Linda Yaccarino established herself as an advertising sales machine at NBCUniversal. On Friday, Elon Musk announced she’d be Twitter’s new CEO. WSJ’s Amol Sharma discusses some of the challenges Yaccarino will face at the revenue- starved social media platform. Further Reading: - Meet Linda Yaccarino, Elon Musk’s New Twitter CEO and the Ad World’s ‘Velvet Hammer’ Further Listening: - Why Elon Musk's Twitter Is Losing Advertisers - Elon Musk's 'Extremely Hardcore' Twitter Learn more about your ad...
May 15, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast The blockbuster Western drama about a ranching dynasty in Montana is one of the most popular shows on TV. But it’s also one of the most expensive. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel explains how the man behind it — Taylor Sheridan — became one of the priciest bets in Hollywood. Further Reading and Watching: - Paramount Can’t Say No to the Man Behind ‘Yellowstone’: $50,000 a Week for His Ranch, $25 Per Cow - Paramount Shares Drop 28% as Streaming Costs Mount - The Race to Build the ‘Yellowstone’ Universe Fur...
May 12, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Rep. George Santos has been accused of fabricating much of his life’s story to secure public office. On Wednesday he was indicted on 13 federal charges including fraud and money laundering. The New York Republican denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty. WSJ’s Jimmy Vielkind explains what the charges will mean for him. Further Reading: -George Santos Faces 13 Felony Charges, Including Fraud and Money Laundering -George Santos Follows Others in Congress Who Have Confronted Legal Troubles Fu...
May 11, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast With tensions between the U.S. and China on the rise, the Chinese government has been investigating several consulting firms that help foreign companies do business in China. WSJ’s Dan Strumpf discusses the impact on the consulting sector and the foreign businesses that depend on it. Further Reading: - U.S. Companies in China Worry Due Diligence Will End in Spy Dramas - China Spy Law Adds to Chilling Effect of Detentions Further Listening: - Are Apple and China Breaking Up? - How a Balloon Burst...
May 10, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast On Thursday, the pandemic-era border policy known as Title 42 is expected to end. First put in place by the Trump administration, Title 42 allows migrants to be quickly deported at the southern border without a chance to ask for asylum. Now, President Biden is planning to roll out a new immigration policy to take its place. But as WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains, this new policy is not so different from the one it is replacing. Further Reading: - Biden’s New Immigration Policy Cements End of Lib...
May 09, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Last month, Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer, posted on social media about a personalized can of Bud Light the brewer sent her as a gift. A boycott ensued. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney unpacks what the maker of Bud Light is doing to stem a sharp drop in sales and to support front-line teams bearing the brunt of the backlash. Further Reading: -Bud Light Maker Compensates Workers Targeted in Dylan Mulvaney Backlash -Bud Light Maker Offers Distributors Free Beer, More Ad Spending After Dylan Mulv...
May 08, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast For months, people with ADHD have been struggling to fill their prescriptions. Federal regulators say the shortage is fueled in part by increasing demand driven by telehealth startups and their aggressive marketing. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler, who has been investigating two of those companies, explains what an impending rule change could mean for the shortage. Further Reading: - Adderall, OxyContin Prescriptions to Require In-Person Doctor Visit Under Biden Plan - Startups Make It Easier to Get ADHD Dr...
May 05, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thousands of Hollywood writers went on strike this week after failing to reach a new contract with studios. The dispute was caused, in part, by the industry’s shift to streaming, which writers say has left them shortchanged. Michael Schur is co-creator of “Parks and Recreation” and was a writer for “The Office” and “Saturday Night Live.” He tells us what’s behind the first writers strike in over 15 years. Further Reading and Watching: - Hollywood Writers Strike Might Give Studios Chance to Slash...
May 04, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast For years, big food and beverage companies like PepsiCo leaned hard into launching new, healthy food products. But recently, PepsiCo has decided to double down on its flagship chips and soda and is looking to make those products healthier. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney explains what it means for both the company and public health. Further Reading: - Pepsi’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 03, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon stepped in on Monday to acquire the failing First Republic Bank after it was seized by government regulators. While the deal will put an end to the recent series of bank failures, it also makes the banking industry's leader even more powerful. WSJ's Charles Forelle explains how Dimon's bid came together. Further Reading: -Why First Republic Bank Collapsed -Jamie Dimon Wins Again in First Republic Bank Deal Further Listening: -Banking Troubles Are Not Over -Two Exec...
May 02, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Yevgeny Nuzhin was serving time for murder in a high-security Russian prison when the Wagner Group— a paramilitary organization employed by Russia to wage war on Ukraine— offered him freedom in exchange for six months of paid military service fighting for Russia in Ukraine. WSJ’s James Marson details how Nuzhin’s bid for freedom went gruesomely wrong. Further Reading: - The Grim Life and Brutal Death of a Wagner Recruit Further Listening: - ‘Putin's Chef’' Now Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukra...
May 01, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Disney sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis accusing him of retaliating against the company, in part for speaking out against the state’s so-called “don’t say gay” law. It’s the latest twist in the fight between the two. WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores explains what it means for both sides. Further Reading: - DeSantis’s Miscalculation: ‘Disney Is Playing the Long Game’ - Disney Sues Ron DeSantis After Oversight Board Voids Theme-Park Agreements Further Listening: - How Disney’s CEO Got Caught ...
Apr 28, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast On Monday, Fox News ousted its top host, Tucker Carlson, less than a week after it settled a defamation lawsuit, which brought reams of internal communications to light. WSJ's Keach Hagey has exclusive reporting about the major factors that contributed to the network making that decision. Further Reading: - Fox News Ousts Tucker Carlson - What Tucker Carlson’s Ouster Means for Him and Fox News - Tucker Carlson’s Vulgar, Offensive Messages About Colleagues Helped Seal His Fate at Fox News Further...
Apr 27, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Once the envy of the banking world, First Republic grew rapidly by catering to wealthy clients who wanted a high-touch service. But the bank’s highflying business came back to earth after the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates last year and customers started moving their money. WSJ’s Rachel Louise Ensign on why First Republic is now teetering on the brink. Further Reading: - First Republic Lost $100 Billion in Deposits in Banking Panic Further Listening: - Two Executives On What It’s L...
Apr 26, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast The U.S. only has a few months until it can no longer pay its bills. Republicans say they’ll only raise the debt ceiling if Democrats agree to aggressive spending cuts. WSJ’s Natalie Andrews explains the Republican proposal and what’s at stake for the economy. Further Reading: -Kevin McCarthy, House GOP Debt-Limit Plan Face Crucial Test This Week -Kevin McCarthy Says House GOP Plans to Vote on Debt Limit, Spending Cuts -U.S. Nears Debt Ceiling, Begins Extraordinary Measures to Avoid Default Lear...
Apr 25, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Bernard Arnault is the richest person in the world and he has spent decades preparing his five children to run his luxury-brand empire, LVMH. WSJ’s Nick Kostov learned Arnault drilled his kids in mathematics, brought them along on business trips, inside negotiations and has elevated them into senior roles. But the question remains: who will succeed Arnault at the helm of the world’s biggest luxury conglomerate? Further Reading: - The World’s Richest Person Auditions His Five Children to Run LVMH...
Apr 24, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast To address a nursing shortage, some of the nation’s largest hospital systems have started to use apps similar to those used for ride-hailing. WSJ’s Melanie Evans explains the pros and cons of the gig work model for nurses and hospitals. Further Reading: - Nurse Shortage Pushes Hospitals Into the Gig Economy Further Listening: - Mass Layoffs or Hiring Boom – Which Is It? - One Nurse, Three Covid Hotspots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 21, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jimmy Zhong appeared to have pulled off the perfect crime. In December 2012, he stumbled upon a software bug that allowed him to steal 50,000 bitcoins from a site on the dark web called the Silk Road. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how Zhong’s stolen crypto stayed hidden until investigators developed better ways to track down crypto criminals. Further Reading: - The U.S. Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist — and Bitcoin’s Anonymity Further Listening: - How The Government Tied One Couple to Billi...
Apr 20, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast It has been three weeks since Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia on an allegation of espionage that the Journal and the U.S. government vehemently deny. Yesterday, Evan appeared at a pretrial hearing in Moscow. WSJ's Ann M. Simmons explains what happened at court and what comes next. Further Reading: - Russian Court Upholds WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich’s Detention - A Tense Wait for an Imprisoned Son - Jailed WSJ Reporter in Letter Home Says He Is ‘Not Losing H...
Apr 19, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast In 2017 the FDIC created a pool of banking veterans who would step up to help in the event of another financial crisis. For years, no one needed them. That changed last month when Tim Mayopoulos and Greg Carmichael were called in to run Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank while the FDIC tried to stabilize a banking crisis. Further Reading: -Collapse of SVB, Signature Bank Tests the FDIC’s Executive Reserve Corps -Help Wanted: Regulators Seek Executives to Staff Failed Banks -Signature Bank Is...
Apr 18, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dominion Voting Systems, which makes ballot machines, sued Fox News for $1.6 billion, claiming the cable network aired defamatory claims about its role in the 2020 election. Fox News denies wrongdoing. WSJ’s Erin Mulvaney explains what’s at stake as the highly anticipated trial is set to begin this week. Further Reading: - Fox News, Dominion Each Face Risks If Defamation Case Goes to Trial - Documents From Fox Defamation Suit Spotlight Tension Between Prime-Time Hosts and News Personnel - In Dep...
Apr 17, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast After 35 years, Broadway's longest-running show is taking a bow. The Phantom of the Opera has sold more than 20 million tickets and grossed around $1.3 billion. MarketWatch’s Charles Passy explains what made it one of Broadway’s biggest hits. Further Reading: -He’s Seen ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ 13,000 Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 14, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Federal investigators have arrested a 21-year-old Air National Guardsman in connection with the alleged leak of classified U.S. intelligence documents. WSJ’s Sadie Gurman discusses what we know about the documents, the arrest, and what could be next. Further Reading: -Air Guardsman Arrested in Connection With Leaked Documents -U.S. Investigation Into Leak of Classified Pentagon Documents Focuses on Insiders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 13, 2023•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast When JPMorgan Chase paid $175 million to acquire Frank— a college financial planning startup— it touted big plans to connect with the company’s millions of users. Then it all went wrong. WSJ’s Melissa Korn recounts the story of what went wrong. Further Reading: - Frank Founder Faces Criminal Fraud Charges Over JPMorgan Deal - Frank Founder Says JPMorgan Knew How Many Users Firm Had in $175 Million Deal - JPMorgan Bought College Financial-Aid Platform for $175 Million—and Now Says Most of Its Use...
Apr 12, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast For decades, Johnson & Johnson has faced thousands of lawsuits from customers who claim the company's baby powder gave them cancer. The company denies responsibility. WSJ's Andrew Scurria explains how Johnson & Johnson is resorting to a controversial legal maneuver to try to settle the lawsuits. Further Reading: -Johnson & Johnson Seeks $9 Billion Settlement of Talc Lawsuits -J&J Sharpens the Texas Two-Step Further listening: -Two Days of Reckoning for Opioid Makers -A Pause on the Johnson & Joh...
Apr 11, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Rulings from two federal judges, one in Texas and one in Washington, paint a murky picture of the future of the abortion pill mifepristone. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto unpacks the legal battles with the Food and Drug Administration over the medication. Further Reading: - Texas Abortion-Pill Ruling Ignites New National Battle Further Listening: - The Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade - The Booming, Unregulated Marketplace for Abortion Pills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Apr 10, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Google has been developing large language models like chatbots for years, but it hasn’t used the technology to influence the way people use their all search function. That’s something that could be changing. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa sat down for an interview with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to talk about the way new AI could have a big impact of Google’s business. Further Reading: - Google CEO Sundar Pichai Says Search to Include Chat AI - How Google Became Cautious of AI and Gave Microsoft an Opening Fu...
Apr 07, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Deforestation for palm oil production has shrunk Indonesia's rainforest, the third largest in the world and one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet. But recently, the country has found a way to tame deforestation. WSJ's Jon Emont explains how government orders, consumer boycotts and environmental activism have helped slow the destruction of Indonesia's rainforest. Further reading: - Indonesia Shows It’s Possible to Tame Rainforest Destruction Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Apr 06, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jack Ma, the billionaire co-founder of Alibaba, all but disappeared from the public eye following a brush with Chinese regulators in 2020. But last week, Ma returned to China just as Alibaba announced plans to split into six independently run companies. WSJ’s Jing Yang explains what it all means. Further Reading: - Jack Ma Engineered Alibaba’s Breakup From Overse as - Jack Ma’s Life After Alibaba Takes Him to a Fish Farm, Fiji and Beyond - Alibaba Co-Founder Jack Ma Returns to China After a Year...
Apr 05, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Former President Donald Trump has become the first U.S. president to face criminal charges. He pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges alleging he concealed hush-money payments in the weeks before the 2016 election. WSJ's Joe Palazzolo— one of the reporters who first broke the story about the payments— unpacks the indictment and discusses what could come next in the case. Further Reading: -A History of the Trump Hush-Money Saga -A Guide to Trump’s Legal Perils Further Listening: -People of the S...
Apr 04, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
