The Journal.

A recent trade court ruling has sparked a major debate over President Trump's authority to impose tariffs, challenging his trade agenda. The discussion revolves around the implications of this legal setback for small businesses and international trade. The podcast highlights a dual strategy the administration may adopt, balancing temporary tariffs with tailored long-term solutions. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff policy creates challenges for companies and foreign governments alike, making for a captivating exploration of America's trade landscape.

In this discussion, Joe Flint, a media and entertainment reporter from WSJ, teams up with Katherine Maher, the President and CEO of NPR. They dive into the turbulent battle for funding faced by public broadcasters following federal cutbacks. The conversation highlights the long-standing conflicts between media independence and political pressures. Flint and Maher reveal the potential fallout from losing federal support and the implications for journalism in underserved communities. They also address the ongoing challenges of maintaining unbiased reporting in today's polarized environment.

Oyin Adedoyin, a personal finance reporter at WSJ, discusses the impending return of collections for millions of defaulted student-loan borrowers under the Trump administration. She highlights the significant threat of wage garnishments and tax refund confiscations now looming. The conversation delves into the struggles of borrowers resuming payments after the pandemic pause, the challenges faced by many in financial distress, and the potential economic impacts of these student loan repayments on overall consumer spending.

Jeff Horwitz, a keen observer of Meta's AI chatbot developments at the Wall Street Journal, dives into the tech giant's ambitious chatbot rollout. He discusses surprising capabilities, including graphic roleplay that raised safety alarms, particularly for young users. Internal debates at Meta reveal concerns about ethical boundaries and safety measures. With insights on using celebrity voices in chatbots, Horwitz highlights the tensions between innovation and responsibility, as the company navigates a complex landscape amidst growing scrutiny.

In this engaging discussion, author Penn Cole, known for the Kindred's Curse Saga, shares insights on the impact of BookTok on the publishing landscape. She highlights how TikTok redefines reader engagement and marketing strategies, especially in romance and fantasy genres. Cole also dives into the rise of diverse romance subgenres, like sports romance, and discusses the balance between self-publishing and traditional routes. With nearly a million copies sold, the conversation reveals how personalized algorithms on BookTok are reshaping reader preferences and driving a new wave of sales.

In this engaging discussion, Hannah Erin Lang, a Wall Street Journal reporter who focuses on financial markets, explores Gen Z's unique approach to economic indicators. She delves into how this generation interprets fashion trends, like the return of low-rise jeans and other early 2000s styles, as signs of impending recession. The conversation highlights the contrast between the economic anxieties of Gen Z and older generations, examining how cultural expressions serve as barometers for financial sentiment in today's world.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Thomas, WSJ's agriculture reporter, dives into the controversy surrounding Cal-Maine, the major player in the U.S. egg market. With soaring egg prices linked to a national shortage and bird flu, many blame the company for profiting during this crisis. Thomas reveals insights from a visit to their production facilities, examining their biosecurity measures and ethical concerns over price gouging. The podcast also discusses ongoing investigations into their pricing strategies amid public outrage and market dynamics.

In this insightful discussion, Peter Loftus, a reporter with the Wall Street Journal, unpacks the surprising ousting of Novo Nordisk's CEO, Lars Jorgensen, amid Ozempic's skyrocketing success. He explores the unique nonprofit structure of Novo Nordisk and how it affects corporate governance. The conversation also delves into the fierce rivalry with Eli Lilly, revealing how the market landscape for anti-obesity drugs has evolved, and the implications of recent clinical trial setbacks on investor confidence.

Richard Rubin, a tax policy writer for the Wall Street Journal, joins to dissect Trump's ambitious multitrillion-dollar tax and spending plan. He dives into the GOP's struggle for unity as members express mixed feelings about the bill's tax cuts and increased spending. Rubin highlights the potential $3 trillion deficit increase, debates over middle-income tax benefits, and the internal rifts among Republicans over fiscal strategies. He also discusses how these reforms could impact low-income protections, showcasing the tensions within the party.

Kelly Crow, an art market reporter for WSJ, dives into a shocking turn of events at New York’s auction week where Alberto Giacometti’s highly anticipated sculpture went unsold. She discusses the implications of this rare auction bust on the evolving art market. Crow unpacks how economic confidence affects art sales and shares insights on surprising trends, like a banana artwork selling for millions. The conversation also reflects on shifting collector preferences and the haunting legacy of Giacometti's work amidst today’s uncertainties.