Puck Presents: The Powers That Be

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The Powers That Be is Puck's free podcast, where our expert writers bring you smart, elite conversations about the inside story at the intersection of Wall Street, Washington, Silicon Valley and Hollywood. If you like what you're hearing and want to get more — including daily articles, breaking news, and personal emails directly from our authors
 — visit www.Puck.news, where you can become a member for $100 a year.

Puck / LightningPod


    • Jul 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 950 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Puck Presents: The Powers That Be

    Art Market Anxiety Disorder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 28:53


    Marion Maneker joins guest host Julia Alexander to explore the surging collectibles market, and how that may impact art trading as we know it. Then they dig into the recent earnings reports from Christie's and Heritage, and why Marion believes the art market's fundamentals are stronger than the prevailing anxiety might suggest. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Hogan's Gawker Legacy & A Disney I.P. War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 25:44


    Eriq Gardner joins Julia Alexander to revisit the lasting fallout from Hulk Hogan's landmark lawsuit against Gawker—backed by Peter Thiel—and how it reshaped the media industry's legal risk calculus. Then they turn to Disney's escalating crackdown on unauthorized Mickey Mouse merch, and what it signals about the new frontier of I.P. enforcement. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: Shari's Skydance Shuffle & NFL Redzone Realignment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 32:52


    Jon Kelly reunites with Peter to chew over the Trump administration's official blessing of the Skydance–Paramount merger—and the controversial ‘South Park' broadside that almost blew it all up. Then they explore ESPN's potential acquisition of NFL media, and what it could mean for Red Zone diehards and the future of football on Sundays. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Dude, Where's My NASCAR?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 53:50


    NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps joins John Ourand for a candid conversation about the sport's evolving media ecosystem, including new deals with Fox, NBC, and Amazon Prime. Phelps also outlines NASCAR's experimental growth strategy; explains why he's not in competition with F1 and IndyCar; and weighs in on the simmering legal standoff with Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan—while making the case for why polarizing personalities like Hamlin are important for increasing fan engagement. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Paramount's ‘Late Show' Exit Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 26:40


    Kim Masters joins Peter to discuss how Hollywood insiders are reacting to CBS's abrupt cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—and whether it's less about cost-cutting and more about appeasing Trump as David Ellison prepares to take the reins at Paramount. They also explore the implications for the studio's programming slate and whether a “Trumpier” Paramount is on the horizon. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Epstein Pressure Cooker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 28:45


    Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter to examine the political bind facing the G.O.P., as Speaker Mike Johnson chooses to recess the House rather than confront growing demands from his own party to release new information about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. They discuss the political calculations behind the move, the pressure mounting on Trump, and why Republicans remain deeply conflicted over the handling—or mishandling—of this situation. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's $10B War Against the Journal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 26:28


    Eriq Gardner joins guest host Julia Ioffe to unpack Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over a lewd birthday card he allegedly doodled for Jeffrey Epstein, and which he vehemently denies creating. Eriq explains why this lawsuit is notably flimsy—and why Trump may be aiming for a settlement rather than a public reckoning. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's Anti-Woke A.I. Agenda

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 25:52


    Ian Krietzberg joins guest host Julia Ioffe to unpack the class-action lawsuit against the A.I. company Anthropic, and how publishers are drawing a line in the sand when it comes to A.I. models training on their content. They also dig into Trump's supposed “anti-woke A.I.” action plan and how it ties into the mass sell-off of public lands envisioned in the Big Beautiful Bill. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: Substack's Wild Valuation & Bari Weiss's Big Decision

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 25:37


    Jon Kelly reunites with Peter to unpack Substack's billion-dollar valuation and its pivot from newsletter darling to multimedia hype darling. Then they dig into the culture-war-infused intrigue surrounding David Ellison's potential bid for The Free Press, and what it could mean if he folds Bari Weiss into CBS News. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    What's Eating Angie Craig?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 24:53


    In this special episode of The Powers That Be, Leigh Ann Caldwell is joined by Rep. Angie Craig for a Puck Power Breakfast at Ned's Club in D.C. Craig digs into the crypto-related conflicts dogging the White House, and explains why the current administration's rural agenda is alienating the very farmers it claims to support. She also opens up about her new political group, Majority Democrats, and her campaign to reimagine the party's strategy, messaging, and leadership. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Paging Marco Rubio!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 26:03


    Julia Ioffe joins guest host Leigh Ann Caldwell to unpack the implications of the sweeping layoffs at the State Department, which have left 1300 staffers out in the cold. Then they examine Marco Rubio's tenure as Secretary of State, illuminating his emerging role as a key architect of Trump's evolving foreign policy—while sidestepping his actual duty to manage the reorganization of the State Department. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Elon's Third Party Fantasy & The G.O.P.'s Texas Tangle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 23:52


    Abby Livingston joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to cover the most pressing topics underpinning the political landscape: the latest drama with the redistricting efforts in Texas, the Dems' and G.O.P.'s respective Q2 fundraising trends, and whether Elon Musk is actually gaining any traction with his quixotic third-party ambitions. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Vogue Succession Watch & The Bezos-Sánchez Whisper Network

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 30:20


    Lauren Sherman joins guest host Julia Alexander to cut through the noise surrounding the Anna Wintour-Vogue succession story—and why the rumors of Jeff Bezos acquiring the storied fashion mag are more fantasy than fact. Lauren also digs into the $10 million sale of a prototype Hermès Birkin bag, and highlights which other luxury bags could reach cult collectible status in the future. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ackman's Unforced Errors & Saks' Debt Spiral

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 27:37


    Bill Cohan joins guest host extraordinaire Julia Alexander to dissect Bill Ackman's latest headline-generating antics—this time at a tennis tournament—and the optics of his increasingly erratic behavior. Then Bill breaks down the escalating crisis at Saks Global, where a debt restructuring effort has devolved into intra-creditor warfare, and why Chapter 11 may be on the horizon. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: Apple's F1 Power Play & Yaccarino's X-it Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 27:51


    Jon Kelly joins guest host Julia Alexander to assess Apple's reported $150 million-a-year offer for F1's U.S. media rights—nearly twice what ESPN currently pays. With ESPN tightening its belt and prioritizing strategic clarity, Apple may have the inside lane. Then they pivot to Linda Yaccarino's exit from X, and discuss what her retreat signals about the company's Musk-era dysfunction and long-term viability. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Hollywood Superhero Wars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 25:42


    Matt Belloni joins guest host Julia Alexander to discuss the high-stakes summer blockbusters that could make or break two battered superhero franchises. With ‘Superman' poised for a $130 million debut, Warner Bros. Discovery is betting big on a comeback after a string of DC misfires. Meanwhile, Marvel's ‘Fantastic Four' reboot carries the burden of reviving a post-‘Endgame' brand that's lost its allure. Can either studio pull itself out of its respective funk? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Come again, Grok?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 29:57


    Ian Krietzberg joins guest host Julia Alexander to unpack the firestorm surrounding Grok, Elon Musk's controversial A.I. agent for his social platform, X. Recent updates to be more “politically incorrect” instead led Grok to unleash a series of anti-Semitic outputs, including references to Hitler. Ian and Julia explore the broader implications of A.I.'s impact on public discourse, platform accountability, and the risks of ideological A.I. customization. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Fourth Estate's Big Chill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 27:25


    Dylan Byers joins guest host Julia Ioffe to unpack the fallout from the $16 million CBS–Trump settlement, and what it reveals about the state of press freedom, media ownership, and Trump's increasingly autocratic playbook. They also tackle the broader crisis in media: collapsing valuations, fragmentation, and the industry's struggle to push back against Trump's legal tactics. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A Big Beautiful Postmortem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 27:05


    Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Julia Ioffe to break down how congressional Republicans fell in line behind Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, despite flashes of public dissent, as a result of Trump's rallying force and the fear of political repercussions. They also dig into the Freedom Caucus's failed rebellion, and whether that signals a striking decline in their influence. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: “Google Zero” Fears & The Creator Economy Correction

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 28:29


    Jon Kelly joins guest host Julia Alexander to discuss the existential threat that Google's A.I. tools pose to digital media, highlighting the so-called “Google Zero” phenomenon—a potential extinction-level event for many large-scale publishers. Then they turn their attention to the rise of YouTube and the creator economy, and whether the creator gold rush may finally be reaching its peak. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Bezos-Sánchez Wedding of the Century & Jonathan's Dior Debut

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 33:02


    Lauren Sherman joins guest host Julia Alexander to gab about Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's celebrity wedding, where vintage and custom fashion upstaged traditional high-end designer gowns. They connect the dots to broader luxury industry headwinds, from China's spending slump to the rising cachet of secondhand. They also discuss Jonathan Anderson's successful Dior debut—and why it could mark a pivotal moment for high fashion's future. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    CBS's Post-Settlement Era & The Great Sports Rebundling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 34:46


    John Ourand joins guest host Julia Alexander to unpack the far-reaching implications of Shari Redstone's $16 million settlement with Donald Trump—starting with what it means for CBS Sports and its likely new steward, Jeff Shell, a media veteran known for using sports to drive growth. They also examine the rise of skinny bundles, the intensifying sports rights arms race, Amazon Channels' strategic edge, and what it all portends for the future of television. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How Trump's Anything-Goes A.I. Plan Fell Apart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 26:39


    Ian Krietzberg joins guest host Leigh Ann Caldwell to break down the eleventh-hour removal of a controversial A.I. provision from the Big Beautiful Bill. Then they discuss the contradictions at the heart of the Trump administration's A.I. strategy, from its deregulatory stance to its $500 billion bet on the Stargate Initiative—and a looming A.I. policy framework that may favor innovation over environmental protections. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Birthright Bombshell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 24:31


    Eriq Gardner joins guest host Leigh Ann Caldwell to discuss the Supreme Court's brow-raising ruling on birthright citizenship—which, in classic Supreme Court fashion, wasn't actually about birthright citizenship and instead limited the power of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions. Eriq and Leigh Ann weigh into the various policy implications, including immigration, foreign aid, and the next wave of federal litigation. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: Vogue Wintourology & Netflix's French Connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 31:37


    Jon Kelly joins guest host Julia Alexander to unpack Anna Wintour's long-anticipated but still seismic decision to scale back her day-to-day role at American ‘Vogue.' The duo handicap the succession race and dissect Condé's broader pivot to leaner, more profitable operations. Then they dig into Netflix's new partnership with French broadcaster TF1—and what it signals for the world's top streamer, and modern media companies writ large. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A.I. Panic Disorder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 27:53


    Puck's newest author and resident A.I. expert, Ian Krietzberg, makes his podcast debut with guest host Julia Alexander for a rollicking conversation about the disruptive promise—and misconceptions—of artificial intelligence. Ian unpacks what we're getting right and wrong about A.I. panic, then turns to break down the major implications of a recent court ruling in a landmark case against Anthropic, one of the biggest A.I. companies in the world, in which a judge found that using copyrighted books to train A.I. models constitutes fair use. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Paramount in Peril & Apple's Need for Speed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 30:28


    Kim Masters joins guest host extraordinaire Julia Alexander to unravel the latest twists in the ever-expanding CBS–Trump legal saga: a new mediator proposal, the Paramount-Skydance merger hanging in the balance, and the uncertain fate of ‘60 Minutes' on the other side of a potential settlement. Then, they weigh whether Apple's long-awaited ‘F1' movie could be a defining moment—or a costly misfire—for the streamer's film ambitions. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Foxification of the F.C.C.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 22:51


    Eriq Gardner joins guest host Julia Ioffe to break down the ripple effects of Olivia Trusty's confirmation to the F.C.C., cementing a new Republican majority that could dramatically loosen media ownership rules—paving the way for more conservative local media consolidation. Then Eriq unpacks NPR's intensifying legal battle with the Trump administration over its federal funding lifeline. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    D.C.'s Iran Fog of War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 26:22


    Julia Ioffe and Leigh Ann Caldwell unpack the political fallout from the U.S. strikes on Iran, charting the MAGA coalition's reflexive support for Trump and the Democrats' more fragmented response. While Republicans are largely unified, Democrats remain split—more focused on Trump's sidestepping of Congress than taking a clear stance on the strikes themselves. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: Substackistan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 26:37


    Jon Kelly joins guest host Dylan Byers for a deep dive into Substack's increasingly precarious business model—marked by a high cash burn rate, flat valuation, and potential dilution. They debate whether the company is truly a tech platform or a media business in disguise, and unpack the growing pains writers face when leaving legacy outlets for the Substack promise. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Hollywood Red Pills & Iger Succession Intel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 32:40


    The legendary Kim Masters joins Julia Alexander to examine the MAGA turn of mega producer Brian Grazer, a longtime Democrat, and what his conversion portends for the industry. Plus, whether Trump is coming around on the Ellison-Paramount deal and the latest Disney succession chatter following the Dana Walden-Kamala Harris summit. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Zaz Debt Magic & Trump's Paramount Love Tap

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 28:59


    The inimitable Bill Cohan joins guest host Julia Alexander to chew over two of the great mysteries before Wall Street: the financial engineering of the Warner Bros. Discovery breakup, and whether Trump's F.C.C. will bless Shari Redstone and David Ellison's Paramount deal. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Hot Schatz! Part Deux

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 37:59


    In this special episode of The Powers That Be, Leigh Ann Caldwell sits down with Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz for a wide-ranging chat about Trump's controversial decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles, the perils of his “invasion” rhetoric, the ongoing dysfunction surrounding the Big Beautiful Bill, and how Democrats can un-DOGE America. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Julia Ioffe on the Israel–Iran War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 26:30


    In a timely crossover episode, guest hosts Julia Ioffe and Leigh Ann Caldwell discuss the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, and the ripple effects in Washington: the decisions now confronting Donald Trump, the fate of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, and whether there's any opening for diplomacy. Plus, Julia explains why Trump still can't stop talking about Vladimir Putin at the G7. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: A Zazpocalypse Postmortem & WaPo Woes Cont'd

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 23:25


    Jon Kelly joins guest host Dylan Byers for a postmortem of Zaz's WBD spinoff, and what it portends for HBO, CNN, TNT, and other networks. They also discuss the long-term viability of his newly formed Streaming & Studios, before weighing into the ongoing challenges plaguing The Washington Post—and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Who Needs Sports, Anyway?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 30:34


    John Ourand and guest host extraordinaire Julia Alexander debate what the WBD divorce means for TNT and TBS, the next wave of rights negotiations, and whether Zaslav is lying to himself about not needing sports. Then they dig into the slumping NBA Finals ratings—and whether this is indicative of broader league fatigue. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Blake Lively's Legal Boost

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 30:23


    Eriq Gardner joins guest host Julia Alexander to discuss the latest twist in the Baldoni-Lively saga, after a judge tossed most of Baldoni's claims. Eriq breaks down what the ruling really means, whether Lively's partial legal win might embolden other stars to take a stand, and how this case could be a harbinger for the next wave of Hollywood lawsuits. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Big, Beautiful Bust

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 19:37


    Abby Livingston joins guest host Leigh Ann Caldwell to dig into the G.O.P.'s internal conflict over the Big Beautiful Bill—which Abby deems the thorniest legislation since Obamacare in 2010. Then they discuss the Musk-Trump breakup and highlight which Republicans could actually stand to gain from the feud. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    WBDivorce!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 27:47


    In a special early recording of The Powers That Be, Dylan and Bill jump on the mic to discuss the breaking news that Warner Bros. Discovery will split into two companies—a film and streaming division led by David Zaslav, and a cable business run by Gunnar Wiedenfels… loaded up with most of WBD's debt. They discuss what the separation means for HBO Max, the fear inside CNN, how Wall Street is responding, and why a divorce was inevitable. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: Jean-Pierre's Defection & Shari's Paramount Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 29:07


    Jon Kelly and guest host Dylan Byers unpack the fallout from former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's announcement of her new book, ‘Independent'—and her brow-raising defection from the Democratic Party. Then they chew over the latest developments on Shari Redstone's fragile Paramount-Skydance deal, which is looking shakier by the day. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Bezos A.I. Betrayal & A ‘Real Housewives' Legal Bomb

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 29:10


    Eriq Gardner joins guest host Julia Alexander to dissect The New York Times's intensifying legal battle with OpenAI—and how its surprise A.I. licensing deal with Amazon could strengthen its case. Then Eriq breaks down the litigious drama around Bravo's Andy Cohen and an alleged smear campaign brought on by former Real Housewife Leah McSweeney. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Zaslav's Junk Era

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 30:35


    Bill Cohan joins guest host Julia Alexander to dissect Warner Bros. Discovery's latest financial headaches—from its debt downgrade into quasi-junk territory to stagnant EBITDA growth. They debate C.E.O. David Zaslav's stewardship of the company, the timeline for a potential spinoff involving WBD's linear channels, and whether Zaz is laying the groundwork for a major M&A play. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Dasha Zhukova's Second Act & The Met's Fresh Wing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 27:03


    Marion Maneker joins guest host Julia Ioffe to dig into Dasha Zhukova's transition from Moscow and New York “It” girl to a leader in the world of art-centric real estate. Then they turn to the Met's newly reopened Rockefeller wing, which features African and Oceanic art—and what the relaunch portends for the art market. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Dems' ‘26 Fantasies & The Politics of Old Age

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 25:47


    Guest host Julia Ioffe welcomes Abby Livingston to chew over the Democrats' various midterm fantasies—the military pedigrees, the Biden turnoffs, and the lingering age issues hanging over it all. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: Axel's Bloodletting & Zaz's NBA Adieu

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 26:38


    Jon Kelly and Dylan Byers catch up on Business Insider's brutal decision to lay off 21 percent of its staff and what that means for parentco Axel Springer. Then they discuss the end of TNT's relationship with the NBA. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's Executive Disorder

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 21:44


    Eriq Gardner joins guest host Leigh Ann Caldwell to dig into the latest legal challenge to Trump's attempt to reshape the federal workforce—this time involving the firing of Shira Perlmutter, the Register of Copyrights. As Eriq notes, the case could redefine the limits of executive authority, with major implications for the separation of powers, the future of government independence, and even artificial intelligence. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Wall Street's Main Street Glitch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 24:34


    Bill Cohan joins guest host Leigh Ann Caldwell to unpack the so-called “Main Street glitch” in Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill—a SALT provision that could saddle businesses with surprise tax hikes. They also discuss Trump's growing sway over the markets, as traders bet on policy reversals, and Bill Ackman's latest salvo against Harvard's endowment practices. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Memorial Day Box Office Boom

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 37:59


    Matt Belloni joins guest host Julia Alexander to explain why the Memorial Day box office was just what the doctor ordered for studio executives—and what it portends for the year ahead. They break down how the movies performed, the most significant trends of 2025, and how studios can capitalize on the theatrical moment. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Disney v. YouTube & MLB's Hard Reset

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 36:22


    John Ourand joins guest host Julia Alexander to unpack the high-stakes drama behind Disney's lawsuit against YouTube, following the poaching of top ESPN executive Justin Connolly. Then, they turn to the mounting challenges facing Major League Baseball as its $550 million deal with ESPN nears expiration. Alas, is this just a baseball problem—or a greater issue facing all leagues in this new sports media era? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Media Monday: Manfred's MLB Fantasies & Biden ‘Original Sin' Fallout

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 33:31


    Jon Kelly joins guest host Dylan Byers to unravel the plot twists in Rob Manfred's ongoing media rights negotiations for MLB, highlighting their potential deals with NBC and Apple. Then the duo dive into the firestorm ignited by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's new book, ‘Original Sin'—and the fractures it's revealing within the Democratic Party. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Putin's Stall Tactics & Trump's Oval Ambush

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 23:04


    Julia Ioffe joins guest host Leigh Ann Caldwell to unpack the fallout from Trump's two-hour call with Putin earlier this week: Trump's growing frustration with the Ukraine conflict, his willingness to hand it off to Europe, and the chilling implications for President Zelensky. Then, they turn to the Oval Office debacle with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in which Julia emphasizes the administration's promotion of white supremacy theories—and their broader white supremacist agenda. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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