Welcome to The Ankler Hot Seat, our new podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Hollywood’s big personalities, power struggles and ever-changing playbook.

In today’s episode is special guest Michael Wolff, whose debut story for The Ankler about Random House and Norman Mailer caused a sensation. The best-selling author and columnist reveals how he first learned about Random House’s refusal to move forward on Mailer’s collection of essays set for 2023 from the author’s son, Michael Mailer, at a Christmas party, and also explains what it means now that the author’s book of political essays has moved to Skyhorse, a publishing imprint suddenly known for taking troubled and controversial authors in for rescue after the larger publishing houses “cancel” them, including Woody Allen.

Our hosts also discuss The Ankler 100, Omicron and awards season, what the rankings for most downloaded streaming apps in 2021 mean, predictions for 2022, and the surprise reappearance of Scott Rudin in awards campaign materials from Fox Searchlight as a contender for an Oscar.

Enjoy and join us every Wednesday for new episodes.

Music by Jordan Sommerlad On Spotify @jordansommerladmusic

Follow @TheAnkler and our hosts: @janicemin @anklerrushfield @tatianasiegel27

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