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
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h
Can Yahoo Survive in a Hyper-Niche World?
Jim Lanzone, CEO of Yahoo, shares insights into the company's turnaround since its acquisition by Apollo. He discusses Yahoo’s strategy focused on finance, sports, and mail, emphasizing the importance of loyal users and modern revenue streams. Lanzone delves into Yahoo’s AI ambitions, addressing both its threats and opportunities in the evolving digital landscape. He highlights the company's strengths in performance advertising and potential growth in sports and finance, while exploring Yahoo's brand identity as a valuable consumer product.
Dec 6, 2025 • 5min
Introducing How We Made Your Mother Season 2!
Join Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas as they dive into the nostalgic world of How I Met Your Mother, exploring behind-the-scenes stories and the show's philosophical moments. They share excitement about joining the Office Ladies Network and tease upcoming guests like Joe Manganiello and Bryan Cranston. Fans are encouraged to connect through voice messages, showcasing the show's global impact. It's a heartfelt rewatch filled with laughter, love, and insights into storytelling that resonates two decades later.
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
Substack’s Lizza Problem & Spotify Wrapped Revelations
Dive into the chaotic Nuzzi-Lizza saga, where journalism blurs with public drama. Explore how Substack's lack of editorial oversight fuels blog feuds and the consequences for both writers. Switch gears to Spotify Wrapped, revealing its role in personal identity and social sharing. Discover the viral marketing genius behind Spotify and why it triumphs over Apple Music. Finally, consider the lessons for creators about authenticity and the risks of chasing attention in the digital age.
32 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 5min
Elon, Zohran & The New Politics of Influence
McKenna Kelly, a Senior Writer at Wired, dives into the fascinating intersection of politics, internet culture, and technology. She discusses how Elon Musk's influence reshaped political narratives and the shift from traditional press to influencer-driven coverage. McKenna highlights how online fandoms can energize campaigns, citing Zohran Mamdani's grassroots success. With creators now seen as credible sources, she explores the challenges reporters face in maintaining objectivity while navigating these new dynamics. It's a reflection on the evolving landscape of political media.
Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 3min
Thanksgiving Media Intrigues & Nuzzigate Leftovers
Dive into the fascinating blend of journalism and influencer culture, where Dylan and Julia discuss the blurred lines and ethical dilemmas involved. They tackle how A.I. is reshaping tech giants like Apple and Google, predicting potential pitfalls for Apple. Enjoy insights into the democratization of media as they celebrate independent journalism and the importance of clear communication in today's landscape. With a sprinkle of humor, they also touch on the captivating Nuzzi-Lizza saga, adding an entertaining twist to the conversation.
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 8min
Nuzzi, Wolff, and the Algorithm Apocalypse
Brian Morrissey, a media commentator and co-host of the People vs Algorithms podcast, teams up with media executive Troy Young to explore the shifting landscape of journalism. They discuss the rise of 'information entrepreneurs' like Olivia Nuzzi and Michael Wolff, contrasting them with traditional journalists. The conversation delves into performative reporting and whether legacy journalists should adopt newer, attention-driven tactics. They also unpack the tensions between direct-to-audience content and institutional journalism, revealing the evolving dynamics shaping media today.
Nov 21, 2025 • 35min
Inside Alison’s Roman Empire
Alison Roman, a cookbook author and culinary influencer known for her relatable recipes, joins Dylan to discuss her growth as an independent creator. She shares her Thanksgiving plans, including a memorable menu for family gatherings. Alison opens up about her new book and the importance of authenticity in her work. She dives into her decision to leave Substack for a more customizable platform and emphasizes the need to prioritize quality over quantity in her creative output.
Nov 18, 2025 • 56min
Olivia Nuzzi’s Media Mirage & Gerry Cardinale’s Broadsheet Blues
The hosts dive into Olivia Nuzzi's compelling profiles, revealing the complex ties between celebrity culture and legacy media. They explore the battle for The Telegraph amidst British resistance and ponder how social media affects audience engagement. The discussions touch on the changing dynamic of accepting Middle Eastern investments and Jeff Bezos's new AI venture's impact on The Washington Post. They conclude with a focus on legacy media's survival, emphasizing the need for constant reinvention in a rapidly evolving landscape.
15 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
A $420M Mamdani Surprise & Bankoff’s Podcast Spin Plan
The hosts dive into the hype around prediction markets and their influence on politics, highlighted by a $420 million buzz over a mayoral election. The BBC faces a potential legal showdown with Trump, raising questions about its nonpartisan image. Jim Bankoff's strategy for Vox Media's podcast spin-off stirs discussions on the evolving value of talent versus legacy brands. Meanwhile, Bob Iger hints at Disney's careful exploration of AI-generated content, balancing innovation with brand safety.
34 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 51min
A.I.’s Mass Media Makeover
Ian Krietzberg, a reporter at Puck known for his keen insights on AI, dives into the evolving landscape of media dominated by artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI rewires audience behaviors and challenges trust in news. Krietzberg warns of potential pitfalls like bad data and high energy costs that could hinder progress. He emphasizes that exclusive content and credibility will be critical for media survival in this algorithm-driven world. The conversation tackles the delicate balance between AI's promise and its risks, particularly in fostering trust.
