

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

199 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 25min
Will Trump’s Tariffs Survive the Supreme Court?
James Romoser, a Wall Street Journal Supreme Court reporter, dives into the legal battle over Trump's tariffs. He explains the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the challenges to its application for tariffs. Romoser highlights skepticism from several justices about the declared emergencies and discusses the implications of the major questions doctrine. With debates on presidential power dynamics and what a ruling could mean for future administrations, the conversation showcases the intersection of law and economics in a pivotal Supreme Court case.

111 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 21min
The Man Leading Trump’s AI Charge Against China
Michael Kratsios, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and former U.S. CTO, dives into the high-stakes AI race between the U.S. and China. He discusses the importance of innovation leadership and infrastructure, stressing the need for public understanding of AI's benefits in healthcare and education. Kratsios also tackles the regulatory landscape, advocating for sector-specific regulations, and shares insights on the potential for an AI bubble, all while emphasizing the urgency of addressing power needs with nuclear solutions.

104 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 17min
The Healthcare Fight at the Heart of the Longest Ever Shutdown
Anna Wilde Matthews, a WSJ insurance reporter, breaks down the complexities of ACA subsidies and the alarming rise in healthcare premiums. Kevin Foster shares his personal experience of a shocking increase from $7,000 to $38,000 in annual premiums, illustrating the real impact of these changes. They discuss the origins of the Affordable Care Act, the political battles over subsidies, and the implications of potential expiration. Rising healthcare costs from various factors and the risk of adverse selection are also explored, emphasizing the uncertainty enrollees face.

107 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 19min
The Waldorf Renovation: Over Budget, Past Deadlines, a Man Imprisoned
Craig Karmin, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the tangled saga of the Waldorf Astoria's renovation. He discusses Wu Xiaohui's surprising $1.95 billion bid and ambitious plans that included extensive restoration and a vibrant social scene. Karmin reveals the implications of Wu's arrest amidst a Chinese crackdown on overseas investments and the project’s remarkable eight-year timeline that pushed costs to an astonishing $6 billion. He shares firsthand insights about the hotel's reopening and its mixed reception.

128 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 20min
The Witch Economy Is Booming
Chavie Lieber, a Wall Street Journal reporter, dives into the booming world of online witchcraft, revealing its economic implications. Tatiana Fernandez shares her journey of purchasing a spell during a job search, attributing her success to its effects. Carissa Perez discusses her spell-selling practice, the rituals involved, and how witchcraft has become a viable income source. The conversation explores the intertwining of spells with modern manifestation techniques and the motivations behind people's increasing reliance on witchcraft during tough times.

120 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 19min
Is the Economy Getting Better or Worse? The Fed Says It's Hard to Tell
Nick Timiraos, Chief Economics Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the complexities of the Fed's economic outlook. He discusses how the recent interest rate cut obscures the Fed's visibility due to missing government data. Timiraos highlights the ongoing tension between inflation and the weakening labor market, stressing that December's rate cut is uncertain. He also points out the challenges posed by the government shutdown and mixed economic signals like strong consumer spending amidst slowing job growth.

160 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 17min
Why GM Is Slamming the Brakes on EV Ambitions
Sharon Terlep, an automotive industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into GM's dramatic shift in electric vehicle strategy. She discusses how GM transitioned from a bold 2021 all-electric vision to a stance opposing stringent emissions rules. Sharon outlines consumer hesitance due to infrastructure and range anxiety, and highlights GM's aggressive lobbying to reshape policies. The conversation reveals how prioritizing plants and profits influenced GM's decisions, impacting not just the company but the entire auto industry’s electrification pace.

75 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 18min
Smucker, Trader Joe's and a Battle Over PB&Js
Jesse Newman, a food industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the intriguing lawsuit where J.M. Smucker accuses Trader Joe's of copying its Uncrustables sandwiches. He discusses the rising threat of private-label products to established brands and how public perception has shifted from stigma to acceptance of store brands. Newman also highlights the legal strategies major brands are using to protect their trademarks, while Trader Joe's remains notably silent amidst growing competition in the market.

178 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 18min
Missing Billions and a Secretive CEO: The First Brands Bankruptcy
Alexander Gladstone, a WSJ reporter who investigated First Brands Group, dives into the shocking bankruptcy of the auto-parts maker. He reveals how forensic accountants uncovered hidden debts exceeding $12 billion and discusses the complex financing strategies that led to this financial mess. Gladstone connects external pressures like tariffs to the company's decline and addresses Jefferies' controversial role in the situation. The conversation raises crucial questions about due diligence in business relationships and the broader implications for the financial system.

131 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 20min
Why Is the U.S. Giving Billions to Argentina?
In this engaging discussion, Ryan Dubé, a Latin America reporter for The Wall Street Journal, unpacks Javier Milei's controversial leadership in Argentina amid a struggling economy. He highlights Milei's close ties with Trump, illustrating how their populist approaches align. As Argentina heads to the polls, Dubé examines the impact of Milei's austerity measures on everyday citizens and the recent U.S. bailout plan, raising questions about its implications for both nations. Voter skepticism about U.S. intervention adds another layer of intrigue.


