The Powers That Be: Daily

Latest Episodes:

The Texas Map Trap Aug 05, 2025

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Abby Livingston joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to break down the latest Texas redistricting showdown, as Democrats once again flee the state in protest of a Republican map designed to secure long-term House dominance. They examine what this tactic might actually accomplish—and the implications for Texas and national politics.

Media Monday: Emma’s New Journal & Apple TV’s Streaming Conundrum Aug 04, 2025

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Jon Kelly reunites with Peter Hamby to dissect the Wall Street Journal’s editorial renaissance under Emma Tucker—and how their current business model and Washington coverage contrasts with rival New York Times. Then the duo explore whether Apple TV+ might finally embrace ads as a way to stop the bleeding on its high-gloss, money-losing streaming service.

As Goop As It Gets Aug 02, 2025

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Lauren's guest is Amy Odell, author of Gwyneth: The Biography. They discuss actress Gwyneth Paltrow's second life as a wellness influencer, editor, fashion designer, and C.E.O. and founder of GOOP, the lifestyle business that has attracted plenty of attention but struggled to turn a profit. They also discuss GP's relationship with Anna Wintour, who was the subject of Amy's first book.Gwyneth: The Biography Anna: The Biography

ZuckGPT Aug 01, 2025

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Ian Krietzberg joins Peter Hamby to survey the global A.I. arms race, and whether other countries are taking the same regulation-free, Wild West approach to artificial intelligence as the United States. Then they dig into the merit behind Mark Zuckerberg’s brow-raising claim that Meta is close to developing something called “Super Intelligence.”

MAGA’s Texas MapQuest Jul 31, 2025

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Abby Livingston joins Leigh Ann Caldwell to dissect the new Texas redistricting maps—part of a Trump-backed effort to expand the G.O.P. House majority. They dig into the political strategies behind the scenes, how Democrats are likely to respond, and whether Texas is a preview of a broader redistricting push.

Art Market Anxiety Disorder Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Marion Maneker joins guest host Julia Alexander to explore the surging collectibles market, and how that may impact art trading as we know it. Then they dig into the recent earnings reports from Christie’s and Heritage, and why Marion believes the art market’s fundamentals are stronger than the prevailing anxiety might suggest.

Hogan’s Gawker Legacy & A Disney I.P. War Jul 29, 2025

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Eriq Gardner joins Julia Alexander to revisit the lasting fallout from Hulk Hogan’s landmark lawsuit against Gawker—backed by Peter Thiel—and how it reshaped the media industry’s legal risk calculus. Then they turn to Disney’s escalating crackdown on unauthorized Mickey Mouse merch, and what it signals about the new frontier of I.P. enforcement.

Media Monday: Shari’s Skydance Shuffle & NFL Redzone Realignment Jul 28, 2025

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Jon Kelly reunites with Peter to chew over the Trump administration’s official blessing of the Skydance–Paramount merger—and the controversial ‘South Park’ broadside that almost blew it all up. Then they explore ESPN’s potential acquisition of NFL media, and what it could mean for Red Zone diehards and the future of football on Sundays.

Dude, Where’s My NASCAR? Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps joins John Ourand for a candid conversation about the sport’s evolving media ecosystem, including new deals with Fox, NBC, and Amazon Prime. Phelps also outlines NASCAR’s experimental growth strategy; explains why he’s not in competition with F1 and IndyCar; and weighs in on the simmering legal standoff with Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan—while making the case for why polarizing personalities like Hamlin are important for increasing fan engagement.

Paramount's ‘Late Show’ Exit Strategy Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Kim Masters joins Peter to discuss how Hollywood insiders are reacting to CBS's abrupt cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—and whether it’s less about cost-cutting and more about appeasing Trump as David Ellison prepares to take the reins at Paramount. They also explore the implications for the studio’s programming slate and whether a “Trumpier” Paramount is on the horizon.

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