The Town with Matthew Belloni - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I cover the media and entertainment businesses for my job. I listen to every episode. The Town is entertaining enough to listen while doing my morning routine, and insightful enough for me to make it appointments listening. Every time I listen, I learn something new.

I work on the business side of the industry and every week I look forward to this pod’s take on the hottest issues of the day. The guest list is well curated and I’ve gotten several colleagues to start listening as well. Unlike some other reviewers I don’t mind Matt’s style; he challenges his guests and asks tough questions, what any good podcaster/journalist should do.

And I’m happy for it! For well over a year I’ve listened to every episode.
Business news is just gossip (complimentary). Matt has a great style and incomparable access. Lucas Shaw adds wonderful detail on Mondays with excellent reporting, and I appreciate when he pushes back. Craig seems like a gem!

What an awesome amount of Hollywood news, I devour it on the release dates. It’s great to have different perspectives with Lucas Shaw, Producer Craig and insider guests (recent one, Leslie Goldberg talks like me & my friends). My only worry is that Matt will realize what a gem this is and put up a paywall. Let’s face it, I’ll pay.

I have tried hard to stomach Matt Belloni’s dudebro attitude and misogynistic behavior because I do really think this is one of the better podcasts out there for gaining insight into the financial and social aspects of Hollywood, but the complete dismissal of Blake Lively’s serious and disturbing sexual harassment claims on the most recent podcast was the last straw for me. Belloni has a history of disregarding serious accusations of misconduct against women (Amber Heard, Angelina Jolie, etc.) and it’s clear he is just a straight up misogynist. I’m not giving any more downloads/listens to someone who struggles to demonstrate even the most basic decency anytime a woman accuses a powerful man of harassment. It honestly makes me wonder what types of skeletons Belloni may have in his closet.

I always thought Matt was a little condescending, but enjoyed learning about the business and economic side of the entertainment industry. However, I have officially stopped listening after guest tried to converse and Matt stopped him saying “please save your questions until the end”. This happens all the time and ends up being him talking the whole time.