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.
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Minting one penny costs the United States nearly four cents. After 233 years, the Treasury Department has decided to phase out the coin . This will mean that businesses will have to round cash transactions up or down, and some fear it could lead to inflation. We reminisce about the cultural significance of the one-cent coin with WSJ’s Oyin Adedoyin and discuss the pro-penny stance with an advocate . WSJ’s Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe - The Cor...
Ron Howard and Brian Grazer are the Oscar winning director and producer behind some of Hollywood's most memorable movies like A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13 and The Da Vinci Code. The duo, who co-founded Imagine Entertainment in 1985, sat down with WSJ's Ben Fritz at the Future of Everything Festival to talk about longevity in Hollywood , AI in movie production and the future of movies. Further Listening: - Why Hollywood Is Betting Big on ‘Wicked’ - With Great Power, Part 1: Origin Stor...
This week, an obscure trade court dropped a bombshell ruling : President Trump did not have the authority to issue sweeping tariffs under a 1977 law. The government has appealed the court’s decision. WSJ’s James Fanelli and Gavin Bade dig into the ruling and what it could mean for the future of Trump’s trade agenda. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices A Tariff Loophole Just Closed. What That Means for Online Shopping Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s N...
In May, President Trump signed an executive order cutting off federal funding for public broadcasters, including NPR and PBS . In his order, Trump said “neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens.” WSJ’s Joe Flint breaks down the decades-long fight over public media, and NPR’s CEO Katherine Maher explains why her network is challenging the Trump administration in court . Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - For Millions of Studen...
The Trump administration is starting to put millions of defaulted student-loan borrowers into collections and threatening to confiscate their wages, tax refunds and federal benefits. WSJ’s Oyin Adedoyin digs into what the restart could mean for borrowers and the economy. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - Biden’s New Plan to Cancel Student Debt - Breaking Down Student Debt Relief Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Meta has gone all in on chatbots. The bots are capable of giving advice, answering questions and playing games with users. Some feature the licensed voices of some celebrities. But after months of testing, the Wall Street Journal found Meta's chatbots were also capable of engaging in graphic romantic roleplay , even with young users. Some people inside the company are concerned. Jeff Horwitz reports and Kate Linebaugh hosts for the last time. Further Listening: - Does Meta Have a Social Media Mo...
Explore how BookTok, TikTok's literary corner, is profoundly impacting the publishing world. Hear from a bookstore owner, an author, and a publisher about how the platform is driving unprecedented sales for romance and fantasy genres, leading publishers to rethink strategies and discover new talent. The episode delves into the challenges authors face on the platform and the potential for BookTok to fundamentally change the relationship between publishers, authors, and readers.
Economists have long analyzed data to predict the next recession. They’ve also turned to more offbeat economic gauges like underwear sales and skirt lengths. But now, the TikTok generation is seeing recession indicators everywhere . WSJ’s Hannah Erin Lang explains what Gen Z’s fascination with harbingers of economic doom might actually mean for the economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Is the Economy… OK? - Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News...
Some consumers and lawmakers upset over high egg prices believe they’ve found a villain: Cal-Maine . The little-known company produces one out of every five eggs sold in the U.S. And in the midst of a national egg shortage and a bird flu epidemic, Cal-Maine has been raking in the profits . But are the accusations against Cal-Maine fair? WSJ’s Patrick Thomas investigates. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - An Eggspensive Dilemma - Bird Flu and the High Price of Eggs Sign up for WSJ’s free W...
Blockbuster drugs. Rising profits. Strong sales. And yet, Novo Nordisk, the Danish company behind the GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, made a surprising move last week: It pushed out its CEO . WSJ's Peter Loftus charts the rise of Ozempic and the fall of CEO Lars Jorgensen. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: Trillion Dollar Shot Why WeightWatchers Wants in on Drugs Like Ozempic Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
President Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill today to urge passage of his multitrillion dollar tax and spending agenda. The bill is a complex piece of legislation that includes tax cuts, spending increases, spending reductions and some tax hikes. In total, it would increase budget deficits by nearly $3 trillion over a decade. WSJ’s Richard Rubin reports on the testy debate inside the GOP over the bill. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: The First 100 Days - Trump’s Tariffs For...
It was supposed to be the highlight of New York’s spring auction week: Sculptor Alberto Giacometti’s masterpiece “Large Thin Head” was this year’s most hotly anticipated piece up for sale. But when the bidding opened, collectors went silent. WSJ’s Kelly Crow explains what this unexpected auction week bust reveals about today’s art market. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - The $6 Million Banana's Appeal - Is This Painting a Masterpiece? AI Is On the Case - The Basquiat Sisters on Managing ...
A global team of betting whizzes hatched a scheme to take down the Texas Lottery . The plan was led by a London banker-turned-bookmaker and a mysterious professional gambler nicknamed ‘The Joker.’ The duo partnered with a Texas company and local retailers to print more than 99% of all the lottery tickets sold. And the jackpot was worth almost $100 million. The WSJ’s Brad Reagan explains how they pulled off the heist. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - How an Antiques Dealer Uncovered a ...
Air traffic controllers for Newark Liberty International Airport have recently experienced several frightening incidents . Their radars and radios have gone dark, potentially risking the lives of hundreds of passengers. The resulting chaos and delays are forcing government officials to address staffing shortages and outdated tech at the Newark facility , and nationwide. WSJ’s aviation reporter Andrew Tangel talks with one air traffic controller about the difficulties of the job. Annie Minoff hos...
Billions of health insurance claims are processed every year, and around 19% of them are denied. Very few people appeal, but those that do have a chance at a different outcome. Jessica Mendoza speaks to one family about the insurance denial that threw them into a life-or-death crisis, and WSJ’s Julie Wernau on the system they navigated. Further Listening: - Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance - The Cyberattack That's Roiling Healthcare Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter....
On Monday, to the surprise of global investors , the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day trade deal. The deal slashed tariffs between the two countries and sent stocks surging . Leading the negotiations on the U.S. side was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent . WSJ’s Brian Schwartz , who covered the talks in Geneva, explains how Bessent became President Trump’s man on trade policy and got China to ‘yes’ on a temporary truce. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Made In America? Shoe Companies ...
Last week, President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means to be surgeon general. Means is a wellness influencer and, along with her brother , a prominent advocate for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement. WSJ’s Kristina Peterson reports on how Means’s nomination makes her the latest figure from the lightly regulated wellness industry who has been elevated by Kennedy. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps ...
This episode explores Sam Altman's World project, which aims to distinguish humans from AI using iris-scanning orbs and the WorldCoin cryptocurrency. The discussion covers the project's motivations, how the technology works, its global rollout, and the privacy concerns it raises. It also touches on the project's recent launch in the US and future expansion plans.
President Donald Trump sees tariffs as a way to bring more manufacturing to the United States. But Nike and other sneaker companies have tried to move production out of Asia before . WSJ’s Jon Emont describes the cautionary tale of Nike’s attempt to make tens of millions of sneakers using high-tech manufacturing in Guadalajara, Mexico. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - A Tariff Loophole Just Closed. What That Means for Online Shopping. - China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal Sign up for WSJ...
Just days before his death, Pope Francis wrestled with an enormous problem: the Vatican’s dire finances. The world’s smallest country is now facing a budget deficit of millions, and a looming crisis in its pension fund. As the Papal conclave meets this week to vote for a new leader, WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw pieces through how centuries of financial mismanagement have culminated into a mess that the next pope will inherit . Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Pope Francis Has Died. What’s Next ...
For months, questions have been swirling about the economy. And last week, we finally got some answers when all kinds of economic data was released. Some of those numbers seemed to say that the economy is headed toward a downward slump , but WSJ’s Jeanne Whalen explains that the picture may not be as dark as it seems at first glance. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed? - A Tariff Loophole Just Closed. What That Means for Online Shopping Sign up for...
After 60 years in charge, Warren Buffett is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway later this year. Jessica Mendoza talks to WSJ’s Jason Zweig and Karen Langley about Buffet’s prolific career and Greg Abel, the man he chose to succeed him as CEO. Further Listening: - Does Warren Buffett Know Something We Don't? - The Life of One of Wall Street's Greatest Investors Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
A little-known trade provision is ending , and it will likely upend business for e-commerce companies and raise prices for consumers. De minimis has allowed companies to avoid duties on shipments to the U.S. that are worth $800 or less. It’s a program that many companies, especially e-commerce giants, Shein and Temu , have taken advantage of to keep prices low. WSJ’s Shen Lu explains how President Donald Trump has now ended that program for products from China and Hong Kong. We also speak with t...
In our capstone episode, Kate Linebaugh and Molly Ball break down Trump's first 100 days in office with WSJ’s Aaron Zitner , digging into the highs and lows, where things stand with voters and what’s next for the administration and the country . Further Listening: - Canada’s New Leader Is Ready to Take On Trump - Trump 2.0: Where is the Economy Headed - Taking Stock of the ‘Sell America’ Trade Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...
Before committing suicide live on X, Arnold Haro had a request: "If I die, I hope you guys turn this into a meme coin." His dying wish came true. Haro’s followers created a meme coin that skyrocketed in value to $2 million. WSJ's Kevin Dugan digs into a seedy online world where anything can be turned into crypto. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
The Davos conference brings together the world’s elites to try to make the world a better place. But according to some current and former employees, the leader of the organizing body behind Davos fosters a toxic workplace . WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran discusses her investigation into the World Economic Forum and the impact of a recent anonymous whistleblower letter . Annie Minoff hosts. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Mark Carney, a former banker, won Canada’s national election on Monday. Carney ran on an anti-Trump platform , and he's promised to try to decouple his country’s economy from its biggest trading partner and, lately, its biggest threat . WSJ’s Vipal Monga explains how Trump’s trade war and threats to annex Canada have upended the election. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - Why Justin Trudeau Stepped Down - Guns and Death Threats in Canada's Baby-Eel Fisheries Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s ...
Suleiman al-Youssef’s son, Shadi, has been missing since the beginning of the Syrian civil war. After the Assad regime was overthrown, Suleiman found new hope when he discovered a video of a man who looked like his son outside the country’s most notorious prison. WSJ’s Ben C. Solomon on Suleiman’s search for his son and Syria’s thousands of other missing loved ones like him. Kate Linebaugh hosts. Further Listening: - Assad’s Regime Falls. What’s Next For Syria? - Ten Days That Shifted Power in S...
Andy Wirth and Tony Harris moved halfway across the world to help build Neom: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s futuristic new city in the Saudi desert . But what they found wasn’t the desert utopia of Neom’s marketing. Instead, they found a project bleeding cash , led by a screaming CEO , where very little was actually being built . WSJ’s Rory Jones and Eliot Brown explain how Neom fell years behind schedule – and went billions of dollars over-budget – thanks to a culture of runaway spending a...
In 2017, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious, young leader, Mohammed bin Salman, unveiled Neom : a futuristic new city Saudi Arabia would build in the desert. Neom would be a hotspot for tourism like the French Riviera, a center of innovation like Silicon Valley, and a global melting pot like Dubai. It would help transform the Saudi economy. But over the years, that already bold plan grew even more ambitious . In the first of two episodes about Neom, WSJ’s Rory Jones and Eliot Brown explain how an effort t...
