Trapital

Inside Grammy Week: Galas, Deal Rooms, and “The Two Grammys”

We just came back from the 68th Grammy Awards. I am joined by Tati Cirisano of MIDiA Research break down what it’s actually like to the experience the Grammys up close from industry events and late-night conversations to crossing paths with artists, executives, and power players shaping the music business. We unpack standout performances, unexpected moments, and how attending the show in person is different from watching at home. CHAPTERS 01:43 Bad Bunny’s Big Night 05:11 The Grammys In Person vs. On TV 08:36 Lauryn Hill 10:07 Cher on Stage 14:02 Polymarket and the Grammys 20:39 Grammy Week 25:19 Big Changes Next Year SPONSORS Chartmetric: Listen in for our Stat of the Week TRAPITAL Where technology shapes culture. New episodes and memos every week. Sign up here for free.

Can YouTube Have It All?

YouTube is the biggest TV, music, and video platform in the world, but it’s not satisfied. The company still wants to compete for the dollars that go to traditional TV. But can YouTube have it all? In this episode, we examine YouTube’s push into the living room, from securing the NFL Sunday Ticket to becoming the exclusive home of the Oscars starting in 2029. But as YouTube chases TV legitimacy and higher profit margins, it faces a core tension: how can it get there without losing the creator-driven ethos that made it dominant. We break down YouTube’s battle for short-form dominance, where YouTube TV fits in, and what its evolving strategy reveals about the future of media, creators, and global attention. CHAPTERS 02:12 YouTube’s Ambition 04:59 YouTube vs TikTok 10:04 YouTube TV 13:16 Future of YouTube SPONSORS Chartmetric: Listen in for our Stat of the Week TRAPITAL Where technology shapes culture. New episodes and memos every week. Sign up here for free.

The Rise of Reels: Meta’s $50B Ad Machine

Meta’s short-form video surface, Reels, now generates $50 billion in annual run rate. That’s more than some of the largest media companies like Netflix, TikTok, and YouTube’s ad business. Reels may be less culturally relevant than those companies, and its users spend less time on the platform than others, but it prints money and shows no signs of slowing down. This episode explores how Meta’s infrastructure made Reels one of the most successful monetization plays in modern tech and what could threaten its momentum next. CHAPTERS 02:51 Culture vs. Cash 04:30 How Reels Makes Money 06:49 Meta’s Advantage 15:34 Risks Ahead 18:54 What’s Next for Reels SPONSORSChartmetric: Listen in for our Stat of the Week Linktree: Help your followers discover everything you do, with one simple link. Use code TRAPITAL50 for a discount TRAPITAL Where technology shapes culture. New episodes and memos every week. Sign up here for free.

Music is a $47 Billion Industry. Why Isn’t It Bigger?

In this episode, we sit down with Will Page, economist and author of Pivot, for a deep dive on the global economics of music. Using Will’s latest Global Value of Music Copyright Report, we explore streaming economics, global market gaps, AI, and where the music industry’s next phase of growth may come from. CHAPTERS 02:45 Global Value of Music: 10 Years in Review 11:24 Emerging Music Markets 13:37 Africa’s Music Economy 18:11 Brazil’s Music Market 21:12 The Crocodile Smile 33:18 AI and Music’s Future SPONSORS Chartmetric: Listen in for our Stat of the Week beatBread: Smarter choices. Better deals. GUEST Will Page, former Chief Economist of Spotify and PRS for Music, Author of Pivot LINKS Global Value of Music Copyright - Will Page TRAPITAL Where technology shapes culture. New episodes and memos every week. Sign up here for free.

Polymarket and Kalshi: Financial Tools or Casinos?

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi have had a big year in 2025, but what are they really? Securities? Derivatives? Sportsbooks? They may be all of the above. Listen to my breakdown on how these markets have evolved over time, and what led to their current rise today. We then dive into the opportunities, risks, and the regulatory challenges that may shape their future. CHAPTERS 02:54 The Origin of Prediction Markets 06:43 Polymarket, Kalshi, and Modern Prediction Markets 09:16 Regulation and What’s Next 09:31 Bucket A: Policy, Finance, and Economics 13:36 Bucket B: Sports, Entertainment, and Pop Culture SPONSORS Chartmetric: Listen in for our Stat of the Week Too Lost: empowering artists with tools to manage, distribute, and grow their music independently. TRAPITAL Where technology shapes culture. New episodes and memos every week. Sign up here for free.