

The Powers That Be: Daily
Puck | Audacy
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 24min
FAANGs Out for Hollywood
Julia Alexander, a media and entertainment reporter at Puck, delves into the intriguing intersection of Big Tech and Hollywood. She discusses how economic volatility and tariffs could influence Apple's commitment to its content business. The conversation shifts to YouTube TV's impressive growth, particularly its user-friendly design and innovative acquisition of NFL's Sunday Ticket. They explore whether such strategies can genuinely rival traditional cable, especially among younger audiences seeking digital options for sports and entertainment.

36 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 28min
Wall Street Goes to Defcon 1
Bill Cohan, author of "Dry Powder" and Wall Street expert, joins Peter for an intense discussion on Trump's trade war and its implications. They delve into alarming warnings from financial heavyweights like Bill Ackman and Jamie Dimon, raising concerns over an impending recession. The conversation shifts to the crypto market's dramatic collapse and waning consumer confidence, highlighting the precarious state of the economy and what lies ahead. Cohan's insights make the complexities of today's market both illuminating and urgent.

Apr 7, 2025 • 24min
Media Monday: VF Regime Change & Kornacki Politics
Radhika Jones' exit from Vanity Fair sparks a discussion on the future of publishing and the pressures facing journalism today. The shift in talent at MSNBC, particularly Steve Kornacki's transition to NBCUniversal, raises questions about network dynamics. As Kornacki joins ESPN's Sunday Night Football, the impact on sports commentary is also explored. The conversation dives into the balance between commercial viability and journalistic integrity against a backdrop of evolving audience expectations.

10 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 19min
Trump Against the World
Julia Ioffe, a seasoned journalist, joins to dissect the fallout from President Trump's tariffs. They discuss how these trade policies are raising prices, destabilizing markets, and straining relationships with allies like Vietnam. The conversation draws parallels with Soviet Russia to highlight economic disconnection and consumer struggles. Ioffe also critiques the shift towards isolationism in U.S. foreign policy and explores how global powers like Russia and China view America’s economic challenges.

14 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 28min
Trump’s Tariff D-Day
Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and author of "Dry Powder," joins to discuss Trump’s recent whirlwind tariff announcements and their chaotic effect on financial markets. They dive into the disconnect between Trump's optimistic portrayals and the looming economic reality for industries and consumers. The conversation also tackles Trump’s controversial pardons for white-collar criminals, including Ozy Media's Carlos Watson, and the troubling implications for the criminal justice system. Cohan provides keen insights into the intersection of politics and finance.

Apr 2, 2025 • 21min
NCAA’s April Madness & The NFL’s Palm Beach Confab
Join journalist John Ourand as he dives into the thrilling chaos of college sports, unpacking the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament drama, NIL policies, and the controversial transfer portal. He also sheds light on the Comcast and YES Network carriage dispute, revealing its effects on fan experiences. Additionally, Ourand shares insights from the NFL owners' meeting, discussing potential schedule changes and broadcasting rights in the age of streaming giants. It's a lively discussion about the evolving landscape of sports!

10 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 23min
The A.O.C. Boomlet
Leanne Caldwell, an expert journalist at Puck, lends her sharp political insight as she discusses Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's rising influence within the Democratic Party. They explore the implications of Ocasio-Cortez’s potential candidacy for Schumer’s seat and even the presidency in 2028. Caldwell highlights the complex dynamics of her reputation, navigating support among progressives while facing broader electoral challenges. The conversation delves into AOC's strategic maneuvers and the evolution of her role since 2018, painting a vivid picture of today’s political landscape.

Mar 31, 2025 • 25min
Media Monday: Graydon Week & Peyton Manning’s Mega-Series A
The hosts dive into the glamour of a recent D.C. gala celebrating influential journalism. They shed light on the evolution of relationships in media and the pressing challenges faced by the industry. In a fascinating twist, they discuss Peyton Manning's impressive $800 million investment in Omaha Productions, dissecting its brand power and the hurdles for Endeavor. The conversation also touches on the shifting dynamics in media production, highlighting new partnerships and the importance of audience engagement through social media.

17 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 26min
The Atlantic’s Signalgate Boost & CNN’s Zucker Redux
Dylan Byers, a seasoned journalist and author of "In the Room," joins to dissect big media topics. He delves into how The Atlantic has boosted its standing among elites with powerful scoops, particularly regarding military operations. The discussion shifts to CNN's attempts at revitalization after the debacle of CNN Plus, highlighting key staffing changes and strategic pivots aimed at regaining relevance. Byers emphasizes the importance of credible journalism amid fierce competition and evolving dynamics in the media landscape.

7 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 20min
Signalgate Fallout
Leigh Ann Caldwell, an expert journalist, provides a gripping look into the Signal group chat scandal that unfolded among Trump administration officials. She reveals how senior officials accidentally included The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg in sensitive discussions about war plans. The fallout has sparked a range of reactions from Republican leaders, revealing a divide between Trump loyalists and those raising alarm bells over national security risks. The reliability of encrypted messaging tools is also highlighted amid ongoing cybersecurity concerns.