Episodes

  • The Game Making Baseball Fans Go Bananas

    The Game Making Baseball Fans Go Bananas
    Aug 8 2025
    There’s a new game selling out stadiums around the country: banana ball. The game’s founder, Jesse Cole, describes how he got started. And WSJ’s Jason Gay watched a game to see what Major League Baseball – and other pro sports – can learn from banana ball’s fan-first approach. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further listening: - NCAA President on New Era for College Sports - How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in Sports - The Biggest Trade in Sports Wasn’t an Athlete –– It Was a TV Show Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Labubus?

    Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Labubus?
    Aug 7 2025
    An ugly-cute monster has become a global sensation. PopMart, the company behind Labubus, has leveraged blind-box packaging, scarcity and artist collaborations to turn these collectible plushies into a booming business. WSJ's Kaitlin Wang explains the rise of the Labubu and a "Labubu influencer" describes the appeal. Michelle Hackman hosts. Further Listening: - How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet’s Favorite Water Bottle - Mattel Bets Big on Barbie - Is Supreme Still the King of Streetwear? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • Disney’s Big AI Dilemma

    Disney’s Big AI Dilemma
    Aug 6 2025
    Disney is grappling with how to push forward into a new AI era without losing control of its valuable intellectual property. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel takes us inside the company's complicated relationship with AI and its race to figure out how to leverage the new technology for maximum gain – without putting too much at risk. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Download That Led to a Massive Hack at Disney - Disney Gets Into Gambling - Why Florida is Fighting with Walt Disney World Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 mins
  • The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover

    The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover
    Aug 5 2025
    Dr. Marty Makary has criticized the Food and Drug Administration for being "captured" by Big Food and Big Pharma. Now, the surgeon and former professor is in charge. In an interview with host Jessica Mendoza, the new FDA head talks about food dyes, AI, vaccines and the big changes he has in store for an agency that regulates one-fifth of consumer spending. Further Listening: Why Coke Isn't Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup MAHA Influencers Go to Washington Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • Trump vs. the Bureau of Labor Statistics

    Trump vs. the Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Aug 4 2025
    On Friday, President Trump fired the top Bureau of Labor Statistics official after the government published new data showing that U.S. hiring slowed sharply this summer. The jobs report was the weakest in President Trump’s second term. WSJ’s Matt Grossman reports on the economist at the heart of the controversy, Erika McEntarfer, and on bigger concerns around data from the bureau. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin ​​- Is Trump Winning His Trade War? - Is the Economy… OK? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • Is Trump Winning His Trade War?

    Is Trump Winning His Trade War?
    Aug 1 2025
    Over the last few months, President Donald Trump has struck numerous trade deals with countries and continues to negotiate with others. The European Union, Japan and South Korea all agreed to a tariff rate of 15%. WSJ’s Greg Ip says Trump has succeeded on his own terms and created a new trade world order, albeit a fragile one. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:- A Pharmaceutical Executive on Trump’s Tariff Strategy- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff DeadlineSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    20 mins
  • Why Coke Isn't Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

    Why Coke Isn't Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup
    Jul 31 2025
    When President Donald Trump posted that he'd been in talks with Coca-Cola, and that the sodamaker would soon be making Coke with cane sugar, it sent the soda world into a fizz. WSJ's Laura Cooper explains why Coca-Cola and other sodamakers originally made the switch from sugar to high-fructose corn syrup and why it would be hard to go back. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening:- ‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper - Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?- The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 mins
  • The Chinese Coffee Giant Taking on Starbucks

    The Chinese Coffee Giant Taking on Starbucks
    Jul 30 2025
    A delicious corporate rivalry is brewing! After an accounting fraud scandal nearly derailed its rise, Luckin Coffee has become the top-selling coffee chain in China. Now it’s expanding stateside, with two new locations in New York City. WSJ’s Hannah Miao explains why Luckin’s tech-forward business model made it a winner in China, and whether Starbucks can fend off the competition by returning to its coffee house roots. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: Fraud Rocks China's Hottest Coffee Startup The Inside Story of Starbucks's CEO Drama The Underdog Coffee Bean That's Making a Comeback Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins