President Trump has met with China’s President Xi in South Korea, announcing progress on tariffs, fentanyl, and semiconductors. Former Ambassador to China Nick Burns discusses the meeting, the national security concerns on the table for the United States, and makes one clear distinction: the outcome is not a trade deal. Tech giants have reported their quarterly financials, the Fed has cut rates for the second time this year, and OpenAI might be eyeing an IPO in 2026. Plus, Harvard professor and author of “The Happiness Files” Arthur Brooks discusses the mood of the nation, mental health hangups, and finding fulfillment throughout the joys and suffering of life.

Steve Liesman - 13:20

Nick Burns - 21:02

Arthur Brooks - 29:55

In this episode:

Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks

Steve Liesman, @steveliesman

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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The Trump-Xi Meeting & Building a Happy Life 10/30/25

Squawk Pod