The Journal.

Vivian Tu, a former Wall Street pro and financial educator for immigrant families, joins Haley Sacks, the fun-loving Mrs. Dow Jones making finance relatable for Millennials, and Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, who shares savvy travel tips. They dive into what it truly means to build wealth versus just getting rich, the role of culture in financial advice, and whether crypto should be a part of your portfolio. Plus, they discuss the modern challenge of balancing personal finances with generational wealth for the next generation.

Robert McMillan, a cybersecurity reporter at The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into a staggering toll-text scam raking in over $1 billion for criminals. He sheds light on how these fake messages play on urgency to trick victims into giving away credit card details. McMillan explains the mechanics of SIM farms that send mass spam and the intricate methods scammers use to convert stolen cards into cash. He also discusses why it's so challenging for banks and telecom companies to combat these frauds, emphasizing the need for vigilance before reacting to urgent messages.

Georgia Wells, a tech reporter at The Wall Street Journal, explores the rise of Ex-Mormon influencers challenging the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She shares how social media has ignited discussions on controversial elements like polygamy and temple secrecy. The conversation highlights how platforms like TikTok amplify doubts, drawing in audiences that weren't actively seeking this content. Wells also describes the emotional support these creators offer while addressing the church's growing concern over declining youth membership.

Wall Street Journal reporter Alexander Saeedy discusses the controversial phenomenon of 'debanking,' spotlighting stories like that of Steve Happ, who claims his church’s accounts were closed due to political bias. They explore the legal implications of banks' actions and whether targeting individuals based on beliefs violates civil rights. The conversation also touches on shifts in banking practices post-2008 and the political landscape, examining how perceptions of discrimination have intensified public debates and led to significant reactions from figures like Trump.

Joel Schectman, an investigative national-security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, delves into the Pentagon's UFO coverup. He reveals how congressional hearings and whistleblower claims paint a picture of government secrecy around alien programs. The intriguing tale of mysterious metal shards connects to Tom DeLonge's To The Stars group and tests conducted by Lockheed. ARO's investigations conclude many UAP sightings are merely balloons or drones, while the Pentagon's role in these UFO myths raises questions about hidden military agendas.

Siobhan Hughes, a political correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, unpacks the ongoing government shutdown's impact on federal workers and citizens. She highlights the severity of the current situation and contrasts it with past shutdowns, detailing disrupted services like mobile health screenings and the economic pain felt locally. Hughes discusses both parties' finger-pointing, the pressure of missed paychecks for federal employees, and explores potential compromises that could break the stalemate, including extending ACA subsidies.

José de Córdoba, a Wall Street Journal correspondent with deep insights into Mexican organized crime, delves into the rise of Nemesio 'Mencho' Oseguera, the new cocaine kingpin. They explore how Mencho's cartel capitalizes on increasing U.S. cocaine demand, while the Sinaloa cartel faces fragmentation. The discussion reveals Mencho's violent rise, strategic partnerships, and the dual supply of fentanyl and cocaine between cartels. Amidst chaos, Jalisco acts almost like a local government, making Mencho both a feared and celebrated figure. The conversation underscores the complexities of the drug war.

Eliot Brown, a finance reporter specializing in the economics of the AI boom, joins to discuss whether the current surge in AI investment is sustainable or merely another tech bubble. He explores the staggering costs associated with building massive data centers, like the one in Texas, and examines the financial implications of AI revenue projections. Drawing parallels to historical infrastructure bubbles, he highlights the significant risks involved, and the pressure on companies to justify their hefty investments amidst uncertain returns.

Ben Cohen, a journalist for The Wall Street Journal, dives into Sonos's disastrous app update that cost the company around $600 million. He reveals how the flawed rollout led to severe functionality issues, public backlash, and massive layoffs. Cohen discusses the internal lessons learned, including the dangers of rushing updates and the importance of gradual rollouts. He also highlights the efforts of the new CEO, Tom Conrad, in rebuilding trust and restoring the brand's reputation in the high-end audio market.

Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, dives into the pressing issues facing her state, from the impacts of a federal government shutdown to immigration enforcement challenges. She shares insights on her pragmatic conversations with Trump about infrastructure and the need for bipartisan solutions. Hochul also discusses the upcoming NYC mayoral race and her approach to balancing moderate and progressive policies. With a focus on reconnecting with voters, she reflects on the Democratic Party's messaging and future direction.