Author: The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

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

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

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

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

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 Deadline

Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

After decades, Volkswagen brought its iconic VW bus back to the U.S., this time as a fully electric vehicle. But after years of buzz, the new model is falling flat. WSJ’s Sean McLain explores the hype around the ID.Buzz and why it struggled to capture American hearts and dollars. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Kia and Hyundai’s ‘Kia Boyz’ Problem

-Will Honda Be Nissan's Ride or Die?

-Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk

Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would impose up to a 200% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals, though he would give them up to a year and a half before fully implementing the tariffs. Trump’s goal is to bring more manufacturing to the United States, but one pharmaceutical CEO, Richard Saynor of Sandoz, says there is little incentive to build in the U.S. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline

- Inside the Surprise U.S.-China Trade Deal 

Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, CBS cancelled “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The network said that ending the show was “purely a financial decision.” Over the years, late-night audiences and profits have dwindled. But some fans have suggested the move was partly political: CBS pulled the plug just days after Colbert criticized Paramount, CBS’s parent company, for agreeing to settle a lawsuit with President Trump for $16 million. WSJ’s Joe Flint delves into the controversy and the economics of late-night TV. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Will Paramount Settle With Trump?

-Why Buying Paramount Global Won't Be Easy 

-’Love Is Blind' Is Back. Not All the Drama Is On-Screen.

Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices