The Journal.

Why Hollywood Can't Find Good Scripts 01.06.2026 22min

How to get discovered in Hollywood has been a decades-old struggle. For screenwriters, that game started to change when Franklin Leonard launched the Black List, an annual ranking of the “most liked” but not-yet-produced screenplays. Since 2005, more than 500 of those scripts have become feature films, including several Best Picture Oscar-winners. Ryan Knutson interviewed Leonard about how to fix some of Hollywood’s other challenges at our live show in Los Angeles. Further Listening: - Hollywood Jobs Are Disappearing - Inside the Nasty Fight to Take Over Hollywood - The Journal. - For Riz Ahmed, Life is a Spy Thriller Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce 29.05.2026 22min

The class of 2026 is the most AI-native group of graduates to come out of college, with ChatGPT debuting their freshman year. WSJ’s Allison Pohle reports on how this cohort used AI in school and what future employers expect from them. And we hear from various college students and recent graduates about their hopes and fears when it comes to AI and their careers. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs - Is the AI Boom… a Bubble? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Shake-Up Coming for Car Dealerships 28.05.2026 22min

There’s finally another way to buy a new car, as companies like Carvana and Volkswagen’s new brand Scout are challenging the traditional dealership model. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains how a decades-old system is starting to show some wear. Jessica Mendoza hosts.Further Listening: - Why People Aren't Lining Up for This $120,000 Job - The Repo Man Is Busier Than Ever Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Florida Just for Rich People Now? 27.05.2026 20min

Florida, once an affordable haven, is rapidly transforming into a state for the wealthy. As a result, living costs are rising and population growth is slowing overall. WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores reports on the affordability crisis and speaks with Republican Senator Rick Scott about what the state can do to create better-paying jobs and housing. Ryan Knutson hosts.Further Listening: - The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents - California Billionaires Are Freaking Out Over a New Tax ProposalSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Novo Nordisk's CEO Has a Comeback Plan 26.05.2026 21min

When Maziar Mike Doustdar took over as CEO of Novo Nordisk last year, the company had lost ground in the anti-obesity drug market. Doustdar spoke with Jessica Mendoza about his plans to turn the company around, the recent success of their Wegovy pill and what keeps him up at night. Further Listening: - Ozempic Is a Hit. So Why Is the Drugmaker’s CEO Out? - Trillion Dollar Shot Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How YouTube Took Over the American Classroom 22.05.2026 24min

American classrooms are awash with YouTube. One survey showed that 94% of teachers have used YouTube in their roles. A WSJ investigation reveals the business strategy behind Google’s push to bring the technology to schools and looks at how YouTube is affecting children. WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran lays out her reporting, and Jessica Mendoza talks with a math teacher who has been wrestling with YouTube in his classroom. Further Listening: - The New Legal Strategy That Beat Social Media - Judge Rules ‘Google Is a Monopolist’ Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barney Frank’s Legacy of Financial Reform 21.05.2026 21min

Barney Frank, the former Democratic congressman, died this week at the age of 86. Frank was best known as the architect of the Dodd-Frank law that reshaped the U.S. financial system in the wake of the 2008 crisis. WSJ’s Damian Paletta talks about Frank’s legacy. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The Man Who Waged War on Inflation - Two Executives on What It's Like to Stop a Bank RunSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Chinese Customers Are Running From Nike 20.05.2026 20min

Nike co-founder Phil Knight visited China nearly 50 years ago and dreamed of selling sneakers. He laid out an ambitious vision—“One billion people, two billion feet”— it was an ambitious strategy. By 2010, China was among Nike’s most lucrative markets, offering a blueprint for U.S. companies seeking to cash in on China’s rise. Today, Nike’s China business is bleeding. WSJ’s Jon Emont explores the cautionary tale of Nike’s rise and fall in China. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Can Nike Make Its Shoes Cool Again?. - The Missteps That Led Nike Off Course - The Chinese Coffee Giant Taking on Starbucks Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trapped in the Strait of Hormuz 19.05.2026 21min

Approximately 20,000 seafarers have been stranded, many since late February, because they can’t get through the Strait of Hormuz. WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw spoke with sailors trapped in the strait and reports on their worsening conditions. And WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains why it is so hard to get the cargo ships moving again. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - How Iran's Regime Changed...for the Worse - The Energy Shock Is Here - How China Keeps Iran’s Oil Industry Afloat Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Riz Ahmed, Life is a Spy Thriller 18.05.2026 31min

Sometimes, actor Riz Ahmed says, his life feels like a spy thriller. He made his new show, “Bait,” about that feeling, and sat down with Jessica Mendoza at our Journal Live show in Los Angeles to talk about it. The actor, known for blockbusters like “Star Wars: Rogue One” and his Oscar-nominated performance in “Sound of Metal,” also spoke about his career, what it takes to succeed in Hollywood and getting the rights to a famous spy for his show. Further Listening: - Financial Influencers on Wealth and Work - Kathy Hochul on Mamdani, Trump and Where Democrats Went Wrong Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musk vs. Altman 15.05.2026 22min

The blockbuster lawsuit between OpenAI co-founders Elon Musk and Sam Altman has wrapped up. The three-week trial has exposed some of the inner workings and personal feuds behind Silicon Valley’s artificial intelligence boom. WSJ’s Angel Au-Yeung explains what happened during the trial and what the verdict could mean for the future of AI. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza. Further Listening: - The Unraveling of OpenAI and Microsoft’s Bromance - A Data Center Revolt in MissouriSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerome Powell’s Last Stand at the Fed 14.05.2026 21min

A new chairman is taking over from Jerome Powell at the Federal Reserve. But Powell isn't leaving. He plans to stay on as a voting member on the Fed’s board of governors. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos reflects on Powell’s tenure and unpacks his controversial decision to remain at the central bank. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Who Is the New Fed Chair? - Why is the Fed Chair Facing a Criminal Investigation? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump and Xi to Meet at High-Stakes Summit 13.05.2026 21min

President Trump has arrived in Beijing for a two-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. WSJ's Annie Linskey and Lingling Wei lay out what each side is hoping to get out of the talks, which will range from trade to Taiwan to the war in Iran. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - China's Cheap Goods Are Europe's Problem Now - Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over - The Missing Minister Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Vape Cloud Hanging Over the FDA 12.05.2026 20min

Dr. Marty Makary has resigned as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Makary faced criticism over the FDA’s rejections of rare-disease drugs, the agency’s handling of abortion pills and high-profile departures of key FDA staff. But WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte reports that it was a battle over flavored vapes that sealed Makary’s fate. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Flu Shot Drama at the FDA - The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover - How Puff Bar Became the Most Popular Vape for KidsSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She Let AI Take Over Her Life For a Year 11.05.2026 23min

Personal tech journalist Joanna Stern let AI be her doctor, driver, colleague, housekeeper, therapist and lover as research for her new book "I Am Not a Robot." In this live taping of The Journal, Stern discusses how artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how we think and work. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over Inside Meta’s Big AI Pivot Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can GameStop Really Buy eBay? 08.05.2026 22min

GameStop has made an unsolicited offer to buy eBay for about $56 billion. The proposed deal, which eBay says it is reviewing, is the brainchild of GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen. In an interview with WSJ’s Lauren Thomas, Cohen said that putting his videogame retailer and eBay under one roof could create opportunities to cut costs and improve earnings. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - To the Moon: How did a bunch of amateurs take Wall Street by surprise? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Data Center Revolt in Missouri 07.05.2026 21min

Around the country, there’s been a construction boom in AI data centers, but opposition is surging too. In the small town of Festus, Missouri, a $6 billion project angered residents, leading to the removal of local council members and a campaign to recall the mayor. WSJ's Will Parker explains how intense local pushback is changing where data centers are built. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - More Coding, Less Slop? Why OpenAI Ditched Sora - The AI Economic Doomsday Report That Shook Wall StreetSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Eject! Eject! Eject!' Inside the Private Credit Panic 06.05.2026 21min

Private credit was the hottest craze on Wall Street. Throughout the boom, one firm became its poster child, Blue Owl. But a recent panic posed a troubling question. What happens if investors suddenly want out at the same time? WSJ's Matt Wirz reports on the turmoil and explains why private credit is something American workers need to pay attention to. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The Wall Street Craze Jamie Dimon Can’t Resist. Even If It Blows Up. - Private Equity and Crypto Could Be Coming for Your 401K Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It? 05.05.2026 19min

After years of industrial decline, the Germany economy is stagnant. Government officials now hope an audacious plan, to pivot from consumer goods to weapons, will kickstart growth again. WSJ’s Bojan Pancevski explains how the same factories built to make German car parts are now gearing up to supply the defense industry. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Global Scramble for Patriot Missiles - Germany’s Economy Is Broken. There’s No Plan B. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

R.I.P. Spirit Airlines 04.05.2026 19min

Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday after a possible government bailout plan fell apart. WSJ’s Alison Sider reports on the company’s challenging last few years and what the end of Spirit means for travelers. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Why Air Travel Costs Will Continue to Rise - How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices