Kara and Scott discuss the Dow's record highs and home ownership's new lows. Then, George Santos leaves Congress like a "Scandal in the Wind," while the Newsom/DeSantis debate was a circus of another kind. Plus, Google is accused of suppressing evidence, Nelson Peltz continues his Disney proxy battle, and "rizz" is the word of the year (Do Kara and Scott have it?!). Our Friend of Pivot is Sixto Cancel, the CEO and Founder of Think of Us, who's on a mission to revolutionize the country's child we...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 465
We have a newspalooza for you today. Kara and Scott discuss Elon Musk's decision to put advertisers on blast, Henry Kissinger's death, Nikki Haley's next steps, those Mark Cuban political rumors, and Microsoft's non-voting seat at OpenAI. Then, guest Rob Copeland joins to discuss his new book, “The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, and The Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend.” You can find Rob on X at @realrobcopeland. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us ...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 464
Kara and Scott discuss Jeff Zucker's return to the news business, and the cost of advertiser backlash in Elon Musk's antisemitism controversy. Then, Sam Altman is back at OpenAI, but who are the winners and losers after all the chaos? Plus, a new complaint reveals what Meta knew about its underage users. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is legendary venture capitalist Alan Patricof. At age 89, Patricof is as active as ever, and he explains why the longevity economy is a smart investment. Follow Alan...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 463
Happy Thanksgiving! While Kara and Scott take a break after a crazy week of news, enjoy this episode of Decoder, featuring Nilay Patel's interview with former President Obama on AI, free speech, regulation, and more. Kara and Scott will return next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 24, 2023•50 min•Ep. 462
Kara shares her latest reporting on Sam Altman and his decision to go to Microsoft, then she and Scott discuss what's next for OpenAI. Plus, Elon Musk threatens a "thermonuclear lawsuit," and X CEO Linda Yaccarino resists calls to resign. Our Friend of Pivot is Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, and author of "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines." Dr. Joy gives her take on OpenAI and the Altman ouster, and also discusses her missio...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 461
In the swirl of drama around Sam Altman’s exit from OpenAI, one company seems to be the winner: Microsoft. It has both a significant partnership with, and an ownership stake in, the company, and now it's welcoming Altman and OpenAI researchers with open arms. For this emergency episode, Kara interviews Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 21, 2023•28 min•Ep. 460
It's an emergency crossover episode of Pivot and the Prof G Pod and there's a lot to discuss. Sam Altman is out as CEO of OpenAI – but what exactly happened? Kara shares her latest reporting. Plus, major advertisers are fleeing X after Elon Musk endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory. Will Elon and X survive the firestorm? Kara and Scott break it all down. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at...
Nov 18, 2023•32 min•Ep. 459
Kara and Scott discuss Nikki Haley's social media stance, Truth Social's waning prospects, and the revelation that Google sends a third of Safari ad revenue to Apple. And don’t worry, they also talk about the Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez photoshoot. You’re welcome/we’re sorry. Then, in the fight club that is DC, a government shutdown has been averted for now. Also, a look at how hate speech has surged on social media since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Then we’re joined by Friend of Pivot,...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 458
Kara and Scott discuss the new (and bizarre) AI pin, and Trump's desire for a televised trial. Also, the threat of a government shutdown is back, but will Speaker Mike Johnson be able to make a deal in time? Plus, what we're learning about the AI provisions in the new SAG-AFTRA agreement, and why not everyone is happy. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is New York Times President and CEO, Meredith Levien, who talks about the current state of journalism, subscription strategies, and yes, Wordle. Follo...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 457
Kara and Scott discuss the winners and losers from the GOP debate, Disney's latest earnings, and why Rivian seems to be bucking EV trends. Then, the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike is coming to an end, but who's really coming out on top? Plus, OpenAI makes a big announcement that Kara calls a "power move." Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Mattie Kahn, who writes about girls being a force for change in her new book, "Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions." You can follow Mattie ...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 456
Kara and Scott discuss why Jeff Bezos is really moving to Florida, major changes coming to the real estate business and Elon's new AI bot, Grok. Plus, what's next for crypto and investors after Sam Bankman-Fried's guilty verdict. Then, with less than a year to go until the 2024 presidential election, should everyone calm down about the latest polls? Finally, our Friend of Pivot is New York Times reporter Kashmir Hill, who has written about facial recognition and privacy in her new book, "Your Fa...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 455
Kara and Scott tell all about their trip to the White House. Then, they discuss the Ozempic effect on Krispy Kreme stock, and Disney taking full control of Hulu. They've also got thoughts on whether bankruptcy is really the end for WeWork, as well as the tactics that helped the UAW reach a deal with automakers. Our Friend of Pivot is the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Chris Krebs. He breaks down the new AI executive order. You can follow Chris at @C_C_Kr...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 454
Kara and Scott are making the TV rounds: Kara was on The Simpsons, and Scott was on Bill Maher! They’re also on their way to The White House as President Biden launches a new approach to AI. Then, the FCC is ready to restore net neutrality. And auto executives are pumping the breaks on electric vehicles. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about y...
Oct 31, 2023•52 min•Ep. 453
Kara and Scott discuss where Twitter/X stands one year after Elon's acquisition. They also break down Biden's upcoming A.I. executive order, and the UAW—Ford agreement. Then, Mike Johnson is the new Speaker of the House, and Kara’s suspicious. States sue Meta, claiming its products harm kids. And today’s listener question ponders leadership and assholery. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855...
Oct 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 452
Platformer's Casey Newton moderates a conversation at Code 2023 on ethics in artificial intelligence, with Ajeya Cotra, Senior Program Officer at Open Philanthropy, and Helen Toner, Director of Strategy at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology. The panel discusses the risks and rewards of the technology, as well as best practices and safety measures. Recorded on September 27th in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 25, 2023•29 min•Ep. 451
Kara and Scott discuss the investigation into what Jim Jordan knew about sexual abuse at Ohio State, Jon Stewart and Apple parting ways and a tough road ahead for Tesla's Cybertruck. Then, how the Supreme Court's latest ruling impacts the White House and social media companies. Plus, companies and CEOs continue to struggle with how to address the Israel-Hamas War, as some employees push back. Our Friend of Pivot is Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg who reveals his company's latest acquisition. Follo...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 450
Kara and Scott discuss the ongoing House speaker’s race, tech leaders dropping out of the Web Summit conference, and Google cutting news division jobs. Then, it’s a tough week for Goldman Sachs amidst profit declines. Will David Solomon giving up his DJ hobby help? Plus, X has begun testing out $1 subscriptions. Then, a listener question on Marc Andreesen’s “Techno-Optimist Manifesto.” Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your...
Oct 20, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 449
Kara and Scott discuss whether companies should speak up or stay silent on the Israel-Hamas War. Then, what Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of video game company Activision Blizzard means for future tech mergers. Plus, Taylor Swift rules the box office and Rite Aid files for bankruptcy. Our Friend of Pivot is Lincoln Project co-founder and former Republican strategist, Rick Wilson, who breaks down the speaker's race and looks ahead to the 2024 election. Also, Kara has her annual cold. Follow...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 448
Kara and Scott discuss how the Israel-Hamas war is getting covered on social media and the influx of misinformation. Then, Republicans still can't decide on a Speaker of the House. Plus, the failed talks between SAG-AFTRA and the studios, Birkenstock's underwhelming IPO and layoffs at the Washington Post. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is psychotherapist Esther Perel, who shares wise words on grief and loneliness. Follow Esther at @estherperel, subscribe to her podcast Where Should We Begin? and b...
Oct 13, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 447
Pivot will return on Friday! In the meantime, we're bringing you an episode from another podcast in the Pivot universe: The Prof G Pod. Raj Chetty, the William A. Ackman Professor of Economics at Harvard University and the Director of Opportunity Insights, joins Scott to discuss research around higher education, specifically how elite universities shape who succeeds in the US. We also hear about broader trends regarding upward economic mobility and the role a child’s environment plays in creatin...
Oct 10, 2023•51 min•Ep. 446
Kara and Scott discuss declining social media traffic to news sites, Amazon using an algorithm to test how high they could boost prices, and why the boom in weight loss drugs is the “biggest business story of the year.” Also, Kevin McCarthy’s historic ouster marks another prediction come true in Pivot Land. And the largest health care strike in U.S. history is underway. Then, a listener question on the ethicality of donating to elite universities. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodc...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 445
Bumble Founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd speaks with CNBC Correspondent Julia Boorstin at Code 2023. They discuss the power of AI, and whether it could play the role of a digital matchmaker. Recorded on September 26th in Los Angeles. To join the waitlist for the 2024 Code Conference, visit https://voxmediaevents.com/code2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 04, 2023•33 min•Ep. 444
Kara and Scott discuss California Governor Gavin Newsom's choice of Laphonza Butler for Dianne Feinstein's senate seat, and whether Kevin McCarthy could be ousted as Speaker of the House. Plus, the Supreme Court adds two cases to the docket that could have a major impact on the future of social media. Our Friend of Pivot is New York Times Pitchbot, who stops by to talk about his popular Twitter account, and how he captures the media zeitgeist with his headlines and hot takes. Follow New York Tim...
Oct 03, 2023•58 min•Ep. 443
Allen Media Group Founder, Chairman and CEO Byron Allen speaks with CNBC Correspondent Julia Boorstin at Code 2023. They discuss his bid to buy ABC, the use of AI in media, and his multiple lawsuits against McDonald's. Recorded on September 26th in Los Angeles. To join the waitlist for the 2024 Code Conference, visit https://voxmediaevents.com/code2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 30, 2023•35 min•Ep. 442
After a headline-making Code Conference, Kara discusses her interview with Yoel Roth, the former head of trust and safety at Twitter, and also talks about X CEO Linda Yaccarino's interview with CNBC Correspondent Julia Boorstin. Then, Scott addresses his critics and explains what he got wrong about the Writers Strike, and what he still thinks he got right. Plus, how Travis Kelce is seemingly experiencing the Taylor Swift effect. Check out Kara's interview with Yoel Roth, former head of trust and...
Sep 29, 2023•57 min•Ep. 441
Kara and Scott discuss the tentative deal between Hollywood writers and studios, and what it means for the future of the industry. They also talk about GOP attacks on misinformation researchers, as well as the hedge fund making billions betting against FTC Chair Lina Khan. Friend of Pivot Mathias Döpfner stops by to talk about the future of media and his new book The Trade Trap: How to Stop Doing Business with Dictators. And be sure to check out Scott's recent conversation with Mathias on The Pr...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 440
As Rupert Murdoch announces his retirement, Kara and Scott discuss the future of the media mogul's empire and his legacy. They also react to the Russell Brand controversy, and Elon's plan for a Twitter paywall. Then, there's chaos in Congress as a shutdown approaches, so why is everyone talking about the Senate dress code? Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot....
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 439
Kara and Scott discuss the Jann Wenner controversy, and the new management term "feedforward." And as the "summer of strikes" marches into the fall, they talk about the State of the Unions. Then, is Disney selling off ABC? And would that be the end of linear television? Our Friend of Pivot is Benyamin Cohen, the author of, "The Einstein Effect: How the World's Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Minds," who also happens to be the man behind the official Albert Einstein acco...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 438
Kara and Scott discuss the new openings for the greatest jobs in journalism – Taylor Swift and Beyoncé reporters. They also unpack Apple's underwhelming product launch and the backlash Drew Barrymore is facing after bringing her show back during the strikes. Then, was the big tech AI summit a big success? And who will be the winners and losers as Google's landmark antitrust trial gets underway? Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Sen...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 437
Kara and Scott dish on their big date night at the U.S. Open. They also preview A.I.'s big week on Capitol Hill before Kara gives her no-holds-barred review of Walter Isaacson’s Elon Musk biography. Our Friend of Pivot is former Amazon employee Kristi Coulter, who's pulling back the curtain on tech company culture in her new book, "Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career." You can follow Kristi at @kristicccoulter. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Fo...
Sep 12, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 436
