The Journal Podcast: A Daily Dose of Business and Power

The Journal, a daily news podcast co-produced by Spotify and The Wall Street Journal, has become a significant source of information for those seeking in-depth coverage of money, business, and power. Launched in June 2019, the podcast delivers approximately 15-25 minute episodes Monday through Friday, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of the day’s most important stories. Listen to The Journal.

Origins and Format

The Journal emerged as part of a growing trend of daily news podcasts, mirroring the success of programs like The Daily from The New York Times. The podcast distinguishes itself through its focus on business-related news and its direct connection to the reporting of The Wall Street Journal. Episodes feature interviews with journalists from the newspaper, offering listeners insights directly from the source. Learn more about the podcast’s history.

Hosts and Production

Currently, The Journal is hosted by Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza. Kate Linebaugh hosted the podcast from its inception in 2019 until 2025. The podcast’s theme music is composed by So Wylie, who has too contributed music to other Spotify-produced podcasts, including Dissect, The Habitat, and Murder Ballads. Meet the hosts.

Key Topics Covered

Since its launch, The Journal has tackled a wide range of high-profile topics, including:

• The COVID-19 pandemic
• The rise of generative artificial intelligence
• Major acquisition deals, such as Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter
• Financial scandals, including the bankruptcy of FTX and the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried
• Investigations surrounding former and current political figures, including Donald Trump prior to his 2024 presidential campaign

Recent episodes have delved into the complexities of the fertility industry, examining power imbalances between surrogates and intended parents, and the ongoing shifts within the entertainment industry, including the Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Explore recent episodes.

Reception and Impact

The Journal has garnered recognition for its ability to navigate the intersection of money, business, politics, and science. As of February 2026, the podcast has released over 1,400 episodes and continues to be updated daily. The podcast’s success reflects a broader trend of audiences seeking accessible and informative news content through audio platforms. Read about the podcast’s reception.

The ongoing evolution of media consumption, highlighted by shifts in legacy media, underscores the importance of adaptable platforms like The Journal in delivering news to a changing audience. Read more about the changing media landscape.