The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

Should Everyone Get a Prenup? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

The prenup is getting a modern makeover. Once seen mainly as a way for the ultrawealthy to protect their assets in the event of a divorce, they’ve now become a financial planning tool for many middle-class newlyweds. WSJ’s Erin Mulvaney talks about what’s driving the change in prenup culture, and one New York couple dives into the money conversations they had before tying the knot! Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Booming Industry Keeping Taylor Swift's Wedding a Secret

- Lady Gaga, Low-Rise Jeans, and the Next Recession

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Inflation Forces the Fed’s Hand Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Red, White and Who is back! Email us at thejournal@wsj.com with your thoughts on the economy as we head into the midterms.

For the first time in three years, the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates. Chairman Kevin Warsh was appointed by President Trump, who explicitly hoped he’d keep rates low. But the economy doesn’t appear to be heading in the right direction and inflation has proven to be far stickier than anticipated. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos reports on why Warsh took a hawkish turn and explains why the Fed might not be done yet. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

-How the Bond Market Will Affect Your Wallet

- Who Is the New Fed Chair?

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Why China Isn’t Panicking About AI Armageddon Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

President Trump has pushed back against calls for an AI slowdown, citing competition from China as a threat. But in China, reports WSJ’s Stu Woo, the main concern is keeping up with the United States. And WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar explains why AI deescalation between the two countries remains unlikely. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Great AI Freakout Has Begun

- Cybersecurity Braces for ‘AI Bugmaggedon’

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Are Budget Airlines Facing Extinction? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Frontier was one of many budget airlines that rose to prominence during the low-cost airfare craze. But economic and market shifts have changed the game. WSJ’s Alison Sider explores how Frontier is trying to find a balance between the cheap flights that originally made budget airlines popular and the premium amenities consumers increasingly want. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- R.I.P. Spirit Airlines

- How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy

- The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines

- Frontier, Spirit and the Future of Low-Cost Airlines

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The Great AI Freakout Has Begun Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

A frenzy erupted after Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei published a blog post warning that AI is advancing too quickly. Other major AI executives, like Sam Altman and Elon Musk, have echoed those concerns. These sudden calls for a slow down are raising widespread alarms about AI's potential for harm. WSJ's Robert McMillan breaks down the question on everyone's mind: is AI going to end humanity? Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The College Student Who Defeated the World’s Biggest Cyberweapon

- Cybersecurity Braces for AI ‘Bugmaggedon’

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My Monday Morning: Twiggy Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

Twiggy is one of the most recognizable supermodels of the 20th century. Now the documentary, “Twiggy” about her career and life is being released in the U.S. In My Monday Morning, a new Journal video series inspired by the longstanding column of the same name, Lane Florsheim sits down with Twiggy about her documentary, the many tuxedos in her closet and the unusual secret to her success.

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The MAHA Shake-Up at Steak ‘n Shake Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Patriot Shakes. Huge American flags. Beef Tallow. Steak ‘n Shake, the classic fast food chain, is in the middle of an audacious turnaround strategy: a full embrace of the Make America Healthy Again movement. WSJ’s Heather Haddon spoke with the chain’s new “chief MAHA officer” and explains what’s behind the rebrand. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA

- The Corporate Grudge Fueling Cracker Barrel’s Logo Fiasco

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What Happened to the Affordable Car? Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

New cars have gotten really expensive, with average prices hovering around $50,000. It's put potential buyers in a tough spot and instead, many drivers are keeping their cars for longer. WSJ’s Sharon Terlep explains the market and economic forces that squeezed out buyers on a budget and how the auto industry is adapting. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Confused About Automated Driving Features? You’re Not Alone.

- Can the U.S. Keep Chinese Cars Out?

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A Data Center Offered $26 Million for Her Land. She Said No. Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Delsia Bare and her mother, Ida Huddleston, rejected $26 million dollars for their Kentucky farmland from the builder of an AI data center. Their stance has made them folk heroes across the country but has also divided their town. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel spent a few days with the mother and daughter to better understand their resistance.

Further Listening:

- The Vanishing of an Anti-AI Activist

- A Data Center Revolt in Missouri

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AI Companies Are Buying and Destroying Used Books Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Something strange has been happening in the world of used books. Sales are up, but booksellers were initially confused about who was behind the purchases. We talked to one bookseller who decided to solve this mystery herself. WSJ’s Melissa Korn explains why at least some of the books are being bought, and then destroyed, by AI companies. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- AI Loves Reddit, but Redditors Aren’t So Sure

- Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In.

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