The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

The Flu Shot Drama at the FDA Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

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

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Insiders Are Cashing In on Prediction Markets Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

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 Sports
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The Viral Band Trying to Sing Its Way to a U.S. Visa Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

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

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The Growing Fallout From the Epstein Files Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

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 Money
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California Billionaires Are Freaking Out Over a New Tax Proposal Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

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

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China's Disappearing Generals Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

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

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Walmart’s Former CEO on the Company’s Turnaround Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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

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AI Bots Have Social Media Now. It Got Weird Fast. Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

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

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Elon Musk’s $1.25 Trillion Megamerger Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

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

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Republican Megadonor Ken Griffin on Trump's Economy Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

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

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