Breaker Pod

At the fourth annual Truth Tellers Summit in London, Breaker Media founder Lachlan Cartwright and London Centric founder Jim Waterson joined BBC media editor Katie Razzall for a candid conversation about the brutal realities — and amazing opportunities — of building independent journalism outside legacy media. From burning through life savings and working “20 hours a day,” to scooping major outlets, chasing Murdoch stories, and surviving the subscription economy, the panel explored what it really takes to build a modern media business in 2026. “I was waking up in the middle of the night spewing my guts up with stress because I was worried I was going to lose my life savings.” — Lachlan Cartwright “You live and die by whether your paid subscribers are going up.” — Jim Waterson The discussion took place at the Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit in London, where leading journalists, editors, and investigative reporters gathered to debate the future of journalism, AI, trust, democracy, and independent media. #Journalism #Media #Podcast #Substack #NewsMedia #IndependentJournalism #MediaIndustry #DigitalMedia #InvestigativeJournalism #TheGuardian #NewYork #YouTubePodcast #MediaNews #Press #Politics #News #Journalist #CreatorEconomy #Publishing #UKMedia #Viral #ViralVideo 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Ken Auletta has spent decades chronicling the most powerful figures in media — from Rupert Murdoch to Harvey Weinstein. In 2026, he sees a media landscape that’s more chaotic, competitive, and vulnerable than ever. In this episode of The Breaker Pod with Lachlan Cartwright, Auletta breaks down the Murdoch family succession battle, what drives Rupert Murdoch, and what the empire could look like after him. He also reflects on his legendary New Yorker career, the craft of profiling powerful people, and the risks of access journalism in an era of PR handlers and corporate pressure. Along the way, Auletta shares behind-the-scenes reporting stories — from nearly exposing Harvey Weinstein years before the scandal broke to helping Ronan Farrow with his subsequent research at The New Yorker — and offers a candid look at the pressures facing journalists today, from political attacks to risk-averse media owners. 00:00 Inside the Murdoch dynasty and what the doc missed 01:38 What the Netflix Murdoch doc got wrong 03:26 The family settlement and hidden NDAs 05:10 Profiling Rupert Murdoch up close 07:03 How Auletta landed access to Murdoch 09:19 Elizabeth Murdoch and the succession battle 11:15 Will the Murdoch family ever reconcile? 13:24 The dangers of access journalism 14:48 Dealing with PR handlers and gatekeepers 15:52 What drives Rupert Murdoch? 17:16 What happens to the empire after Rupert 19:38 Why Fox News remains so powerful 21:01 The Harvey Weinstein reporting story 23:30 How Ronan Farrow broke the Weinstein case 25:23 What surprised Auletta about the trial 28:15 The future of The New Yorker 31:08 Why legacy media still survives 32:10 The New York Times’ unexpected business model 33:34 How Auletta picks his subjects 35:01 The profile that stuck with him most 36:35 Roy Cohn’s influence on Trump 37:50 Who he still wants to profile 39:17 Why subjects feel “betrayed” by profiles 41:00 Why journalism is more dangerous than ever #media #journalism #podcast #murdoch #rupertmurdoch #succession #interview #news #foxnews #newyorker #trump #harveyweinstein #digitalmedia #press #breakingnews #politics #politicalcommentary #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #explore 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Graydon Carter helped define modern magazine journalism — from Spy to Vanity Fair to Air Mail. But in 2026, he’s not convinced the media industry is headed in the right direction. In this episode of The Breaker Pod with Lachlan Cartwright, Carter reflects on his decades shaping cultural coverage, his early calls on Donald Trump, and why he believes journalists should skip the White House Correspondents’ Dinner altogether. He also breaks down what made magazines powerful, why that influence has faded, and what it actually takes to build something people want to read now. Along the way, Carter shares behind-the-scenes stories from Vanity Fair, his approach to hiring and storytelling, and the biggest mistake media companies are making today. 00:00 Why journalists shouldn’t attend the WHCD 00:45 Early take on Trump and Spy Magazine 01:11 “Washed-up on local access TV” 02:04 Reinventing The New York Observer 04:30 The moment he knew it worked 05:09 Taking over Vanity Fair 07:22 How editors shape great stories 10:12 Building a must-read publication 14:11 Why he’d skip the WHCD today 15:26 Covering Trump: “a fire hose” 17:40 Why America “swings wildly” 24:03 What he looks for in young journalists 31:54 “You cannot cut your way to greatness” 35:00 Why media jobs aren’t as fun anymore 38:18 Why magazines lost their influence 40:10 The future of media and social platforms 41:20 His long-running feud with Trump #graydoncarter #media #journalism #politics #trump #vanityfair #podcast #interview #pressclub #news #whcd #digitalmedia 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Jennifer Welch didn’t intentionally set out to build a political media platform. After her reality TV show was canceled, a podcast started almost as a joke — venting about everyday annoyances, bad etiquette, and life in general. Then it shifted. In this conversation with Lachlan Cartwright, Welch explains how her podcast evolved into a major political voice, why audiences are turning away from traditional media, and how authenticity — not polish — is driving growth in the new media landscape. She also talks about interviewing figures like Barack Obama, navigating offers from legacy media, and why she’s refused major corporate deals to maintain independence. This is a conversation about the collision of comedy, politics, and media — and where it’s all heading next. 00:00 Behind-the-scenes start and setup 01:14 From reality TV cancellation to podcast launch 02:12 Early podcast topics and viral growth 03:14 Political shift and audience connection 04:03 “Joe Rogan of the left” conversation 05:13 Why the podcast turned political 06:49 Interviewing Obama, AOC, and Harris 07:37 Entering the political mainstream 09:10 Inside the Democratic Party divide 10:19 Positioning within the media landscape 11:41 Legacy media vs independent creators 13:03 Turning down major corporate deals 14:34 Refusing traditional media promotion 16:21 Criticism, controversy, and audience reaction 17:24 “Dark woke” and political messaging 19:34 Money, media, and independence 21:45 Legacy media “cosplaying” podcasts 23:57 The role of podcasts in elections 25:02 Why candidates need long-form interviews 26:15 Family reactions to podcast fame 27:43 Toxic masculinity and online culture 29:23 Guests she would (and wouldn’t) interview 31:01 Dream guest: Larry David 32:11 Interviews she would redo 33:40 2028 election predictions 35:43 The future of media and journalism 36:40 Building a personal news ecosystem 37:36 Podcast chemistry and success 37:59 What’s next: books, growth, and touring #podcasts #jenniferwelch #politics #media #interviews 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Adam Friedland didn’t follow the rules. No marketing strategy. No audience targeting. No optimization. At one point, he and his co-hosts didn’t even think their own show was good. And yet, it became a hit. In this conversation, Friedland talks about the accidental rise of his podcasts, why authenticity now matters more than polish, and how the internet has completely reshaped media, comedy, and politics. He also breaks down his interview process, how he approaches guests, and why long-form conversations still work in a short attention span era. This is a conversation about how media is actually changing — from someone in the middle of it. 00:00 “People power” intro and tone 00:29 Growing up in Las Vegas 01:20 From law to comedy 02:30 The “bad” podcast that blew up 04:00 Why they thought it sucked 06:00 Fan-driven growth and clips 08:00 Reinventing the show 10:30 How he prepares for interviews 14:00 Talking to politicians and celebrities 18:30 The Alec Baldwin interview 24:00 Editing and making it entertaining 28:00 Why he ignores analytics 32:00 The business side of podcasts 36:00 Why late night TV is struggling 40:00 Comedy vs politics 44:00 The future of media #podcasts #adamfriedland #comedy #media #interviews 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Pulitzer Prize–winning editor David Remnick joins Lachlan Cartwright for a wide-ranging conversation on The Breaker Pod about Trump’s pressure on the press, billionaire media ownership, the weakening of legacy institutions, and how journalism survives its most dangerous era. Remnick reflects on running The New Yorker through a century milestone, the collapse of print advertising, adapting to the internet and AI, the chilling effect of political intimidation, and why talent — not tech — still determines whether journalism endures. They also discuss Bezos and the Washington Post, the Harvey Weinstein investigation, Trump’s attacks on the media, the role of ownership, and what the next generation of journalism must protect at all costs. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Trump, Bezos, and billionaire pressure 01:25 – The New Yorker at 100 02:55 – Ad collapse and reader loyalty 05:35 – Why paywalls finally worked 07:00 – AI, archives, and audio 09:00 – Washington Post fallout 12:00 – Editing, longevity, and succession 17:50 – Weinstein investigation inside The New Yorker 22:10 – Trump, aging, and media scrutiny 27:40 – Free speech and intimidation 30:05 – Ownership, courage, and standing tall 33:25 – The future of journalism #DavidRemnick #Journalism #MediaIndustry #FreePress #DonaldTrump 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Hollywood is reeling after Netflix’s bombshell plan to buy Warner Bros. — and Janice Min joins Lachlan Cartwright to explain exactly why the town is in full-blown panic. From mass layoffs to collapsing leverage, shrinking marketplaces, shrinking salaries, and the death of bidding wars, Min breaks down how the merger could reshape Los Angeles, destroy thousands of jobs, and tilt all power toward tech giants. She also dives into HBO’s future, Disney’s succession mess, David Zaslav’s payday, the collapse of the trades, AI disruption, Substack’s rise, and why she built The Ankler as Hollywood’s inside-the-room voice. This is one of the most definitive conversations yet about the future of entertainment, streaming, journalism, and power. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Fish Cheeks 00:22 – Introducing Janice Min and her media legacy 01:00 – Netflix shocks Hollywood with plan to buy Warner Bros. 01:25 – Why the entire town went into meltdown 02:10 – The history of consolidation and why it always means job losses 03:00 – LA’s unemployment crisis and what comes next 03:50 – Shrinking marketplaces and the death of bidding wars 04:40 – Pay cuts, leverage collapse, and Sarandos spin 05:30 – Why Netflix triggers Hollywood more than anyone 07:00 – The Albanian Army metaphor and what it means now 09:20 – How Netflix + Warner Bros. upends every studio’s strategy 11:00 – Does the deal get approved? The Trump factor 13:00 – David Zaslav’s windfall and Warner Bros. whiplash 15:00 – Is HBO still the crown jewel? 17:00 – Anxiety, layoffs, fires, and Xanax in Hollywood 18:30 – The Ankler’s origin story 21:00 – Why the trades failed and The Ankler thrived 22:00 – Why chasing scale destroyed journalism 25:00 – Leo DiCaprio, Danny DeVito, and what US Weekly was like 27:00 – Managing Jan Wenner and the old magazine wars 33:00 – Jimmy Finkelstein, Trump, and The Hollywood Reporter 36:00 – Why the Harvey Weinstein story was impossible to land 38:00 – The Quibi chapter and lessons from failure 40:00 – Disney succession in a post-Netflix-Warner world 44:00 – Is Disney becoming a luxury brand? 46:00 – AI arrives in Hollywood — quietly 48:00 – GPT-5, Sora 2, synthetic actors, and the next guild war 52:00 – Will The Ankler sell? What’s next for niche media 55:00 – Is subscription fatigue here? 56:30 – Can the California Post succeed? 01:00:00 – Closing thoughts #JaniceMin #Netflix #Hollywood #MediaIndustry #WarnerBros 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Tina Brown — legendary editor of Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Talk, and The Daily Beast — joins Lachlan Cartwright for one of the sharpest, funniest, and most revealing conversations ever on The Breaker Pod. Brown reflects on four decades of shaping culture, breaking talent, reinventing media brands, and surviving the chaos of both legacy institutions and modern digital empires. She talks about the myth of celebrity power, the collapse of magazines, the rise of Substack, the limits of tech moguls, Anna Wintour’s misunderstood persona, Harvey Weinstein, Tucker Carlson, Meghan Markle, and why the Epstein story simply will not die. This is a masterclass in storytelling, leadership, cultural intuition, and the business of media — delivered by someone who defined it. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod from Il Tolo East 00:22 – Introducing Tina Brown and her cultural impact 01:10 – Tina Brown on being “feral” and instinct-driven 01:18 – Editing Vanity Fair and the stars she never landed 02:00 – Melania Trump covers and the infamous Talk magazine shoots 03:00 – Olivia Nuzzi, Ryan Lizza, and media reputations 04:30 – The most misunderstood power players in media 05:24 – Anna Wintour and the reality behind the persona 06:26 – Who will succeed Anna Wintour and what Condé Nast needs 06:58 – Media projects Tina Brown never understood 07:21 – Which institutions still command fear 08:07 – Emma Tucker vs. Will Lewis: reviving the Wall Street Journal 08:53 – What made magazines magical — and what broke them 10:26 – The art of editing and the seduction of magazines 12:00 – Highbrow/lowbrow mix and the pleasure principle 13:36 – Tina’s biggest career flameout: the Talk magazine era with Harvey Weinstein 14:22 – What Harvey was really like as a media partner 16:03 – Assignments, gossip columnists, and chaos at Talk 16:45 – Advice for legacy media and why great content still wins 17:43 – Tech moguls as media owners and why it never works 20:00 – The LA Times, arrogance, and the collapse of newsrooms 21:49 – Celebrity culture, influencers, and the myth of overnight fame 23:32 – Meghan, Harry, and the realities of royal machinery 25:45 – The biggest underreported tension inside the monarchy 26:53 – Epstein, the Epstein class, and why the story is “sticky” 29:27 – Michael Wolff, The Daily Beast, and selective media outrage 30:33 – Reinvention as the key to a long career 31:07 – Live journalism and the rise of investigative summits 32:55 – The chilling effect and legal threats shaping journalism 33:50 – Identifying talent: what Tina looks for in a writer 35:25 – Investigative reporters and the curmudgeon gene 36:27 – Tucker Carlson, humiliation, and what changed him 37:45 – Is Substack the future of Tina Brown? 39:00 – The joy of stats, engagement, and independence 40:00 – Who should succeed David Remnick at The New Yorker 41:01 – Gossip, media games, and global reach 42:00 – What Tina would blow up first if handed a legacy title in 2026 43:26 – Young talent and the future of investigative journalism 45:00 – Closing and farewell #TinaBrown #MediaIndustry #Journalism #CelebrityCulture #EpsteinFiles 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

War correspondent and NewsNation White House reporter Robert Sherman joins Lachlan Cartwright for a remarkable conversation about covering Ukraine, Israel, and Washington — and what he learned about the world, journalism, and himself along the way. At just 25, Sherman was parachuted into Ukraine just days after the Russian invasion. He shares what he witnessed on the ground, how quickly modern warfare is evolving, and why drone technology is rewriting the battlefield. Sherman also reflects on humility, fear, responsibility, and the emotional toll of reporting from conflict zones. The conversation then shifts to his work at the White House — what it’s like covering Donald Trump, how fast the news cycle moves, why access is changing, and how conflict reporting has shaped the questions he asks in the briefing room. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Tucci’s 01:10 – Robert Sherman on his new book and lessons from Ukraine 02:20 – Being 25 in his first war zone 03:10 – Getting buzzed by fighter jets on Day One 04:05 – Learning humility in conflict reporting 05:00 – What drew him into war coverage 06:00 – The state of play in Ukraine today 07:20 – Inside a Ukrainian frontline drone lab 08:55 – The tech revolution changing warfare 10:30 – How Sherman mentally prepares for danger 12:00 – Why he reports with iPhones in war zones 13:25 – Covering the White House after the battlefield 15:00 – Trump’s promises on Ukraine 16:10 – The speed of the modern news cycle 17:00 – How access to the White House has changed 18:00 – How war shaped the way he interviews voters 19:25 – What Americans really care about 21:00 – Road trips, diners, and the real country 22:05 – What it’s like to fly on Air Force One 23:45 – How Fox shaped him — and why he left 25:20 – NewsNation’s mission: news, not noise 27:00 – The rise of independent journalism 28:00 – Views on cable news, Substack, and YouTube 29:20 – How conflict reporting affects mental health 31:00 – Why he’s still an optimist about America 32:10 – The audience’s appetite for foreign news 34:00 – American troops abroad and the connection at home 35:15 – Regions Sherman wants to cover next: Russia and Iran 36:20 – Final thoughts and farewell #RobertSherman #UkraineWar #Journalism #NewsNation #WhiteHouse 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Vanessa Grigoriadis — one of the most distinctive magazine writers of her generation — joins Lachlan Cartwright for a sharp, funny, and revealing look at how celebrity, journalism, podcasting, and culture have transformed over the past two decades. From Rolling Stone and New York Magazine to Campsite Media, Vanessa traces how the magazine industry became a “Titanic,” how she helped pioneer the boom in narrative podcasts, and why serialized audio storytelling is now collapsing under its own economics. She breaks down the making of her new limited-series on NXIVM’s Allison Mack, why it was so hard to sell, and the surprising place it finally landed. The conversation also dives into the weirdness of modern media — TikTok fame, AI-generated podcasts, the Rogan effect, the death of the celebrity profile, the resurgence of Epstein reporting, and the ethics of interviewing powerful people. This is one of the most wide-ranging and brutally honest media conversations on The Breaker Pod to date. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Seahorse, Union Square 01:10 – Vanessa Grigoriadis on leaving magazines for podcasting 02:10 – Selling spoken features in 2019 and the podcast gold rush 03:20 – Limited-series podcasts and the crash of the bubble 04:00 – The Allison Mack project and how the deal finally sold 05:15 – Why serialized storytelling is struggling 06:20 – The Rogan phenomenon and first-mover advantage 07:10 – Crime Junkie, Call Her Daddy, and the new audio power players 08:20 – Why making money in podcasting is brutally hard 09:10 – Merch, live events, Substack: the new media ecosystem 10:30 – Shopping the NXIVM project and why Americans didn’t bite 12:00 – Why Canadians bought the show 13:10 – Journalism vs. documentary and why tape gathering is dying 14:00 – AI podcasts and the 175,000-episode flood 16:00 – The future of YouTube creators and longform conversation 17:10 – How Vanessa chooses profile subjects 18:00 – Early magazine days: Carl Lagerfeld, Paris Hilton, and access 19:20 – Celebrity culture in the TikTok era 20:10 – The death of the real celebrity profile 22:00 – The red-rope era of journalism 23:15 – Will print die? Why magazines still matter 24:50 – Epstein reporting and the story that won’t die 26:40 – Public records, Florida law, and early Epstein coverage 28:10 – Why the Epstein story resurges every election cycle 29:30 – Best interview, worst interview, and the one that got away 31:40 – Lies, tape recorders, and protecting credibility 33:10 – How public personas diverge from reality 34:40 – Regrets, write-arounds, and the ethics of profiling 36:00 – Final thoughts and closing #VanessaGrigoriadis #jeffreyepstein #MediaIndustry #Epstein #EpsteinFiles

Media firebrand Piers Morgan joins Lachlan Cartwright on The Breaker Pod for an unfiltered conversation about the collapse of woke culture, the future of journalism, and why he believes common sense is finally fighting back. From his feuds with Meghan & Harry to his friendship with Donald Trump, Morgan shares candid insights into celebrity hypocrisy, legacy media’s decline, and how YouTube is changing everything. The episode also covers his new book Woke Is Dead, his decades inside the Murdoch empire, and his vision for the next generation of journalists. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod 01:20 – “Go Woke and Go Broke”: How DEI Lost Its Way 04:00 – Growing Up in a Pub & Learning to Debate 06:00 – Cancel Culture, Common Sense & Free Speech 08:40 – Vegan Sausage Rolls & Virtue Signaling 10:50 – Meghan & Harry: “The High Priests of Woke” 14:50 – Inside the Murdoch Machine & Rupert’s Legacy 18:40 – From Fleet Street to YouTube: The Future of News 23:20 – Tabloid Journalism & Why Scoops Still Matter 26:10 – Trump, Fox, and the Politics of Power 32:00 – Piers on Trumpism, Polls & “Finding His Feet” 36:40 – Barry Weiss & the New CBS News Shake-Up 41:20 – Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes & Platforming Debates 44:30 – The Next Generation of Journalists 47:00 – Trump, Mellowness & Being Your Own Boss 51:00 – Legacy, Lessons & What Comes Next 🎙 About the Episode After decades at the center of the media storm, Piers Morgan reflects on controversy, courage, and reinvention. From Fleet Street to Fox to YouTube, he explains why free debate still matters — and why he’s not done stirring things up yet. 📺 Watch the full conversation for unfiltered insights into power, politics, and the fight for free speech. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for new episodes of The Breaker Pod every week. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe. #piersmorgan #trump #harryandmeghan #wokeism #media  🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Alex Heath, tech journalist and founder of Sources, joins Lachlan Cartwright at Super Burrito in Greenwich Village to talk about breaking away from legacy media, the rise of AI, and how technology and journalism are colliding in 2025. Heath reveals what really happened inside OpenAI, why Substack is changing the rules of reporting, and how creators like him are reshaping the future of independent media. From Sam Altman to Zuckerberg to the Ellisons, this conversation dives deep into power, disruption, and the future of truth online. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Super Burrito 01:00 – Alex Heath on Leaving The Verge and Building Sources 04:00 – The Reality of the AI Bubble and What Reporters Miss 07:00 – Inside Sam Altman’s Dinner and OpenAI’s Power Games 10:00 – Media Meets Tech: The Ellisons, TikTok and the New Murdochs 14:00 – How AI Is Changing Reporting and Storytelling 18:00 – Independence in 2025: Substack, Spotify and Platform Power 22:00 – Legacy Media vs Independents — Who Survives? 25:00 – Vox, Podcasts and the Next Wave of Media Networks 28:00 – Tech Talent and AI Poaching — Half-Billion Dollar Hires 31:00 – Elon Musk, Sam Altman and the Religion of Tech 35:00 – What Comes After Large Language Models (World Models Explained) 39:00 – Can Journalists Keep Up with AI? 42:00 – The Next Big Storylines in Silicon Valley (2026 Preview) 47:00 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell 🎙 About the Episode Tech journalist Alex Heath built his career breaking stories at The Verge and The Information — now he’s building his own media brand. In this episode, he talks about the AI revolution, the future of independent news, and why truth and taste will be the most valuable currencies in media’s next chapter.

Alex Heath, tech journalist and founder of Sources, joins Lachlan Cartwright at Super Burrito in Greenwich Village to talk about breaking away from legacy media, the rise of AI, and how technology and journalism are colliding in 2025. Heath reveals what really happened inside OpenAI, why Substack is changing the rules of reporting, and how creators like him are reshaping the future of independent media. From Sam Altman to Zuckerberg to the Ellisons, this conversation dives deep into power, disruption, and the future of truth online. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Super Burrito 01:00 – Alex Heath on Leaving The Verge and Building Sources 04:00 – The Reality of the AI Bubble and What Reporters Miss 07:00 – Inside Sam Altman’s Dinner and OpenAI’s Power Games 10:00 – Media Meets Tech: The Ellisons, TikTok and the New Murdochs 14:00 – How AI Is Changing Reporting and Storytelling 18:00 – Independence in 2025: Substack, Spotify and Platform Power 22:00 – Legacy Media vs Independents — Who Survives? 25:00 – Vox, Podcasts and the Next Wave of Media Networks 28:00 – Tech Talent and AI Poaching — Half-Billion Dollar Hires 31:00 – Elon Musk, Sam Altman and the Religion of Tech 35:00 – What Comes After Large Language Models (World Models Explained) 39:00 – Can Journalists Keep Up with AI? 42:00 – The Next Big Storylines in Silicon Valley (2026 Preview) 47:00 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell 🎙 About the Episode Tech journalist Alex Heath built his career breaking stories at The Verge and The Information — now he’s building his own media brand. In this episode, he talks about the AI revolution, the future of independent news, and why truth and taste will be the most valuable currencies in media’s next chapter. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works. #AlexHeath #samaltman #AI #elonmusk #markzuckerberg

Vicki Ward — bestselling author, investigative journalist, and founder of Vicki Ward Investigates — joins Lachlan Cartwright at Delmonico’s in New York City to talk about the powerful people she’s covered and the future of journalism. From her groundbreaking Epstein reporting to her work on Jared Kushner, Leon Black, and the world of Manhattan power, Ward reflects on decades of exposing influence, abuse, and secrecy. She also shares what it means to go independent in an age where truth and storytelling matter more than ever. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Delmonico’s 01:00 – Vicki Ward on Epstein’s Victims and “Nobody’s Girl” 03:00 – The Psychology of Control: Epstein, Ghislaine, and the Victims 08:30 – Why the Epstein Story Keeps Coming Back 10:30 – Power, Money, and Who Protected Epstein 14:00 – What the Media Missed: Why It Took #MeToo to Expose Him 17:00 – Jared and Ivanka: The Evolution of the Kushners 19:30 – How Kushner’s Deals Shaped the Middle East 23:00 – The Idaho Murders and Understanding Motives 28:00 – Luigi Mangione and America’s Fascination with True Crime 32:00 – Barry Weiss and CBS: “A Breath of Fresh Air” 34:30 – Going Independent: Life After Legacy Media 38:00 – Who Wields Power Well — and Who’s Faking It 40:00 – Why This Might Be the Golden Age of Journalism 41:30 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell 🎙 About the Episode After decades reporting on billionaires, political operators, and media power brokers, Vicki Ward tells The Breaker Pod why she believes journalism’s best days might still lie ahead. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. #epsteinfiles #epstein #mangione #kohberger #truecrimestories  💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Vicky Ward — bestselling author, investigative journalist, and founder of Vicki Ward Investigates — joins Lachlan Cartwright at Delmonico’s in New York City to talk about the powerful people she’s covered and the future of journalism. From her groundbreaking Epstein reporting to her work on Jared Kushner, Leon Black, and the world of Manhattan power, Ward reflects on decades of exposing influence, abuse, and secrecy. She also shares what it means to go independent in an age where truth and storytelling matter more than ever. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Delmonico’s 01:00 – Vicki Ward on Epstein’s Victims and “Nobody’s Girl” 03:00 – The Psychology of Control: Epstein, Ghislaine, and the Victims 08:30 – Why the Epstein Story Keeps Coming Back 10:30 – Power, Money, and Who Protected Epstein 14:00 – What the Media Missed: Why It Took #MeToo to Expose Him 17:00 – Jared and Ivanka: The Evolution of the Kushners 19:30 – How Kushner’s Deals Shaped the Middle East 23:00 – The Idaho Murders and Understanding Motives 28:00 – Luigi Mangione and America’s Fascination with True Crime 32:00 – Barry Weiss and CBS: “A Breath of Fresh Air” 34:30 – Going Independent: Life After Legacy Media 38:00 – Who Wields Power Well — and Who’s Faking It 40:00 – Why This Might Be the Golden Age of Journalism 41:30 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell 🎙 About the Episode After decades reporting on billionaires, political operators, and media power brokers, Vicki Ward tells The Breaker Pod why she believes journalism’s best days might still lie ahead. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. #epsteinfiles #epstein #mangione #kohberger #truecrimestories 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Jeff Fager, legendary producer and former chairman of CBS News, joins Lachlan Cartwright at Junior’s Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan for an intimate look inside the newsroom that defined American journalism. Fager reflects on his decades leading 60 Minutes — from navigating presidential pressure and corporate interference to mentoring the next generation of journalists. He also weighs in on Barry Weiss’s arrival at CBS, the challenge of maintaining editorial independence, and how broadcast journalism can adapt to a world ruled by YouTube, AI, and influencers. This is a conversation about integrity, leadership, and why good storytelling will always matter. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Junior’s Restaurant 01:00 – Jeff Fager on CBS, 60 Minutes, and the Barry Weiss era 02:30 – Trump’s Criticisms, Kamala Harris, and Presidential Pressure 04:30 – Shari Redstone, Settlements, and the Chill on Journalism 05:30 – How 60 Minutes Became a Storytelling Powerhouse 07:30 – Inside the Culture of 60 Minutes and CBS News 09:00 – Barry Weiss’s Challenge: Bias or Fairness? 10:30 – Lessons from the Dan Rather “Bush Documents” Story 13:00 – Why Reporting to the CEO Breaks the Church–State Wall 15:00 – The History of White House Pressure on CBS 16:30 – The Tobacco Story and Corporate Pushback 18:00 – David Ellison’s Ambitions and the Business of Influence 19:30 – Can Barry Weiss Protect Independence at CBS? 21:30 – Give Her a Chance: Why Fager’s Hopeful About CBS News 22:00 – How 60 Minutes Keeps Its Edge in the YouTube Era 24:00 – Legacy Media vs. Digital: Lessons from Kodak and Sony 26:00 – Trust, AI Anchors, and the New Media Landscape 28:00 – Managing Egos, Big Talent, and Competing Storytellers 32:00 – Abu Ghraib: The Toughest Story of Fager’s Career 34:30 – Facing Down the Pentagon and Donald Trump 36:00 – Rebuilding Trust in Journalism 37:30 – Why Broadcast News Still Matters 38:00 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works. #JeffFager #TheBreakerPod #60Minutes #Journalism #MediaIndustry

Jeff Fager, legendary producer and former chairman of CBS News, joins Lachlan Cartwright at Junior’s Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan for an intimate look inside the newsroom that defined American journalism. Fager reflects on his decades leading 60 Minutes — from navigating presidential pressure and corporate interference to mentoring the next generation of journalists. He also weighs in on Barry Weiss’s arrival at CBS, the challenge of maintaining editorial independence, and how broadcast journalism can adapt to a world ruled by YouTube, AI, and influencers. This is a conversation about integrity, leadership, and why good storytelling will always matter. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Breaker Pod at Junior’s Restaurant 01:00 – Jeff Fager on CBS, 60 Minutes, and the Barry Weiss era 02:30 – Trump’s Criticisms, Kamala Harris, and Presidential Pressure 04:30 – Shari Redstone, Settlements, and the Chill on Journalism 05:30 – How 60 Minutes Became a Storytelling Powerhouse 07:30 – Inside the Culture of 60 Minutes and CBS News 09:00 – Barry Weiss’s Challenge: Bias or Fairness? 10:30 – Lessons from the Dan Rather “Bush Documents” Story 13:00 – Why Reporting to the CEO Breaks the Church–State Wall 15:00 – The History of White House Pressure on CBS 16:30 – The Tobacco Story and Corporate Pushback 18:00 – David Ellison’s Ambitions and the Business of Influence 19:30 – Can Barry Weiss Protect Independence at CBS? 21:30 – Give Her a Chance: Why Fager’s Hopeful About CBS News 22:00 – How 60 Minutes Keeps Its Edge in the YouTube Era 24:00 – Legacy Media vs. Digital: Lessons from Kodak and Sony 26:00 – Trust, AI Anchors, and the New Media Landscape 28:00 – Managing Egos, Big Talent, and Competing Storytellers 32:00 – Abu Ghraib: The Toughest Story of Fager’s Career 34:30 – Facing Down the Pentagon and Donald Trump 36:00 – Rebuilding Trust in Journalism 37:30 – Why Broadcast News Still Matters 38:00 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works. #JeffFager #TheBreakerPod #60Minutes #Journalism #MediaIndustry

CNBC’s Alex Sherman joins Lachlan Cartwright at Planet Hollywood for an insider’s look at the biggest stories shaking Hollywood, Wall Street, and the media world. From Disney’s CEO succession drama to David Ellison’s billion-dollar ambitions, Sherman explains how tech money, legacy brands, and political optics are colliding to reshape entertainment. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Planet Hollywood and The Breaker Pod 01:00 – Disney’s Succession Crisis & the Search for Bob Iger’s Successor 04:30 – Could Disney Move to a Co-CEO Model Like Netflix? 06:45 – Has Iger Built a Company That Can’t Function Without Him? 09:15 – The Problem with Disney Culture & Finding an Heir to the Throne 11:00 – Bob Iger’s Legacy and Disney’s Underperformance vs Netflix 12:00 – David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the Paramount Play 14:30 – Could Big Tech Buy Hollywood? Apple, Amazon, and the Myth of the Billion-Dollar Bid 17:10 – CNN’s Digital Struggle & Why News Is Hard to Monetize 20:30 – Ellison’s Moves: UFC, Barry Weiss, and a Political Pivot at CBS News 24:00 – Tech Money Rescuing Legacy Media: The New Normal? 26:30 – The CNBC Spin-Off and What Versa(nt) Means for the Future of TV 28:30 – Mark Lazarus Goes Shopping — What He’ll Buy Next 30:00 – Predictions for Media M&A in 2026 31:00 – Final Thoughts and CNBC Sports Plug

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough joins Lachlan Cartwright on The Breaker Pod for a wide-ranging conversation about Trump’s second term, the collapse of legacy media, and why the news business has entered a new “Wild West” era. Scarborough opens up about keeping Morning Joe relevant after nearly two decades, how MSNBC is changing under its spinoff structure, and the future of free speech as Trump’s FCC targets journalists and entertainers. He also touches on the state of media, the survival of Morning Joe, and the political chaos of Trump’s second term. From the FCC’s threats to MSNBC to the rise of independent media startups, Scarborough breaks down what’s changing — and what’s next. 00:00 – Introduction: The Breaker Pod Returns for Season Two 00:36 – Joe Scarborough on Morning Joe’s Longevity 02:25 – MSNBC’s Evolution and Independence 04:42 – The “Wild West” of Modern Media 06:51 – The New Rules of Relevance 09:43 – MSNBC Live 25 and the Future of the Network 12:14 – The National Guard, Shutdown, and Trump’s Distraction Tactics 15:09 – The Healthcare Debate: Who’s Really Getting Hurt 17:55 – Why Democrats Keep Losing the Crime Argument 20:05 – Trans Athletes, Compassion, and Common Sense Politics 22:37 – Leaving the GOP but Remaining Conservative 25:11 – The Future of a Post-Trump Republican Party 27:34 – Trump, Epstein, and What We Still Don’t Know 30:45 – Attacks on Free Speech: Jimmy Kimmel, Colbert, and the FCC 33:12 – “The Man With Nothing to Lose”: Why Censorship Backfires 36:30 – How Morning Joe Chooses Guests (and Avoids Viral Moments) 39:55 – Conversations with Trump: What He Reveals Off Camera 42:28 – The Smartest People in Politics: Who Really Holds Power 46:12 – Barry Weiss, CBS, and the Next Phase of Media Disruption 49:10 – Congress vs. Media: Where Real Power Lives 51:38 – The Identity Crisis of the Democratic Party 54:00 – Closing Thoughts and Farewell 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions.

We're back! Well, almost. After a hiatus spent summering with the tycoons at Sun Valley, and the Sulzbergers in upstate New York, Breaker is plotting a new-and-improved show coming to your feed this fall. We're lining up some incredible guests, and we'll be chin wagging at some of the best spots in Manhattan. Be sure to subscribe to this channel so you don't miss a single saucy scooplet!

Explore the intense conflict between Hunter Biden and CNN's Jake Tapper, uncovering exclusive insights into Tapper's controversial phone call during Beau Biden's final days. Plus, the latest developments at Politico, The Daily Beast, and updates on the Telegraph sale. 📖 Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Hunter Biden and Jake Tapper's Conflict 01:12 - Jake Tapper's Book "Original Sin" Controversy 02:03 - Hunter Biden's Confrontation with Jake Tapper 05:04 - Death Knocks and Journalism Ethics 09:07 - Jake Tapper's Relationship with the Bidens 13:16 - Are Political Book Claims Reliable? 16:05 - Media Conspiracy vs. Reality 21:02 - Vanity Fair Editor Search Update 24:14 - Politico's Carrie Budoff Brown Returns 25:22 - The Telegraph's Complicated Sale 28:05 - Daily Beast Podcast Shakeup 30:00 - Outro: Subscribe to Breaker Media #HunterBiden #JakeTapper #BreakerPodcast 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Dive deep into the drama at Politico as we uncover exclusive details about internal turmoil, leadership shake-ups, and the future of Washington's most influential newsletter. Plus, scandals at Rolling Stone, the rise of "Scandal PR," and media giants reshaping the industry. 📖 Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Turmoil at Politico 01:05 - Politico's Big Shake-Up 02:40 - Jack Blanchard's Playbook Struggles 03:57 - Politico's Leadership Crisis 05:58 - Politico's Talent Exodus Explained 07:34 - Axel Springer Questions Billion-Dollar Purchase 09:16 - Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway's "Pivot" Podcast Drama 11:10 - Comcast Cable Spinoff "Versant" Revealed 12:02 - Rolling Stone’s Controversial New CEO 16:08 - Jay Penske's Media Monopoly 17:08 - What Is "Scandal PR"? 18:50 - Celebrity Crisis PR Stories 22:31 - When Legal Threats Backfire 25:12 - Outro: Subscribe to Breaker Media 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works. #Politico #MediaNews #Podcast

High stakes, high pressure, and a HR nightmare: This week, Breaker takes you inside the New York Times business desk, where tensions exploded over a controversial Harvard story involving some of America's most powerful figures, from Jared Kushner to Condoleezza Rice. Also, SpinCo’s Succession-esque rebrand. Plus, Keith McNally reveals gossip so juicy we can't even print it. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

ABC News landed a huge exclusive—the first broadcast interview with Donald Trump marking his first 100 days in office. Surprisingly, they chose Terry Moran over big names like George Stephanopoulos and David Muir. In this episode of Breaker Pod, Lachlan and Ravi uncover why top anchors were excluded, the implications of media outlets settling Trump lawsuits, and the chilling effects on journalism. Also in this episode: Vanity Fair's eccentric global editors, MSNBC's messy spin-off future, and why living in Carrie Bradshaw's house is a New Yorker's nightmare. 00:00 - Intro: ABC's Surprise Trump Interview Choice 01:50 - Why ABC Snubbed Stephanopoulos and Muir 03:45 - CBS and ABC Cave to White House Pressure 06:10 - The Dangerous Precedent for Journalism 08:20 - Vanity Fair's Hunt for Global Editorial Director 12:00 - Colorful Vanity Fair Editors & Eccentricity 16:45 - Sewell Chan's Controversial USC Job After Columbia Firing 21:00 - MSNBC's Uncertain Future after Comcast Spin-Off 25:00 - Chaos on Perry Street: Sex and the City Fans Gone Wild 29:30 - Carrie Bradshaw Tourism and Sarah Jessica Parker 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

Lachlan and Ravi unpack the explosive firing of Sewell Chan, editor-in-chief at the Columbia Journalism Review. Ravi, who worked under Chan, shares a candid, firsthand account of the workplace tensions, bullying allegations, and journalistic fallout. The conversation dives deep into newsroom culture, leadership pitfalls, and the changing standards of editorial behavior. Plus, get insights into Bill Owens stepping down from 60 Minutes amid Trump lawsuits and internal turmoil at CBS, revealing the pressures faced by modern journalism's leaders. 00:00 Intro: Sewell Chan Fired from CJR 01:00 Breaker's Big Week and a Special Thank You to A24 02:00 The Breaking News: Ravi's Firsthand Experience at CJR 05:00 Inside Chan's Alleged Toxic Leadership 07:00 Pattern of Abuse Across Newsrooms 11:00 Why Newsrooms Can't Tolerate Bullies Anymore 14:00 Protecting Sources and Handling Sensitive Audio 17:00 Healthy vs. Toxic Leadership Styles 19:00 Was Chan Set Up to Fail? 23:00 CBS Shakeup: Bill Owens Leaves 60 Minutes 26:00 Trump's Lawsuits and Journalistic Independence 30:00 Hope for Journalism and Breaker's Vision 31:00 Dr. Sanjay Gupta's Mind-Blowing Speaking Fee 35:00 Wrap-Up & Subscriber Shout-Out 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

How do journalists get scoops, really? From casual barista chatter to LinkedIn deep-dives, this episode of Breaker unpacks how reporters operate in a world of pressure, power, and platform politics. We break down the viral story of the fake news that Walmart was buying TikTok, and how ABC News published it without confirmation — a major journalism ethics fail. You’ll hear about: - The Walmart TikTok deal that never was - Press leaks, story theft, and media gossip inside top outlets - Why journalists treat LinkedIn like a spy tool - A legendary British journalism phrase: “Why is this bastard lying to me?” - How scoop culture fuels high-stakes competition across the newsroom - And why yes — baristas might be the most underrated sources in media If you follow Puck, The Information, Semafor, or you live on media Twitter, this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes exploring: - Scoop culture and newsroom drama - Journalism, subscription churn, and the rise of paywalls - The intersection of media strategy, social media, and reporting tactics - How fake news spreads, and what separates good reporting from chaos #Journalism #MediaPodcast #NewsroomDrama #Scoops #FakeNews #MediaTwitter #TikTokBan #LinkedInTips #ReporterLife #MediaInsiders #PuckMedia 00:00 - Opening Banter & The Barista Theory   01:00 - British Food Slander & Book Covers   03:00 - Chasing Down Reviewers (And Getting Petty)   04:30 - Journalism Hustle: Tracking Sources & Tactics   06:30 - LinkedIn Is a Weapon (for Reporters)   08:00 - The Fake Walmart Scoop: ABC’s Big Miss   12:00 - “Why Is This Bastard Lying to Me?” (Press Mindset)   15:00 - Frenzied TikTok Buyout Rumors & Speculation   18:30 - What Happens When a Scoop Gets Stolen   22:00 - Media Ethics, Pressure, and the Cost of Being First   25:00 - Wrap-Up: Why Journalism Still (Kind of) Works   👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for original scoops, behind-the-scenes media drama, and reporting you won’t get anywhere else: https://www.breakermedia.com/subscribe 🎙️ New episodes weekly — exposing power, decoding media, and asking better questions. 💬 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop on how the media actually works.

This week on Breaker, Lachlan Cartwright and Ravi Somaiya expose the strange and shifting dynamics of legacy media — from the chaotic search for a new editor at Vanity Fair, to journalists stalking sources for book deals, to the absurdity of The Financial Times being both a calming influence and a fashion statement. Plus: 💥 What it really costs to write three stories for half a million dollars 💥 Why the next great media mogul might be on YouTube, not in Condé 💥 How a chef who “doesn’t give a flying f***” became a hero 💥 And the truly unlikely friendship between Tom Hardy and the Wu-Tang Clan 🔥 Topics Covered: The Vanity Fair editor search no one wants to win How Anna Wintour still runs the show Ravi’s obsession with the pink pages of the FT Mary Trump, book deals, and rogue journalists Private members clubs and the death of downtown cool Why outdoor dining in NYC is a bureaucratic nightmare 🎧 Subscribe for weekly scoops, media gossip, Lower Manhattan glamor, and very unfiltered commentary: 👉 / @breakermedianyc #BreakerPodcast #VanityFair #FinancialTimes #TomHardy #WuTangClan #AnnaWintour #MediaNews #Gossip #Journalism #Substack #BookDeals #CondéNast #PinkPaper #NewYorkCity

In this episode of Breaker, Lachlan Cartwright and Ravi Somaiya peel back the curtain on a dramatic shake-up inside The Wall Street Journal under editor Emma Tucker. From soaring PIP rates and internal lawsuits to newsroom paranoia and “The Grim Reaper,” it’s corporate chaos with a journalistic twist. We also reveal the unlikely financial backer behind Mark Halperin’s comeback, explore Carlos Watson’s last-minute sentence commutation, and dive into the curious case of PR fixer Juda Engelmayer—now repping Harvey Weinstein. Plus: – Why Mar-a-Lago is blasting “YMCA” on repeat – The Daily Mail’s mysterious “Irish Spy” – New York’s outdoor dining crackdown – A juicy scoop involving the Royal Family and a self-nominated award

In Episode 6 of Breaker, we dive deep into the secretive world of "Scandal PR," uncovering how public relations operatives manage and manipulate celebrity controversies and high-stakes business dramas. Featuring special guest Emily Sundberg, creator of the popular Substack newsletter "Feed Me," this episode explores how modern scandals unfold, the blurred lines between PR and journalism, and the evolving dynamics of online personas. Discover surprising insights into the ongoing Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit, how a former CIA operative allegedly controls narratives online, and why private members clubs are becoming New York City's latest hotspots for powerful figures. Stay tuned as Emily reveals her secrets to Substack success, why controlling the narrative is increasingly challenging in today's media landscape, and what happens behind closed doors at exclusive clubs like Casa Cipriani. Hit subscribe and join Breaker as we uncover the hidden sides of media, celebrity, and culture, and more! Breaker covers everything that comes through Manhattan - money, scandal, media, entertainment, technology, art, fashion, the deeply weird, in your inbox every week. The podcast is our weekly venue for discussing and expanding on the stories we’ve broken in the last week. Expect exclusive insights, little scoops, meanderings, amazing guests, and a different iconic lower Manhattan venue every week.

This week’s podcast comes to you from Lure, in Soho, with special guest Alex Isenstadt. We talk about Alex’s new book Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power, the tortured relationship between Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch, how Fox News deals with moles, why Rupert was berating Wall Street Journal editor Emma Tucker, plus Michael Bloomberg’s comfort movie (and ours) and the turmoil at Columbia University.   Also thank you! We know you have busy lives and we’re grateful for any time you choose to spend with us.   And if you have found this via the alleyways of the web, you can subscribe at Breakermedia.com/subscribe. Breaker covers everything that comes through Manhattan - money, scandal, media, entertainment, technology, art, fashion, the deeply weird, in your inbox every week. The podcast is our weekly venue for discussing and expanding on the stories we’ve broken in the last week. Expect exclusive insights, little scoops, meanderings, amazing guests, and a different iconic lower Manhattan venue every week.

his week we come to you from Brunetti, a fabulous pizza place with a fabulous oven in the West Village, to talk about an enormous quantity of intrigue from the mayoral race, illustrious club owners with exotic pasts, why it's scary to report on libel lawyers, why you should wear a pink hat to a press conference, and finally why you should watch our podcast at half speed ideally. Get in touch with any hatred, love, criticism, praise or (best of all) tips and questions. We’re just our first names at breakermedia.com. Also thank you! We know you have busy lives and we’re grateful for any time you choose to spend with us. And if you have found this via the alleyways of the web, you can subscribe at Breakermedia.com/subscribe. Breaker covers everything that comes through Manhattan - money, scandal, media, entertainment, technology, art, fashion, the deeply weird, in your inbox every week. The podcast is our weekly venue for discussing and expanding on the stories we’ve broken in the last week. Expect exclusive insights, little scoops, meanderings, amazing guests, and a different iconic lower Manhattan venue every week. that comes through Manhattan - money, scandal, media, entertainment, technology, art, fashion, the deeply weird, in your inbox every week. The podcast is our weekly venue for discussing and expanding on the stories we’ve broken in the last week. Expect exclusive insights, little scoops, meanderings, amazing guests, and a different iconic lower Manhattan venue every week.

This week we come to you from Local, on Sullivan Street, to talk about the weird world of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, why New Yorkers find DC strange, what unlikely friendships reveal about the world in 2025 and the unfortunate fact that people who take themselves seriously are twice as fun to make jokes about. Get in touch with any hatred, love, criticism, praise or (best of all) tips and questions. We’re just our first names at breakermedia.com. Also thank you! We know you have busy lives and we’re grateful for any time you choose to spend with us. Breaker covers everything that comes through Manhattan - money, scandal, media, entertainment, technology, art, fashion, the deeply weird, in your inbox every week. The podcast is our weekly venue for discussing and expanding on the stories we’ve broken in the last week. Expect exclusive insights, little scoops, meanderings, amazing guests, and a different iconic lower Manhattan venue every week.

This week we come to you from Cowgirl, in the West Village, to talk about the man trying to buy Britain's Telegraph newspapers, the man allegedly stopping the sale of New York's Zero Bond, the wonder of the city's ambient music, and newsroom biters. Breaker covers everything that comes through Manhattan - money, scandal, media, entertainment, technology, art, fashion, the deeply weird, in your inbox every week. The podcast is our weekly venue for discussing and expanding on the stories we’ve broken in the last week. Expect exclusive insights, little scoops, meanderings, amazing guests, and a different iconic lower Manhattan venue every week. Get in touch with any hatred, love, criticism, praise or (best of all) tips and questions. We’re just our first names at breakermedia.com. Also thank you! We know you have busy lives and we’re grateful for any time you choose to spend with us. And if you have found this via the alleyways of the web, you can subscribe here. 

This week we come to you from outside Fanelli Cafe in Soho (iPhone feels-like temperature: minus eight) to talk about private members’ clubs, the absolute joy of human pettiness, the ways politics have riven families, great names for Australian spear fishermen, AI fears as a form of religion and much more. Get in touch with any hatred, love, criticism, praise or (best of all) tips and questions. We’re just our first names at breakermedia.com. Also thank you! We know you have busy lives and we’re grateful for any time you choose to spend with us. Breaker covers everything that comes through Manhattan - money, scandal, media, entertainment, technology, art, fashion, the deeply weird. The podcast is our weekly venue for discussing and expanding on the stories we’ve broken in the last week. Expect exclusive insights, little scoops, meanderings, amazing guests, and a different iconic lower Manhattan venue every week.