Strictly Business

Marlo Thomas, an acclaimed actress and lifelong advocate for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, shares the inspiring story of her father, Danny Thomas. She discusses the emotional journey of founding St. Jude, emphasizing its mission to combat racial medical neglect. Marlo outlines the Thanks and Giving campaign's goals, personal anecdotes from families affected by St. Jude, and the hospital's groundbreaking $12 billion expansion in research and care. She also highlights efforts to engage younger generations in philanthropy.

Ike Barinholtz, actor and comedian known for his roles in film and television, dives into his role as a board member of the Motion Picture and Television Fund. He shares why fundraising feels natural to him and highlights the vital services MPTF provides, like counseling and emergency assistance. Ike reminisces about attending MPTF events and discusses the significance of community support. He encourages listeners to donate, emphasizing that even small contributions can make a big difference in the lives of industry members in need.

Owen Gleiberman, Variety's chief film critic known for his incisive analyses, teams up with fellow critic Peter Debruge to dissect their carefully curated list of the 100 Greatest Comedy Movies of All Time. They dive into the fleeting nature of comedy, exploring why some laughs age like fine wine while others fizzle. Highlights include a spirited defense of 'Waiting for Guffman' and celebrating the comedy goldmine of 1988. They also reflect on modern comedic trends, the evolution of the genre, and the joy of crafting such lists.

Rebecca Rubin, a Variety journalist specializing in box office trends, reveals how Universal's bold decision to split 'Wicked' into two parts led to a record-breaking $150 million debut. Meanwhile, Jennifer Maas, a reporter focused on HBO and streaming, discusses the upbeat mood at HBO amid ongoing acquisition talks and shares insights on their exciting 2026 programming slate. They also explore HBO's innovative strategies for engaging audiences across platforms, like the new Harry Potter series and upcoming originals.

Blair Cohan, a partner at United Talent Agency with a keen eye for comedic talent, and Jason Heyman, a seasoned agent specializing in career building, explore the shifting landscape of comedy. They discuss how comedic opportunities are moving from theaters to streaming, citing shows like Ted Lasso. The duo highlights the importance of live shows in talent discovery and career growth, while also emphasizing the need for studios to embrace risks and create new brands. With insights on mentorship and multi-hyphenate careers, they reveal how the industry is evolving.

Owen Gleiberman, Chief film critic at Variety, dives into his reappraisal of Martin Scorsese’s 'Casino,' discussing its cold, sociological lens and the standout performances, particularly Sharon Stone’s. He calls it an underrated masterpiece and contrasts it with 'Goodfellas.' Meanwhile, Joe Otterson uncovers the chaos behind 'Tulsa King,' detailing staffing issues and the lack of clear leadership, alongside the impact of budget cuts and broken promises. The episode highlights both creative triumphs and turmoil in Hollywood.

Matt Donnelly, a senior entertainment writer at Variety, joins seasoned producers Jonathan Wang and Laura Lewis to address the pressing challenges faced by producers today. They dive into the tangled web of credit proliferation and its detrimental effects on accountability and earnings. Wang and Lewis also highlight how streaming has drastically altered the financial landscape, leading to lost jobs and a mentorship void. Together, they emphasize the importance of community and mentorship through Producers United, striving to support emerging talent in an ever-changing industry.

Join Gene Maddaus, Senior media reporter at Variety, who dives into the booming trend of nonunion microdrama production in the U.S. and the implications for actors. Elsa Keslassy, Variety's international editor, shares insights on the American Film Market, discussing its impact on independent films and notable deals, including those involving Mel Gibson and Marc Ruffalo. Together, they explore the creative dynamics of microdramas, the challenges of unionizing these projects, and the growing presence of U.S. companies in Europe.

Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor and box-office reporter, examines the surprising success of 'Now You See Me' and the struggles of 'The Running Man.' He shares insights into audience reactions and studio strategies that shape film performances. Joining him is Peter Kujawski, Chairman of Focus Features, who discusses the future of theatrical moviegoing and the innovative use of psychographics to target diverse adult audiences. They also explore the lessons learned from Focus Fest and how box office revenue is reinvested to foster groundbreaking films.

Maya Rogers, CEO of Tetris Ltd., shares her journey from family ties to leading the iconic brand. She details an innovative collaboration with Red Bull for a global mobile competition culminating in a stunning drone show in Dubai. Discussing Tetris' growth, Maya emphasizes balancing brand authenticity with expansion into immersive experiences. She touches on the significance of esports in promoting inclusivity and mental wellness while addressing challenges in merchandise due to economic factors. A Rubik's Cube partnership and next-gen innovations are also on the horizon.