The Powers That Be: Daily

Bill Cohan, a journalist and finance expert, joins to explore Tesla's precarious future without Elon Musk. They dive into whether a new leader could steer the electric car giant successfully. The conversation shifts to the wild resurgence of meme stocks, with Cohan shedding light on how cult-like followings fuel irrational market rallies. They even question the government's flirtation with quantum computing firms, highlighting the peculiar dynamics between politics and speculative interest.

Jon Kelly, co-founder of Puck and media business analyst, dives into the chaos surrounding the NBA's betting scandal and the WBD auction. He dissects the strategic motives behind Paramount Skydance's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, exploring potential breakup scenarios if the deal fails. The discussion reveals how evolving sports betting apps like DraftKings are reshaping gambling culture, alongside comparing recent scandals to historic cases. Kelly emphasizes the need for leagues to regulate betting and educate players amid rising risks.

Joining the conversation are John Coogan, a tech-industry investor and co-host of TBPN, and Jordi Hayes, co-founder and producer of the live tech show. They share insights on transforming their podcast from a weekly segment into a thriving daily live production generating $5 million in ad revenue. The duo discusses the power of live broadcasting in engaging audiences, their unique riff format that boosts viewership, and strategies for attracting high-profile guests. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and immediate commentary in captivating their niche audience.

Bill Cohan, a seasoned media and Wall Street writer, joins to dissect the Warner Bros. Discovery sale dynamics. He delves into David Zaslav's strategic maneuvers amid rising bids, particularly from Paramount's David Ellison. The discussion highlights increasing recession fears and the potential market crash on the horizon. Cohan also explores Zaslav's lucrative options upon exit and the complexities between a full sale and splitting assets. Insightful analysis on how all these factors interconnect keeps listeners engaged.

John Ourand, a savvy media reporter and sports business expert, dives into the simmering envy the NFL feels toward the NBA's lucrative media rights deals. He discusses how these massive contracts have prompted the NFL to reconsider its own agreements. Meanwhile, with the World Series underway, John tackles the pressing issue of MLB's salary disparities, spotlighting how teams like the Dodgers dominate financially. He argues that a salary cap is essential for leveling the playing field, despite the potential controversy it might stir.

Julia Ioffe, a journalist and author of *Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia*, delves into the evolution of Russian women's roles from the Soviet era to today. She shares insights on how Bolshevik policies enabled women to enter the workforce but also discusses the burnout they faced due to overwhelming domestic burdens. Ioffe highlights the legacy of figures like Alexandra Kollontai and reflects on contemporary issues, including rising domestic violence and the longing for traditional roles. Her work serves as a cautionary tale for global democracies.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a political reporter and analyst, dives into the electrifying world of Zohran Mamdani and the strategic maneuvers of New York's political landscape. They discuss the reasons behind Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries withholding endorsements and the implications of Mamdani's progressive values. Caldwell highlights how demographics and local dynamics are shaping Jeffries' decisions, and explores the potential fallout from GOP attack ads. The chat is a revealing look at the complex calculus of leadership in a shifting political climate.

Dive into the NBA's innovative future with Adam Silver's vision of AI integration and personalized viewing. Explore the challenges of monetizing highlights in a global clip culture. Discover the intriguing partnership between Netflix and Spotify, bringing video podcasts to a new audience while reshaping media landscapes. The hosts also dissect the differences in user discovery between streaming platforms. With humorous personal anecdotes sprinkled in, this conversation blends sports, tech, and entertainment seamlessly.

Jake Sullivan, former U.S. National Security Advisor, shares his insights on critical foreign policy dilemmas. He discusses the U.S. stance on the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts. Sullivan critiques the political climate under Trump and highlights global concerns post-January 6. He stresses the necessity of investing in innovation to counter China and reflects on the complexities of life-and-death decisions in national security.

Ian Krietzberg, an AI reporter who digs deep into OpenAI's decisions, joins to discuss the company's balancing act of profit versus principle. He sheds light on the controversial move to allow ChatGPT to generate erotica and its implications for OpenAI's mission. Ian also reveals the company's questionable legal tactics, including subpoenas aimed at AI safety advocates, highlighting concerns about pressuring critics. The conversation dives into how financial pressures shape product choices and the challenges of safely handling users in crisis.