
The Powers That Be: Daily
Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Peter Hamby, along with the team of expert journalists at Puck, as they let you in on the real conversations insiders are having across the four corners of power in America: Wall Street, Washington, Silicon Valley and Hollywood. Puck's contributors will bring you smart conversation around the inside stories happening in these worlds. Presented in partnership with Audacy, new episodes publish daily, Monday-Friday.
Latest episodes

May 17, 2025 • 3min
Introducing: Aspire with Emma Grede
Explore the journeys of successful self-made women as Emma Grede engages in enlightening conversations with business leaders. Discover practical strategies and personal stories that reveal the secrets behind their success. Delve into topics like career advice, well-being, and how to create a balanced life while chasing your dreams. With data-driven insights and expert philosophies, this podcast empowers listeners to turn their aspirations into reality.

May 16, 2025 • 20min
MLB’s Rose War & An Upfronts Postmortem
John Ourand, host of The Varsity and sports media expert, joins to discuss MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's controversial decision to reinstate Pete Rose for Hall of Fame eligibility. They dive into the potential political influences behind this decision, especially after Manfred's recent meeting with Donald Trump. John also provides insights from the upfronts in New York, revealing how sports programming is becoming a priority for advertisers. The conversation captures the changing dynamics of sports media and its intersection with politics and advertising.

May 15, 2025 • 29min
Biden’s “Original Sin” Migraine & D.N.C.'s Gen Z Problem
Political journalist Abby Livingston joins to discuss the latest buzz around 'Original Sin,' a book highlighting President Biden's perceived decline in the White House. They delve into the D.N.C.'s internal drama, specifically the push to remove Gen Z vice chair David Hogg. Abby also explores the ongoing Republican rift over Trump's budget measures and the broader implications for party dynamics as they face major electoral challenges. The conversation highlights key tensions and strategic shifts shaping American politics today.

May 14, 2025 • 37min
The Jim Banks Doctrine
Leigh Ann Caldwell hosts Jim Banks, a Republican Senator from Indiana and rising star in the GOP. They discuss the Republican strategy for the upcoming midterms, emphasizing a shift toward individual tax rates and appealing to working-class voters. Banks highlights the impact of tariffs on manufacturing jobs and the party's aim to counter China’s influence. He insists the GOP, under Trump, is more unified than ever, showcasing a transformative dynamic within the party and preparations for urgent military reforms.

10 snips
May 13, 2025 • 29min
MAGA on Wall Street
Bill Cohan, author of *Dry Powder*, dives into Trump’s turbulent trade war with China and its lasting impact on the financial markets. He reveals how MAGA insiders might be reaping benefits from prior knowledge of tariff decisions. The conversation touches on Trump's lavish gifts, like a $400 million jet from Qatar, and his risky ventures in meme coins and cryptocurrencies. Cohan also discusses the ethical dilemmas of congressional stock trading and highlights the bizarre support from Wall Street for policies that contradict their own interests.

May 12, 2025 • 27min
Media Monday: The CNN Dowry & Biden “Cover Up” Questions
Delve into the transformative shifts at CNN as Warner Brothers Discovery considers its future. The discussion highlights journalism's credibility and the changing media landscape. Explore how Joe Biden's presidency is scrutinized through tell-all books and his media strategy amid critical commentary. The podcast also addresses the tradition of presidential silence and its emotional implications. Tune in for insights on public perceptions of Biden’s leadership and the dynamics of family interactions amidst media coverage.

May 9, 2025 • 22min
Make Sports Great Again?
Eriq Gardner, a legal expert and sports analyst, joins Peter to discuss Donald Trump's peculiar interest in sports, including his ambitious plans for the 2028 World Cup and college athletics. They dive into the legal hurdles surrounding these initiatives and the NFL's shift from traditional broadcasting to streaming amid antitrust debates. Eriq also sheds light on legislative implications affecting college sports, such as NIL payments, and how geopolitical issues could impact major events like the Olympics and World Cup.

May 8, 2025 • 25min
Lights, Camera, Tariffs
Matt Belloni, a writer at Puck and host of The Town podcast, joins to unravel the implications of Trump's tariff announcement on foreign film and TV productions. He highlights Hollywood's panic as shoots move to Canada and Europe. The conversation dives into the declining market share of California productions and the possible solutions like tax credits to keep film work stateside. Matt also explores the evolving relations between Hollywood, tech giants, and the political landscape, stressing the urgent need for intervention.

May 7, 2025 • 21min
Ari’s Deep Frieze
Join Marion Maneker, author of Wallpower and art fair expert, as he navigates the bustling art fair circuit. He delves into the frenetic pace of events and discusses whether demand can keep up. Discover why Ari Emmanuel's big investment in Frieze is a game-changer. Marion also clarifies the distinct roles of art fairs versus auctions, shedding light on accessibility and the nuances of art collecting. Expect a mix of humor and insight as he connects pop culture and art appreciation.

May 6, 2025 • 21min
Johnson’s “Big, Beautiful” Nightmare
Leigh Ann Caldwell, a seasoned journalist covering Capitol Hill, joins to dissect Speaker Johnson's ambitious legislative efforts. She reveals the struggle behind the 'big, beautiful bill' and the internal unrest among Republicans, even with Trump's backing. The conversation dives into the intricacies of Congress and the urgent need for unity to win over voters ahead of the midterms. Johnson's unique leadership style and the pressures of passing crucial legislation amidst party tensions add further intrigue to the political landscape.