The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

How Volkswagen's Electric Bus Lost Its Charge Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

After decades, Volkswagen brought its iconic VW bus back to the U.S., this time as a fully electric vehicle. But after years of buzz, the new model is falling flat. WSJ’s Sean McLain explores the hype around the ID.Buzz and why it struggled to capture American hearts and dollars. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Kia and Hyundai’s ‘Kia Boyz’ Problem

-Will Honda Be Nissan's Ride or Die?

-Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk

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A Pharmaceutical Executive on Trump’s Tariff Strategy Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would impose up to a 200% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals, though he would give them up to a year and a half before fully implementing the tariffs. Trump’s goal is to bring more manufacturing to the United States, but one pharmaceutical CEO, Richard Saynor of Sandoz, says there is little incentive to build in the U.S. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline

- Inside the Surprise U.S.-China Trade Deal

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What Killed 'The Late Show'? Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Last week, CBS cancelled “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The network said that ending the show was “purely a financial decision.” Over the years, late-night audiences and profits have dwindled. But some fans have suggested the move was partly political: CBS pulled the plug just days after Colbert criticized Paramount, CBS’s parent company, for agreeing to settle a lawsuit with President Trump for $16 million. WSJ’s Joe Flint delves into the controversy and the economics of late-night TV. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Will Paramount Settle With Trump?

-Why Buying Paramount Global Won't Be Easy

-’Love Is Blind' Is Back. Not All the Drama Is On-Screen.

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Are Diamonds Even a Luxury Anymore? Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Global diamond company De Beers spent decades convincing couples that true love required a diamond. But now, lab-grown diamonds that are identical to naturally-mined ones are flooding the market with cheaper options and reshaping the diamond business completely. WSJ’s Jenny Strasburg takes us inside the showdown in the diamond market, and we speak to a ring shopper weighing her options. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
-One American Company Taking on China's Rare-Earth Dominance
-Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?
-How Target Got Off Target
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The Wall Street Craze Jamie Dimon Can’t Resist. Even If It Blows Up. Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Jamie Dimon, the cautious head of JPMorgan Chase, has consistently warned that private credit, the hottest trend on Wall Street, could trigger a financial blowup. So why is America’s biggest bank pouring money into it? WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy explains JPMorgan’s strategy and why you should care. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What’s Next for the Economy

- Is the Economy… OK?

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A Fight Over Buc-ee’s and for the Soul of the American West Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Buc-ee's — the chain of road stops with a beaver mascot and a die-hard fanbase — is looking to expand westward. Its next stop is Palmer Lake, Colorado: a small, rural town known for its lush greenery and outdoor recreation. But some local residents are looking to “heave the beave.” And they have a powerful billionaire backing them: ‘cable cowboy' John Malone. WSJ’s Jim Carlton reports on this standoff over development and the future of the American West. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Fight Over Water in the West

- The Rise of the Yimbys

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One American Company Taking on China's Rare-Earth Dominance Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Tiny rare-earth magnets are used for building phones, electric cars, and submarines, but nearly all of them are mined and made in China. One U.S. company is trying to change that. WSJ’s Jon Emont spoke with MP Materials’ CEO about his goals for the mine, which has now made deals with the Pentagon, General Motors, and Apple. Can this industry come back the U.S.? Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals

-Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners?

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Trump’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

In 2003, Jeffrey Epstein got a gift for his 50th birthday, a leather-bound album containing letters, poems, photos and greetings from friends. One of the letters was from Donald Trump. The president says the letter "is a fake thing." WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar reveals what’s in the letter and Sadie Gurman explores what it means for Trump and the Department of Justice. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement

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How 1 Million Robots Are Taking Over Amazon Warehouses Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Amazon warehouses are more automated than ever. The company, a key bellwether for the U.S. labor market, now has over a million robots packing and shipping goods in its fulfillment centers. While some employees are finding ways to transition into higher-paying technical roles that manage the robots, the company’s CEO Andy Jassy has said it plans to cut the size of its overall workforce. Sebastian Herrera explains Amazon’s vision for the warehouse of the future. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs.

- The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon

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Why Trump Is Ready to Send Missiles to Ukraine Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

After talks with NATO allies, President Donald Trump gave Russia 50 days to broker peace with Ukraine. If they can’t make it happen, he says he’ll impose tariffs on Russian goods to ratchet up economic pressure. The move underscores Trump’s growing anger with Russian President Vladimir Putin. WSJ’s Lara Seligman unpacks the latest and explores the evolving relationship between Trump and Putin. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Inside the Hunt for Putin’s Sleeper Agents

-How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea

-Ukraine Makes a Deal With Wall Street

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