

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

120 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 20min
Kraft Heinz's Big Breakup
Jesse Newman, a food industry reporter for WSJ, dives into the explosive breakup of Kraft Heinz, shedding light on the dire consequences of a historic merger gone wrong. She discusses how shifting consumer preferences for healthier and budget-friendly options have led to a brand loyalty crisis. Newman also highlights the impact of private equity strategies on innovation and growth. Tune in to discover how this split aims to restore focus and adapt to the post-pandemic food revolution.

115 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 19min
Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz
Michelle Hackman, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into ICE's ambitious plan to recruit 10,000 new deportation officers. She shares insights from her visit to a Georgia training center, highlighting intense training exercises, including high-speed driving and live shooting. Hackman discusses innovative recruitment strategies, including retro-themed ads aimed at attracting applicants. The conversation also touches on ICE's increasing visibility in urban areas and the implications of aggressive enforcement tactics on communities and immigration policy.

126 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 20min
The Corporate Grudge Fueling Cracker Barrel's Logo Fiasco
Heather Haddon, a WSJ reporter, dives into the drama behind Cracker Barrel's logo fiasco, fueled by an activist investor's grudge. The discussion reveals how nostalgia clashes with modern branding as the company faced backlash from customers resistant to change. They explore Cracker Barrel's struggle to appeal to younger diners while revitalizing its traditional identity. The reversal to the original logo sparked a surprising stock recovery, highlighting the complex dynamics of branding and consumer sentiment.

144 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 20min
Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA
Jesse Newman, a WSJ reporter with a passion for breakfast, dives into Kellogg's tumultuous journey amid the health movement championed by the MAHA agenda. She discusses the dramatic shift in American breakfast habits, where cereal consumption is declining as consumers lean towards healthier options. Jesse highlights Kellogg's efforts to adapt with innovative products, including a vegan cereal, while confronting the challenges of reformulating recipes by 2026. Her insights reveal the tough balancing act between marketing, consumer health trends, and the cereal giant's future.

163 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 20min
Inside Intel's Deal With the U.S. Government
Robbie Whelan, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, unpacks Intel's groundbreaking deal with the U.S. government, detailing how the government acquired a 10% stake during a tumultuous period for the chip maker. He shares insider insights from the Oval Office meeting, highlighting the intersection of corporate strategy and political pressures. Whelan discusses the implications of this deal for the tech industry, the challenges facing Intel's CEO, and the broader effects on American manufacturing and government partnerships.

137 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 16min
The Federal Reserve Under Siege
The podcast dives into President Trump's controversial attempts to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, raising questions about the independence of the central bank. It explores Trump's unique influence on monetary policy and the timing of his actions. Lisa Cook's groundbreaking role as the first Black woman on the board is examined, along with the tension between her and the president. Political pressures affecting the Fed's decision-making are discussed, highlighting the delicate balance between economic integrity and political influence.

83 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 22min
How Scotts Miracle-Gro's Weed Business Went Up in Smoke
Dean Seal, a reporter for WSJ, shares insights into Scotts Miracle-Gro's ambitious but faltering venture into the cannabis industry. He discusses the company's initial excitement during legalization, their shift in strategy toward hydroponics, and the subsequent challenges they faced, including market oversupply and internal resistance. Seal highlights how the journey through this complex industry reflects broader regulatory changes and the difficulties of navigating a market filled with potential yet fraught with obstacles.

70 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 23min
Can a Farming Community Resist a Development Boom?
A sudden death leaves a rural Tennessee community grappling with a clash of values between growth and tradition. Farmers find themselves divided over the future of their land, facing the harsh realities of urban expansion. Personal stories reveal the emotional stakes behind the fight to preserve farmland amid a push for development. As local regulations loom large, residents navigate the complexities of community identity and agricultural heritage, all while confronting the pressing need for balancing economic growth with the preservation of their way of life.

101 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 19min
Private Equity and Crypto Could Be Coming for Your 401k
Join WSJ journalist Anne Targesen as she delves into the evolving landscape of 401ks. With President Trump's recent executive order, she discusses the potential for everyday Americans to invest in private equity and cryptocurrencies. Targesen weighs the risks and rewards of these high-risk assets against traditional investment strategies. Explore how the shift from pensions to 401k plans has opened new doors for diversification, while highlighting the excitement and concerns surrounding these changes in retirement savings.

139 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 19min
How an NYC Suburb Is Keeping Rents Down
Rebecca Picciotto, who covers real estate for the WSJ, dives into New Rochelle's bold strategy to keep rents down while many areas struggle. She explains how the city revitalized itself, turning challenges into opportunities by building thousands of new housing units. The discussion also highlights the balancing act between attracting newcomers and addressing the concerns of long-time residents. Picciotto reveals how New Rochelle's innovative approaches could influence nationwide housing policies, showcasing a potential model for sustainable urban development.


