Paul and Mesh discuss Marvel’s latest installment, Ant Man & the Wasp: Quantumania and whether a recent run of mediocrity is a cause for concern at the MCU. They then turn to streaming which is predicted to overtake linear television as the most-consumed form of television in 2023. Finally, Paul celebrates rising star director, Shaunak Sen, and his beautiful film, All That Breathes , which has won the Golden Eye prize at Cannes and is nominated for dozens of other awards including the Oscar ...
Feb 22, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Paul and Mesh talk about their favorite moments (and commercials) from Superbowl 57. They then dive into a media industry update: (1) whether recent layoffs among media (and tech) companies could be a sign of broader economic trouble head; and (2) how Disney, Peacock, WBD and others are shifting their streaming strategies in their challenging marketplace (e.g., cleaning up balance sheets, lowering costs, bundling, and increasing FAST offerings). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Feb 15, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Paul is in Phoenix for Super Bowl week! Paul and Mesh anticipate Gladiator 2’s release date and celebrate Ridley Scott’s career. They then vet the ten new projects that James Gunn and Peter Safran announced for Chapter 1 of their united DC Universe. Finally, they ponder how Hollywood will adapt as the bots and algorithms like ChatGPT and its peers are trained to create content – and what legal issues the rise of AI might trigger in the world of content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Feb 08, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Mesh and Paul discuss Oscar nominations, Who they are rooting for, and who they wish was nominated. Scooter Braun, the brains behind the success of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and others, has taken over as the CEO of Hybe America. Paul and Mesh explain why this could potentially increase the company's value, previously known for the success of K Pop groups like BTS. They then dive into the current trend of selling song catalogs, including Justin Bieber’s $200M sale. Paul discusses the intricac...
Feb 01, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Paul and Mesh celebrate Reed Hastings’ legacy at Netflix and ponder the implications and causes of his decision to transition out of the Co-CEO role. They then evaluate the recent broadcast and streaming agreement between LIV golf and the CW Network and discuss whether it was a win for both sides. Finally, Paul analyzes a recent FTC proposal that would essentially render non-compete clauses unenforceable, whether these clauses serve a valid purpose, and how Hollywood and other media companies mi...
Jan 25, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Paul and Mesh celebrate MLK weekend and the return of in-person entertainment events from CES and the Golden Globes to the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. Finally, Paul breaks down California’s proposed expansion of its film and television tax credit program and why these various production incentives are so critical to the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 18, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Paul and Mesh begin with Broadway’s strong end to 2022 and Jeremy’s Renner’s tragic snow plow accident. They then discuss a potential tug of war between streaming giants over Netflix’s Gen Z hit, Wednesday and assess the state of play after a rough 2022 for media stocks. Finally, Paul discusses NFL’s new streaming deal with YouTube TV and its continuation of NFL’s massive growth in revenue, but they wonder, is player safety an existential threat to the NFL as we know it? Learn more about your ad...
Jan 11, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Paul and Mesh start off by celebrating the epic World Cup final, Avatar 2’s opening weekend, and the drama at DC studios as James Gunn tries to start his tenure with a clean slate. Next, Paul and Mesh discuss the criminal trial against Tory Lanez for allegedly shooting Megan The Stallion and its very confusing and juicy testimony. Finally, Paul breaks down California’s newest privacy law, the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act and the legal challenge brought against it by Big Tech. Follow us on: In...
Dec 21, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 44
We begin with a quick update on recent entertainment cases: Michael Avenatti's sentencing and Amber Heard's appeal of Johnny Depp's successful defamation verdict. Then, Paul and Mesh discuss Brittney Griner's release after being detained in Russia for nearly 300 days. Finally, we celebrate James Cameron, a titan of film-making who never seems to disappoint, but Mesh wonders, can Avatar 2 live up to its predecessor? Follow us on: Instagram: @bettercallpaulthepodcast Twitter: @meshlakhani Learn mo...
Dec 14, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Paul and Mesh recap the unfortunate swathe of layoffs impacting the media industry. They then dive into Balenciaga’s recent PR nightmare which caused even Kim Kardashian to re-evaluate her relationship with the brand and Paul assesses the legal options Balenciaga may have against its production company (if any). Finally, Paul and Mesh discuss the most recent Ticketmaster controversy involving the Swifties and whether an upcoming congressional antitrust investigation into Ticketmaster may benefit...
Dec 07, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! To start, Paul and Mesh discuss the recent lawsuit against Drake and 21 Savage by Vogue. They then dive into the performance of She Said- based on the sexual allegations of Harvey Weinstein and current box office trends. Finally, the show ends with a deep dive on Disney, the return of Bob Iger, and what it means for the future of the company. Follow us on: Instagram: @bettercallpaulthepodcast Twitter: @meshlakhani Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Nov 30, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 41
We're taking a break this week for Thanksgiving but we'll be back next week. Have a great Thanksgiving! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 23, 2022•19 sec•Season 1Ep. 42
Paul and Mesh celebrate the success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's 180M opening and Bad Bunny being Apple Music’s Artist of the Year. They then discuss California's emphatic rejection of proposals which would have legalized sports betting. Paul then breaks down the SEC’s district court win over crypto-company LBRY in which LBRY’s coin was found to be a security and its potential implications for crypto regulation more broadly. Instagram: @bettercallpaulthepodcast Twitter: @meshlakhani Learn...
Nov 16, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Paul and Mesh start the show discussing the success of the crowdfunded horror movie, Terrifier 2, and other upcoming theatrical releases. They then talk about the death of Takeoff, the former Migos member who was murdered in Houston. Finally, Paul breaks down two new sports content deals: the NBA’s exploring an exclusive package of games for a streaming partner and the Big 12’s $2B+ rights deal with ESPN and Fox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Nov 09, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Paul and Mesh kick things off with a discussion of trending topics: Taylor Swift’s record-setting new album, Midnights; DC Studio’s next savior James Gunn; recently appointed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak; and Britney Griner’s appeal. They then go on to discuss Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns, and how he’s looking to sell his stake. Finally, Paul breaks down the latest drama in the world of chess, a defamation case between Hans Neimann and reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen. L...
Nov 02, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Paul and Mesh discuss the Rock's DC film universe debut with Black Adam and some management changes at DC. They recap BTS's decision to perform their required Korean military service. They then discuss the market’s optimism regarding Netflix among other industry trends (G4 TV shutting down, again). Finally, Paul dives into the recent Supreme Court case where they will determine if Andy Warhol’s Prince silk screen was “transformative.” Follow us on: Instagram- @bettercallpaulthepodcast Twitter- @...
Oct 26, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Paul interviews Tawfiq Rangwala, Milbank partner and former board member of WE Charity, regarding his #1 best-selling book, What We Lost. During 2020 and 2021, the WE Charity scandal was Canada's second-largest story behind the COVID pandemic. WE Charity was devoted to inspiring youth to make the world a better place and attracted the support of celebrities, politicians and thousands more people worldwide, including Justin Trudeau, Selena Gomez, and Martin Sheen. Paul and Tawfiq discuss the misp...
Oct 19, 2022•45 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Paul and Mesh discuss chatter around Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen's potential divorce, and why lawyers would be hired at this stage. They then discuss Ed Sheeran's latest legal troubles with his song "Thinking Out Loud" and it's similarities with Marvin Gaye's "Get it On." Finally, Paul discusses the signing of a bill by Gavin Newsom to limit the use of hip hop lyrics in criminal trials. Follow Us On: Instragram: @bettercallpaulthepodcast Twitter: @meshlakhani Learn more about your ad choices. ...
Oct 12, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Marvel teases that Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as Wolverine. . . but as Mesh points out, not for 2 more years! Paul updates us on Cineworld’s Chapter 11 process amidst a historically slow month for theatrical box office. Finally, Paul and Mesh discuss America’s fastest-growing sport, Pickleball, and the latest updates in name, image and likeness deals for student-athletes. IG: @bettercallpaulthepodcast Twitter: @meshlakhani Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Oct 05, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Mesh and Paul laud Tom Hardy’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu chops; he recently entered (and won) three tournaments to benefit his charity, REORG. They then dive into the Rockstar Games leak where confidential footage and source code from the highly-anticipated GTA 6 was posted online. Finally, Paul and Mesh reflect on Serial, Adnan Syed’s release, and the legal considerations which caused prosecutors to vacate his conviction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Sep 28, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Paul and Mesh celebrate Roger Federer’s incredible career. They break down Billboard’s top earning music industry execs. Paul shares stories from his trip to TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) while Mesh highlights the best of the Emmy’s. Finally, Paul breaks down why Hulu is such an attractive business, the agreement between Disney and Comcast, and the potential financial outcomes in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Sep 21, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Paul and Mesh pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II. They discuss DC’s quest to find the right studio head. Paul explains why the legal framework around sports gambling and fantasy sports has evolved and allowed fantasy sports to grow into a $20B+ annual business. Finally, Paul and Mesh chat about Cineworld, the second-largest theatre operator in the world, its bankruptcy, and potential implications for the movie business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Sep 14, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Paul and Mesh discuss Serena Williams's amazing tennis career and her upcoming new act as a VC. They then dive into the drama behind Olivia Wilide's Don't Worry Darling - Shia LaBeouf's departure from the movie and other tension between the cast. The film recently premiered at the Venice International Film Festival. Paul discusses the latest on the Top Gun: Maverick lawsuit between Paramount and the family that created the article the original movie was inspired by. Learn more about your ad choi...
Sep 07, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Paul and Mesh banter about HBO's House of Dragons premiere, Matt Reeve's greenlit Batman Universe and Bad Bunny's NYC/VMA takeover. They then dive into the main topic- Bareclona Football Club's financial struggles, as they leverage their assets in order to raise more money for fresh players and a new stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 31, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Paul kicks off the episode by sharing his favorite "law" show as Marvel launches their new legal comedy- She-Hulk. Paul and Mesh then do a deep dive into the state of South Asia's booming entertainment industry- from multibillion-dollar cricket rights to South Asian/Hollywood crossovers to Netflix's investment in India as they break records with the release of "RRR." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 24, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Paul and Mesh recount the epic Rage Against The Machine concert at MSG and discuss Disney’s streaming services surpassing Netflix in total subscribers (with a nod to Hulu's success with its latest Predator installment, Prey). Paul and Mesh also delve into Anne Heche's unfortunate passing and its potential legal implications. Paul honors leading entertainment lawyer, Bert Fields, and his impact on Hollywood. Follow us on Social: Twitter: @meshlakhani Instagram: @bettercallpaulthepodcast Learn mor...
Aug 17, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Paul and Mesh share updates on the LIV Golf Tournament and their attempt to sign Tiger Woods with $700M. What's the latest with Britney Grimer and her nine year Russian sentence? Paul explains the sexual allegations against Deshaun Jackson and what it means for his contract and what actions the NFL should take. Paul and Mesh dive in on Warner Brothers Discovery shelving of Batgirl and the production cuts at HBO Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Aug 10, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Paul and Mesh discuss Jordan Peele's Nope and the new Black Panther trailer. Paul explains why music festivals try streaming with the Lollapalooza and Hulu deal. Paul dives into the launch of NFL+ and how it makes the organization even bigger from a content standpoint and how they're working with their existing distributors. Bonus: Kyle Murray's contract dispute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 03, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Paul and Mesh discuss exciting news around Comic Con 2022 and what it means for the entertainment industry. Paul shares a story about hanging out with Jordan Peele at a previous Comic Con. Kate Bush hits 100M views on Youtube for her hit song "Running Up a Hill" which was featured in Season 4 of Stranger Things. Netflix earnings may be a turning point for the company, even amongst the increased competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 27, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Mesh and Paul discuss the Emmy nominations and which studios/platforms lead the charge. BTS signs a content deal with Disney Plus, as they make a play towards the Korean market. Paul explains how inflation and supply chain issues are affecting Hollywood production budgets and how that might play into future content production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 20, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 23
