The Journal.

The Journal.

The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

85 episodes

Episodes

How Did Nancy Guthrie Vanish Without a Trace?
Aug 3, 2026 · 27m
This episode investigates the unresolved kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, analyzing why the high-profile case remains unsolved.
Confessions of a Recovering Work Addict
Aug 2, 2026 · 24m
Host Jessica Mendoza interviews Laura Mayer, author of the memoir *Try Hard*, about her career as a podcast executive and her struggle with work addiction.
The Vanishing of an Anti-AI Activist
Jul 31, 2026 · 37m
This episode investigates the disappearance of Sam Kirshner, founder of the anti-AI group Stop AI, whose radical activism culminated in serving OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with a subpoena.
Peptides Are Everywhere. Businesses Are Cashing In.
Jul 30, 2026 · 20m
This episode examines the booming, unregulated market for experimental peptides, fueled by social media hype and celebrity endorsements.
Confused About Automated Driving Features? You’re Not Alone.
Jul 29, 2026 · 21m
This episode examines driver confusion surrounding Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free technology, highlighted by a crash where an engineer’s husband blamed the system despite data showing pedal error.
Chinese AI Is Spooking Silicon Valley
Jul 28, 2026 · 19m
The Journal examines how advanced, low-cost Chinese AI models like Kimi K3 are challenging U.
Tariffs Are Back. What’s Changed?
Jul 27, 2026 · 22m
The Journal examines how the Trump administration rebuilt its global tariff strategy after the Supreme Court struck down previous measures.
The Data Is In on Work From Home
Jul 26, 2026 · 25m
Host Jessica Mendoza and reporter Owen Tucker-Smith examine the lasting impact of remote work, exploring conflicting data on productivity and employee satisfaction.
How Deadly Airbags Are Getting Inside Cars
Jul 24, 2026 · 19m
This episode investigates deadly counterfeit airbag inflators, particularly those linked to the Chinese company DTN, which have caused fatalities in the US.
Can't Get an IMAX Ticket? That's Kind of the Point.
Jul 23, 2026 · 25m
Ryan Knudsen interviews IMAX CEO Rich Gelfand about the company’s evolution from a niche museum technology to a Hollywood powerhouse.
Do Sanctions Still Work?
Jul 22, 2026 · 26m
Hosts Jess and Ryan announce their third live show in New York City before exploring the efficacy of U.
What's Going On With Lettuce?
Jul 21, 2026 · 19m
Hosts Jessica Mendoza and Ryan discuss a massive cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce, affecting thousands across the U.
How State Farm's New Contract Sparked an Uproar
Jul 20, 2026 · 21m
State Farm abruptly announced major contract changes to its agents, including benefit cuts and increased AI integration, sparking widespread backlash.
How an Influencer Built His Business, One Dog at a Time
Jul 19, 2026 · 21m
This episode of Work Mode features Elias Friedman, known as The Doggest, who turned his passion for dog photography into a successful influencer career.
The World Cup Story, Part 3: ‘FIFA, What Have You Become?’
Jul 17, 2026 · 30m
Hosts Ryan Knudsen, Joshua Robinson, and Jonathan Clegg review the expanded 48-team World Cup, praising its scale while critiquing VAR controversies…
To Beat Musk, Bezos Befriended Trump
Jul 16, 2026 · 20m
This episode explores Jeff Bezos’s dramatic shift from feuding with Donald Trump to cultivating a close alliance, driven largely by competitive pressure from Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Apple vs. OpenAI
Jul 15, 2026 · 18m
Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging theft of trade secrets as the AI firm recruits former Apple employees, including designer Jony Ive, to build proprietary hardware.
How Microfinance Failed the World's Poor
Jul 14, 2026 · 24m
This episode examines the dark side of microfinance, contrasting its original promise to alleviate poverty with the debt crises it has triggered, particularly in Cambodia.
A Master Conman in His Own Words
Jul 13, 2026 · 29m
This episode of The Journal details the $60 million Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Paul Regan, who targeted vulnerable elderly investors with promises of guaranteed, high-yield returns.
How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind)
Jul 12, 2026 · 24m
Host Ryan Knudsen and WSJ columnist Callum Borchers discuss navigating AI in the workplace, emphasizing human skills like critical thinking over automation fears.
Big Egg’s Price Fixing Scandal
Jul 10, 2026 · 20m
The Journal investigates a Department of Justice settlement alleging that major egg producers colluded to inflate prices during the bird flu shortages.
The Shaky Problems with Skyscraper Conversions
Jul 9, 2026 · 18m
A steel beam buckled in a 37-story skyscraper under construction in Manhattan, sparking fears of collapse and evacuations.
The Inside Story of Europe’s Breakup With the U.S.
Jul 8, 2026 · 28m
This episode examines the fracturing of the NATO alliance under President Trump’s second term, driven by his adversarial stance and demands for higher defense spending.
Europe Is Hot as Hell. Why Doesn’t It Want Air Conditioning?
Jul 7, 2026 · 19m
The Journal examines Europe’s severe heatwave and the continent’s resistance to widespread air conditioning due to high costs, climate concerns, and strict aesthetic laws.
How Polymarket Made Fake Bets Go Viral
Jul 6, 2026 · 21m
WSJ reporters Catherine Long and Kaitlin Ostroff expose how Polymarket used fake betting videos to go viral on social media.
The Booming Industry Keeping Taylor Swift's Wedding a Secret
Jul 2, 2026 · 20m
This episode explores the lucrative industry of high-profile wedding security, sparked by speculation about a potential Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce ceremony at Madison Square Garden.
Microsoft’s CEO Has a Message: Don’t Let AI Eat the Economy
Jul 1, 2026 · 21m
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella criticized AI leaders for promoting doomsday narratives and using AI primarily for layoffs, arguing this risks political backlash.
The Supreme Court and Trump: From Birthright to Presidential Power
Jun 30, 2026 · 19m
The Supreme Court ended its historic term by rejecting President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship in a 6-3 ruling.
Weight-Loss Drugs Are Gobbling Up Small Town Budgets
Jun 29, 2026 · 19m
Guest host Imani Moise explores how small towns like Belchertown, Massachusetts, face budget crises due to soaring costs of GLP-1 weight loss drugs for municipal employees.
Inside a Debate at OpenAI Over Mass Shootings
Jun 26, 2026 · 37m
This episode examines how OpenAI’s ChatGPT was used by suspects in the Florida State University and Tumblr Ridge mass shootings.
McDonald’s and Coke's Marriage Might Need a Refresher
Jun 25, 2026 · 19m
This episode examines the 70-year partnership between McDonald's and Coca-Cola, tracing its origins to Ray Kroc’s quest for uniformity.
Why Alan Greenspan Is Key to Understanding Today’s Fed
Jun 24, 2026 · 21m
This episode of The Journal examines the legacy of Alan Greenspan, who died at 100, tracing his rise from jazz musician to "Maestro" of the Federal Reserve.
Inside Trump and Netanyahu’s Complicated Relationship
Jun 23, 2026 · 20m
This episode examines the fracturing alliance between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu over the war in Iran.
Why iPhones Will Probably Get Even More Expensive
Jun 22, 2026 · 17m
Apple CEO Tim Cook warns of significant iPhone price hikes due to surging memory and storage chip costs driven by AI demand.
The Big Business of Holding Back 8th Graders
Jun 18, 2026 · 23m
This episode explores the rise of private "holdback academies" that allow middle schoolers to repeat a year for athletic advantage.
The Economy is Booming. Why Does it Feel Like a Bust?
Jun 17, 2026 · 18m
This episode explores the disconnect between strong U.
How Elon Musk Made A Trillion Dollars
Jun 16, 2026 · 19m
The Journal examines Elon Musk becoming the world’s first trillionaire following SpaceX’s historic IPO.
The Great IPO Frenzy of 2026
Jun 15, 2026
The Journal examines the historic 2026 IPO frenzy, headlined by SpaceX’s record-breaking debut and upcoming listings for AI giants Anthropic and OpenAI.
The World Cup Story, Part 2: Too Big To Fail
Jun 14, 2026
This episode examines FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s decade-long tenure, contrasting his early anti-corruption promises with his focus on maximizing revenue and political influence.
‘Backrooms’ Turns an Online Obsession Into Box-Office Gold
Jun 12, 2026
This episode explores how internet-born horror films like Backrooms and Obsession are revitalizing Hollywood by attracting Gen Z audiences.
Is SpaceX Worth the Hype?
Jun 11, 2026
SpaceX is launching the largest IPO in history, seeking $75 billion for a $1.
How Beef Got So Expensive
Jun 10, 2026
This episode explores why beef prices are skyrocketing, driven by a historic shortage of cattle following pandemic disruptions and droughts.
Bill Gates’s Carefully Crafted Image Is Cracking
Jun 9, 2026
The Journal examines how Bill Gates’ carefully curated philanthropic image is unraveling due to new details from the Epstein files.
Why Sweden Embraced Capitalism
Jun 8, 2026
The Journal explores how Sweden’s shift from democratic socialism to free-market capitalism since the 1990s has driven robust economic growth, contrasting it with Europe’s broader stagnation.
The World Cup Story, Part 1: Soccer and Scandal
Jun 7, 2026
The Wall Street Journal’s Ryan Knudsen interviews soccer experts Jonathan Clegg and Joshua Robinson to explore the World Cup’s history and FIFA’s rise.
Americans Have More Credit Card Debt Than Ever
Jun 5, 2026
This episode explores the record-high $1.
How AI Is Being Trained to Do Your Job
Jun 4, 2026
This episode explores the rise of Mercore, a $10 billion startup connecting experts with AI companies to train large language models.
Can the U.S. Keep Chinese Cars Out?
Jun 3, 2026
This episode examines the rapid rise of Chinese electric vehicles in Mexico and their potential threat to the U.
Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers
Jun 2, 2026
Wall Street Journal reporters Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson investigate the rising trend of Americans moving abroad, driven by high costs, healthcare concerns, and remote work.
Why Hollywood Can't Find Good Scripts
Jun 1, 2026
Ryan Cossin interviews Franklin Leonard, founder of The Blacklist, about his platform that identifies top unproduced screenplays.
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