

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

176 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 19min
Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension and Trump’s FCC
Maggie Severns, a political reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins to unpack the drama surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's indefinite suspension by Disney. They discuss Kimmel's monologue that triggered a conservative backlash and concerns over safety. The conversation shifts to Brendan Carr, the FCC chair, exploring his controversial tactics and the significant power of broadcast licenses. Even more compelling is the mention of Trump's threats to revoke licenses from networks he disagrees with, raising unsettling questions about free speech and media influence.

129 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 18min
How Larry Ellison (Briefly) Became the World's Richest Person
In this intriguing discussion, technology reporter Sebastian Herrera dives into Larry Ellison’s surprising resurgence in wealth and influence at 81. He highlights Ellison's competitive spirit from a humble upbringing and his journey with Oracle. The conversation covers his strategic pivot to AI, including a major deal with OpenAI that skyrocketed his fortune. Additionally, they explore his connections to Trump, Oracle's involvement with TikTok, and his ambitions in the entertainment industry, including potential moves on Paramount and Warner Bros.

142 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 17min
Is the TikTok Saga Finally Over?
Join Alex Leary, a political reporter for The Wall Street Journal, as he dives into the latest TikTok saga marked by national security debates and U.S.-China negotiations. He explains the proposed framework allowing an American group to control TikTok while addressing concerns over ByteDance's algorithm. Leary reveals who stands to benefit from the deal and discusses the political implications of TikTok's survival leading up to crucial elections. Tune in for insights on a potential game-changing agreement!

177 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 19min
The Drama at the Fed as It Debates Cutting Rates
Join WSJ reporter Nick Timiraos as he reveals the high-stakes drama at the Federal Reserve. He discusses the pivotal decision on whether to cut interest rates to stimulate a cooling labor market or to prioritize inflation control. Timiraos dives into the tension between economic pressures and political influences, particularly from the Trump administration. He also highlights concerns about Fed independence amidst political maneuvering and the significance of dissent among governors during this critical transition.

60 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 37min
Camp Swamp Road Ep. 1: Mess Around, Find Out
Valerie Bauerlein, a WSJ reporter, dives deep into a harrowing shooting incident on Camp Swamp Road, reconstructing the tense events through 911 calls and police footage. She unpacks the emotional chaos experienced by witnesses and families, revealing the fragile nature of truth amidst conflicting accounts. The discussion emphasizes the complexities of Stand Your Ground laws and their implications for community safety, leaving listeners grappling with the ethical and emotional aftermath of violence.

215 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 22min
The Bad Bunny Economy in Puerto Rico
Bad Bunny's decision to hold 30 concerts in his hometown of San Juan is a game changer, injecting nearly $200 million into Puerto Rico's economy. The podcast highlights the 'Beyoncé effect,' showcasing how local concerts significantly boost spending and tourism. Bad Bunny's journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is explored, alongside his commitment to cultural representation. Listeners also experience the cultural brilliance of a Bad Bunny concert, reinforcing local identity while supporting the island's businesses during tough economic times.

224 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 18min
The Killing of Charlie Kirk and the Rise of Political Violence
Aaron Zitner, a WSJ reporter covering national politics, delves into the shocking murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who rose rapidly in political circles. He discusses Kirk's founding of Turning Point USA and its evolution, revealing how political ideologies have shifted. Zitner highlights the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S., tracing its impact on civil discourse and safety. The conversation reflects on the growing divide between Democrats and Republicans and the challenges faced by public figures today.

160 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 20min
How a $1.5 Billion Settlement Could Alter the Course of AI
Melissa Korn, an editor on the tech and media team at The Wall Street Journal, discusses a groundbreaking $1.5 billion settlement by Anthropic over copyright infringements. The conversation delves into how this ruling could redefine the relationship between AI developers and content creators. Korn highlights the complexities of AI training using copyrighted materials and the crucial debate on fair compensation for authors. Listeners will gain insight into the potential ramifications of this settlement for the future of artificial intelligence.

18 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 2min
Introducing: Camp Swamp Road
A shooting in rural South Carolina raises eyebrows as the police label it self-defense, but hidden recordings suggest otherwise. The story unfolds through the eyes of a grieving sister determined to uncover the truth. Dive into the complexities of self-defense laws and the emotional struggles of seeking justice. This gripping narrative sheds light on the challenges of police investigations and potential cover-ups that complicate the quest for honesty.

88 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 25min
The FDA Commissioner on Vaccines and Public Trust
Dr. Marty Makary, Commissioner of the FDA, discusses the recent approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines, aimed at rebuilding public trust in health policies. He addresses the agency’s efforts to regulate misleading pharmaceutical ads and announces an upcoming report linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism. Makary emphasizes the need for open dialogue and transparency in vaccine communications to counteract the politicization of health issues, advocating for data-driven decisions in public health.


