

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

56 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 19min
How to Make a $12.98 T-Shirt... in the U.S.
Bayard Winthrop, Founder of American Giant and a trailblazer in American clothing manufacturing, discusses the revival of U.S. apparel production. He shares the challenges of bringing manufacturing back home after decades of outsourcing and the impact on local communities. Winthrop explains how his partnership with Walmart facilitated the creation of a $12.98 t-shirt, balancing affordability with quality. He also addresses the complexities of supply chains and tariffs that threaten the resurgence of American-made clothing.

46 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 20min
The Underground Battle for Colombia's Richest Gold Mine
In this engaging discussion, Juan Forero, a WSJ reporter specializing in conflict and resource exploitation, sheds light on the escalating violence at Zijin Mining Group's gold mine in Colombia. He reveals how the Gulf Clan, a notorious drug-trafficking militia, has seized tunnels, costing the company around $200 million in lost gold. Forero outlines the intricate battle between organized crime and legitimate business, highlighting the turmoil miners face and the complexities of government response in a region steeped in both wealth and conflict.

39 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 31min
The Missing Minister: The Vanishing of Qin Gang
Ling Ling Wei, the Chief China Correspondent, investigates the mysterious disappearance of China's former foreign minister, Qin Gang. She discusses his rise in politics and critical role under Xi Jinping. The conversation highlights a chaotic meeting that shaped his career and explores his last public appearances, stirring speculation about corruption and political implications. Wei also reflects on her personal experiences with Qin, shedding light on his ambitious nature and the tumultuous diplomatic challenges he faced.

26 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 21min
Happy Holidays! An Interview with the Christmas Queen
John Jurgensen, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, spills the secrets behind Mariah Carey's holiday classic, 'All I Want for Christmas Is You.' The discussion covers its transformation from a modest hit in 1994 to a streaming sensation today. Jurgensen explores the song's massive cultural impact, the thriving business of Christmas music, and how it has bounced back in the streaming age. Listeners will also learn about the magical allure of Christmas music and its emotional resonance with fans.

98 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 24min
James Bond Is Missing. He's Trapped in a Fight With Amazon.
Explore the clash between the classic allure of James Bond and the corporate ambitions of Amazon. Delve into the ongoing feud around creative control and traditional filmmaking versus data-driven strategies. Discover insights on the franchise's rich history and the challenges faced in merging a legacy with modern innovation. The podcast reveals the skepticism surrounding Amazon's management and what it means for the future of the iconic spy.

59 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 20min
Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance
A tragic event involving a health insurance executive has ignited public outrage, particularly among doctors. Healthcare professionals express their mounting frustrations over treatment denials and the headache of navigating insurance hurdles. The discussion reveals the emotional burden these challenges place on both doctors and patients. Personal anecdotes highlight how these issues impact medical practices, emphasizing a critical need for transparency and better practices in the insurance industry to protect patient care.

65 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 29min
Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In.
Explore how BookTok is reshaping the publishing world by connecting new readers, particularly in romance and fantasy. Hear from an enthusiastic bookstore owner about the genre's appeal and how TikTok transforms reader engagement. Discover the rise of 'romanticy' with empowered female protagonists and the self-publishing journey of authors who harness social media. Gain insights into the community-building strategies that outshine mere virality. Witness the profound impact of TikTok on marketing and the evolving dynamics between authors and publishers.

56 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 19min
Why GM Is Giving Up on Cruise Robotaxis
General Motors is scrapping its ambitious robotaxi program after a colossal $10 billion investment. The discussion dives into the challenges faced by Cruise, GM's self-driving unit, and the competitive landscape dominated by companies like Waymo. A critical incident in San Francisco highlights the safety dilemmas autonomous vehicles encounter, prompting a major reevaluation of GM's strategies in this evolving market. The podcast also examines how the shift away from robotaxis affects GM's future in personal autonomous vehicles.

56 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 20min
The Chip Business Is Booming. Why Isn’t Intel?
Asa Fitch, a WSJ reporter specializing in the chip industry, dives into Intel's dramatic fall from grace. He unpacks how the tech giant, once a household name, lost its edge against competitors like TSMC and NVIDIA. Fitch discusses the complacency that led to missed opportunities in mobile markets and analyzes the recent ousting of Intel's CEO Pat Gelsinger. He highlights the consequences of failed strategies and the pressing need for Intel to adapt in a landscape increasingly driven by AI advancements.

60 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 20min
The Suspected Russian Plot to Set Airplanes on Fire
Bojan Pancevski, a seasoned WSJ reporter, dives into a chilling investigation of a suspected Russian plot to ignite airliners, revealing tactics reminiscent of the Cold War. He discusses Russia's recent escalations across Europe, including modus operandi to recruit civilians for chaos. Pancevski uncovers dangerous incendiary devices found in everyday items, prompting a global security reevaluation. The conversation also touches on how Europe is adapting to confront these mounting threats amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.


