The Grill Room

Latest Episodes:

Disney’s Pre-K Anxieties & A YouTube Talent War May 30, 2025

Show notes

Julia Alexander reunites with Dylan to break down a pair of media industry talking points: whether Disney’s strategic acquisition of ‘Cocomelon’ can help the business reclaim its foothold in the kids content space, and what YouTube’s brazen poaching of ESPN’s Justin Connolly signals about its ambitions in the live sports arena.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

The Apple of MLB’s Eye May 27, 2025

Show notes

On this special crossover episode with The Powers That Be, Jon Kelly joins Dylan to unravel the plot twists in Rob Manfred’s ongoing MLB’s media rights negotiations, highlighting their potential deals with NBC and Apple. Then they 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.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Sam Altman’s $6.5 Billion Bet May 23, 2025

Show notes

Julia Alexander returns to discuss OpenAI joining forces with Jony Ive, the legendary iPhone designer, to build an entirely new, A.I.-powered device category. Then Julia and Dylan exchange notes about ESPN’s monumental pivot from a cable TV brand into a full-fledged app and direct-to-consumer platform.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Jimmy Pitaro’s New ESPN May 20, 2025

Show notes

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro joins Dylan for a deep dive into ESPN’s digital transformation as they prepare to launch their highly anticipated D.T.C. product this fall, named… ESPN. Pitaro unpacks the marketing strategy behind the new app, ESPN’s rights portfolio, the state of their MLB negotiations, the integration of sports betting, and much more.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Why Fox Won’t Fade May 16, 2025

Show notes

Jeff Collins, Fox’s head of advertising sales, joins Dylan to discuss the network’s strategic focus on live sports and news, which has led to significant growth despite the broader decline across the cable industry. Jeff breaks down how Fox’s diverse portfolio is fueling ratings and advertiser demand, and also explains why upfronts remain a crucial moment for the business.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Upfronts Dish: NBC’s NBA Fantasy & The Fox News Bonanza May 13, 2025

Show notes

Julia Alexander reunites with Dylan to explore the key themes emerging from this week’s upfronts in New York, from NBC’s live sports strategy to David Zaslav’s expected decision to spin off WBD’s decaying linear assets. They also consider Fox News’s status as the lone thriving cable news business, and why the NBA might be the best-positioned sports league for the next era of media.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Gerry Baker’s Open Journal May 09, 2025

Show notes

Gerard Baker, former editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal, joins Dylan to explore the Journal’s critical approach to Trump’s economic and foreign policies—and its unique position as a conservative-leaning publication actually willing to challenge him. Gerard also reflects on the Journal’s influence in this political moment, its editorial stance within the Murdoch media empire, and the strength of the American brand in today’s volatile geopolitical landscape.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: ⁠https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

Introducing: Aspire with Emma Grede May 07, 2025

Show notes

Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world’s most successful people.

Emma Grede, one of America’s richest self-made women - wants you to make the most of your life. On ‘Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet.

Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology and of course how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need, to turn your dreams into reality.

The Bravo-Industrial Complex May 06, 2025

Show notes

Julia Alexander is back on the pod to discuss the “Bravo-fication” of the internet—where multi-platform content ignites a 24/7 media cycle, endless engagement loops, and new lanes for monetization. Julia also digs into how platforms like LinkedIn and Substack can be leveraged for content distribution; the influence of niche communities in media, the impact of tentpole events on media consumption, and so much more.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

‘60 Minutes’ to Midnight May 02, 2025

Show notes

Julia Alexander rejoins Dylan to chew over all the challenges facing legacy media brands, like CBS News, in the twilight of the cable TV era. They also dive into the latest twists in the ‘60 Minutes’ saga, as Paramount’s billionaire owner, Shari Redstone—under crippling pressure to close the Skydance deal—has leaned on the network’s prestige newsmagazine to go easy on Trump.

The Grill Room Podcast is presented by bp. See all the ways we’re investing in America: https://www.bp.com/InvestingInAmerica

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