Breaking Down the Biz

By Seth Schachner | StratAmericas

On Breaking Down the Biz, we simplify the big stuff in the business of music , entertainment, and technology. Industry insider Seth Schachner (ex Sony Music, Microsoft, AOL, Universal Music) brings yo... more

· Business

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FAQs about Breaking Down the Biz:

How many episodes does Breaking Down the Biz have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.

Breaking Down the Biz episodes:

May 27, 2026 Music Platforms' New Huge AI Integration
On this episode of Breaking Down the Biz, Seth covers major recent developments in the music industry, including Universal Music Group's strategic moves with AI, TikTok partnerships, and collaborations with Live Nation, highlighting industry trends and future directions.

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7min
May 22, 2026 Finding the Future of Broadway: Andy Sandberg On the Economics of Theater
Andy Sandberg, Tony Award-winning producer and director joins Breaking Down the Biz to discuss how the financial realities of Broadway have led to strategies and innovative practices are shaping the future of theater. He and host Seth Schachner discuss the internal dynamics that drive success, offer insights into investment, production, and the economic forces transforming the industry. They also discuss Andy's involvement with the Hermitage Artist Retreat, where he helps to guide the next generation of theater creatives.

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33min
May 20, 2026 How Late Night Comedy Is Changing, with Tabitha Lipkin
Longtime media strategist and former NBC anchor, Tabitha Lipkin discusses the shift in content approach from legacy media has affected late night. She and host Seth Schachner reveal how legendary hosts like Stephen Colbert and Conan O'Brien are transforming their careers by shifting from big studios to independent, creator-driven models. The industry is in flux, and the way content is created, monetized, and distributed is evolving faster than most realize.

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10min
May 14, 2026 Broadway's Impending Crisis: Jason Eisner On the Business of Musical Theatre
Broadway producer Jason Eisner joins the podcast to explore the surprising forces driving the future of theater, from social media's explosive power to immersive experiences and global audiences. He and Seth discuss how the industry balances a historic golden age with financial risks, and how they turn innovative storytelling into success. They touch on how social media transforms ticket sales, streaming broadens theater's reach, and why the star-power model evolves.

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43min
May 12, 2026 Oasis, Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia', and Instagram | Breaking Down the Biz
On this episode of Breaking Down the Biz, Seth Schachner covers recent developments surrounding the new Oasis documentary, Greta Gerwig's upcoming Narnia film and it's theatrical release strategy, and Instagram's crackdown on fake accounts.

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6min
May 05, 2026 Do We Have A 4th Major Label? Inside the BMG/Concord Merger with Tom Truitt
On this weekly update, we learn how the recent BMG and Concord merger positions itself as the unlikely fourth music major and what that means for competition, artists, and the ownership of the legendary catalogs of great artists past.
Seth Schachner and Nashville-based consultant Tom Truitt break down the implications of this consolidation. They cover the core differences between catalog and publishing giants, Nashville’s surprising role in global industry shakeups, and how private equity is fueling a fierce war for ownership of music assets.

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11min
April 30, 2026 What Does A Music Manager Do? With the Legendary Ron Stone
Bob Dylan, Nirvana, The Eagles, Foo Fighters, Joni Mitchell, the Beastie Boys - all incredible artists in their own ways. What do they have in common? They were all managed by Ron Stone, our guest on today’s podcast.
Ron has spent five decades at the center of the music industry, representing a legendary roster that spans from the folk-rock of the '60s to the boundary-pushing sounds of grunge and '90s alternative powerhouses.
In this episode, we discuss what has stayed the same in an industry that seems to change every five minutes. Ron breaks down the transition from vinyl all the way to streaming, the current frenzy over music catalog buying, and the timeless strategies that apply whether you're in the 1960s or on TikTok. Featuring inside stories on Neil Young’s rights battles, the strategy behind Nirvana’s launch and more, this is a masterclass in the business of music and the history of some of the greatest artists of all time.

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54min
April 28, 2026 MIchael Jackson, Noah Kahan, & AI In Hollywood
In this episode, Seth Schachner explores recent developments in music and entertainment, including a new Michael Jackson biopic, recent releases by Noah Kahan, Foo Fighters & U2, and delves into how AI is being integrated into the entertainment industry by talent with vested interests.

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6min
April 23, 2026 Why Apple Made A Song 99 Cents, with Paul Vidich
Industry veteran Paul Vidich shares how Apple’s iTunes and Steve Jobs defied conventional wisdom to revolutionize music consumption. Discover the behind-the-scenes strategy that turned digital downloads from a pricy gamble into a $1 billion dollar phenomenon within just a year, and learn how this shift laid the groundwork for today’s streaming universe.
Seth and Paul unlock the pivotal negotiations that set the stage for iTunes’ success, revealing the critical choices around pricing, metadata, and consumer experience that often go overlooked. Paul also shares eye-opening insights on how early experiments in digital music laid the foundation for streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, transforming the way millions access and enjoy music today.
Paul Vidich is a bestselling novelist and former media executive, known for his strategic influence on digital transformation in the music industry and his intricate espionage novels inspired by real-world family mysteries. Learn more at https://paulvidich.com/

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45min
April 21, 2026 A Verdict On Ticketmaster, with John Chu
On today's episode, we discuss the recent developments in the lawsuit with Ticketmaster and Live Nation. We're joined by expert John Shu, a lawyer, former White House advisor and industry insider, to break down the groundbreaking settlement between the DOJ, states, and Live Nation. This settlement isn’t just about a few million dollars, but about opening up the ticketing ecosystem and potentially reshaping the entire live entertainment industry.

Read more from John on his Substack, or find him on LinkedIn.

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13min

FAQs about Breaking Down the Biz:

How many episodes does Breaking Down the Biz have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.