The Journal.

Heather Haddon, a restaurant-industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the struggles of KFC, a once-iconic fast-food leader now facing fierce competition. She shares insights on KFC's origins and its rapid growth, along with the rise of competitors like Chick-fil-A. Haddon highlights KFC's misstep in ignoring the boneless chicken trend and discusses Yum Brands' strategic shifts to revive the brand, including edgier marketing and nostalgic offerings. Early signs of recovery are emerging as KFC adapts to changing consumer tastes.

Chip Cutter, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in corporate and labor trends, dives into the wave of layoffs sweeping American companies like Amazon and Microsoft. He discusses how CEOs are shifting to leaner headcounts and using AI as both a tool and a reason for job cuts. Cutter highlights the potential for AI to reshape white-collar jobs, raises concerns about its economic impact, and describes modern corporate tactics for executing layoffs discreetly. The conversation paints a stark picture of job insecurity in the emerging AI era.

In this discussion, Olivia Beavers, a Congress reporter for The Wall Street Journal, unpacks the brewing feud between Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump. Once a staunch ally, Greene now argues Trump is out of touch, redefining her political stance amid the release of Epstein files. Beavers reveals Greene's push for transparency and how it connects with her right-wing base. The conversation also explores Republicans defying Trump and Greene's recent shift toward moderation. It’s a fascinating look at evolving political landscapes and personal rivalries.

Elliott Hill, CEO of Nike and a veteran of the company, shares insights on his ambitious turnaround strategy after recent sales declines. He discusses the pitfalls of Nike's e-commerce approach and the impact of retro sneaker saturation. Hill emphasizes a renewed focus on athlete-first products and innovation, revealing exciting experimental products from Nike's R&D lab. The conversation also touches on rebuilding partnerships with retailers like Foot Locker and Amazon, aiming to restore Nike's competitive edge in a fragmented market.

Noemie Bisserbe, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in museum robberies, dives into the alarming trend of heists in France. She highlights the shocking daylight robbery at the Louvre and the troubling increase in thefts across the country. Bisserbe explains why thieves are targeting gold and jewels over artwork and discusses how historic buildings complicate security upgrades. She also reveals how copycat crimes inspired by previous spectacular thefts contribute to the rising wave of robberies, raising questions about the protection of national treasures.

In this engaging discussion, Scott Calvert, a WSJ reporter, shares his firsthand experiences riding alongside repo men in a rapidly growing industry. They delve into the factors behind the surge in car repossessions, from rising prices and stagnant wages to the warning signs reminiscent of the Great Recession. Scott also explores the tech tools aiding repo efforts, the intense grind of night shifts, and the safety risks agents face, including tense confrontations with vehicle owners. Their insights reveal how repossession trends serve as a stark reflection of the current economic landscape.

In this enlightening discussion, WSJ reporter Margherita Stancati dives into the impending 107% tariffs on Italian pasta imports that could spell disaster for American pasta lovers. She shares insights from her tour of Italian pasta factories, highlighting what makes this cuisine special. Margherita explains the fears of producers like La Molisana’s CEO, the complex history of trade disputes, and the potential cultural ramifications of losing access to authentic Italian pasta. A must-listen for culinary enthusiasts and trade watchers alike!

Dan Gallagher, a WSJ technology reporter, dives into CoreWeave's surprising role in the AI boom. He discusses how the launch of ChatGPT drove massive demand for GPU resources. Mike Intrator, CEO of CoreWeave, shares insights on the company's shift from crypto to AI infrastructure, revealing their strategy of using debt for rapid expansion. They explore the possible bubble in AI spending and the risks posed by fluctuating demand. Intrator also discusses contracts with major players like Meta and NVIDIA to manage business risks.

Ben Fritz, an entertainment industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and Thomas Curley, an Oscar-winning sound mixer known for 'Whiplash,' discuss the alarming decline in Hollywood jobs. They delve into the impact of production cuts, increased competition, and shifting viewer habits. Thomas shares his personal struggles with lost work and financial uncertainty. Ben highlights how labor statistics reveal a 40% drop in productions and explores the lasting effects of recent strikes. The duo contemplates the bleak future of the Hollywood workforce.

Becky Peterson, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in Tesla, joins to discuss Elon Musk's eye-popping $1 trillion pay package approved by shareholders. The rationale? They want Musk back on Tesla's mission amid distractions from his other ventures. Becky lays out the ambitious milestones Musk must hit, including focusing on robotaxis and humanoid robots. They also dive into the growing concerns among shareholders about Tesla's performance and the challenge of meeting lofty targets that could reshape the company’s future.