Strictly Business

Theron (T-R / Tiran) Thomas, a talented songwriter and artist known for creating hits for artists like Miley Cyrus and Rosé, shares his journey from St. Thomas to Grammy recognition. He discusses the dynamics of collaborative songwriting, the evolving nature of music placements, and the importance of crafting commercially viable songs. Theron also reflects on the lessons learned from early publishing deals and advocates for fair compensation in the industry, emphasizing the need for sustainability in songwriting.

The podcast dives into the influence of media on spirituality, featuring insights from Brooke Zaugg of the Faith & Media Initiative. She discusses the necessity of nuanced portrayals of faith and the impact of stereotypes in Hollywood. Richard Gere shares behind-the-scenes stories about his documentary on the Dalai Lama, emphasizing compassion and kindness. They also explore the growing interest in spiritual themes, especially among younger audiences, and the potential for cultural change in the representation of faith in film and television.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jem Aswad details our annual Hitmakers issue, featuring cover star Sabrina Carpenter. He details the year-long effort that goes into assembling the survey of the year’s top 25 tunes. And Todd Spangler gives us an update on the state of bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Brian Steinberg details a deal between TelevisaUnivision and JCPenney to produce microdramas and microdrama branded content. And Chris Willman discusses the unique pleasures of standing in line with fellow music lovers on Record Store Day, Black Friday Edition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety's Rebecca Rubin unpacks the Thanksgiving feast at the box office with “Zootopia 2” and “Wicked: For Good” lighting up screens around the world. And Marc Malkin sits down with Jeremy Allen White as the actor turns his attention back to filming “The Bear.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marlo Thomas, an acclaimed actress and lifelong advocate for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, shares the inspiring story of her father, Danny Thomas. She discusses the emotional journey of founding St. Jude, emphasizing its mission to combat racial medical neglect. Marlo outlines the Thanks and Giving campaign's goals, personal anecdotes from families affected by St. Jude, and the hospital's groundbreaking $12 billion expansion in research and care. She also highlights efforts to engage younger generations in philanthropy.

Ike Barinholtz, actor and comedian known for his roles in film and television, dives into his role as a board member of the Motion Picture and Television Fund. He shares why fundraising feels natural to him and highlights the vital services MPTF provides, like counseling and emergency assistance. Ike reminisces about attending MPTF events and discusses the significance of community support. He encourages listeners to donate, emphasizing that even small contributions can make a big difference in the lives of industry members in need.

Owen Gleiberman, Variety's chief film critic known for his incisive analyses, teams up with fellow critic Peter Debruge to dissect their carefully curated list of the 100 Greatest Comedy Movies of All Time. They dive into the fleeting nature of comedy, exploring why some laughs age like fine wine while others fizzle. Highlights include a spirited defense of 'Waiting for Guffman' and celebrating the comedy goldmine of 1988. They also reflect on modern comedic trends, the evolution of the genre, and the joy of crafting such lists.

Rebecca Rubin, a Variety journalist specializing in box office trends, reveals how Universal's bold decision to split 'Wicked' into two parts led to a record-breaking $150 million debut. Meanwhile, Jennifer Maas, a reporter focused on HBO and streaming, discusses the upbeat mood at HBO amid ongoing acquisition talks and shares insights on their exciting 2026 programming slate. They also explore HBO's innovative strategies for engaging audiences across platforms, like the new Harry Potter series and upcoming originals.

Blair Cohan, a partner at United Talent Agency with a keen eye for comedic talent, and Jason Heyman, a seasoned agent specializing in career building, explore the shifting landscape of comedy. They discuss how comedic opportunities are moving from theaters to streaming, citing shows like Ted Lasso. The duo highlights the importance of live shows in talent discovery and career growth, while also emphasizing the need for studios to embrace risks and create new brands. With insights on mentorship and multi-hyphenate careers, they reveal how the industry is evolving.