The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

The Drug You’ve Never Heard of Wreaking Havoc Across Europe Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Europe has mostly been spared from the synthetic opioid crisis that has ravaged the U.S. over the past two decades. But now, a deadly new drug could be changing that: nitazenes. Up to 15 times stronger than fentanyl, nitazenes have been behind hundreds of overdose deaths in European countries over the past few years. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen on where the drug comes from and why it's doing so much damage. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

Fentanyl Is Bad. ‘Tranq’ Might Be Worse.

The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl

Why Some Opioid Victims Are Challenging Purdue’s Settlement

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Palantir: Pariah to Power Player Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

The Silicon Valley company Palantir spent years treading water as a tech outsider in the S&P 500. The company's recent success, as WSJ’s Heather Somerville reports, is due in large part to CEO Alex Karp’s ability to find opportunities in crises, as well as to the Trump administration. Michelle Hackman hosts.

Further Listening:

- Inside ICE’s Aggressive Approach to Arresting Migrants
- Why Trump Is Ready to Send Missiles to Ukraine

- Iran May Be Running Out of Options

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The Game Making Baseball Fans Go Bananas Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

There’s a new game selling out stadiums around the country: banana ball. The game’s founder, Jesse Cole, describes how he got started. And WSJ’s Jason Gay watched a game to see what Major League Baseball – and other pro sports – can learn from banana ball’s fan-first approach. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further listening:

- NCAA President on New Era for College Sports

- How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in Sports

- The Biggest Trade in Sports Wasn’t an Athlete –– It Was a TV Show

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Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Labubus? Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

An ugly-cute monster has become a global sensation. PopMart, the company behind Labubus, has leveraged blind-box packaging, scarcity and artist collaborations to turn these collectible plushies into a booming business. WSJ's Kaitlyn Wang explains the rise of the Labubu and a "Labubu influencer" describes the appeal. Michelle Hackman hosts.

Further Listening:

- How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet’s Favorite Water Bottle

- Mattel Bets Big on Barbie

- Is Supreme Still the King of Streetwear?

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Disney’s Big AI Dilemma Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Disney is grappling with how to push forward into a new AI era without losing control of its valuable intellectual property. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel takes us inside the company's complicated relationship with AI and its race to figure out how to leverage the new technology for maximum gain – without putting too much at risk. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Download That Led to a Massive Hack at Disney

- Disney Gets Into Gambling

- Why Florida is Fighting with Walt Disney World

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The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Marty Makary has criticized the Food and Drug Administration for being "captured" by Big Food and Big Pharma. Now, the surgeon and former professor is in charge. In an interview with host Jessica Mendoza, the new FDA head talks about food dyes, AI, vaccines and the big changes he has in store for an agency that regulates one-fifth of consumer spending.

Further Listening:

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Trump vs. the Bureau of Labor Statistics Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

On Friday, President Trump fired the top Bureau of Labor Statistics official after the government published new data showing that U.S. hiring slowed sharply this summer. The jobs report was the weakest in President Trump’s second term. WSJ’s Matt Grossman reports on the economist at the heart of the controversy, Erika McEntarfer, and on bigger concerns around data from the bureau. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin

- Is Trump Winning His Trade War?

- Is the Economy… OK?

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Is Trump Winning His Trade War? Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Over the last few months, President Donald Trump has struck numerous trade deals with countries and continues to negotiate with others. The European Union, Japan and South Korea all agreed to a tariff rate of 15%. WSJ’s Greg Ip says Trump has succeeded on his own terms and created a new trade world order, albeit a fragile one. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- A Pharmaceutical Executive on Trump’s Tariff Strategy
- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline
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Why Coke Isn't Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

When President Donald Trump posted that he'd been in talks with Coca-Cola, and that the sodamaker would soon be making Coke with cane sugar, it sent the soda world into a fizz. WSJ's Laura Cooper explains why Coca-Cola and other sodamakers originally made the switch from sugar to high-fructose corn syrup and why it would be hard to go back. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:
- ‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper
- Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?
- The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps
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The Chinese Coffee Giant Taking on Starbucks Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

A delicious corporate rivalry is brewing! After an accounting fraud scandal nearly derailed its rise, Luckin Coffee has become the top-selling coffee chain in China. Now it’s expanding stateside, with two new locations in New York City. WSJ’s Hannah Miao explains why Luckin’s tech-forward business model made it a winner in China, and whether Starbucks can fend off the competition by returning to its coffee house roots. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

Fraud Rocks China's Hottest Coffee Startup

The Inside Story of Starbucks's CEO Drama

The Underdog Coffee Bean That's Making a Comeback

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