The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

The World Cup Story, Part 1: Soccer and Scandal Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

As the World Cup begins this week, we bring you a two-part Sunday special charting how FIFA built the World Cup into a global phenomenon and how it became marred in scandal and corruption. In Part 1, WSJ soccer experts Jonathan Clegg and Joshua Robinson go back to the World Cup’s origins — how it grew from a small tournament in Uruguay into a massive empire. And how an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice prompted a moment for reckoning for FIFA. Ryan Knutson hosts.

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Americans Have More Credit Card Debt Than Ever Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

The collective credit card debt of Americans has reached an all-time high of $1.25 trillion. Soaring interest rates and stubborn inflation have also led more people to be late making their credit card payments or not paying at all. WSJ’s Dan Frosch reports on why that debt is growing and where people can turn for help. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

Swipe, Spend, Repeat: The Perks Arms Race in Your Wallet

Student-Loan Debt Is Strangling Gen X
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How AI Is Being Trained to Do Your Job Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

There’s a new gig economy that involves training AI to do white collar jobs. And one company, Mercor, is leading the charge. The training startup hired 30,000 contractors just last year to help AI companies get their models trained up on sophisticated roles. Ryan Knutson spoke to one former Mercor contractor about the job and WSJ’s Katie Bindley lays out the tactics that have landed the startup in hot water.

Further Listening:

The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce

AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs

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Can the U.S. Keep Chinese Cars Out? Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

China’s carmakers like BYD, Geely and Great Wall Motor have seen immense growth in recent years. But their cars are not for sale in the U.S. due to high tariffs and tight regulations. WSJ’s Ryan Felton reports on America’s rising interest in Chinese cars, particularly because they’re so affordable. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over

- How China's BYD Overtook Tesla

- China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy

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Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

For the first time since the 1930s, more people are moving out of the U.S. than moving in. It's a trend driven largely by the Trump Administration’s deportation agenda, but WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson also report that U.S. citizens are moving away in numbers not previously seen. The high costs of healthcare and housing, coupled with the ability to work remotely, are contributing to an exodus of young families and middle-class workers. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

Americans Are Now a Target in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

A $100,000 Work Visa Could Rock the Tech Industry

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Why Hollywood Can't Find Good Scripts Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

How to get discovered in Hollywood has been a decades-old struggle. For screenwriters, that game started to change when Franklin Leonard launched the Black List, an annual ranking of the “most liked” but not-yet-produced screenplays. Since 2005, more than 500 of those scripts have become feature films, including several Best Picture Oscar-winners. Ryan Knutson interviewed Leonard about how to fix some of Hollywood’s other challenges at our live show in Los Angeles.

Further Listening:

- Hollywood Jobs Are Disappearing

- Inside the Nasty Fight to Take Over Hollywood - The Journal.

- For Riz Ahmed, Life is a Spy Thriller

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The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce May 29, 2026

Show notes

The class of 2026 is the most AI-native group of graduates to come out of college, with ChatGPT debuting their freshman year. WSJ’s Allison Pohle reports on how this cohort used AI in school and what future employers expect from them. And we hear from various college students and recent graduates about their hopes and fears when it comes to AI and their careers. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs

- Is the AI Boom… a Bubble?

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The Shake-Up Coming for Car Dealerships May 28, 2026

Show notes

There’s finally another way to buy a new car, as companies like Carvana and Volkswagen’s new brand Scout are challenging the traditional dealership model. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains how a decades-old system is starting to show some wear. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Why People Aren't Lining Up for This $120,000 Job

- The Repo Man Is Busier Than Ever

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Is Florida Just for Rich People Now? May 27, 2026

Show notes

Florida, once an affordable haven, is rapidly transforming into a state for the wealthy. As a result, living costs are rising and population growth is slowing overall. WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores reports on the affordability crisis and speaks with Republican Senator Rick Scott about what the state can do to create better-paying jobs and housing. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:

- The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents

- California Billionaires Are Freaking Out Over a New Tax Proposal
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Novo Nordisk's CEO Has a Comeback Plan May 26, 2026

Show notes

When Maziar Mike Doustdar took over as CEO of Novo Nordisk last year, the company had lost ground in the anti-obesity drug market. Doustdar spoke with Jessica Mendoza about his plans to turn the company around, the recent success of their Wegovy pill and what keeps him up at night.

Further Listening:
- Ozempic Is a Hit. So Why Is the Drugmaker’s CEO Out?

- Trillion Dollar Shot

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