The Powers That Be: Daily - podcast cover

The Powers That Be: Daily

Puck | Audacypuck.news
Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Peter Hamby, along with the team of expert journalists at Puck, as they let you in on the real conversations insiders are having across the four corners of power in America: Wall Street, Washington, Silicon Valley and Hollywood. Puck's contributors will bring you smart conversation around the inside stories happening in these worlds. Presented in partnership with Audacy, new episodes publish daily, Monday-Friday.
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Episodes

Steve Bornstein’s NFL Gospel

Steve Bornstein, the architect behind both ESPN’s golden age and the launch of NFL Network, joins John to remember the late, great Paul Tagliabue—the commissioner who helped turn football into a billion-dollar religion. Bornstein also offers a seasoned view on today’s sports media circus, from the streaming wars to A.I.’s slow invasion of the industry. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Nov 15, 202547 min

MSNBC’s Identity Crisis & Condé Gets Nasty

Dylan Byers joins Peter with intel from two embattled media empires facing existential reinvention: MSNBC, which officially rebrands tomorrow as MS NOW, is embarking on a risky new chapter amid the network’s streaming-era identity crisis. Meanwhile, over at Condé Nast, four unionized employees were abruptly fired after protesting the shuttering of Teen Vogue. (Incredibly, even many people who are typically pro-union seemed to agree that the union had gone too far…) See all the ways bp is investi...

Nov 14, 202525 min

Ellison’s Earnings Call Head Fake

Bill Cohan joins Peter to break down Paramount’s first earnings call since merging with Skydance—which, ironically, was barely about earnings at all. Instead, David Ellison dazzled Wall Street with talk of new investments, new technology, and, of course, some important cost-cutting measures. Bill reads the tea leaves on what’s next for Ellison and Co.—and whether acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery fits in the plan. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Nov 13, 202522 min

The Altman Lawsuit-palooza & OpenAI Bailout Fears

Ian Krietzberg joins Peter to discuss the legal inferno engulfing OpenAI, as multiple families sue the company for allegedly driving users toward suicidal delusions—and why it would be disastrous for Sam Altman’s empire if these cases ever make it to discovery. Meanwhile, Altman is already in damage-control mode after his finance chief suggested that the government might step into help them out if their revenue continues to stall. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/Inves...

Nov 12, 202524 min

The Dems’ Great Shutdown Surrender

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter with the inside scoop on why the longest government shutdown in U.S. history is likely to come to an end this week—thanks to a few Senate Democrats who broke ranks and braved the wrath of their own base to cut a deal with Republicans. Plus, Leigh Ann on the Hill’s latest parlor game: is Chuck Schumer still the Democrats’ guy, or just the last one to know he’s not? See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . . . To learn mor...

Nov 11, 202525 min

Media Monday: Vox Spin Foreplay & Netflix’s Post-Saturation Scheme

The longtime pals Jon Kelly and Peter Hamby reunite to discuss reports of a Vox Media spin-off sitch—itself a potential micro-micro-microcosm of the WBD deal. And then they turn their attention to Netflix’s scheme for combatting its current saturation in the U.S. and Canada. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠⁠⁠ . . . To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad cho...

Nov 10, 202527 min

Introducing Free Range with Von Miller

Step inside the mind of NFL legend Von Miller as he goes free range — from the gridiron to the culture at large. Each week, Von breaks down the biggest football stories, dives into the world of sports and entertainment, and chops it up with athletes, artists, and trendsetters shaping the conversation. Equal parts football IQ, locker room energy, and societal curiosity, Free Range is where game meets culture, and no topic is off-limits. You might even get some inside nuggets on this Super Bowl MV...

Nov 09, 20253 min

Rubin’s Fanatics Formula

Live from Puck’s In The Arena sports media conference, Fanatics founder Michael Rubin sits down with Bill Cohan and Michael Nathanson to discuss how he reimagined the sports merchandise world, built a digital juggernaut of commerce, collectibles, and betting, and became one of the most connected figures in sports and entertainment. He also opens up about Fanatics’ next chapter—including the path to a possible I.P.O. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.a...

Nov 08, 202548 min

The WBD-Ellison Enigma

Kim Masters joins Peter with the latest on the Warner Bros. Discovery bidding bonanza, explaining why Hollywood insiders are still betting on the Ellisons and Paramount Skydance to outplay Comcast, Netflix, and maybe even Amazon. Yet, as Kim explains, the Town remains wary of David Ellison’s grand promises—and his not-so-subtle public musings about what he’d do with WBD’s iconic studio. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠⁠ . . . To learn more about list...

Nov 07, 202525 min

The Dems’ Election Night Hangover

Abby Livingston joins Peter to break down the political fallout from Tuesday’s elections and what it all means for 2026. While Democrats racked up big wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and beyond, Abby explains why the results aren’t an automatic endorsement of the party’s broader agenda—and why relying on Trump’s unpopularity might be a risky strategy. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠ . To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: h...

Nov 06, 202527 min

Sam Altman’s A.I. Power Loop

Ian Krietzberg joins Peter to chart OpenAI’s journey from an idealistic nonprofit into a profit-hungry juggernaut, with Sam Altman now steering the company toward billions in A.I. revenue. Ian also shares fresh revelations from a recent deposition that sheds light on OpenAI’s failed to oust Sam Altman from the company two years ago. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠ . To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyin...

Nov 05, 202527 min

America’s Midterm Dress Rehearsal

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter with a primer on today’s pivotal elections in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, California, and beyond—and why you should care even if you don’t live in any of those locales. From Zohran Mamdani’s potential win in New York’s mayoral race to Gavin Newsom’s Prop 50 push in California, these contests could serve as the clearest snapshot yet of America’s political mood nearly a year into the Trump 2.0. See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠bp.com/InvestingInAme...

Nov 04, 202525 min

Media Monday: Bari-Anderson Cooper Fantasies & A Dem Autopsy

Superfriends Jon Kelly and Peter Hamby are reunited for a spirited conversation about Bari Weiss' anchor envy at CBS News and which talent she might build her vision around. Then they segue to the latest autopsy of the '24 election, and how the Democrats' problems were deeper than passing on Rogan. See all the ways bp is investing in America at bp.com/InvestingInAmerica To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about yo...

Nov 03, 202530 min

Luxury’s Q3 and Vogue World Takes Hollywood

Lauren’s guest this week is king of the luxury analysts, Bernstein’s Luca Solca, to discuss how LVMH, Kering, Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, and Prada Group fared during Q3 earnings season. They touch on everything from Chinese and American consumer behavior and the R word (recession), to whether or not Jonathan Anderson’s first Dior women’s show was good enough. (Luca also reviews Chanel.) Up top, Lauren shares reader and industry feedback on Vogue World. To learn more about listener data and our p...

Nov 01, 20251 hr

Why Taylor Sheridan Switched Saddles

Matt Belloni joins Peter to break down his blockbuster scoop that Hollywood’s hit showrunner Taylor Sheridan is leaving Paramount to sign with rival NBCUniversal. As Matt explains, this wasn’t about money—it was about respect, or the glaring lack thereof under David Ellison’s new regime. So what does this mean for Sheridan, Paramount, and NBCU? 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...

Oct 31, 202517 min

Trump’s Department of Injustice

Eriq Gardner joins Peter to discuss what’s really going on with the D.O.J.’s prosecution of three of the president’s political enemies: James Comey, Tish James, and John Bolton. Eriq explains why some of the cases are flimsier than others, thanks in part to the missteps of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan—a handpicked Trump loyalist who has never prosecuted a case before. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more ...

Oct 30, 202521 min

Shutdown Endgame Scenarios & The G.O.P. Power Vacuum

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter to discuss two upcoming off-ramps for the government shutdown, and the pressure points that could bring an end to this grueling political stalemate. Then they consider how House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have ceded congressional power to Trump, and what this portends for both parties going forward. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad cho...

Oct 29, 202521 min

Tesla’s Trillion-Dollar Question

Bill Cohan joins Peter to game out Tesla’s existential question: can the company survive without Elon Musk at the wheel, especially if shareholders balk at his trillion-dollar pay package? The duo also discuss the improbable comeback of meme stocks—from Beyond Meat to Krispy Kreme—and the White House’s head-scratching flirtation with quantum computing firms that look suspiciously meme-like themselves. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/pr...

Oct 28, 202527 min

Media Monday: Adam Silver’s Nightmare & Zaz-Ellison Voodoo

Jon Kelly joins Peter Hamby to weigh in on the two most significant media crises du jour: the NBA’s nightmarish betting scandal and the ongoing and tortured WBD auction. 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...

Oct 27, 202527 min

The $5M TBPN Playbook

John Coogan and Jordi Hays, co-hosts of The Technology Business Programming Network, join Dylan to discuss how they scaled their podcast from a one-hour weekly show to a five-day live juggernaut pulling in roughly $5 million in ad revenue. They explain how they’ve managed to captivate both Silicon Valley and, increasingly, Wall Street—not to mention the CNBCs and Bloombergs of the world marveling from the sidelines. For more great content from The Grill Room, click here To learn more about liste...

Oct 25, 202548 min

WBD Deal Heat & Wall Street Recession Chatter

Bill Cohan joins Peter to break down how David Zaslav is navigating the deal heat surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery, as suitors line up and Paramount’s David Ellison continues jacking up the price of his offer. Bill also weighs in on the mounting recession jitters, and why we might finally be due for a market crash. 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/adchoi...

Oct 24, 202523 min

NFL Envy & Baseball's Ohtani Problem

John Ourand joins Peter in the commentary box to discuss why the NFL is suddenly jealous of the NBA, and whether Roger Goodell will renegotiate the league's multi-billion dollar rights deals. Plus, with the World Series kicking off, Peter grills John about the growing payroll gap in Major League Baseball and whether a salary cap can stop rich teams like the Dodgers from steamrolling everyone else. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privac...

Oct 23, 202526 min

Julia Ioffe on Russia’s Secret History

Julia Ioffe joins Peter to discuss her acclaimed new book, Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy, which is a finalist for the National Book Awards. They chart the book’s origins to its publication, how Putin’s Russia has changed since the early days of Julia’s remarkable undertaking, what she discovered while reporting on her native country through a feminist lens, and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://ww...

Oct 22, 202527 min

Zohran ’26 Game Theory

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter for a rollicking conversation touching on Chuck Schumer’s calculus for not endorsing Zohran Mamdani, perhaps the most electrifying and divisive candidate this cycle; how Zohran’s lefty politics could destabilize Hakeem Jeffries’ plans to retake the House; and whether Hill leadership can unify the far left and center right to forge a winning midterm coalition in 2026. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privac...

Oct 21, 202525 min

Media Monday: The Spotify-Netflix Marriage & The NBA’s A.I. Play

Jon Kelly and Peter are reunited for a conversation around NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s evolving vision for integrating artificial intelligence in his league’s media strategy. The pals also weigh in on Netflix and Spotify’s fascinating new partnership. 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...

Oct 20, 202522 min

Jake Sullivan’s Toughest National Security Decisions, from On Point

Sharing an episode of On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti. On Point is a rare public space where you hear nuanced explorations of complex topics live and in real time. Host Meghna Chakrabarti leads provocative conversations that help make sense of the world, with urgency, timeliness and depth. In this episode, Meghna talks to Jake Sullivan, who has been working to shape policy for the United States for much of the 21st century. With President Donald Trump back in the White House, Meghna asks Sulliv...

Oct 18, 202548 min

OpenAI’s Dirty Little Secret

Ian Krietzberg joins Peter to discuss OpenAI’s eternal tug-of-war between profit and principle. As Ian explains, Sam insists he’s serving both—though his new plan to let ChatGPT generate erotica undercuts his narrative that OpenAI is making the world a better place. Ian also peels back the curtain on the company’s questionable legal maneuvers and whether they’re meant to chill its critics. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy...

Oct 17, 202530 min

The Athlete-Media Gold Rush & OpenAI’s Copyright Cage Match

Julia Alexander joins Peter to break down the booming business of athlete-owned media—how valuable these ventures really are, and why only select athletes can spin up a hit podcast like the Kelce brothers or LeBron James. Then they dig into Sora 2 and the escalating copyright wars between OpenAI and legacy 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...

Oct 16, 202524 min

M.T.G. ’28 Chatter & Stephen Miller's Shadow

Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Peter Hamby to discuss Marjorie Taylor Greene’s whiplash-inducing pivot from QAnon-adjacent wingnut to Obamacare-curious economic populist. Is she reinventing herself for a 2028 presidential run, or just impossible to pin down? Then they turn to Stephen Miller, the Rasputin-like architect of Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, and why Republicans are privately uneasy about Miller’s metastasizing influence inside the White House. To learn more about listener data and our...

Oct 15, 202523 min

Shutdown Game Theory

Abby Livingston joins Peter with the latest intel from Capitol Hill on the now two-week-old government shutdown. As Abby explains, unlike shutdowns of the past, this one is unique: neither party seems particularly worried about political blowback, and leaders aren’t anywhere close to a deal to reopen the government. As we barrel toward what could be the longest shutdown in U.S. history, Abby discusses the factors that could actually lead to a breakthrough. To learn more about listener data and o...

Oct 14, 202522 min
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