During the pandemic, automakers got the message that they needed to invest in electric vehicles. In an effort to meet surging demand, they came out with new models and devised ways to make their own batteries. And then, in the span of just six months, things changed. Potential EV buyers have proven more hesitant, forcing automakers to reconsider overzealous demand projections. WSJ reporter Mike Colias tells host Alex Ossola what happened, and how automakers are reacting.

Plus, listen to The Future of Everything podcast episode on how biometrics could change security at work.

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Plus: Instacart is laying off 7% of staff. And Walmart is in talks to buy smart TV company Vizio. Alex Ossola hosts. 

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If you caught the Super Bowl over the weekend, chances are you saw at least one ad for Temu. Since the China-backed company launched in the U.S. in September 2022, it’s been pouring money into marketing—Temu was the fifth-largest digital advertising spender in the final three months of 2023. It’s trying to become the go-to place for Americans to buy cheap goods online. But can it overcome its more established rivals? WSJ reporter Shen Lu tells host Alex Ossola about Temu’s marketing strategy, and whether it’s paying off.

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Plus: Digital freight startup CDL 1000 acquires competitor NEXT Trucking. And Gilead Sciences expands its portfolio to treat liver disease by acquiring biopharma company CymaBay Therapeutics. Alex Ossola hosts. 

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The tech industry has had a big impact on San Francisco, but for years Silicon Valley leaders have largely stayed out of city politics. Now, that’s changing. In an effort to combat issues like crime and homelessness, Silicon Valley investors and executives are holding fundraising events for local candidates and using their influence to sway public opinion. WSJ technology reporter Preetika Rana tells host Alex Ossola why this involvement—particularly during an election year—could determine San Francisco’s future.

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Plus: Amazon Prime Video will stream its first NFL playoff game next season. And Nikola’s board rejects nominees from former Chairman and Founder Trevor Milton. Alex Ossola hosts. 

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Amazon has long been the biggest online retailer in the U.S., offering customers low prices and quick delivery times. Now, competitors like Shein, TikTok and Temu are looking to beat Amazon at its own game. They’re building up their U.S. logistics operations. Shein and TikTok are even opening offices in Seattle in an effort to poach talent from Amazon. WSJ reporter Sebastian Herrera tells host Alex Ossola about these moves—and whether they could be enough to unseat Amazon.

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Plus: The FCC outlaws robocalls made with AI voices. And Disney will bring the Magic Kingdom to “Fortnite.” Alex Ossola hosts. 

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Money and drugs tie Elon Musk to some Tesla directors, and some shareholders have questioned whether the board of directors is truly independent. Some board members have invested in Musk’s other companies, and, as The Wall Street Journal exclusively reports, they have deep personal ties to Musk, too. WSJ reporter Emily Glazer tells host Alex Ossola more about these personal and financial relationships, and how they could affect the companies’ business.

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Plus: The CEO of Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, steps down. And Alibaba posts lackluster sales growth. Alex Ossola hosts. 

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