing Spree Tied to a Silicon Valley Intellectual Movement
A chilling link emerges between a cult-like group of militant vegans and a series of shocking murders across the nation. The violent actions have ignited fear within Silicon Valley and expose the darker sides of a rationalist movement. The podcast reveals how ideological extremism can twist motivations related to AI safety, leading to disturbing confrontations and the emergence of radical figures. As tensions rise within the broader rationalist community, deeper questions about its structure and impacts on society arise.

62 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 19min
Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy
Scott Patterson, a WSJ reporter specializing in government operations, dives deep into DOGE's clandestine activities during Trump's presidency. He reveals how DOGE's programmers infiltrated the Office of Personnel Management, leading to controversial layoffs across federal agencies. Patterson discusses the backlash from agency leaders and the ethical implications of these maneuvers. He also critiques DOGE's claims of saving billions, exposing discrepancies in reported figures, while highlighting the unintended consequences of such drastic leadership decisions on the federal workforce.

81 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 27min
Trump 2.0: A Big, Beautiful Bill
Siobhan Hughes, a WSJ reporter specializing in Congress, joins to unpack the recent budget resolution passed by the House, a pivotal move towards President Trump's desired legislation. The discussion highlights the complex interplay between Trump's administration and Congress, particularly how GOP leaders navigate their relationship with the President. Hughes also touches on crucial judicial rulings potentially affecting Trump's agenda and the looming threat of a government shutdown, emphasizing the current political tensions and legislative hurdles in Washington.

30 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 19min
Will Paramount Settle With Trump?
In this discussion, Jessica Toonkel, a WSJ reporter who covers media and politics, unpacks the high-stakes collision between President Trump's $20 billion lawsuit against CBS and Paramount's merger plans with Skydance Media. She sheds light on the potential risks for media independence and how Trump's conflicts might reshape newsroom practices. The implications of negotiations for both the merger and the lawsuit create a tense backdrop of legal battles and power dynamics within the media landscape.

71 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 18min
Why Gold Bars Are Flying Over the Atlantic
Joe Wallace, a Wall Street Journal reporter, dives into the intriguing world of gold trading. He explains the surprising phenomenon of gold bars being flown commercially from London to New York. Wallace discusses the historical significance of London in the gold market and how recent market fluctuations are creating challenges for traders. The conversation also reveals the complexities of retrieving gold from the Bank of England, alongside strategic trading opportunities arising from price discrepancies across the Atlantic.

65 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 18min
An Eggspensive Dilemma
The podcast dives into the soaring prices of eggs, skyrocketing from $40 to $200 per case, fueled by a relentless bird flu outbreak. A brunch café owner shares how these costs are impacting his business. The conversation also tackles the tough decisions restaurants face amid the egg shortage and the industry's divided stance on bird flu vaccinations. The cultural significance of eggs is examined, highlighting how this crisis is reshaping breakfast norms and consumer habits in America.

139 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 19min
Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals
James Marson, Ukraine bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, dives into the high-stakes negotiations surrounding Ukraine's mineral rights. He reveals why the Trump administration is eager for these resources and how they could reshape U.S.-Ukraine relations. Marson discusses President Zelensky's demands for better terms and highlights the broader geopolitical implications amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The conversation also contrasts Trump and Biden's strategies in dealing with Ukraine, showcasing the intricate balance of power in international diplomacy.