The Grill Room
Audacy | Puck
Finally, a media podcast about what’s actually happening in the media—not the over-sanitized, legal-and-standards-approved version you read online. Every Tuesday and Friday, join Dylan Byers, Puck’s veteran media reporter, and Julia Alexander, a longtime media analyst, as they sit down with TV personalities, moguls, political pundits and industry executives for raw, honest, sometimes salacious conversations about the business of media and its biggest egos. “The Grill Room,” an homage to the exclusive dining room within The Four Seasons where a generation of media executives consummated deals and traded gossip, is produced in partnership with Audacy Podcasts. The Grill Room is an extension of In the Room, Dylan’s private email for Puck, where he chronicles the intrigue and inside stories behind what’s really going on in the media industry—from the board room to the newsroom to the green room and everything in between. Subscribe here: https://puck.news/dylanbyers
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 38min
Neal Mohan’s YouTube Endgame
Neal Mohan, YouTube's CEO known for his pioneering work in digital advertising, and creator Michelle Khare, famed for her Challenge Accepted series, dive into YouTube's expansive growth and future direction. They discuss the creator economy's evolution and the impact of AI on content creation and viewer engagement. Neal highlights creative freedom and diverse revenue streams, while Michelle shares insights on using AI tools for production efficiency. Together, they explore how YouTube is reshaping storytelling and viewer experiences in the digital landscape.
17 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Times’ TikTok Era & The Zaz-WBD Whisper Network
The discussion dives into the buzz around David Zaslav's potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery and the strategic implications for various buyers. The New York Times is embracing short-form video, aiming to draw in TikTok and Instagram audiences while enhancing retention for existing readers. YouTube's challenges with Shorts and the contrasting dynamics of long-form content are also explored. The hosts reflect on the changing media landscape, personality-driven sports coverage, and the overall maturation of the streaming industry.
Oct 21, 2025 • 57min
The Bulwark’s Seven-Year War
Sarah Longwell, the co-founder and publisher of The Bulwark, shares her insights on the media landscape as a former Republican strategist. She discusses the evolution of their never-Trump mission into a broader pro-democracy agenda. The conversation reveals their strategies for audience engagement, including live events and multi-platform content. Longwell also reflects on their growth during pivotal political moments and warns of right-wing media consolidation, stressing the importance of maintaining editorial independence.
24 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Netflix-Spotify Marriage and Gerry’s Media Land Grab
Dive into the exciting intersection of media as Netflix and Spotify shake things up with exclusive podcast deals. Explore the rise of athlete-owned media and Pat McAfee's dominance on YouTube. Discover why intimate, casual vibes resonate with audiences and what legacy brands like CBS News need to thrive. The looming layoffs at major newsrooms bring a human touch to the industry challenges. Plus, a critical look at Apple's strategy with its services and missed opportunities for CNN. It's a whirlwind of insights you won't want to miss!
24 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 48min
The $5M TBPN Playbook
John Coogan and Jordi Hays, co-hosts of the Technology Business Programming Network, share their journey from a one-hour weekly show to a dynamic five-day live broadcast raking in $5M in ad revenue. They discuss captivating both Silicon Valley and Wall Street, emphasizing the benefits of a live format that enhances viewer engagement. John and Jordi also delve into their unique approach to guest selection and production, and their vision for maintaining a durable show while avoiding venture-funded pitfalls. Tune in for insights on making live monetization unskippable!
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 11min
Can Bari Save CBS?
Julia and Dylan explore the polarized reactions to Bari Weiss's appointment at CBS News, debating its implications for the network. They dive into the Ellisons' strategic motives behind the hire and how Weiss's approach may challenge CBS's traditional identity. Mixed internal sentiments from CBS staff are unpacked, along with thoughts on whether Weiss can transition from her Substack roots to manage a major news outlet. The duo also discusses the potential impact on advertisers and the future of news as a unifying brand amid growing polarization.
Oct 7, 2025 • 45min
The MAGA Creator Industrial Complex
Chris Balfe, the Founder and CEO of Red Seat Ventures, dives into the thriving independent creator economy. He discusses how creators can scale and unlock new revenue streams while maintaining independence from traditional media. Balfe shares insights on the rapid Fox acquisition and highlights the service models that support diverse creators, spanning from Tucker Carlson to various voices in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and differentiation, while also tackling the dual role of AI in both aiding and challenging creators.
12 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
Hollywood’s Sora 2 Panic & Zuck’s Vibes Play
The launch of OpenAI’s Sora 2 has Hollywood in a frenzy, with discussions on how it could redefine the media landscape. As Mark Zuckerberg introduces Vibes, the implications for content moderation and advertising become apparent. The ongoing YouTube TV-NBCU carriage dispute highlights the shifting power dynamics in media. The hosts explore whether studios should embrace fan remixes to enhance discovery and weigh the risks of misinformation from lifelike AI videos. Tune in for insights on the future of media and technology!
27 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 58min
The $25M Bloomberg of Travel
Rafat Ali, founder of Skift, has transformed his company into 'the Bloomberg of travel,' raking in $25 million in revenue. He shares insights on the power of hyper-targeted B2B media and how to build a successful audience through innovative strategies like newsletters and events. Rafat discusses the unique monetization opportunities for vertical media compared to consumer outlets and emphasizes the role of storytelling and talent in media storytelling. He also touches on advice for budding founders in the evolving media landscape.
4 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 2min
Introducing Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright
Dive into the wild world of Springfield with Nancy Cartwright, the voice behind Bart Simpson. Discover eerie predictions made by the show, alongside unbelievable fan theories that challenge reality. Hear exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, from jokes that never aired to unforgettable moments in the recording booth. With celebrity guests and interactive games, it's a lively exploration of one of TV's longest-running shows. Prepare for unexpected twists and flickers of nostalgia as you journey through the heart of The Simpsons!
