With great power, comes great scrutiny. Every Tuesday and Friday, journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway offer sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. They make bold predictions, pick winners and losers, and bicker and banter like no one else. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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In a Scott-free August episode, Kara Swisher is joined by New York Times critic Wesley Morris to discuss a range of cultural and political topics. They delve into President Trump's controversial views on the Smithsonian and his administration's use of TikTok. The conversation also covers South Park's unyielding satire, the record-breaking impact of Taylor Swift's podcast appearance, and Wesley's prediction for Adam Sandler's Oscar chances, reflecting on his unique career.
Kara Swisher hosts Abby Phillip, who shares insights on managing heated political debates on Newsnight, her upcoming book re-examining Jesse Jackson's multifaceted legacy, and his economic populist vision. They analyze Trump's approach to the Russia-Ukraine war, the controversial militarization of Washington D.C., and the efficacy of Gavin Newsom's aggressive social media tactics against Trump. The discussion also delves into corporate responses to political pressure and the broader landscape of partisan political engagement.
Kara Swisher and guest co-host Rachel Maddow dive deep into the historical context of Donald Trump's "America First" rhetoric, drawing parallels to American fascist movements of the 1930s and 40s. They analyze Trump's current authoritarian actions, from the D.C. takeover to the Smithsonian review, and discuss the public's resistance and institutional responses. The conversation also covers the controversial Trump-Putin summit, the challenge to marriage equality, and the evolving dynamics of right-wing media and political predictions for the future.
Kara Swisher and David Remnick delve into the implications of Donald Trump's "politics of fear," examining his authoritarian impulses, the changing nature of his cabinet, and the erosion of civil society. They critically discuss the ongoing situation at The Washington Post under Jeff Bezos and the anticipated Trump-Putin summit, highlighting the potential strategic and moral risks involved. The conversation also shifts to domestic politics, analyzing the contentious redistricting battles and the surprising dynamics of the New York City mayoral race, including Andrew Cuomo's missteps against Zoran Mamdani.
In this insightful episode, Mel Robbins delves into her impactful "Let Them Theory," a philosophy centered on reclaiming personal power by accepting what's beyond control and focusing on one's own responses. The conversation also explores the rising trend of AI in mental health, highlighting both its potential benefits when supervised and the severe risks posed by a lack of regulation. Finally, Mel offers actionable advice for combating screen addiction, setting digital boundaries within families, and nurturing deeper connections in an increasingly disconnected world.
This episode features Kara Swisher and guest co-host Anthony Scaramucci, delving into former President Trump's controversial political moves. They cover the Texas Democrats fleeing to stop gerrymandering, Trump's interference with economic data, and the impact of his global tariffs. The discussion also touches on Trump's unusual relationship with Putin and the ongoing Epstein saga, alongside an analysis of his broader political motivations and the challenges facing the Democratic party for 2028.
Kara and Scott dive into the proposed ban on congressional stock trading, the implications of Joe Rogan's critiques against President Trump, and the stunning earnings reports from Microsoft and Meta driven by massive AI investments. They also analyze the economic impact of tariffs, the recent Manhattan shooting and gun control debates, and the significant shifts in the weight-loss drug market as Novo Nordisk faces increased competition. The episode concludes with thoughts on Kamala Harris's political future and the highly anticipated Figma IPO.
Kara and Scott discuss the Skydance-Paramount merger getting the green light from the FCC, and South Park's timely takedown of Trump and Paramount. Then, with the tariff deadline looming, the EU strikes a trade deal with Trump. Plus, Ghislaine Maxwell talks to the DOJ, Gwyneth Paltrow becomes the "temporary" spokesperson for Astronomer in the wake of the Coldplay kiss cam scandal, and Tony Robbins sues over AI chatbots. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel . Follow us on Instagra...
Kara and Scott unpack the latest news surrounding Donald Trump's appearance in the Epstein files, dissecting his attempts to distract the public, including accusing Barack Obama of treason. They also delve into Tesla's underwhelming earnings report and Elon Musk's strategic AI investments, contrasting it with Alphabet's robust growth. The episode further examines Trump's AI "action plan," raising concerns about copyright and wealth transfer, and criticizes the government's interference in higher education, notably Columbia University's $200 million fine.
Kara and Scott delve into the viral Coldplay kiss cam incident, discussing workplace power dynamics, the impact of public shaming, and the loss of privacy in the digital age. They also analyze the financial motivations behind Stephen Colbert's show cancellation and the broader challenges facing traditional late-night television. Finally, the duo examines Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal, alongside the US government's complex relationship with Elon Musk's SpaceX and Starlink.
This episode delves into current political and economic events, including Trump's attempts to deflect attention from the Epstein files by threatening Fed Chair Powell. Kara and Scott also examine Elon Musk's Grok securing a Defense Department contract, sparking debate on AI's role in warfare. The hosts discuss Andrew Cuomo's independent run for NYC mayor against Zoran Mamdani, and analyze new crypto bills alongside the debate on public media funding.
Kara and Scott delve into the MAGA civil war sparked by the handling of the Epstein files and dissect Trump's problematic responses. They also analyze Trump's escalating global tariff threats and their economic implications, alongside discussions on the AI talent war, Elon Musk's business integrations, and the broader societal impacts of anonymity and corporate power. The episode concludes with a poignant personal reflection from Scott on his father's life and lessons learned.
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss Linda Yaccarino's departure from X, analyzing the failed ad strategy and the platform's shift towards AI and utility, exacerbated by Grok's controversial output and issues around hate speech. They also cover Trump's chaotic tariff policies, detailing the economic illogic and how other countries are reacting. Additional topics include leadership changes at Apple, the Shein IPO filing in Hong Kong, and predictions on future tech and trade developments.
Kara and Scott discuss the tragic Texas flooding, examining the blame game over weather forecasts, funding, and warning systems. They delve into the implications of Trump's recently signed "Big Beautiful Bill," analyzing its impact on wealth transfer and social safety nets. The episode also covers Elon Musk's ongoing feud with Trump and his proposal for a new political party, as well as the latest developments surrounding the potential sale of TikTok's U.S. operations.
Kara Swisher is joined by pollster Kristen Soltis-Anderson to break down recent political events. They analyze the renewed feud between Trump and Elon Musk, discuss challenges and insights from public polling, and unpack the legislative hurdles and public perception surrounding the "big beautiful bill." The conversation also covers Paramount's controversial settlement with Trump and the significance of Zoran Mamdani's victory in the NYC mayoral primary, including Trump's reaction.
Kara and Scott tackle listener questions from the Pivot mailbag. Topics include the decline in excitement for new tech launches, advice for parents on discussing pornography with their kids, navigating career choices for teens in the age of AI, concerns about data collection in Chinese BYD electric vehicles, and where they would travel if time travel were possible.
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss President Trump's insistence that Iran's nuclear program was obliterated despite conflicting reports, his attacks on the press, and the Republican health bill infighting. They analyze Zohran Mamdani's surprising NYC mayoral primary win, exploring his campaign tactics, policy proposals, the role of the youth vote, and the reactions from the political establishment. The episode also covers Trump's reported plans for replacing the Fed Chair, the FTC's approval of a major ad merger, and recent AI copyright case rulings.
Kara and Scott discuss the U.S. strikes on Iran, the conflicting messages from the administration, the market's muted reaction, and the potential geopolitical implications. They then pivot to Tesla's robotaxi rollout, examining the launch caveats, Elon Musk's risk-aggressive strategy, and the competition in the autonomous vehicle and AI space. The episode also covers Meta's aggressive AI push, its strategy focused on advertising technology, the shifting global capital flows, and the repeated extension of the TikTok ban deadline.
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway broadcast live from Cannes, discussing Jeff Bezos's wedding protests and Macron's proposal to ban social media for kids under 15. They delve into Meta's new WhatsApp ads and controversial Scale AI investment, how AI chatbots impact news publishers, and the launch of Trump Mobile. The episode concludes with thoughts on the declining U.S. brand globally and audience questions.
Kara and Scott discuss the Minnesota lawmaker shootings and the rise in political violence, analyzing potential causes like social media and polarization. They contrast Trump's low-turnout military parade with the successful, widespread No Kings protests. The conversation also covers the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and the strategic implications of Israel's recent attack, plus the latest in the Trump-Elon Musk feud and the White House review of SpaceX contracts. Finally, they debate Democratic strategy and the need for public figures to speak out.
This episode delves into the political friction between Governor Gavin Newsom and former President Trump, analyzing Trump's use of military force and the public's reaction to immigration policies. The conversation also covers Elon Musk's attempts to mend ties with Trump and X's controversial legal threats to advertisers. Additionally, Kara and Scott explore the ongoing US-China trade dynamics, the competitive landscape in AI development with OpenAI, Google, and Meta, and emerging copyright issues related to generative AI.
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway dissect Trump's controversial federal response to the LA protests, analyzing his tactics as potentially authoritarian and discussing the Democratic party's need for a stronger counter. They also dive into the escalating feud between Trump and Elon Musk, exploring its political and business implications. Finally, they break down the announced split of Warner Bros. Discovery and its potential impact on the media landscape.
This episode dives deep into the dramatic public falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, analyzing the tweets, the market reaction including Tesla's stock drop, and the political maneuvering. Kara and Scott discuss Trump's reaction through executive orders, his trade call with China's President Xi and its economic consequences, and the challenges faced by media companies like Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery in the current political climate. They also touch upon the broader implications of Trump's actions on American institutions and corporate behavior.
This episode covers recent political and business news, including Senator Joni Ernst's controversial remarks on Medicaid cuts and the subsequent public reaction. Kara and Scott delve into Texas's new law requiring app stores to verify user ages, debating the privacy implications and ideal implementation. They analyze Taylor Swift's significant business move to reacquire her master recordings, discussing the value of artist control and IP protection. The conversation also tackles the New York Times report on Elon Musk's alleged drug use, its potential impact, and the fading influence of Trump over him, highlighted by a recent withdrawn nomination. Finally, they examine Trump's latest move to double tariffs on steel and aluminum, exploring his strategy, its economic consequences, and the complex trade relationship with China.
Kara and Scott dissect the week's business and political news, covering a court ruling against Trump's tariffs, the concept of the "TACO" trade, and serious allegations of insider trading surrounding his announcements. They discuss Elon Musk's latest moves, his political alignment, and the state of his various ventures, including the autonomous vehicle debate. The episode also explores Trump's feuds with Harvard and Apple, the economic importance of international students, and his surprising pivot towards cryptocurrency, highlighting concerns about grift. Finally, they share their firsthand, often hilarious, experience testing Google's new AI video generator, VEO 3, and debate its potential impact on the media industry and established players.
Preet Bharara interviews former FTC Chair Lina Khan about her rapid rise and influential work on Amazon, which challenged traditional antitrust views. They discuss the real-world impact of monopolies, surprising bipartisan support for enforcement, and the historical context of anti-monopoly laws. Khan explains how monopolies can stifle innovation, details the FTC's case against Amazon, and addresses criticisms faced by the agency and recent commissioner firings. The episode concludes with listener Q&A on the Surgeon General, immigration enforcement via the Kid Rock restaurant example, and Trump's comments on Bruce Springsteen.
This week, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway analyze Elon Musk's controversial political spending and Tesla's performance issues. They discuss President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis, debating its impact on his legacy and the Democratic party's future strategy, including the need for a more open primary process. The hosts examine the new tax bill's economic consequences, arguing it favors the wealthy and exacerbates national debt, affecting the bond market. Finally, they explore tech news with design icon Jony Ive joining OpenAI for consumer devices and Google's release of its AI search feature, comparing their competitive strategies, and touch on the Democratic party's efforts to build an influencer network.
Scott and Kara cover major news, starting with President Biden's cancer diagnosis and the debate around age limits for politicians. They break down Moody's downgrade of the US credit rating and the implications of recent spending and tax bills. The episode also explores Trump's tactics pressuring companies like Walmart and Apple, Meta's challenges with AI development and scams, and the rapidly evolving GLP-1 drug market, including the struggles of companies like Novo Nordisk and Weight Watchers. They finish with their regular segment, Wins and Fails.
Kara and Scott analyze Meta's antitrust trial, scrutinizing the attack on media critics and potential outcomes. They discuss Apple's pricing amidst supply chain shifts and debate the company's innovation challenges. The hosts also dive into Trump's Middle East dealings, RFK Jr.'s controversial statements, and HBO Max's rebranding saga, assessing the implications for tech, business, and public health.
Kara and Scott dissect the US-China trade tensions, Trump's dubious dealings with Qatar for a new Air Force One, and the surprising selection of an American Pope and the potential impact of his papacy. They also touch on topics such as Newark airport's ongoing issues, and the latest venture of Elizabeth Holmes' partner, sparking a conversation about justice and Silicon Valley ethics.
