Strictly Business

Variety previews "Daily Variety," a new podcast featuring conversations with Variety journalists and guests about news, personalities and trends making headlines in the entertainment industry. It's hosted by Cynthia Littleton, co-editor in chief of Variety and host of Variety's "Strictly Business" podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN on-air analyst for both men and women's pro and collegiate hoops discusses the current state of NBA and WNBA as media properties, as well as her new Disney Plus show "Vibe Check" and her recent foray into scripted series production for Peacock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a bonus episode of Variety's Strictly Business podcast, Variety reporter Ethan Shanfeld describes the scene and the reaction after Sean Combs was acquitted on the most serious charges in his federal sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution case that has made headlines for the past two months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daisy Stall, EVP & group head of entertainment finance at California Bank & Trust, shares her extensive knowledge gained from three decades in film and TV financing. She discusses the dramatic changes in funding models driven by streaming services and the shift towards private finance as traditional banks step back. Daisy highlights the role of AI in reducing costs and streamlining investments, while also addressing the impact of rising interest rates on Hollywood. Her insights into the evolving landscape reveal both challenges and exciting opportunities for creators.

The newly appointed leader of one of Hollywood’s largest talent agencies sketches out his vision of the fast-changing entertainment landscape and what it means for the talent represented by his firm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scopely's senior vice president of publishing Eric Wood breaks down how the mobile gaming company has reached staggering success with "Monopoly Go" and plans for new acquisition "Pokemon Go."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Variety hosts a conversation during the Cannes Lions festival with Michelle McGuire, principle and chief commercial officer of Converge by Deloitte, and Ruba Borno, VP, global specialists and partners for Amazon’s AWS. The two discuss how their companies are harnessing AI tools and data analytics to guide sports marketing expenditures for blue-chip brands. The pair reflect on how their experiences working together underscore that even the biggest corporate players need partners to help drive the AI productivity revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The president of Bell Media is a native New Yorker and veteran TV executive who took the reins of one of Canada’s largest media conglomerates in 2023. He’s determined to raise the company’s profile as player in global content and platforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder and CEO of the production banner that delivers high-volume unscripted hits including "Dr. Pimple Popper" and "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" explains how he rose from humble beginnings to become a business owner.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarell Thompson, VP of Gaming for Havas Play, shares insights on connecting brands with gaming communities, while Shab Azma, CEO of ARK Collective, dives into how influencers monetize their skills. They discuss the dynamic world of influencer marketing and the importance of authenticity in reaching Gen Z. The conversation also highlights the rising influence of women in the creator economy and the benefits of long-term partnerships between brands and creators, making waves in the ever-evolving digital landscape.