The Journal.

Harvard scientist Kseniia Petrova, who studies cell rejuvenation, finds herself in a harrowing predicament after arriving in Boston with frog embryos. Instead of sparking scientific exploration, her research samples lead to ICE detention, revealing the harsh realities many immigrants face. The discussion delves into the emotional toll of her experience, the complexities of immigration laws, and the dangers posed to scientists by shifting policies. With a blend of humor and resilience, Petrova's story is a poignant reminder of the human side of immigration issues.

Margherita Stancati, a WSJ journalist based in Rome, shares insights on the recent death of Pope Francis, the first South American pope known for championing social justice. She discusses the immediate implications for the Catholic Church and the mourning process. Stancati dives into Francis’s legacy, highlighting his progressive views and the challenges he faced from conservative factions. She also explores the forthcoming conclave, where cardinals will decide the next pope amidst hopes for continuity or change in leadership.

WSJ reporter Julie Wernau shares her insights from Pueblo, Colorado, once hailed as the 'Napa Valley of Cannabis.' She explores the town's ambitious rise in the cannabis industry, which quickly turned into a bust due to oversaturation and high taxes. Wernau highlights the struggles of local dispensaries facing fierce competition and the harsh realities of increased crime and homelessness linked to legalization. Through Pueblo's journey, she paints a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of the cannabis market.

Dana Mattioli, a tech investigations reporter at WSJ, dives into Meta's legal battles as Mark Zuckerberg defends the company's alleged monopolistic practices in social media. The discussion reveals the high-stakes courtroom drama surrounding the FTC's accusations and the potential breakup of Meta’s powerhouse acquisitions—Instagram and WhatsApp. Mattioli also highlights Zuckerberg's controversial attempts to mend ties with Trump and the increasing bipartisan push for tech regulation, showcasing the turbulent intersection of politics and big tech.

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.