The Journal.

The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

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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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1534 episodes

In A Landmark Trial, Zuckerberg Takes the Stand

Yesterday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a first-of-its-kind trial with one central question: Are social media platforms causing mental health disorders among young people? The plaintiff argues that platforms like Instagram are designed to keep children addicted, potentially bypassing long-standing legal shields that have protected tech companies in the past. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky takes us inside the courtroom for Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony and explains why this trial could impact thousands of other cases. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety - “The Facebook Files’ from The Journal. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21m
Feb 19
The Flu Shot Drama at the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration agreed to begin a review of biotech company Moderna’s application to make a new seasonal flu shot available. The decision comes after the FDA initially refused to review the company's application. It's a back and forth that reveals increased turmoil within the agency. WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte takes us inside the FDA’s unexpected reversals and explores what’s next for the mRNA flu vaccine. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - The FDA Commissioner on Vaccines and Public Trust - Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19m
Feb 18
Insiders Are Cashing In on Prediction Markets

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are booming, but they’re facing questions about users betting on information that is not publicly available, from Super Bowl performances to geopolitical crises. Advocates for the platforms say they are "truth machines" but critics say they’re a new vehicle for insider trading. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff explains how users are making fortunes, and why regulators are starting to take notice. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - How ‘The Joker’ Rigged the Texas Lottery - How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in SportsSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23m
Feb 17
The Viral Band Trying to Sing Their Way to a U.S. Visa

Boy Throb is a new boy band going viral on social media, but member Darshan Magdum is stuck in India. To get him to the U.S., the band needs to convince the United States government that Darshan qualifies for an "extraordinary ability" visa, the type of thing that’s often reserved for Olympians and scientists. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains the visa process and Boy Throb tells Jessica Mendoza about their unconventional quest to get their fourth member stateside. Further Listening: - Are Waymos Driving More Like Humans? - Lady Gaga, Low-Rise Jeans, and the Next Recession Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18m
Feb 16
The Growing Fallout From the Epstein Files

The Justice Department recently released millions of additional documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. These files detailed Epstein’s expansive social and business network and reveal how the disgraced financier maintained ties with the global elite. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar discusses the new revelations, the fallout for those named in the documents, and the impact of unredacted victim information. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Trump’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein- How Jeffrey Epstein Made His MoneySign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25m
Feb 13
California Billionaires Are Freaking Out Over a New Tax Proposal

An influential California labor union is gathering signatures for a proposed asset tax on billionaires. But some of California’s ultra-wealthy are threatening to pack their bags — leaving the state’s tax revenue in the balance. WSJ’s Laura J. Nelson explains what’s potentially at stake and why a billionaire exodus is harder than simply renting a truck. Jessica Mendoza hosts.   Further Listening: - The Healthcare Costs of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill  - Kathy Hochul on Mamdani, Trump and Where Democrats Went Wrong Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18m
Feb 12
China's Disappearing Generals

President Xi Jinping has solidified control over China's military after firing his top general Zhang Youxia in an unprecedented military purge that has sent shockwaves through the country. The allegations against Zhang include corruption and a nuclear secrets leak. WSJ’s Lingling Wei explains how this move potentially gives Xi more room to pursue his long-standing goal of reunifying with Taiwan. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - China's Cheap Goods Are Europe's Problem Now - China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19m
Feb 11
Walmart's Outgoing CEO on The Company's Turnaround

Doug McMillon was Walmart's CEO for more than ten years, overseeing the company's return to retail success. WSJ's Sarah Nassauer sat down with him to talk about Walmart's turnaround, its future and a CEO's role in politics. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon - The 20000 Steps to a Walmart Manager's Six-Figure Salary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23m
Feb 10
AI Bots Have Social Media Now. It Got Weird Fast.

There’s a new social media platform for AI agents, but things are getting weird. It’s called Moltbook, and agents use it to apparently talk about things like coding and dating profiles, but also about overthrowing their human overlords and forming their own lobster religion. Initially, Moltbook shocked even some of the most experienced AI researchers, but how much of that is just humans messing around? WSJ’s Angel Au Yeung explains what’s actually happening on the site and how it came to be. Ryan Knuston hosts. Further Listening: Vibe Coding Could Change Everything  AI Has Come for Advertising Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22m
Feb 09
Elon Musk’s $1.25 Trillion Megamerger

This week, SpaceX and xAI, two companies controlled by Elon Musk, merged into a $1.25 trillion company. The deal combines a successful rocket and satellite business with an AI startup. Musk says the goal is to put AI data centers in earth’s orbit. WSJ’s Berber Jin reports on the deal. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: The Woman Behind SpaceX Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame. Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went Rogue Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18m
Feb 06
Republican Megadonor Ken Griffin on Trump's Economy

Billionaire investor and CEO Ken Griffin runs one of the world’s most successful hedge funds, Citadel. He’s also a Republican who has been outspokenly critical of some of President Trump’s policies. Griffin sat down with WSJ Editor in Chief Emma Tucker at WSJ Invest Live to discuss his concerns about political uncertainty, the dangers of crony capitalism and the erosion of ethics in public service. Further Listening:  - JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What's Next for the Economy - It’s Almost 2026. How’s the Economy Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25m
Feb 05
Vibe Coding Could Change Everything

Vibe coding, the process of turning a text prompt into actual software, has taken the AI world by storm. And it has investors in everything from software to legal services nervous. WSJ’s Joanna Stern and Ben Cohen tell us about their experience using Claude Code to develop an article. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20m
Feb 04
The Dollar Is Weaker. Is That a Good Thing?

Over the last year, the dollar has been declining in value. And last week, President Donald Trump said he wasn’t concerned about the recent slide. WSJ’s Greg Ip explains how a weaker dollar fits into Trump’s broader economic strategy to boost U.S. growth. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - Who Is the New Fed Chair? - It's Almost 2026. How’s the Economy? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19m
Feb 03
How Kraft Lost Its Mac and Cheese Crown

Kraft macaroni and cheese has been a household staple for decades. But owing to shifting consumer tastes towards healthier options and a tumultuous corporate shakeup, Kraft’s status as the big cheese is slipping. WSJ’s Jesse Newman reports on how Kraft lost its dominance in the mac and cheese aisle, and what the company plans on doing about it. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Kraft Heinz’s Big Breakup - ‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20m
Feb 02
Who Is the New Fed Chair?

President Trump will be nominating former Fed official Kevin Warsh to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos profiles the pick, explores the lingering issues Trump has with the current Fed chair and details the implications for the U.S. economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin - Why is the Fed Chair Facing a Criminal Investigation? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19m
Jan 30
A Wall Street Legend and His Penthouse Sex Dungeon

Howard Rubin is a Wall Street legend, famous in the 1980s and ‘90s for being a risk-loving star trader. He also allegedly was involved in secret sex trafficking for years, hidden in a midtown penthouse. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel traces the saga and explains the allegations of abuse that ultimately led to Rubin’s arrest. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The High Pressure Tactics Gloria Allred Uses On Her Own Clients - Behind the Scenes at Davos, Claims of a Toxic Boss Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25m
Jan 29
Can $60 Billion Boost Disney's Theme Park Magic?

Disney’s largest source of revenue is its theme parks and cruises. The people responsible for designing those attractions are the secretive Imagineers. WSJ’s Ben Fritz reports that the company is spending $60 billion to create more Disney magic and it's up to the Imagineers to make it work. Ryan Knutson hosts.  Further Listening: - Disney’s Big AI Dilemma - Disney Gets Into Gambling Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21m
Jan 28
Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame.

Ashley St. Clair, a conservative influencer who had a child with Elon Musk, sued Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, alleging that its chatbot Grok generated and shared nonconsensual, sexually explicit images of her. St. Clair’s lawsuit is emblematic of the thorny legal issues that surround new AI tools and deepfakes. It also confronts the question: Who is responsible for the content that users prompt chatbots to create? Jessica Mendoza spoke with St. Clair’s lawyer, Carrie Goldberg, about the lawsuit. Further Listening: - Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went Rogue - How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20m
Jan 27
Are We at a Turning Point in Minneapolis?

Over the weekend, a federal officer shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minneapolis. WSJ’s Joe Barrett describes how events unfolded in the wake of Pretti’s killing, and WSJ’s Michelle Hackman breaks down how ICE tactics have led to clashes with local residents. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents The Hyundai Plant Raided By Immigration Authorities Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24m
Jan 26
For Many Kids on ADHD Pills, It’s the Start of a Drug Cascade

Danielle Gansky was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at age 7. Soon, she was prescribed a daily cocktail of powerful psychiatric drugs that she would be on for years. A new Wall Street Journal investigation reveals that children who start on ADHD medication at a young age are more than five times as likely to be prescribed additional psychiatric drugs. WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran breaks down that investigation. WSJ’s Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Is America on Too Many Psychiatric Drugs? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23m
Jan 23
The Woman Behind SpaceX

Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX, has overseen the rise of the rocket and satellite company. She’s also maintained a long relationship with the company’s CEO Elon Musk. Now, with a potential IPO looming, WSJ’s Micah Maidenberg reports on how expansive Shotwell’s role is, and explains the big year ahead. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - When Elon Musk Moves In Next Door- Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceXSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20m
Jan 22
The Power Grid's AI Problem

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is straining the U.S. power grid and driving up electricity prices. Tech giants and politicians are scrambling to determine who will pay for the massive infrastructure needed to keep the lights on. WSJ's Jennifer Hiller explains what this energy crisis means for the future of the power industry. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - AI Has Come for Advertising - The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17m
Jan 21
How Far Will Trump Go to Get Greenland?

Over the weekend, President Trump intensified calls for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, a territory controlled by Denmark. WSJ’s Max Colchester explains how European leaders are reacting to Trump’s push for the arctic island, and what might happen next. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy - Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19m
Jan 20
Are Waymos Driving More Like Humans?

In this mini-episode of The Journal, WSJ's Katherine Bindley investigates a recent change in behavior among San Francisco’s ubiquitous Waymos, the self-driving robotaxis. Suddenly, the cars are behaving less like deferential drivers and more like New York cabbies. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - How Waymo Won Over San Francisco - The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11m
Jan 19
Inside the Black Market for High School Football Players

From a young age, it was clear that Phillip Bell was a football phenom. He got his first college scholarship offer in middle school. But that talent drew Bell into Southern California’s unruly youth football black market. In that system, high schoolers and their families are paid millions to play football. WSJ's Harriet Ryan reports on a system that ultimately tore Phillip Bell's family apart. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - NCAA President on a New Era for College Sports  - Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23m
Jan 16
The Bank Collapse Behind Iran's Protests

For the past two weeks, Iran has been consumed by protests that have resulted in a heavy government crackdown with deaths estimated in the thousands. But the prelude to the unrest wasn’t just political. It stemmed from a deep financial crisis, and specifically, as WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains, the collapse of an obscure and indebted bank. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Iran Retaliates After U.S. Strike. How Could This End? - Iran May Be Running Out of Options Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20m
Jan 15
Oil Companies Aren't Sold on Venezuela

President Donald Trump's sweeping plan for Venezuelan oil is coming into focus. It includes cutting off illicit oil exports, gaining more control over Venezuela's state-run oil company and rebuilding infrastructure. Some of these goals require the participation of U.S. oil companies, but those companies are reluctant to invest in the still-unstable country. WSJ's Andrew Restuccia explains Trump's gambit to bring down oil prices and reshape the global oil market. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy - Was Maduro's Capture About Oil? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17m
Jan 14
Why is the Fed Chair Facing a Criminal Investigation?

After receiving grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department last week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the investigation was part of a pressure campaign to get the Fed to lower interest rates. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains how the investigation could change who controls monetary policy in the future. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Is the Economy Getting Better or Worse? The Fed Says It’s Hard to Tell - Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19m
Jan 13
How to Be an Intelligent Investor In 2026

An AI bubble. Geopolitical turmoil. Inflation and interest rates. These things and more could rock the stock market in 2026, and investors have to be prepared. WSJ’s Jason Zweig, writer of The Intelligent Investor column, discusses how investors can best set up their portfolios for the new year and breaks down his outlook for the year ahead. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - It's Almost 2026. How’s the Economy? - Investment Accounts for Babies Are Coming. Wall Street Can’t Wait. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22m
Jan 12
A Son Blames ChatGPT for His Father's Murder-Suicide

In August, a troubled man named Stein-Erik Soelberg killed his mother and took his own life. In the months leading up to the tragedy, Soelberg had been engaging in delusion-filled conversations with ChatGPT. Now, his mother’s estate has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, and Soelberg’s son Erik wants the tech giant to take responsibility for a product that he believes deepened his father’s decline. WSJ’s Julie Jargon tells Ryan Knutson about the challenges facing OpenAI when it comes to mental health.  Further Listening: - A Troubled Man and His Chatbot - OpenAI’s ‘Code Red’ Problem Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25m
Jan 09