

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

Aug 5, 2024 • 28min
Media Monday: CBS News’ Big Shift & Minor Harris Beefs
Norah O'Donnell, a veteran CBS News anchor, discusses her departure and its implications for the future of evening news. Joined by Jon Kelly, they explore the changing landscape of journalism, including the challenge of engaging younger audiences. The conversation takes a turn towards Vice President Kamala Harris's strained media relations and the need for her to connect more with journalists as the election approaches. Humorously, they debate the merits of including three-on-three basketball in the Olympics, highlighting the evolving nature of media.

Aug 2, 2024 • 19min
NBCU’s Olympic Gold & Zaz’s NBA Folly
John Ourand, a seasoned sports media expert, and David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, delve into the Olympic impact on NBCUniversal, highlighting unprecedented ratings and revenue for Peacock. They also examine the evolving viewership trends, especially among younger generations shifting from traditional broadcasting to streaming. The discussion shifts to WBD’s legal challenges with the NBA, revealing how these may influence Zaslav's future negotiations with cable providers amid a complex media landscape.

Aug 1, 2024 • 23min
Prisoner Swap Chatter & Harris’s Big Hire
Julia Ioffe, a prominent journalist known for her insights on major news and political affairs, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of a potential prisoner swap between Russia and the West. They explore Putin's motivations amid escalating tensions, considering cases like Paul Whelan. The conversation also dives into Kamala Harris's strategic choice of Brian Nelson to lead her campaign policy team, reflecting on how this move could reshape her political strategy and address past policy shifts.

Jul 31, 2024 • 27min
Ackman’s Gamble & Trump’s New Money Club
William D. Cohan, a seasoned financial journalist, joins to unpack the rollercoaster of Bill Ackman’s new fund designed for everyday investors. They dive into how Ackman's tactics mirror Warren Buffett’s and debate whether his controversial reputation could hinder success. The conversation shifts to the unexpected union of wealthy investors with political figures like Donald Trump, analyzing how social media reshapes finance and attracts younger investors. Cohan also critiques the political views of affluent leaders, questioning their sincerity amid financial prowess.

Jul 30, 2024 • 20min
A Harris Heat Check & Vance’s Media Nightmare
Tara Palmeri, a savvy political analyst, and J.D. Vance, a notable politician facing media struggles, delve into the dynamic 2024 presidential race. They discuss Kamala Harris's surge in momentum and how she's gaining excitement from first-time voters. The duo contrasts Harris's favorable growing image with Vance's hardships in public perception, emphasizing the role of media strategies. They also touch on the shifting political landscape and the impact of endorsements, revealing the complexities of modern campaigning.

Jul 29, 2024 • 29min
Media Monday: Zaz’s NBA Holy War & Kamala’s Tiktok Bounce
Jon Kelly, an expert in NBA media rights auctions, joins to discuss the bizarre legal battle instigated by David Zaslav against the league. They delve into the tensions surrounding NBA broadcasting, highlighting the missteps of Warner Brothers Discovery. The conversation also pivots to Kamala Harris's use of social media in her political strategy, analyzing how sports and politics intertwine, especially through the lens of modern media dynamics and generational leadership debates.

Jul 26, 2024 • 24min
The Harris Doctrine & Vance Kremlinology
Foreign policy analyst Julia Ioffe assesses Kamala Harris's foreign policy, speculates on Biden's potential second term bid exit, and discusses Moscow's support for J.D. Vance. Topics include Harris's foreign policy stance uncertainties, different views on Israel-Palestine, contrasting perceptions of Vance in Foggy Bottom and Moscow, and analysis of a Channel One correspondent criticizing Harris.

8 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 18min
Michael Rubin’s Legal Woes & A Skydance Scoop
Legal expert Eriq Gardner and Peter Hamby discuss the legal challenges faced by Fanatics and founder Michael Rubin, including rights deals, talent poaching, and disputes with Panini. They also touch on an under-the-radar trial involving the Skydance-Paramount merger, providing insights into disruptive industry practices and competitive strategies.

Jul 24, 2024 • 22min
The Kamala Media Super Bowl
Media analyst Dylan Byers and Peter Hamby discuss how the media covers Joe Biden's exit from the presidential race, focusing on MSNBC's pivot to the Harris story and the relationship between the White House press corps and Biden's former campaign staff.

4 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 19min
Kamala Time & Trump’s New Calculus
Tara Palmeri and Peter Hamby discuss Kamala Harris's reemergence in the Democratic race, Trump campaign's response, potential running mates for Harris, analysis of Trump vs. Harris dynamics, and the evolving role of Biden in the campaign.


