The Powers That Be: Daily

John Ourand, author of The Varsity and host of its accompanying podcast, dives into the fascinating dynamics of Augusta National's Masters broadcast control. He reveals how the tournament's unique traditions shape viewer experience and media strategy. Shifting gears, Ourand discusses the high-stakes negotiations for UFC's media rights, exploring whether a new partner will emerge to meet the $1 billion mark and the broader implications for sports media in a changing landscape. It's a compelling look at the intersection of sports, nostalgia, and modern broadcasting.

Jon Kelly, founder of Puck and a notable golf aficionado, joins Peter for an engaging discussion on the media's response to economic shifts. They dive into how tariffs and potential recessions are reshaping advertising revenues, especially for S.V.O.D. companies. The conversation also touches on the contrasting approaches of CNBC and Bloomberg, revealing insights about their respective strategies amidst economic turbulence. Amidst serious topics, the duo shares light-hearted moments over personal interests like music and golf.

Delve into the world of finances as everyday people reveal their spending habits for a week. Discover a young couple's struggles with aspirations of homeownership amid financial stress. Hear about the emotional weight of student debt and the clash between personal finance and societal expectations. Uncover innovative budgeting strategies and the revelations that come from tracking expenses, highlighting the deep emotional ties to money management. This exploration promises relatable stories and valuable insights into the complexities of financial life.

Lauren Sherman, a fashion and retail expert at Puck, joins the discussion to unpack the fallout from Trump's trade war on the fashion industry. She delves into Victoria's Secret facing hefty tariffs and how luxury brands like The Row are adjusting to geopolitical pressures. The conversation also touches on Glossier's struggle to maintain its trendy status amidst declining consumer interest and the brand's recent financial challenges. From import costs to brand revitalization, the insights into the evolving fashion landscape are both revealing and entertaining.

Abby Livingston, a savvy journalist at Puck who specializes in Capitol Hill and national politics, dives into the fallout of Trump's protectionist policies on American farmers. She discusses how Republican representatives are grappling with the backlash against tariffs, and the potential shift in red state politics as agricultural workers feel the pinch. Abby also breaks down the latest drama surrounding the Farm Bill and its implications for the upcoming midterms, highlighting the deep ties between farming and electoral dynamics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.