Author: The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Reproductive technology is a modern miracle. It's made it possible for millions of people to become parents who might otherwise not have been able to. But growing demand has spawned a multibillion-dollar industry that’s largely unregulated in the U.S. 

In our first episode looking at the wild west of the fertility industry, Ryan Knutson speaks with a three-time surrogate who ended up in a big legal battle. Nia Trent-Wilson was left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt after a family didn’t pay up after delivery. WSJ’s Katherine Long reports on how the industry fosters a dramatic power imbalance between surrogates and intended parents.

Further Listening:

- The Mystery of the Mansion Filled With Surrogate Children

- America’s Maternal Health Crisis

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After a months-long bidding war, Paramount Skydance has secured a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, snatching the media giant away from Netflix. WSJ’s Joe Flint breaks down how Paramount CEO David Ellison pulled off the $81 billion takeover and what this debt-heavy merger means for the future of entertainment and news. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Man Who Wants Netflix to Save Hollywood 

- She Swore Off Legacy Media. Now She's Running CBS News.

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The conflict with Iran has raised energy prices and sent shock waves through markets. WSJ’s Rebecca Feng explains what’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz, an Iran-controlled waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil supply typically travels. And WSJ’s Harriet Torry breaks down what this could mean for consumers and inflation in the U.S. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump’s Shifting Reasons for War With Iran

- Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy

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The U.S.’s war with Iran has entered its fourth day. The Trump administration has given several reasons for initiating attacks on Iran. All of them are coming under scrutiny. WSJ's Alex Ward discusses the intelligence President Trump is using for his case for war and explores the challenges ahead. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- What’s Next for Iran?

- U.S. and Israel Attack Iran

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After a joint U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has launched its own strikes in return. Now, the Middle East is on a path to a broader regional war. WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen explains the Iranian regime's existential fight and how its retaliation is drawing in countries around the region. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Bank Collapse Behind Iran's Protests

- Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy 

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If you want to start on episode one, or hear the full series up to this point, click on this playlist. 

Jennifer Spivey Foley has her day in court. After a long hearing with new evidence, a judge decides whether Weldon Boyd and Bradley Williams should have immunity under South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground law for the killing of her brother Scott. WSJ’s Valerie Bauerlein reports from the courtroom. 

Read the Reporting:

- What Happened on Camp Swamp Road?

Follow the Story:

- Camp Swamp Road Playlist

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A special episode from our sister podcast, What’s News.

The U.S. and Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iran, targeting its leadership and military assets in an attack that risked sparking a wider conflict in one of the most economically sensitive regions in the world.

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A viral blog post by a relatively unknown research firm sent the stock market on a wild ride this week. The post by Citrini Research tapped into a new strain of fears about artificial intelligence, painting a dark portrait of a future in which technological change leads to mass white collar unemployment. WSJ’s David Uberti explains why Wall Street is jumpy about the prospects for AI. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun
- AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs

And listen to Camp Swamp Road, full playlist here.

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Newell Brands, the Atlanta-based maker of dozens of household brands including Rubbermaid, Coleman and Yankee Candle, paid more than $170 million in tariffs last year. Newell’s CEO Chris Peterson tells Jessica Mendoza that those tariffs hurt business and the company is considering requesting a refund. He also talks about plans to bring more manufacturing to America. One of its brands, Sharpie, is now almost completely made in the United States. But making that happen wasn’t easy. 

Further Listening: 

• Trump's Tariffs Are Illegal. He's Got a Plan B.

• How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S.

• How to Make a $12.98 T-Shirt... in the U.S.

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After Mexican authorities killed El Mencho, the country’s most powerful drug lord, his cartel responded with violence across the country. The operation came amid pressure from the U.S. government on Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum. WSJ’s José De Córdoba explains the power struggle that will ensue among the cartels and what it means for the global drug trade. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- Mexico's New Cocaine Kingpin is Cashing In
- Drug Cartels' New Weapon: Chinese Money Launderers

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