The Journal.

Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator at The Wall Street Journal and economic historian, explores a major shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump. He compares the new resource-focused strategy to post-WWII approaches emphasizing alliances and trade. Highlights include Trump's actions in Venezuela, negotiations over Ukraine's mineral wealth, and ambitions for Greenland and Canada. Ip warns of the risks of such interventions and discusses the implications for U.S. credibility globally, suggesting that this 'Donroe Doctrine' could redefine American influence.

Collin Eaton, an energy reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the implications of Nicolás Maduro's capture for Venezuela's oil sector. He discusses the vast yet troubled oil reserves and how mismanagement has hindered production. Eaton explains how U.S. sanctions have affected exports and the cautious reactions of oil giants like Chevron and ConocoPhillips amid political instability. Despite a potential path for U.S. companies to re-enter the market, Eaton highlights significant technical and market barriers, painting a complex picture of investment risks.

Ryan and Jessica reflect on the pivotal events of 2025, including Trump's economic agenda and the explosive growth of AI. They dive into the competitive tech landscape, exploring talent wars and the potential risks of an AI bubble. The duo discusses how policy changes have reshaped business norms and consider a quirky holiday swap proposal between Christmas and Valentine's Day. Plus, listeners are treated to a curated playlist of 2025's highlights as they prepare for the new year!

Hannah Critchfield, an investigative reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into the alarming trends of Stand Your Ground killings in Jacksonville. She shares insights from her on-the-ground interviews, revealing how the law has led to a spike in justifiable homicides. Hannah discusses a shocking case where no killer came forward, the challenges detectives faced due to a lack of witnesses, and the broader implications of these policies on crime statistics. The episode highlights the human impact of these legal decisions, leaving families confused and distressed.

Dylan Tokar, an investigative reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the vast world of Chinese money laundering networks, revealing how over $300 billion has flooded U.S. banks. Joining him is Julie Shemitz, a former DOJ prosecutor, who shares her insider perspective from Operation Fortune Runner. They discuss the rise of underground brokers, how cartels exploit these networks, and intricate investigative tactics used to connect the dots. Their insights underline a critical crackdown on a significant but just the beginning of a sprawling criminal enterprise.

Join economics reporters Jeanne Whalen, Justin Lahart, and Rachel Wolfe from The Wall Street Journal as they dissect the turbulent U.S. economy of 2025. They explore how rising unemployment and tariffs have created confusion in global trade, while the stock market flourishes for the wealthy. The trio reveals the impact of AI on jobs, especially for young workers, detailing struggles with automated hiring. As they look ahead to 2026, they highlight critical issues like rising mortgage rates, inequality, and shifting demographics.

Cameron McWhirter, a dedicated Journal reporter, investigates the dramatic takeover of a historic Nashville church, featuring insights from Amy Grant, a six-time Grammy-winning singer and descendant of the church's founder. They unravel the church’s decline and the assets left behind that made it a target. McWhirter explains the legal complexities surrounding steeplejacking, while Grant shares her family's fight to reclaim their legacy. The discussion highlights how vulnerable American churches are to opportunistic business moves.

Agustus DiRico, CEO of Rainmaker and innovator in cloud seeding technology, dives into the fascinating world of modern meteorological solutions using drones and AI. He discusses Utah's efforts to combat drought and stabilize the Great Salt Lake while tackling conspiracy theories that falsely link his company to recent Texas floods. DiRico passionately refutes claims about the 'chemtrails' conspiracy, emphasizing the scientific foundations of cloud seeding and the operational challenges his company faces amidst growing skepticism and political pushback.

Hannah Erin Lang, an investigative reporter known for her work on Robinhood, dives deep into the trading app's journey under CEO Vlad Tenev. They discuss the boom in risky investing tactics and how Robinhood's commission-free model transformed retail trading. Hannah shares insights on the fallout from the GameStop frenzy, the app's pivot towards high-risk products like zero-day options and cryptocurrencies, and the company's branding shift to make investing feel like entertainment. This discussion highlights the growing influence of retail investors and the future of trading.

Nicole Friedman, a real estate reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the fierce competition between Compass and Zillow. She explains how Compass is pushing a new listing strategy that encourages private sales to challenge traditional practices. Nicole highlights the implications of these changes for buyers and the real estate market's transparency. She also discusses potential ramifications of Compass's antitrust suit against Zillow and the evolving landscape of real estate as tech firms clash with traditional models.