The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

The Uncertain Future of Renewable Energy Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

After the passage of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” renewable energy companies are bracing for more challenging times. The law is set to end Biden-era subsidies for clean energy, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that the industry could lose half a trillion dollars in tax incentives over the next decade. WSJ’s David Uberti reports on the renewable energy pullback. And Annie Minofftalks to a co-owner of a North Carolina-based solar-panel-installation company about what the winding down of subsidies means for his business.

Further Listening:

- The Healthcare Costs of Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

- How Trump’s Megabill Squeaked Through the Senate

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Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went Rogue Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Last week, Grok went rogue. The AI chatbot – which users can interact with on X – posted antisemitic comments and graphic descriptions of violence before being deactivated, leaving users with a question: Where were Grok’s guardrails? WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy breaks down what happened and what it means for Musk’s company’s plans for an AI future. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink

- The Musk-Twitter Saga

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Can Superman Save Warner? Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

The man of steel is back in a new $225 million reboot. Riding on this weekend’s release is the hope that DC Studios will finally begin to match the past successes of its archrival Marvel. Its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery views DC Studios as critical to its success or failure. WSJ’s Ben Fritz talks to Jessica Mendoza about whether or not Superman can be the savior that DC and Warner are hoping for.

Further Listening:

- With Great Power: The Rise of Superhero Cinema

- Ron Howard and Brian Grazer on Longevity in Hollywood

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Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

For years, President Trump has feuded with the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates. And now, two Republicans named Kevin (Kevin Hassett, one of Trump’s closest economic advisers and Kevin Warsh—a former Fed governor) are vying to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos takes us inside the contest for the next Fed Chair and what the President might be looking for with his choice. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline

- Is the Economy…OK?

- Trump 2.0: Where Is the Economy Headed?

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The Healthcare Costs of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

President Trump’s megabill cuts over $1 trillion in healthcare spending over the next decade, mainly from Medicaid. Experts project nearly 8.7 million fewer people covered by Medicaid, and hospitals face reduced payments and higher costs. WSJ’s Dominique Mosbergen reports on the bill’s historic cuts. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Trump’s Megabill Squeaked Through the Senate

- Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'?

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Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

When President Trump paused most of his “Liberation Day” tariffs for 90 days last spring, the administration had hoped to cut dozens of trade deals. As trade advisor Peter Navarro put it, there could be "90 deals in 90 days." But as Trump’s deal deadline approached, it became clear that the administration’s deal-making push has hit some snags, resulting in only a handful of agreements with the UK, China, and Vietnam. This week, Trump extended his deadline to August 1st and sent public letters to many U.S. trading partners. WSJ’s Gavin Bade explains the sticking points that have gotten in the way of “90 deals in 90 days.” Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump's Plan B After Trade Court Setback

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

- Taking Stock of the 'Sell America' Trade

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AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Artificial intelligence is shaking up business in a big way, and recent college graduates are feeling the pinch. WSJ’s Chip Cutter explores the new corporate philosophy emerging around hiring and explains how the promise of artificial intelligence is putting entry-level jobs on the chopping block and less experienced applicants may be forced to pivot. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Company Behind ChatGPT

- The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT

- OpenAI’s Weekend of Absolute Chaos

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Why Meta Is Offering $100 Million for AI Geniuses Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In the battle for AI supremacy, Meta’s models have lagged. Now CEO Mark Zuckerberg is racing to hire new AI talent to close the gap with rivals. He’s dangling huge pay packages to lure experts away from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky explains how Meta’s AI efforts fell short, and who will be joining the company’s new “Superintelligence Labs” to turn things around. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety

-Why the New Pope Is Taking on AI

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How Trump's Megabill Squeaked Through the Senate Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

After a marathon 27-hour session, Senate Republicans passed their version of President Trump's “big, beautiful bill.” Getting enough senators on board meant last-minute wrangling over key issues, including Medicaid, clean energy and the deficit. WSJ's Richard Rubin explains how Senate Republicans got to a “yes” vote, and what needs to happen before Trump can sign the bill into law. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'?

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Swipe, Spend, Repeat: The Perks Arms Race in Your Wallet Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

JPMorgan Chase recently announced that it was raising the annual fee on its popular Sapphire Reserve credit card by 45%. The company believes enough customers will stick around because of the status and exclusivity the card conveys. WSJ’s Imani Moise reports on how credit card companies have increasingly attracted customers by offering perks. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card

- The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe

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