The Powers That Be: Daily

Lauren Sherman, author of "Selling Sexy: Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon," shares her insights into the dramatic rise and fall of Victoria's Secret. She discusses the cultural shifts that led to the brand's decline and how it struggled to adapt to modern consumer values. The conversation also highlights the recent shakeup at Fendi after Kim Jones's departure, exploring its implications for the fashion industry. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of today's retail environment and what the future holds for iconic brands.

Baratunde Thurston, a journalist and writer at Puck, dives into the heated A.I. arms race involving tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI. He examines how innovative tools like Perplexity AI reshape search experiences with citation-rich answers, challenging traditional platforms. The conversation also highlights risks of identity theft and the evolving role of data privacy. Thurston discusses the implications for content creators and the potential disruption traditional publishers face in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Eriq Gardner, a journalist at Puck specializing in the legal and business aspects of entertainment, joins to dissect the legal turmoil surrounding Michael Rubin and his sports empire, Fanatics. The conversation highlights Rubin's extravagant 4th of July bash and the backlash it generated, as well as his aggressive business maneuvers attracting legal scrutiny. They also dive into the potential ramifications of the Paramount-Skydance merger, including shareholder rights and corporate record access, blending serious topics with a sprinkle of humor.

Alison Roman, an acclaimed food writer and entrepreneur, shares her inspiring transition from The New York Times to forging her own path in food media. She reflects on the unexpected blessings that came from her departure. Joining her is Paul Needham, CEO of The Infatuation, who delves into the dynamics of the restaurant recommendation landscape and highlights upcoming culinary trends like thicker burger patties. The pair also chats about balancing tradition and innovation in Thanksgiving cooking, and the evolving cocktail scene.

Lauren Sherman, Puck's fashion reporter and expert in the fashion business, joins to discuss the fallout from the failed $8.5 billion merger of Capri Holdings with Tapestry. She dives into the future challenges facing luxury brands like Versace and Jimmy Choo amid declining stock values. The conversation also highlights Nordstrom's transition to private ownership, and the missed opportunities for shareholders in the luxury retail landscape. Sherman's insights provide a fascinating look at the evolving dynamics of fashion and retail.

Marion Maneker, Puck's art market expert, dives headfirst into the turmoil at Sotheby's, discussing layoffs and the unexpected reversal of their new fee structure by C.E.O. Charles Stewart. He sheds light on the Emirati investment implications and how they’ve muddled the auction house’s future. They also explore the stagnant art market and speculate on a potential bounce back in 2025, highlighting the importance of strong client relationships and skilled staff in navigating these turbulent waters.

David Levy, former president of Turner Networks, shares his expertise on the shifting landscape of sports media. He discusses Comcast's bold move to spin off cable channels and what it means for the industry. The conversation highlights Amazon's rise in the regional sports network market and the impact of major media deals, including TNT-ESPN. Levy also reflects on the emotional weight of the NBA's departure from TNT and the exciting growth and sponsorship opportunities in women's sports.

Dylan Byers, Puck's media correspondent, and Casey Lewis, youth culture expert, dive into the fashion landscape at the prestigious Allen & Company conference, discussing how wealth influences style choices. They explore Gen Z's shifting brand loyalties and how platforms like TikTok reshape fashion trends. The conversation highlights the contrasting approaches of Abercrombie and Gap, with Abercrombie's trendy image winning Gen Z's favor. Ultimately, the trio reveals the challenges brands face in capturing the attention of today's youth amidst a rapidly changing market.

This discussion dives into the intriguing settlement between ABC News and Donald Trump, raising questions about journalistic ethics. It also highlights The Washington Post's leadership shakeup amidst evolving media dynamics. The rivalry heating up between the NFL and college football is examined, revealing how their scheduling battles impact viewership. Plus, there's a nod to ESPN's financial stakes in the sports entertainment arena, showcasing the shifting competition between sports franchises.

Abby Livingston, a veteran congressional reporter at Puck, dives into the chaotic world of the government shutdown. She analyzes Mike Johnson's struggles to unify his conference amid spending bill controversies. The conversation heats up as they discuss Nancy Pelosi's strategic move to undermine A.O.C.'s leadership ambitions, revealing deep rifts within the Democratic Party. Livingston also unpacks the growing impact of tech moguls like Elon Musk on political discourse and the intricate dance between moderates and progressives in Congress.