This week, Kim talks to Diane Becker and Ted Tremper about The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist. The producers discuss how they managed to land big names in machine learning, including the CEOs of OpenAI and Anthropic. Becker and Tremper also explain how they nearly got Elon Musk—until, surprisingly, he ghosted. They also share how they kept their brains from melting while tackling a subject as overwhelming as AI.

Plus, Masters and Matt Belloni break down the first week of Disney’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, who outlined his goals for the company in a memo to employees, emphasizing creative storytelling and the embrace of new technology. Meanwhile, the banter partners examine Wall Street’s negative reaction to the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger and why California Attorney General Rob Bonta has vowed to scrutinize David Ellison’s acquisition of the legacy studio.

This week, Kim talks with Tilly Norwood creator Eline Van der Velden, who defends her controversial synthetic character. Van der Velden argues that Tilly Norwood is simply another character, an extension of herself, not so different from others she’s created during her years as an actress. The Particle6 Productions co-founder explains why she believes entertainment built with generative AI will find a place in the industry and predicts that more agents will follow CAA’s lead in signing synthetic characters.

Plus, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss Ben Affleck’s investment in AI through his company Interpositive, which he sold to Netflix in a deal that could reach $600 million. The banter partners also address Live Nation’s ticketing practices, including a lawsuit with evidence of employees joking about price gouging fans — comments that later prompted the company to distance itself from those involved.

This week, Kim talks with SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin about stepping into the job during a tumultuous year for Hollywood. His early tenure has already included an FCC clash involving Jimmy Kimmel, the arrival of synthetic “performers,” and some wonky legal maneuvering from OpenAI. Astin discusses the most pressing issues facing the union as bargaining is underway, including wages and working conditions as well as the challenges posed by AI companies scraping copyrighted material.

Plus, David Ellison has unveiled plans to merge Paramount+ and HBO Max into a single streaming platform. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dig into the proposal – which comes with about $80 billion in debt and the strong likelihood of layoffs – and the familiar promise that “synergies” in tech, ad sales and platforms will do the heavy lifting. They also examine how the shake-up may affect HBO leadership, the uncertain future of CNN, and how Donald Trump’s influence could complicate an already fraught moment for media companies.