The Powers That Be: Daily

Jon Kelly and Peter Hamby dissect the latest headwinds at ‘The Washington Post,’ where Jeff Bezos is reshaping the Opinion section around two core pillars: personal liberties and free markets, in yet another sign of Trump administration genuflection. Plus, the duo debate the best landing spots for the MLB’s media rights in a post-ESPN landscape. 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

Dylan Byers joins Peter to discuss the turmoil brewing at 30 Rock where MSNBC’s new president Rebecca Kutler implemented a sweeping programming overhaul—and network star Rachel Maddow openly criticizing her bosses live on air in prime time. But as Dylan explains, some of these changes may be necessary as the network navigates its future beyond Maddow and ‘Morning Joe.’ 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

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter to break down the political fallout of Elon Musk’s cost-cutting bloodbath. While Democrats are weary of Musk slashing government spending, Leigh Ann reveals that Republicans, too, are privately voicing concerns to the Trump administration. Leigh Ann also explores a brewing showdown in Congress, where Democrats may protest the House budget resolution by allowing a government shutdown in the coming weeks. 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

Lauren Sherman joins Peter to delve into the slew of brand collaborations tied to HBO’s hit series ‘The White Lotus,’ highlighting the mass-market partnerships that come across to many as distasteful and inorganic. Are these collabs actually driving sales or just diluting the show’s luxury allure? Plus Lauren discusses the Nike-Skims alliance and the broader “woman problem” the iconic athletic brand is aiming to solve. 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 joins Peter to unpack the latest on the war in Ukraine as Trump tries to hash out a peace deal by flouting almost every tradition of U.S. diplomacy—while berating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the process. As Julia explains, any deal that gives Vladimir Putin the benefit of the doubt is all but certain to backfire. 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

Jon Kelly rejoins Peter to dissect exclusive polling data on how the media is navigating Trump II—and how Democrats and mainstream news consumers perceive today’s press environment compared to Trump’s first term. Then the duo turn their attention to CBS News and ESPN, two legacy TV networks wrestling with linear decline, digital upheaval, and brutal cost-cutting decisions. 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

John Ourand joins Peter for a midterm review of the NBA season thus far, reflecting on the lousy All-Star Weekend and diving deep into the business of the league. Then the duo switch gears to discuss the standoff between MLB and ESPN over the network’s broadcasting rights. Also, could Stephen A. Smith or Mark Cuban actually run for president? 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

Tara Palmeri joins Peter to debate whether Elon Musk is really an asset to Donald Trump, or merely a disposable blunt instrument for his slash-and-burn agenda. According to exclusive new polling, it all depends on how voters perceive what he’s doing: is he an unelected, self-serving carpetbagger or a crusader for government efficiency? Either way, it seems like Trump is happy to have him… for now. 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

As Trump's war on the media accelerates, Eriq Gardner joins Ben to discuss whether the industry is headed for a state of mutually assured destruction, with MAGA allies chipping away at Times v. Sullivan's libel shield, billionaires financing defamation battles, Elon Musk accusing his enemies of fraud, and his targets contemplating counter-suits of their own. 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

Leigh Ann Caldwell, chief Washington correspondent at Puck, joins Ben to discuss the centrist vs. progressive civil war consuming Democrats, the leadership void fueling the party's paralysis, and whether Hakeem Jeffries will entertain the nuclear option—a government shutdown—to hold Donald Trump accountable. 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

Jon Kelly and Dylan Byers huddle up to address a wide spectrum of plotlines consuming the media landscape, from Fox News’s mainstream pivot—bolstered by a recent influx of blue chip advertisers—to the internal turmoil brewing at CBS News. The duo also discuss the fickle state of print publications, and contemplate the future of the magazine industry 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

Kim Masters joins Peter for an inside look at Amazon’s perplexing $40 million bid for a forthcoming Melania Trump documentary, directed by disgraced Hollywood filmmaker Brett Ratner. Kim reveals the list of MAGA-adjacent characters pushing for Ratner’s Hollywood comeback, and considers the role Jeff Bezos may have played in this whole, strange ordeal. 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

Bill Cohan joins Peter to dissect the heated and increasingly personal feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, which reignited again this week as Altman brushed off Elon’s $97 billion, middle-finger bid to take over the nonprofit that controls OpenAI. Bill and Peter explore the roots of their dissent, and discuss how these friends-turned-rivals are now vying for the affections of Trump. 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

John Ourand joins Peter to break down a Super Bowl ratings bonanza for the NFL and Fox, despite a largely underwhelming game. Then he assesses a prospective deal in which ESPN buys the NFL’s media assets (NFL Network, NFL RedZone, etcetera) and explains why ESPN would even be interested in adding more declining linear assets to their TV portfolio. 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

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter to examine the paralysis gripping Democrats as the party debates which fights to pick with an unbridled Trump. They also discuss Mitch McConnell’s stunning transformation, in the twilight of his Senate career, into a major impediment to his imperial presidency. 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

Jon Kelly joins Peter to talk about the NFL’s 18-game fantasy. They analyze the viability of lengthening the NFL season, whether this is a smart business decision, and envision the potential for major streamers to get involved. Then they dissect the Trump administration cancelling its subscriptions to several D.C. publications—and whether this could actually impact their bottom lines. 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

Eriq Gardner joins Peter to navigate the growing tide of legal challenges surrounding Trump’s contentious executive orders and his efforts, along with Elon Musk, to reshape the federal government. Then Eriq shifts gears to dissect the mounting scrutiny on Shari Redstone’s bid to sell Paramount to Skydance, sparked by Trump’s shaky lawsuit against 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

Puck’s newest partner, the legendary Hollywood journalist Kim Masters, joins Peter for a deep dive into the public relations firestorm and social media-fueled disasters surrounding the Oscar-nominated ‘Emilia Pérez.’ Then Kim breaks down the escalating legal kerfuffle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—and why it's a no-win situation for everyone involved. 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

Bill Cohan joins Peter for a deep dive into Trump’s tariff threats against Mexico, Canada, and China. Bill argues that these threats are largely performative, crafted to score political wins rather than serve any real economic purpose. Then they discuss the inevitable market volatility, and whether, despite any potential short-term gains, these tariffs will ultimately prove inflationary and harmful to U.S. relations with key allies. 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

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter to analyze the high-stakes confirmation battles of two of Trump’s most contentious cabinet picks: Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence and R.F.K. Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Leigh Ann breaks down the key dynamics at play, the senators to watch as the processes unfold, and what could ultimately tip the scales in their favor—or seal their fate. 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

Jon Kelly reunites with Peter to scrutinize the subdued media reaction to the dawn of Trump II—and why it lacks the “five-alarm fire” urgency that defined Trump I. Then they pivot to discuss the looming possibility of Paramount settling Trump’s flimsy lawsuit filed against CBS News, before diving into the fate of Peacock as their financial losses mount and their subscriber growth sputters. 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

Bill Cohan joins Peter to unpack the Wall Street chaos triggered by DeepSeek, a low-cost ChatGPT alternative that sent the Nasdaq tumbling and wiped $600 billion off Nvidia’s value in a single day. Then, the duo explore Elon Musk’s bold push to inject startup culture into Washington—and why that attempt is ultimately destined to fall flat. 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

John Ourand joins Peter to dissect the NFL’s season-long ratings decline. While “Chiefs fatigue” has been a hot topic, is the broader notion of “football fatigue” more accurate? Then they scrutinize Tom Brady’s rookie season as an analyst ahead of his Super Bowl debut, and debate if he’s worth the $40 million salary Fox Sports is dishing out for him. 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

Eriq Gardner joins Peter to break down the flood of legal developments emanating from the new Trump regime—from the firing of career D.O.J. prosecutors to the pause on civil rights and environmental litigation to the murky future of the TikTok ban. Then they dive into what antitrust enforcement might look like under Trump 2.0, as F.T.C. chair Lina Khan exits and Republicans grapple with just how far they’re willing to go in siding with consumers over big business. 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

Puck’s newest partner and chief Washington correspondent, Leigh Ann Caldwell, joins Peter for an insider’s take on the growing rift within the G.O.P. as they wrestle with whether to roll Trump’s ambitious agenda into one sweeping “big, beautiful bill” or split it in two. Plus, Leigh Ann previews two highly anticipated nomination hearings this week, with Tulsi Gabbard and R.F.K. Jr. gearing up to face intense scrutiny from skeptical Senate committees. 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

Jon Kelly connects with Peter to scrutinize CNN’s post-layoff digital transformation and how long it'll take for Mark Thompson’s vision to come to fruition, before discussing the strategic decisions by the Times, CNN, and other news outlets to tone down their political coverage during Trump 2.0. Finally, they gab about NFL’s declining ratings as Amazon and Netflix become major players in sports media. 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

Matt Belloni joins Peter to break down this year’s Oscar nominations, from the snubs to the surprises—and the picks guaranteed to plug right into the culture wars. Then they dive into Netflix’s latest earnings call, in which the streaming behemoth announced a record-breaking 19 million new subscribers in the last quarter, bringing their total to over 300 million. Matt explains the tactics they can employ to keep justifying their massive Wall Street value. 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

Abby Livingston joins Peter to discuss the dawn of Trump’s second term, and his preference for flexing executive power rather than navigating a gridlocked House and Senate. They also dive into Congress’s reaction to the J6 pardons, the Democrats’ messaging strategy, why the upcoming Virginia governor’s race could serve as a good indicator of public sentiment towards Trump, 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

Eriq Gardner joins Peter to break down how CNN ended up paying $5 million to Navy veteran Zachary Young in a stunning, potentially precedent-setting defamation case. Then they dissect Donald Trump’s head-spinning lawsuit accusing ‘60 Minutes’ and CBS News of election interference—and why, despite the specious nature of the case, Paramount might settle. 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

Bill Cohan joins Peter for a sobering analysis of the first family’s cynically timed and self-dealing launch of multibillion-dollar meme coins over the weekend, and how the crypto donation box could become a five-alarm constitutional fire. Then they scrutinize the seating chart (and hidden motives) of the tech billionaires at his inauguration. 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

Jon Kelly and Peter come together to debate the viability of Maverick Carter’s fascinating plan to create an NBA-adjacent international basketball league, touching on Maverick's ambitious fundraising efforts, and discussing the potential conflicts of interest and red flags. The duo also foreshadow the long-term effects of the catastrophic L.A. fires: the politicization of aid, price gouging, and the role of insurance companies in shaping future development. 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

Bill Cohan joins Peter to speculate on the longevity of the Musk-Trump bromance, as the two titanic egomaniacs seem destined for an inevitable clash. They also delve into how long Musk's self-indulgent foray into the political arena can persist, given the weight of his responsibilities running a multitude of high-maintenance companies like Tesla, X, SpaceX, and others. 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

Eriq Gardner joins Peter for an in-depth discussion on the looming Sunday deadline for TikTok’s ban or forced sale, exploring Trump’s potential solutions to save the app. The conversation then shifts to Drake’s baffling lawsuit against his record label Universal Music Group, sparked by Kendrick Lamar’s now-iconic diss record “Not Like Us.” Eriq breaks down the complexities of proving defamation in creative works and speculates on the likelihood of this high-profile case ever reaching the courtroom. 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

Dylan Byers joins Peter to reflect on the ongoing wildfire disaster in Los Angeles, and the political blame game that’s only just begun–underscored by Mayor Karen Bass’s perplexing response to the crisis. The duo also discuss MSNBC’s president Rashida Jones’ foreshadowed departure from the network and who could potentially replace her. 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

Tara Palmeri joins Peter to delve into the most recent developments surrounding the looming TikTok ban, with the app slated to go black come Sunday. Tara walks through the Supreme Court’s skepticism towards TikTok’s arguments and explains how Trump could potentially use his executive power to halt the ban. Tara also discusses the broader implications for U.S.-China relations. 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

Jon Kelly checks in on Peter Hamby and the two old friends discuss the fates of Karen Bass, the film industry, and order derivative impacts of the tragedy in L.A. Then they dip into the demise of Venu and the future of the Murdoch empire. 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

Sarah Shapiro joins Peter for a deep dive into the wild world of affiliate marketing and the billion-dollar business of influencers. Sarah discusses the massive impact of creators in the retail space and chronicles an exploding battle between the industry’s perennial leader, LTK, and the bold upstart ShopMy—a rivalry defined by two cultures and starkly different visions for the business. 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

Dylan Byers joins Peter to discuss the devastating wildfires and winds that are ravaging Los Angeles. While Dylan praises the local media for their commendable coverage, Peter criticizes the lack of leadership from Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. 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

Eriq Gardner joins Peter to walk through the explosive P.R. and legal war engulfing Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—including Baldoni’s $250 million counterattack against The New York Times. Then the duo uncover the China subplot behind Trump’s campaign to force the Supreme Court to delay a ban on TikTok. 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

Abby Livingston joins Peter to discuss the challenges and prospects for Republicans in passing legislation during Trump’s second term—especially after the harrowing pre-Christmas government spending bill near-disaster. Then they turn to the potential for executive orders by Trump and what, if anything, Democrats can do about it. 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

Jon Kelly reunites with Peter to chew over the exodus of key departures from The Washington Post and whether C.E.O. Will Lewis can pivot the newsroom with a wave of new talent. They also discuss Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL games and why sports rights seem destined for the big streamers. 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

Bill Cohan joins Ben to discuss how the triple threat of Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet have forced the legacy TV incumbents—Comcast, WBD, Disney, and Paramount—to countenance their own M&A visions of what Bob Iger famously called the "everything on the table" 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

In a special best-of replay episode, Lauren Sherman drops by to discuss the rise and fall of Victoria’s Secret, Les Wexner’s apparel empire, and the Epstein mystery. Then Lauren and Peter dig into a designer shakeup at Fendi, and where the next fashion house dominos could fall. 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

From the archives: Baratunde Thurston joins Peter Hamby to dissect the heated A.I. arms race between Google, Meta, and OpenAl, and how a new wave of generative search tools, like Perplexity AI, are making it difficult for tech incumbents to outpace disruptors. 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

From the archives: Eriq Gardner joins Peter Hamby to unwind the myriad legal challenges facing sports business behemoth Fanatics and its brash billionaire founder Michael Rubin. Plus, news on an under-the-radar trial surrounding the Skydance-Paramount merger. 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

It’s a food media-themed doubleheader in The Grill Room! First, Dylan convenes with The Infatuation C.E.O. Paul Needham, who discusses the economics of his restaurant recommendation empire. Then acclaimed food writer and entrepreneur Alison Roman stops by to discuss her journey from legacy media to entrepreneurship and why her defenestration from The New York Times turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 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

Lauren Sherman joins Ben to dish about what's next for Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors after their $8.5 billion merger with Tapestry fell apart. Plus: How shareholders lost out on billions as Nordstrom, the family-controlled luxury department store chain, belatedly goes private after 50 years. 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

Marion Maneker joins Ben for a rollicking deep dive into everything that's gone wrong at Sotheby's: the layoffs, the Emirati entanglement, and why C.E.O. Charles Stewart suddenly reversed course on the auction house's radical new fee structure. Then they dig into how the art market could bounce back in 2025. 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

In this special replay of The Varsity, Former Turner Network prez David Levy joins John Ourand for a rollicking discussion of Comcast’s bombshell decision to spin off its cable channels, Amazon’s moves to dominate the R.S.N. market, the genius of Netflix’s Tyson-Paul fight, the ripple effects of the TNT-ESPN deal, and so 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

In a special Christmas Eve throwback, Peter hands the mic to Lauren Sherman and Dylan Byers to discuss the sartorial trends among the .0001 percent at the Allen & Co. conference. Then Casey Lewis, author of the After School newsletter, joins Lauren to dissect Gen Z’s consumer behaviors and brand loyalties. 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