

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

19 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 17min
The Mysterious Drones Flying Over U.S. Military Bases
For 17 nights, mysterious drones buzzed over a military base in Virginia, stunning officials and raising alarms. Theories swirl about foreign adversaries potentially using them for espionage. The challenges military personnel face in tracking these aerial invaders underscore grave national security concerns. The Pentagon's investigation reveals intriguing incidents, including one involving a drone flown by a Chinese grad student. With consumer drones posing escalating threats, the implications for U.S. military vulnerabilities are both fascinating and alarming.

14 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 18min
Why People Are Thinking Twice About Living in Florida
Deborah Acosta, a Wall Street Journal reporter focused on the Florida housing market, shares insights on the state's cooling real estate boom. She discusses the impact of climate change and flooding on homeowners, prompting many to reassess living in Florida. Acosta highlights skyrocketing insurance costs and a shift in buyer demographics, where wealthier individuals are changing the market landscape. Through personal stories, she illustrates the struggles residents face as Florida's allure begins to fade amidst natural disasters and economic challenges.

52 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 30min
The Missing Minister, Episode 1: The Vanishing of Qin Gang
Ling Ling Wei, Chief China Correspondent, dives into the shocking disappearance of Qin Gang, China’s former foreign minister and a key ally of Xi Jinping. She discusses his rapid rise from humble beginnings to a major political figure and the mounting speculation surrounding his sudden absence from public life. Delving into diplomatic pressures, Wei highlights the complexities of U.S.-China relations and the high-stakes challenges faced by diplomats. This intriguing exploration reveals the tangled web of power, secrecy, and ambition in Chinese politics.

48 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 27min
The Missing Minister, Episode 2: The Affair
Ling Ling Wei, Chief China Correspondent, discusses the high-profile case of Fu Xiaotian, a prominent TV host embroiled in a scandalous affair with diplomat Qin Gang, who also vanished mysteriously. Joe Parkinson shares insights into Fu's ambitious career and social connections that add layers to her disappearance. The conversation uncovers the implications of their relationship on national security and highlights Fu's glamorous yet complicated life before her abrupt end. Secrets around them continue to unfold, leaving many questions unanswered.

39 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 26min
The Missing Minister, Episode 3: The Downfall
Ling Ling Wei, a seasoned journalist with over a decade covering China, sheds light on the mysterious disappearances of key political figures Qin Gang and Fu Xiaotian. She reveals explosive allegations connecting Qin to espionage and personal scandals, raising crucial questions about loyalty and power dynamics within the Chinese Communist Party. The podcast discusses the ramifications of these events on China's political landscape, including the serious consequences of espionage and the fragility of favor in Xi Jinping's regime.

12 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 25min
Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage
With millions voting early, the competition intensifies as Trump and Harris shift their focus to mobilizing supporters. Arizona emerges as a battleground, where election denial stirs deep political divisions. The podcast dives into contrasting voter turnout dynamics, especially among Gen Z voters, shedding light on their rising influence. Internal rivalries and strategies in swing states showcase the complexities faced by both parties as they prepare for a high-stakes election.

9 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 21min
Lilly Ledbetter: The Woman Who Fought the Pay Gap
Joseph de Avila, a WSJ reporter who covered Lilly Ledbetter's groundbreaking legal battle, shares insights into her fight against pay discrimination, including her journey to the Supreme Court. Lauren Weber, another WSJ reporter, discusses the enduring challenges of the gender pay gap and its disproportionate effects on women of color. The conversation highlights the historical impact of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the ongoing struggle for equal pay, emphasizing the significance of transparency and advocacy for systemic change.

24 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 19min
How One Teenager Became a Legendary Hacker
Robert McMillan, a WSJ reporter, dives into the riveting world of young hackers, focusing on Arion Kurtaj. He shares how Kurtaj, starting at just 11, rose to infamy by hacking giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. The discussion highlights the troubling trend of tech-savvy teens turning to cybercrime and the dangers of doxing and SIM swapping. McMillan also touches on the complexities of prosecuting young offenders and the mental health challenges tied to their actions, raising alarms about a new breed of fearless digital criminals.

12 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 21min
Listeria, Liverwurst and the Family Feud at Boar's Head
Sarah Nassauer, a WSJ reporter, dives into the shocking family saga behind Boar's Head, uncovering a bitter feud between the Brunkhorsts and Bischofs. The conversation reveals how personal conflicts have marred the company's reputation and impact its operations. Nassauer also discusses the grave listeria outbreak linked to their products, leading to tragic consequences. Listeners will gain insights into the interplay of family dynamics, corporate governance issues, and the challenges faced by a family-run business in crisis.

16 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 20min
The Money Laundering Behind TD Bank’s $3 Billion Fine
Explore the shocking revelations behind TD Bank's $3 billion fine for failing to prevent money laundering tied to drug cartels. Discover the labyrinth of criminal networks that funneled massive sums through the bank, highlighting serious regulatory oversights. Hear about the pivotal moments in the investigation, including a significant figure who laundered over $670 million. The discussions reveal the challenges banks face in maintaining compliance while navigating pressures for growth. What does this mean for the future of banking regulations?


