Strictly Business

Hosted by Variety

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 6, 202618 min

The Business of BlizzCon: 'Warcraft Forever' Surprise, LE SSERAFIM Collab and More

On today's episode, listen to highlights of Variety interviews conducted at BlizzCon, the gaming fan gathering hosted by Blizzard Entertainment Sept. 12-13 in Anaheim, Calif. Jennifer Maas, Variety 's senior writer, TV and video games, gets the backstory from Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries on the beloved brand's 'Warcraft Forever' surprise, and LE SSERAFIM chats about playing the first BlizzCon held since 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 30, 202631 min

'Eavesdropping' Tests the Future of Scripted Social Video

The creators and stars of "Eavesdropping" -- Nicolas Alayo, Kaleigh Howland and Christian Sullivan -- explain how the romantic comedy is made and monetized. It's a rare example of an enduring scripted social video-first series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 23, 202621 min

Producer John Morayniss on Building His Latest Startup Venture With a ‘Surgical Approach’ to 'Owning the Relationship With an Audience’

On today’s episode, John Morayniss, co-founder and CEO of Blink49 Studios , breaks down the building blocks of his latest content startup venture, which has reached the five-year mark. The alumnus of Alliance Atlantis and Entertainment One explains how Blink49’s focus is pure-play content, from traditional TV and film to vertical media to branded content. The company is hitting a stride with the recent launch of two very different original series, drama "YAGA" airing on AMC+, and "The Golden Life," a celebrity reality show for E!. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 19, 202625 min

Chronicle Media Takes Aim at Content's Biggest Problem: Discovery

Chronicle Media chiefs Aaron Sisto and Scott Greenberg detail how they've built an audience simulation platform to help brands and studios reach audiences and "acquire them as fans," as Sisto explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 17, 202614 min

How Netflix’s Messy Executive Transition Will Rock Hollywood

On today’s episode, Variety ’s Matt Donnelly and Michael Schneider break down the surprising upheaval at the top of Netflix’s content operations . Peter Rice is in, Bela Bajaria is out and all of Hollywood is speculating about what comes next for the streaming giant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 16, 202619 min

How Creators Make Money: Digital-First Content Leaders on What Drives Brands and Audiences in the Attention Economy

On today’s episode, leaders in digital-first content discuss the factors that are funneling viewership, fan engagement and brand deals into the creator economy. Participants in the panel recorded Sept. 17 at Variety’s annual Entertainment and Technology Summit, are Aaron Doades, senior VP of product management for Comscore; Zach Miller, president of JesserCo.; and Jarret Myer, CEO of Uproxx Studios; and Shaun Newsum, CEO of Culture Genesis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 14, 202615 min

An NBC Special Presentation: Jen Neal on the Network’s Legacy of Delivering Big Entertainment Events and Beloved Holiday Traditions

On today’s episode, Jen Neal, executive VP of live events and specials for NBC, explains how the network manages a busy slate of events and why this audience is indeed special to advertisers. She also hints at what’s in store for NBC’s 100th anniversary live special on Dec. 10. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 8, 202616 min

Day 1 for Skydance: What You Didn’t See at David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz’s News Conference

On today’s episode, Variety ’s Angelique Jackson and Michael Schneider detail the vibes that they picked up in covering Day 1 of the new Skydance . Jackson and Schneider discuss the scene and the mood at the news conference that David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz held Oct. 6 on the Paramount Pictures lot to mark the closing of the hard-fought Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 7, 202617 min

Ben Affleck Tells All About Artists Equity, Fighting to Film in California and Reclaiming His Stature in Hollywood

On today’s episode, Variety’ s Matt Donnelly details his Variety cover story on Ben Affleck as the multihyphenate returns to the spotlight as an industry player. Affleck also breaks down the working model of Artists Equity, the production company he runs with Matt Damon that has taken a United Artists-like vow to share the wealth with creative talent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 7, 202620 min

Aaron Sorkin, Rachel Zegler, Krysta Rodriguez and Bradley Whitford on Bringing ‘A Few Good Men’ and ‘Evita’ to Life: Variety’s The Business of Broadway Breakfast

Stars and creatives behind buzzy shows coming to Broadway – including “A Few Good Men,” “Evita” and “Dolly: A True Original Musical” – gathered Oct. 5 to talk shop and compare notes about working on the Main Stem at Variety’ s annual The Business of Broadway breakfast, presented by City National Bank. “Pete Hegseth makes Jessep look like a folk singer,” Whitford says of the rock-ribbed Marine he plays in the upcoming revival of “A Few Good Men.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.