The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

The World Cup Story, Part 3: ‘FIFA, What Have You Become?' Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

The stage is set: Spain takes on Argentina in the World Cup final this coming Sunday. WSJ’s Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg discuss the highs, lows and controversies of this year’s tournament, and explain how political interference as well as FIFA’s drive to make as much money as possible have changed the World Cup forever. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The World Cup Story Part 1: Soccer and Scandal

- The World Cup Story Part 2: Too Big To Fail

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To Beat Musk, Bezos Befriended Trump Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

In his first term, President Trump called Jeff Bezos “Bozo.” But things have changed. The Amazon founder has gone from an avowed enemy of the president to an energetic ally. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli unpacks Bezos’ previously icy relationship with Trump and how he has turned things around. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Are Trump and Musk Done for Good?

- Amazon After Bezos

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Apple vs. OpenAI Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Apple sued OpenAI and one of its top executives on Friday, alleging the AI company stole trade secrets as part of its effort to develop competing devices. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler unpacks the explosive filing and explores what it might mean for the tech landscape. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Tim Cook Built the Apple Empire. What's Next for His Successor?

- Artificial: The OpenAI Story

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How Microfinance Failed the World's Poor Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Microfinance was once hailed as a miracle cure for global poverty, promising to empower the world's most vulnerable with small business loans. But in countries like Cambodia, the industry has devolved into a cycle of predatory debt that is leaving families struggling. WSJ’s Gabriele Steinhauser explains why this once-celebrated solution has failed so many. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Sweden Embraced Capitalism

- Is Jane Goodall Fighting a Losing Battle?

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A Master Conman in His Own Words Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Over the phone, Paul Regan offered prospective clients something that sounded too good to be true: investments with guaranteed returns of 10-15%. It was all part of a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. WSJ’s Jason Zweig obtained hours of recorded phone calls, in which Regan seduced his victims, who were often older and needed help. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- An Influencer’s False Promise to Make His Followers Rich

- Pig Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist

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How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind) Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

Artificial intelligence models have taken over the corporate world, and workers are trying to figure out how to collaborate with their new robot co-workers. In this first episode of “Work Mode,” a new series from The Journal on the evolution of work, WSJ’s Callum Borchers shares the strategies that work best and the pitfalls to avoid. And we hear from Michael Rueckert, AI power user who transformed his work life with Claude and leveraged his AI skills into a new start up. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How AI Is Being Trained to Do Your Job

- Microsoft’s CEO Has a Message: Don’t Let AI Eat the Economy

- The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce

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Big Egg’s Price-Fixing Scandal Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Record-breaking egg prices in recent years were blamed on an avian flu outbreak. But a recent Department of Justice complaint spells out another cause: a scheme among some of America’s top egg producers to bid up the cost of eggs. WSJ’s Patrick Thomas explains how they allegedly manipulated the “Wall Street of Eggs.” Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Eggs Are Still Expensive. Is This Company to Blame?

- An Eggspensive Dilemma

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A Buckling Skyscraper Shakes Confidence In Office Conversions Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

On Tuesday morning, something potentially very scary happened in New York City. Images of buckling steel beams at the former Pfizer headquarters led to a large evacuation in midtown Manhattan. WSJ’s Peter Grant reports on what happened and what this high-profile setback means for the nationwide trend of converting empty skyscrapers into apartments. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Compass vs. Zillow: The Real Estate Wars

- Who’s in Charge of Fixing Miami’s Aging Condos?

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The Inside Story of Europe’s Breakup With the U.S. Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

President Trump’s tariffs, threats against Greenland, and other “America-first” demands have turned away the U.S.’s longtime allies. Now, Western leaders are considering how to decouple from American influence and move forward without the decades-long partnership. WSJ’s Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw explain how this "loveless marriage" is coming apart. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers

- Make Money Not War: Trump’s Plan for Peace in Ukraine

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Europe Is Hot as Hell. Why Doesn’t It Want Air Conditioning? Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

As Europe experiences record-breaking heat waves this summer, many residents are reconsidering the continent’s long resistance to air conditioning. Europe’s summer high temperatures often cause tens of thousands of people to die from heat-related causes. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton reports that the battle over air conditioning is shaping political debates. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It?

- Why Sweden Embraced Capitalism

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