The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

Can an ‘Economic D-Day’ End the Iran War? Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

Yesterday, the Trump administration announced a new strategy in the war against Iran that targets the regime’s remaining economic lifelines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it an “economic D-Day.” WSJ’s Brian Schwartz explains the U.S.’s new sanctions approach and analyzes what impact it could have on the Iranian economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Do Sanctions Still Work?

- Inside Trump and Netanyahu’s Complicated Relationship

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The Bankruptcy That's Ruining Dinner Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Customers of the meal kit company Blue Apron have been complaining about canceled orders, missing ingredients and incomplete recipes. The company even acknowledged in a social media post that "recent orders have fallen short." What's behind this mess? WSJ's Sarah Nassauer breaks down the chaos at Blue Apron. Imani Moise hosts.

Further Listening:

- Jersey Mike's Journey From the Shore to Wall Street

- What's Going On With Lettuce?

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Let’s Talk Bonds. Treasury Bonds. Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

The swings in the bond market this week had Wall Street scrambling. After bond yields hit a historic high the U.S. Treasury made a surprise announcement: it’s doubling the amount of long term debt it’s buying back. WSJ’s Greg Ip breaks it all down for us, explaining how bonds work, why yields have been on the rise and why we should all pay attention. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Tariffs Are Back. What’s Changed?

- The Dollar Is Weaker. Is That a Good Thing?

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Why Flock Cameras Are Facing Backlash Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Flock Safety, the company behind the AI-enabled street cameras, has grown into a multibillion-dollar surveillance giant over the last few years. Supporters say the cameras have helped police reduce crime and solve cases. But critics say they violate privacy rights and are easily misused. WSJ’s Kris Maher reports on recent Flock protests and how the company is responding to the backlash. Imani Moise hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Vanishing of an Anti-AI Activist

- The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce

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Why Are Some StubHub Customers So Mad? Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

StubHub, a ticket resale platform, is facing a flood of complaints from World Cup fans who bought tickets months in advance, only to be stranded hours before the games. WSJ’s Hanna Krueger unpacks her months-long investigation into the company’s customer service and one disappointed fan recounts his troubles getting his refund. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Ticketmaster Breakup Trial Just Got Messier

- The Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Debacle

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He's Been a Costco Cashier for 40 Years. Now He's a Millionaire. Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Costco pays its hourly wage workers more than most retailers. The company says that this keeps turnover low and ultimately, is good for its business. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer explains how this approach helps the company’s bottom line, and speaks to one Costco cashier who's been working there for 40 years and now has more than a million dollars saved for his retirement. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Jersey Mike's Journey From the Shore to Wall Street

- How IKEA Is Keeping Its Furniture Affordable

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This Opioid Alternative Is Fueling an Addiction Crisis Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Millions of Americans take the herbal supplement kratom for everything from energy to pain relief to quitting opioids. But it has also been linked to growing addiction rates and fatal overdoses. WSJ’s Sumathi Reddy explains the regulatory battles playing out across the country as some officials consider bans. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is the High Over for Hemp Drinks?

- Peptides Are Everywhere. Businesses Are Cashing In.

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The Live Auction App Where People Can Bid ‘Til They’re Broke Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Whatnot is one of the fastest-growing shopping platforms in the U.S., featuring live auctions that allow users to bid on trading cards, rare coins, designer fashions and more. But as WSJ’s Hanna Krueger explains, critics say Whatnot’s high-pressure countdowns and swipe-to-bid design encourage overspending and gambling addiction, claims the company denies. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Can GameStop Really Buy eBay?

- Inside Quince’s Quest to Sell Luxury Goods for Less

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He Thought He Invested in SpaceX. Then His Shares Vanished. Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

After the massive initial public offering earlier this year, some investors who thought they had gotten early exposure to shares of SpaceX discovered things may not have been quite what they seemed. WSJ's Corrie Driebusch chronicles the rise of special-purpose vehicle funds and the issues some investors are facing as they navigate private markets. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- 'Eject! Eject! Eject!' Inside the Private Credit Panic

- Is SpaceX Worth the Hype?

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To Solve a Cold Case, French Police Bent DNA Privacy Law Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Across Europe, law enforcement agencies want permission to use genetic genealogy to solve criminal cold cases. But privacy laws restrict the use of recreational DNA in most of Europe. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton reports on how French investigators in one case skirted their country’s DNA laws by asking the United States for help. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Did Nancy Guthrie Vanish Without a Trace?

- Camp Swamp Road

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