Strictly Business

Dive into a captivating profile of Jodie Foster, exploring her complex relationship with her mother and the artistic influence it had on her career. Discover why she took a decade-long break from acting to safeguard her creativity. Hear about her thoughtful comeback in the film A Private Life and the enigmatic nature of her 2013 Golden Globes speech. Plus, Sarah Jessica Parker hints at future possibilities for Sex and the City, all while celebrating the achievements of remarkable actresses like Parker and Helen Mirren at the Golden Globes.

Jacob Soboroff, NBC News correspondent and author of "Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster," dives into the chaotic world of misinformation during the 2025 L.A. firestorm. He discusses how disinformation muddled evacuation efforts and hindered recovery. Jacob reflects on the political tensions that emerged among leaders like Newsom and Biden as the fires raged. He also examines the struggles of the entertainment industry, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and the personal toll of loss amidst such disasters.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jazz Tangcay explains why the 98th annual Academy Awards may well mark a breakthrough moment for female cinematographers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we’ll break down the holiday box office with Variety’s Rebecca Rubin. It was a bountiful end of the year for exhibitors. And Todd Spangler does some crystal ball gazing with Variety’s predictions for 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Strictly Business" co-host Andrew Wallenstein traveled to Israel last month to take part in Jerusalem Sessions, a first-time festival where local TV and film pros discussed how to contend with the dark cloud that has been cast over their industry since Oct. 7, 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, showbiz historians David Monod and Peter Rader describe the entertainment marketplace as it existed in 1905, the year Variety began publishing in New York. The pair have great insights into how the past has informed the present in the world that Variety has covered for 12 decades and counting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’s Clayton Davis and Michael Schneider unpack Hollywood’s latest big surprise – the Oscar telecast’s move to YouTube starting in 2029. And Marc Malkin gets the details from "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie about how his big break happened and what he advised his mother about watching the HBO Max hockey drama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trish Dietsch, deputy editor at Variety, played a pivotal role in creating the magazine's 120th anniversary package. She shares insights on organizing twelve decades of showbiz history, including the joy sparked by a long-lost photo of Liberace with Michael Jackson. Trish discusses selecting four stories per decade and the unique freedom to explore history creatively. They also touch on sourcing visuals from early entertainment eras and the collaborative effort behind the project, making it a fascinating reflection on Hollywood's highs and lows.

Join David Monod, a cultural historian, and Peter Rader, a celebrated author, as they transport listeners back to 1905 to explore the vibrant world of vaudeville. They discuss the bustling entertainment marketplace and how vaudeville became accessible to the masses. Monod offers insights into the nuances of audience behavior and show structure, while Rader delves into the fascinating rise of icons like Sarah Bernhardt and the impact of emerging technologies like gramophones on celebrity culture. It's a lively romp through the origins of modern entertainment!

On today’s episode, Variety’s Marc Malkin helps put Rob Reiner’s legacy and impact in Hollywood into perspective. And Rebecca Rubin breaks down the weekend box office as “Zootopia 2” reclaims the No. 1 spot and “Ella McKay” stumbles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.