As demand for the new class of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs skyrockets, one thing has stood in the way of many people trying to access them: cost. With a price tag around $1,000 a month for U.S. patients and many insurance companies refusing to cover these drugs for weight loss, patients are often turning to alternatives.

In episode two of “Trillion Dollar Shot,” we look at the roadblocks to making these drugs more affordable, concerns that their high cost will negatively impact U.S. insurance systems, and the sometimes risk-laden options people are turning to in desperation.

Listen: Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 1: Birth of a Blockbuster  
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Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 2: Bank Breakers

The most important stories about money, business and power. Hosted by Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson, with Jessica Mendoza. The Journal is a co-production of Spotify and The Wall Street Journal.

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Bradley Olson has tried a lot of different diets over his 20-year weight-loss journey, including popular programs like WeightWatchers. But nothing was as successful for him as Mounjaro, one in a new class of drugs that people are taking for weight loss. 

In this episode, Brad talks about his experience on the medicine and grapples with everything the drug couldn’t fix, from his self image to our food system. He confronts the ghosts of diets past and wades into the larger cultural conversation around weight loss. Guests include: Gary Foster from WeightWatchers; Virgie Tovar, a body positivity advocate; Dr. Robert Lustig, an endocrinologist. 

Listen to Episodes 1 and 2 of “Trillion Dollar Shot” now. 
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Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 3: Brad

A New York jury has found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 charges. WSJ reporter Joe Palazzolo recalls the original investigation that eventually led to Thursday's conviction, and legal reporter Corinne Ramey describes the scene as the verdict came down.



Further Reading:

- Nine Memorable Moments From Donald Trump’s Hush-Money Trial 

- A History of WSJ’s Hush-Money Investigation 



Further Listening: 

- Donald Trump’s First Criminal Trial Is Underway 



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The Origin Story of Trump's Guilty Verdict

For years, China’s real estate market was booming. Developers, home buyers and Western banks rushed to invest. But the boom turned into a bubble, which eventually burst. WSJ’s Rebecca Feng  reports on the warning signs that were ignored and we speak to two people who saw the collapse coming. 



Further Reading: 

-The Folly of China’s Real-Estate Boom Was Easy to See, but No One Wanted to Stop It-Evergrande Was Once China’s Biggest Property Developer. Now, It Has Been Ordered to Liquidate. 



Further Listening: 

-China’s Property Market Crisis 

-China’s Evergrande Crisis 

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The Big Short: China Edition

Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter heads the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. He speaks with Ryan Knutson about the DOJ’s lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, and why the government says the business is an illegal monopoly which the company denies.



Further Reading:

- Justice Department to Sue Live Nation, Seek Breakup of Concert and Ticketing Giant 

- Justice Department Sues to Break Up Live Nation-Ticketmaster 



Further Listening:

- The Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Debacle 

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The Trustbuster Taking on Ticketmaster

For over a century, the NCAA has refused to pay athletes. After a recent settlement, that’s going to change. The organization has agreed to set aside $2.8 billion in back payments for some student athletes and moving forward, allow players to get a cut of television revenue. WSJ’s Jared Diamond explains what it might mean for the future of college athletics.



Further Reading:

-NCAA Agrees to Share Revenue With Athletes in Landmark $2.8 Billion Settlement 

-He Was the $13 Million QB Recruit. Now He’s Suing the Boosters Who Never Paid Up. 



Further Listening:

-Why an Ivy League Basketball Team Voted to Unionize 

-The TikTok That Changed College Hoops 

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Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 2: Bank Breakers

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