This episode originally aired on August 21st, 2026.

On this fan favorite edition of the show for the long holiday weekend, former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano discusses why companies may benefit from having a “Plan B” for AI implementation. And, AI may not be causing mass layoffs yet, but early data suggest it is already slowing wage growth in exposed occupations. Plus, Canada may have dodged Trump’s newest tariffs, but the deal could leave lasting damage to USMCA, North American manufacturing and trust between two longtime allies. Later, who pays when the Colorado River can no longer meet the West’s demand?

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This week, Chrystia Freeland talks with the former finance ministers of the Netherlands and Germany about what it takes to bring spending under control. And, are US deficits now a bigger driver of interest rates than inflation? Plus, as Fed Chair Kevin Warsh makes his debut at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, we revisit the story of the wealthiest place in America. Later, the rise of YouTube filmmakers is democratizing discovery, while also flooding the market with more content than audiences can watch.

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This week, Former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano discusses why companies may benefit from having a “Plan B” for AI implementation. And, AI may not be causing mass layoffs yet, but early data suggest it is already slowing wage growth in exposed occupations.Plus, Canada may have dodged Trump’s newest tariffs, but the deal could leave lasting damage to USMCA, North American manufacturing and trust between two longtime allies. Later, who pays when the Colorado River can no longer meet the West’s demand?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, inflation may be edging lower, but as markets push rates higher, the Fed’s 2% inflation target might be a long way off. And, Mexico is building a land-based trade corridor that could give shipping companies more options when traditional channels are disrupted. Plus, as exits slow and borrowing costs rise, the ability of private equity investments to generate returns that beat public markets is less certain.  Later, Cuba is promising its biggest market reforms in decades, but investors remain skeptical that the state will truly give up control.

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This is a special, fan favorite edition of the show. This episode first aired June 5th, 2026. 

This week, the dollar remains the world’s dominant currency, but economist Ken Rogoff thinks rising debt and geopolitical shifts are eroding its position as the world’s reserve currency. And, AI-powered search is reducing web traffic, forcing publishers to rethink how they attract audiences and generate revenue online. Will competition between the US and China to launch satellites create the next major infrastructure boom in the commercial space industry? Bolivia wants to benefit from foreign capital flows into Latin America and harness its mineral reserves, but political instability remains a significant challenge. 

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This week, Harvard professor and former Obama economic adviser Jason Furman discusses the Fed rate decision and the challenges facing Chairman Kevin Warsh. Plus, the European Union is rewriting its merger rules in a bid to create tech giants that can compete with America. Later, Johnson & Johnson entered the fast-growing robotic surgery race years behind its rivals, but it’s betting a different approach can still win. And, what do think tanks actually accomplish, and how do you measure the return on investing in ideas? 

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This week, Steven Rattner says AI will transform the economy, but markets still do not know which companies will win. And, Austin’s rent drop is testing whether America’s housing crisis can be solved by building more. Plus, will capping graduate student loans reduce debt or limit access to education? Later, the US-Canada tariff fight returns as global fertilizer markets are already under pressure from conflict and supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz.

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This week, Former Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester discusses the recent change in the inflation narrative. And, can US shipyards build President Trump’s “Golden Fleet” fast enough to keep up with China? Plus, why small businesses are still fighting to get their money back after the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s IEEPA tariffs. Later, Blair Effron of Centerview Partners discusses how AI is reshaping the investment landscape.

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This week, executives and investors gathered in Sun Valley to discuss consolidation in the media sector. And, SpaceX’s historic IPO has turned an entrepreneur into a trillionaire, giving rise to a new era in capitalism and widening the wealth gap. Plus, does SpaceX’s governance structure protect the company’s futuristic vision, or give CEO Elon Musk too much unchecked authority? Later, menopause care is becoming a major business opportunity after decades of medical neglect, stigma, and underinvestment in women’s health.

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For the Independence Day holiday weekend, we bring you a team favorite podcast. This episode first aired June 5th, 2026. 

This week, the dollar remains the world’s dominant currency, but economist Ken Rogoff thinks rising debt and geopolitical shifts are eroding its position as the world’s reserve currency. And, AI-powered search is reducing web traffic, forcing publishers to rethink how they attract audiences and generate revenue online. Will competition between the US and China to launch satellites create the next major infrastructure boom in the commercial space industry? Bolivia wants to benefit from foreign capital flows into Latin America and harness its mineral reserves, but political instability remains a significant challenge. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a special edition of Wall Street Week on the USMCA trade deal. The renegotiations are testing the future of an auto industry built on decades of cross-border integration. And, American farmers increasingly depend on exports to Canada and Mexico as other overseas markets become more difficult to access. Plus, years of infrastructure investment have created an energy market that crosses borders more easily than political narratives suggest. Later, can three countries with different priorities still agree on a common economic vision?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.