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The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios · Business

The Journal.

The most important stories about money, business and power. Hosted by Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza. The Journal is a co-production of Spotify and The Wall Street Journal. Get show merch here: https://wsjshop.com/collections/clothing

Episodes

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Neom, Pt 2: The Emperor’s New Clothes

26 Apr 2025
42m
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This episode explores the failures and controversies surrounding Neom, a futuristic city-state project in Saudi Arabia. Against the backdrop of ambitious plans and massive investment, the podcast reveals a dysfunctional environment characterized by the aggressive management style of Neom's CEO, Nadmi al-Nasser, whose m...

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Neom, Pt 1: Skiing in the Desert

25 Apr 2025
34m
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This episode explores the ambitious Neom project, a futuristic city being built in Saudi Arabia's desert. Against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts away from oil dependence and a young, growing population, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) envisioned Neom as a solution to these challe...

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Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed?

25 Apr 2025
25m
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This episode explores the economic impact of President Trump's tariff policies and the overall state of the economy during his second term. Against the backdrop of market gyrations and fluctuating consumer confidence, the discussion analyzes seemingly contradictory data: while core economic indicators like job growth a...

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Taking Stock of the ‘Sell America’ Trade

24 Apr 2025
20m
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This episode explores the "Sell America" trade, a recent market phenomenon where foreign investors are withdrawing from US assets. Against the backdrop of a long-standing "Buy America" trend fueled by US economic strength and the dollar's reserve currency status, the shift is attributed to concerns stemming from the T...

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Inside the Harvard vs. Trump Battle

23 Apr 2025
18m
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This episode explores the escalating conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University, focusing on the administration's attempts to withhold billions in federal funding. Against the backdrop of accusations of anti-Semitism on college campuses and a perceived leftward shift in higher education, the Trum...

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How Frog Embryos Landed a Scientist in ICE Detention

22 Apr 2025
21m
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This episode explores the case of Ksenia Petrova, a Harvard scientist detained by ICE after a customs dispute over frog embryos she brought back from a research trip to Paris. Against the backdrop of stricter immigration policies, Ksenia's relatively minor customs violation resulted in visa revocation and detention, h...

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Pope Francis Has Died. What’s Next for the Catholic Church?

21 Apr 2025
17m
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This episode explores the death of Pope Francis and its implications for the Catholic Church. Against the backdrop of his unexpected passing, the podcast details Pope Francis's life, highlighting his progressive social justice stances, his humble lifestyle, and his outspoken criticisms of global issues like capitalism...

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How the 'Napa Valley of Cannabis' Dried Up

18 Apr 2025
21m
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This episode explores the boom and bust of Pueblo, Colorado's cannabis industry a decade after recreational marijuana legalization. Against the backdrop of Pueblo's economic struggles and the promise of a cannabis-fueled revival, the city saw an initial surge in businesses and tax revenue. More significantly, however...

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Does Meta Have a Social Media Monopoly?

17 Apr 2025
20m
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This episode explores the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust lawsuit against Meta, focusing on the acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp. Against the backdrop of a broader bipartisan movement scrutinizing big tech, the FTC alleges Meta established a monopoly through unlawful conduct, specifically citing the ac...

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How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink

16 Apr 2025
17m
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This episode explores the dramatic turnaround of Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), from near-bankruptcy to a valuation exceeding its purchase price. Against the backdrop of Musk's controversial takeover and initial struggles, including mass layoffs and advertiser exodus, the narrative shifts to his burgeoning relations...

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The Billionaire Caught Between Trump and China

15 Apr 2025
19m
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This episode explores the escalating conflict between Li Ka-shing, Hong Kong's richest man, and the Chinese government, stemming from a $23 billion deal to sell his Panama Canal ports. Against the backdrop of strained US-China relations, Li's deal, initially seen as a savvy business move to mitigate trade war risks, b...

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A Quick Fix for Hair Loss Is Making Some Men Sick

14 Apr 2025
21m
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This episode explores the risks associated with readily available online prescriptions for hair loss medication, specifically finasteride. Against the backdrop of the booming telehealth industry and its aggressive marketing tactics, the podcast highlights the ease with which individuals can obtain the drug without suf...

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Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?

11 Apr 2025
17m
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This episode explores the decline of Pepsi's market share and PepsiCo's strategies to revitalize the brand. Against the backdrop of Pepsi dropping to the number three cola in America behind Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper, the discussion centers on PepsiCo's efforts to regain its position. More significantly, the interview de...

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Trump 2.0: Tariff Turnaround

11 Apr 2025
24m
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This episode explores the political and economic ramifications of President Trump's sweeping tariff announcements and subsequent 90-day pause. Against the backdrop of the initial market downturn following "Liberation Day," the discussion analyzes the unpopularity of the tariffs across various voter demographics, reveal...

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China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal

10 Apr 2025
20m
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This episode explores the rapidly escalating US-China trade war, detailing the sequence of retaliatory tariffs imposed by both nations. Against the backdrop of initial cautious optimism following President Trump's inauguration, the relationship deteriorated, marked by failed diplomatic overtures from China and a lack ...

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The Head of the EPA on the Future of the Agency

09 Apr 2025
21m
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This episode explores the changes under President Trump's administration at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focusing on the actions and perspectives of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Against the backdrop of the EPA's creation in 1970 and its core mission to protect human health and the environment, the inter...

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The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices

08 Apr 2025
19m
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This episode explores the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on American manufacturing, specifically focusing on the case of Newberry, South Carolina. Against the backdrop of the Caterpillar plant closure in Newberry and the subsequent loss of over 300 jobs, the town faced an economic crisis. More significantly, the ep...

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Wall Street Speaks Out Against Tariffs

07 Apr 2025
18m
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This episode explores the market's reaction to President Trump's sweeping new tariff policies, focusing on the significant market downturn and the subsequent pushback from Wall Street leaders. Against the backdrop of plummeting markets—the Dow plunging over 2,300 points, the S&P 322, and the Nasdaq 962—Gregory Zuckerma...

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The Fight Over Fluoride

04 Apr 2025
19m
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This episode explores the resurgence of the debate surrounding water fluoridation in the United States. Against the backdrop of decades-long practice of adding fluoride to municipal water supplies to improve dental health, a shift in public opinion is underway, fueled by recent studies questioning fluoride's safety, p...

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Trump 2.0: Trade Wars and Deportation Battles

04 Apr 2025
25m
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This episode explores the multifaceted fallout from President Trump's announcement of massive tariffs on numerous countries, dubbed "Liberation Day." Against the backdrop of plummeting stock markets and widespread business concern, the hosts analyze the potential political ramifications of a potential recession, notin...

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