Jon Kelly talks with Peter about the public markets media meltdown—all the Netflix player haters, the Spotify mini-correction, and how media narratives are killing the media business. They also discuss the latest Twitter dish before Dylan Byers offers his recap of the White House Correspondents Weekend. 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...
May 02, 2022•23 min
Teddy Schleifer joins Peter to discuss Elon Musk’s crazy past few years—how a guy running an underperforming public company (Tesla) became the world’s richest man, a political icon, and the putative owner of Twitter. It wasn’t always a straight line. And then Eriq Gardner explains HBO’s NBA headache and the NFL’s crafty workaround. 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://podcastcho...
Apr 29, 2022•19 min
Julia Ioffe joins Peter to discuss the latest turns in Russia’s war with Ukraine, and how the White House has decidedly changed its stance. Also: what’s with all these rumors of Putin’s decline? And Tina Nguyen explains why Trump will scorn Elon Musk till the bitter end. 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...
Apr 28, 2022•18 min
Dylan Byers joins Peter to discuss the backroom conversations taking place both at Warner Bros. Discovery and CNN. What happens to the star anchors? Did Jason Kilar wear metal ear plugs? Why do the old Time Warner assets keep getting divorced? And then Baratunde Thurston explains how Twitter became, well, Twitter. 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...
Apr 27, 2022•19 min
William D. Cohan, who called the Musk takeover all along, talks to Peter about the next steps in the twitter takeover process. And Julia Ioffe swings by to discuss the latest in Russia’s war. 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...
Apr 26, 2022•18 min
Jon Kelly and Peter discuss the inside story behind David Zaslav’s decision to kill off CNN+: the personal beefs, the strategic blunders, the Kilar of it all, and the deeper and more sinister truth… Warner Bros. Discovery isn’t a media company so much as it’s a highly-levered and financially engineered corporate marriage of necessity. Zaz needs another Game of Thrones less than he needs $14 billion in EBITDA and $3 billion in synergies. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices...
Apr 25, 2022•19 min
Matt Belloni talks to Peter about some of the more head-spinning details of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard libel case. Jon Kelly discusses the major news out of Netflix and CNN. And Alex Bigler explains the feedback that we're getting here at Puck. 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...
Apr 22, 2022•23 min
Yes, everyone in Hollywood is going bananas over the awful Netflix numbers but Eriq Gardner talks to Peter about a far more sinister story in Hollywood: a coming copyright apocalypse that could jeopardize some of the biggest characters and franchises in history. And Ben Landy swings by to, yes, explain those awful Netflix numbers and discuss the CNN pivot, too. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad cho...
Apr 21, 2022•15 min
William D. Cohan talks with Peter about Elon Musk’s remaining obstacles to take over Twitter, why so much of the conventional wisdom is wrong and how he could finance the deal. Meanwhile, Teddy Schleifer explains Peter Thiel’s complex political 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...
Apr 20, 2022•16 min
Julia Ioffe joins Peter to discuss Putin’s military plans, his moves in the east of Ukraine, and Mariupol, and how the martial games will play out. Then Tina Nguyen swings by to discuss Trump’s endorsement algorithm and what it means for 2024. 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...
Apr 19, 2022•20 min
It’s Media Monday! Jon Kelly joins Peter to discuss MSNBC’s vexing inactivity to plug its Maddow-sized hole in prime time. Is Jeff Shell making a statement about linear? Or are executives out to lunch? And will Zaslav pivot CNN+ or, worse, essentially cut its cord? 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...
Apr 18, 2022•19 min
Teddy Schleifer joins Peter to discuss why the emergence of a new class of ultra-ultra wealthy Democrats, such as MacKenzie Scott and Laurene Powell Jobs and the Zuckerberg-Chans, has the G.O.P. so fired up. And William D. Cohan swings by to discuss the panic in the Twitter board room as Elon Musk readies for the kill shot. 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...
Apr 15, 2022•19 min
What will Elon Musk do next in his gruesome hostage negotiation with the Twitter board? William D. Cohan tells Peter why Musk is so dangerous right now, and how he could eat Twitter alive. Also: Puck’s VP Alex Bigler swings by to share our community’s most intimate feedback. 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...
Apr 14, 2022•18 min
Tina Nguyen joins Peter to discuss the head-spinning Pennsylvania Senate primary, where Trump has endorsed Dr. Oz (Dr. Oz!!) over the former C.E.O. of Bridgewater, who happens to be married to former Trump cabinet member Dina Powell, and is employing Hope Hicks, Cliff Sims, and other Trump J.V. alums. Plus: Ben Landy documents CNN’s woes and Maddow’s surprise. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choi...
Apr 13, 2022•19 min
Julia Alexander, the Parrot Analytics analyst and Puck contributor, joins Peter to explain HBO Max’s success and what to expect under Zaz Rule. Meanwhile, Teddy Schleifer gets into Mackenzie Scott’s 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...
Apr 12, 2022•21 min
Jon Kelly joins Peter for a discussion about the D.C. media fascination du jour--will the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner take place this year or get Covid-cancelled? The gala, a veritable celebrity event in the Obama years, essentially went on hiatus in the Trump era. Is it back? Are D.C. reporters going to reprise their star power or revert to C-SPAN cover stars? As usual, there is an ulterior motive to this anxiety. Also: the two kibbitz about David Zaslav's first day hel...
Apr 11, 2022•19 min
Matt Belloni talks with Peter about The Academy’s meeting today about Will Smith’s punishment. Will his Oscar be taken away? Meanwhile, Jon Kelly swings by to talk about The Times, Zazworld, and the G.O.P.s gross fetishes. Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Studios. Please listen, rate, review, and follow all episodes wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://w...
Apr 08, 2022•18 min
Puck’s executive editor Ben Landy joins Peter for a conversation about Biden’s tenure thus far: his dismal approval ratings, his post-Afghanistan hurdles, and his best shot yet at recovering his message. And Baratunde Thurston explains the latest revelations on the Web3 phenomenon. 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...
Apr 07, 2022•18 min
Julia Ioffe joins Peter to explain the Ukrainian president’s strategy, Putin’s Gordian knot, and whether the Russian president could actually face trial for war crimes. And Puck executive editor Ben Landy swings by to explain David Zaslav’s latest moves. 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...
Apr 06, 2022•17 min
William D. Cohan joins Peter to explain why Elon Musk spent 1% of his net worth, or nearly $3 billion, to become Twitter's largest individual shareholder. Is he out to gobble up the company? Does he want to let Trump back on the platform? Or is he just thrilled to make $800 million for passively owning the stock for a few days. Hint: all the above and more. Then, Tina Nguyen stops by to explain how Musk’s free speech takeover could drive Trump out of the social media business—and back onto Twitt...
Apr 05, 2022•19 min
Jon Kelly joins Peter to discuss Jen Psaki’s decision to pick MSNBC over CNN and whether she’ll be able to handle the green room heat. They also chew over whether Alex Wagner—or anyone, for that matter—can adequately fill Maddow’s shoes. Lastly, the duo discuss the latest batch of Trump books. Too late or is too much never enough? Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Studios. Please listen, rate, review, and follow all episode...
Apr 04, 2022•20 min
William D. Cohan joins Peter Hamby to examine the C-suite headache at Disney, where former C.E.O. Bob Iger appears to be trolling his successor, Bob Chapek. It’s reminiscent one of one of the most thorny successions in all of corporate America. Meanwhile, Julia Ioffe swings by to presage how, and when, Putin’s bloodthirsty and misguided invasion of Ukraine might end. It could shock you. Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Stu...
Apr 01, 2022•21 min
Tina Nguyen joins Peter to explore Ron DeSantis’s 2024 calculus for staying quiet about Ukraine, his strategic non-aggression pact with Trump, and perhaps the biggest question hanging over the G.O.P. right now—will he still run for president if Trump does too? And will Mike Pence help him kill the king? Also: Teddy Schleifer swings by to unveil some unfolding billionaire drama. Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Studios. Ple...
Mar 31, 2022•20 min
Teddy Schleifer joins Peter Hamby to discuss the emerging political ambitions of a previously anonymous billionaire with some big political aspirations. Jeff Lawson, the C.E.O. of Twilio, is positioning himself to become the biggest political donor on the left, an heir to Benioff, and the latest avatar of how Silicon Valley is reshaping Washington D.C. Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Studios. Please listen, rate, review, ...
Mar 30, 2022•19 min
Baratunde Thurston joins Peter Hamby to discuss the tragedy of Will Smith’s Oscar night, pinpointing the most critical mistakes that the actor made beyond the infamous clocking of Chris Rock. They also discuss what Smith should have said, and needs to reflect on, if he wants to regain his dignity (and career). Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Studios. Please listen, rate, review, and follow all episodes wherever you get yo...
Mar 29, 2022•25 min
Peter Hamby is back just in time for another Media Monday. Jon Kelly joins to discuss Chris Wallace's parting words to Fox News, the respected journalist's jump to CNN+ and his Norman Rockwellesque new tv show. Then they lament how BuzzFeed News became a listicle of itself. Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Studios. Please listen, rate, review, and follow all episodes wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about list...
Mar 28, 2022•28 min
In part two of their intimate conversation, Julia Ioffe explains to Teddy Schleifer the seismic generational undercurrents at play now in Russia: the battle between an aging generation that came of age during the USSR and the millennials who grew up accepting Ukraine’s sovereignty. Julia channels her own childhood in the final years of the Soviet Union to paint the image of a divided country, uncertain of its future and divided on its past. Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News ...
Mar 25, 2022•22 min
Julia Ioffe joins the show to discuss Putin’s most unlikely nemesis—a Moscow model-turned-activist who has been using social media platforms (first Insta, now Telegram) to reveal Putin’s propaganda machine for the masses. Julia and Teddy Schleifer dig into his campaign, and the fascinating similarities between the generation divisions in Russia and our split screen reality in the U.S. Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Studi...
Mar 24, 2022•16 min
Former M&A senior banker William D. Cohan joins Teddy Schleifer to discuss how Wall Street is navigating the crippling sanctions on Putin’s regime, why some banks are still operating in Russia, and how hedge funds are playing both sides of the sell-off. On Wall Street, after all, the horror of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also become a uniquely dark investing opportunity. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn mor...
Mar 23, 2022•19 min
Tina Nguyen joins Teddy Schleifer to explore what Ron DeSantis is doing to position himself as the front runner of a post-Trump MAGA world. They discuss DeSantis' attempts to placate his base, how Trump would handle "Don't Say Gay," and how the war in Ukraine has divided the G.O.P. Follow @PuckNews on Twitter and Subscribe to Puck.News The Power's That Be is a presentation of Cadence 13 Studios. Please listen, rate, review, and follow all episodes wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more ab...
Mar 22, 2022•20 min
