Better Call Paul

This week, Paul and Mesh start with a quick discussion of celebrities who are weighing in on the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. Then they discuss Dax Shepard’s deal to bring Armchair Expert to Wondering and debate whether this is a sign of a broader resurgence in the podcast market. Finally, they provide a box office update where animated franchises have been dominant.

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This week, Paul and Mesh start by sharing some of their favorite patriotic flicks in celebration of the 4th. Next, they discuss AMC Networks’ new show runner deal with Jonathan Glatzer, whose credits include Better Call Saul and Succession, and his unique vision for a Silicon-Valley inspired original show. Finally, Paul provides an update on a potential bill that would require broadcast radio stations to pay recording artist royalties and the productive talks between IATSE and the AMPTP as both sides try to avoid a strike.

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This week, Paul and Mesh start off with the concerning Q1 cable data showing that cord cutting is accelerating. They then discuss one of the potential causes of cord cutting – as studios and networks invest more into streaming shows (often) at the expense of linear TV and discuss a line up of streaming hits arriving just in time for summer – Bridgerton, The Bear, House of the Dragon, The Boys, and Dark Matter, just to name a few. Finally, they note that Jonathan Majors has been cast in Merciless, his first role since being convicted of misdemeanor charges related to domestic violence.

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Paul and Mesh begin with some MCU updates: Daredevil’s director Yann Demange being the second director to bow out of the project; and RDJ stating that he’s open to reprising his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Next, they dive into Gina Carano’s wrongful termination and discrimination lawsuit which stems from her being left out of Season 3 of the Mandalorian. Finally, Paul breaks down a recent lawsuit by the members of the 1983 Men’s NCAA Basketball champion NC State Wolfpack against the NCAA for a share of NIL compensation. 

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In this episode, Mesh and Paul kick things off by sharing their excitement for Tribeca Film Festival and the premiere of House of Dragons Season 2. They then dive into the NBA's massive potential trio of rights deals which are rumored to be worth up to $76 billion dollars over the next 11 years. Paul provides an in-depth look at Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's efforts to enforce Texas’ new data and privacy law. Finally, they update listeners on the IATSE negotiations with studios and streamers which are coming down to the wire.

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This week Paul and special guest co-host, Jessica David, kick things off with a look back at a lackluster start to the summer movie box office and a glance ahead at what films could turn the tide. Next, they discuss Fable’s Showrunner AI offering which will allow users to create animated series with just a few prompts. Finally, Paul discusses the latest on WBD’s plans for the future which may include another acquisition.

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This week, Paul and Mesh update the latest fallout from Sean Combs’ various lawsuits and the apology he posted after security camera footage of his attack on Cassie was released. Next, they discuss a few updates from Open AI: (1) a multi-year license agreement with News Corp. to leverage its print media assets in Open AI algorithms and search database; and (2) controversy with Scarlett Johansson who has alleged that Open AI’s “sky” voice is eerily similar to her own.

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This week Paul and Mesh begin with the latest 2025 and 2026 Hollywood tentpole picture release announcements ranging from Imax’s 2025 slate to a new Lord of the Rings film starring and directed by Andy Serkis. They then discuss several major new streaming bundles which will further complicate the content ecosystem as well as the NFL signing a deal with Netflix. Finally, Paul breaks down a class action lawsuit brought by voice actors claiming their rights of publicity were violated by an AI startup, LOVO, who allegedly altered, used, and monetized their voices without permission. 

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This week, Paul and Mesh begin with a preview the 77th annual Cannes film festival. Next, they dig into the ever-changing NIL landscape: the legal background, recent paradigm shifts, and where major college sports might be headed.

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Paul and Mesh kick off the episode by discussing CBS, which, for the 16th consecutive year, was the most-watched US broadcast network. Paul then explains the SAG-AFTRA’s decision to use Nielsen to track streaming viewership data and performance, which will help verify the platform’s own reporting. Finally, Mesh expresses his excitement about Airbnb’s new Icons launch, where pop culture-themed stays and other one-of-a-kind experiences will be available to the public.

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