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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This episode features Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on how the state pushed back against federal overreach, demanding accountability for past actions. Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway then delve into corporate responsibility, criticizing Target's leadership and examining Elon Musk's legal battles and the societal implications of platforms like OnlyFans. The episode culminates with Scott's detailed update on the 'Resist and Unsubscribe' movement, urging economic strikes as a powerful tool for civic engagement.
Kara and Scott break down Trump’s dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the economic effects of the Iran war, and the highlights from Tuesday's first 2026 midterm primaries. Plus, OpenAI's Pentagon deal blows up in Sam Altman's face, and the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger lands on Scott’s “worst acquisitions” list. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel . Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.soci...
Kara and Scott break down the war in Iran — what Trump’s endgame could be, and how the conflict may impact oil prices, financial markets, and the global economy. Then, the Trump administration bans Anthropic, and OpenAI makes a deal with the Pentagon. Plus, Netflix emerges as a winner after walking away from the Warner Bros. deal. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel . Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.soci...
Kara and Scott discuss Anthropic pushing back on the Pentagon's demands, and Trump's longest State of the Union ever. Then, Paramount wins the battle for Warner Bros. after Netflix drops out — Puck’s Bill Cohan joins with insights. Plus, Nvidia posts blockbuster earnings, and a viral memo warning of AI-triggered mass layoffs rattles Wall Street. Visit resistandunsubscribe.com for tickets to our Minneapolis show on March 8th! Proceeds to benefit the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Pivot is ret...
Kara and Scott unpack Trump’s tariff defeat at the hands of the Supreme Court, how he’s scrambling for workarounds, and whether billions in refunds will ever get paid out. Then, Trump pressures Netflix to fire board member Susan Rice or "pay the consequences." Plus, Democrats weigh their strategies for the State of the Union, investors bet on "HALO" stocks, and Scott explores what’s next for his Resist and Unsubscribe campaign. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel . Follow us on ...
This episode delves into several major news stories, starting with the implications of Prince Andrew's arrest following the Epstein files release and a critical look at the US Justice Department's handling of similar cases. The hosts then examine Mark Zuckerberg's testimony in a social media addiction trial, exposing internal research on Instagram's detrimental impact on youth mental health and societal discourse. The conversation also covers Stephen Colbert's clash with Paramount/FCC and the ongoing Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount merger, highlighting the potential for significant changes in Hollywood. Finally, they discuss the Pentagon's ethical dispute with AI firm Anthropic and share predictions on geopolitical events and the future of SaaS companies.
Jane Fonda has been fighting for social justice for over five decades, but in the past year, she’s kicked things up a notch. This past fall, she relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment, and her environmentally focused political action committee, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, is gearing up for the midterm elections. The iconic actor and activist talks to Kara about how to fight for democracy and the environment when both are under attack. She breaks down her PACs electoral strategy, explains w...
Kara and Scott discuss AG Pam Bondi's disastrous testimony on the Epstein files and Big Tech's day in court as Meta and YouTube face trial for deliberately addicting young users. Then, the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case reveals that Google Nest stores “deleted" video, and an Anthropic researcher resigns, warning the “world is in peril.” Plus, Hong Kong media mogul and activist Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 20 years in prison, and Antitrust Chief Gail Slater resigns. Also, Scott predicts IPO troubl...
This episode features Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway dissecting recent Super Bowl ads and the Bad Bunny halftime show, leading into a discussion on the surge of AI-related advertising and predictions of an AI market crash. They also delve into the current "crypto winter," offering investment diversification advice, and scrutinize Amazon's massive AI spending spree alongside the Washington Post's struggles under Jeff Bezos's ownership. The hosts further explore media consolidation, Trump's shifting stance on mergers, the impact of AI on labor, and the rising costs of higher education.
In this special bonus episode of Pivot, Kara talks to Heated Rivalry Executive Producers Jacob Tierney & Brendan Brady about the creative and financial risks they took to make the hit show. The duo also breaks down the process that allowed them to work on a shoestring budget, without compromising the artistic vision. They also explain pros and cons of shooting projects in Canada vs the U.S, and reveal the projects they’re hoping to do next. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel...
This episode covers Anthropic's brilliant Super Bowl ads challenging OpenAI's ad model, Alphabet's blockbuster earnings and the predicted peak of OpenAI's valuation. It also delves into Disney's new CEO and the need for strategic spin-offs, and the Washington Post's mass layoffs, with a deep dive into the economic future of journalism. The hosts conclude with a discussion on global social media bans as a form of reciprocal tariffs against U.S. tech giants.
Kara and Scott kick off "Resist and Unsubscribe February," discussing personal efforts to cancel problematic subscriptions and the impact of collective action. They delve into the extensive Epstein files, exposing the vast network of powerful figures and the varying degrees of their culpability. The episode also covers Donald Trump's pick for Fed chair, Kevin Warsh, and Elon Musk's strategic merger of SpaceX and xAI. Lastly, they explore the competitive landscape of the AI industry and the ongoing financial corruption linked to the Trump family.
Kara and Scott explore how citizens can exert economic pressure through boycotts, including Scott's new "Resist and Unsubscribe" initiative targeting big tech and ICE collaborators. They sharply criticize corporate leaders like Tim Cook and Sam Altman for their muted responses to recent violence in Minnesota. The episode also delves into significant lawsuits against social media companies over product addiction, presenting compelling data on its harmful effects on youth. Finally, they break down recent big tech earnings from Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla, examining AI's role in driving growth and causing layoffs, before concluding with personal and geopolitical predictions.
Kara Swisher and Anthony Scaramucci discuss the perplexing silence of business leaders regarding ICE violence in Minneapolis, arguing that their fear of Donald Trump leads to complicity. They delve into Trump's health concerns, the increasing influence of Stephen Miller within his administration, and the critical need for coordinated opposition from corporate and political figures. The episode also covers TikTok's new US deal, questioning its future relevance and discussing the broader implications for US tech innovation and the global economy.
Kara and Scott jump on for an emergency episode in the aftermath of the Alex Pretti shooting in Minneapolis. They break down how cellphone video from the scene contradicts the narrative pushed by the Trump administration, the political reaction in Washington, and why a national economic strike — not just protests — may be the most effective response. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel . Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow us on Bluesky at ...
Scott reports from Davos on a changed global atmosphere, characterized by AI and US political arrogance, contrasting Trump's controversial speech with Mark Carney's dignified address. The episode also delves into major domestic issues, including Doge's misuse of Social Security data, Netflix's all-cash offer for Warner Bros., and the FCC's controversial 'equal time' rule for talk shows. Finally, it highlights community resistance to aggressive ICE operations in Minnesota, including testimonials from local 'wine moms,' and discusses the importance of political leadership in such crises.
This week, Alex and Ellis talk about the rise of storytelling in tech and why X is now openly pleading for its haters to come back. Then they sit down with Tarek Mansour, co-founder and CEO of Kalshi, to discuss insider trading, his rivalry with Polymarket, regulatory chaos, sports betting, and why prediction markets are having a real moment. Listen to more from ACCESS here . ACCESS is produced in partnership with the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...
Kara and Scott discuss Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act amid ICE violence and protests in Minneapolis. Then, Paramount files a lawsuit against Warner Bros. in a desperate bid to block the Netflix deal, Apple strikes an AI deal with Google, and the FBI raids a Washington Post reporter's home. Plus, the Clintons refuse to testify in the Epstein inquiry, and Meta appoints a former Trump adviser as President. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel . Follow us on Instagram ...
Scott is back! He and Kara discuss Fed Chair Jerome Powell's response to the DOJ's criminal investigation. Plus, Trump pressures oil executives to invest in Venezuela, and California’s proposed wealth tax has billionaires fleeing. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel . Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast . Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, ...
Kara welcomes Audie Cornish and Bill Cohan to unpack President Trump's controversial Venezuela strategy, and his pitch to oil executives. Bill reveals what he'd tell any client eyeing Greenland as an investment. Then: the fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota that's sparking national outrage, why Warner Bros. just rejected another Paramount buyout offer, and how Grok managed to sink even lower. Check out more from Audie on “CNN This Morning, and the podcast, “The Assignment.” Find more from Bill on Pu...
Kara Swisher hosts a panel to dissect major events and future outlooks for 2026. The discussion delves into the geopolitical and economic ramifications of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, examining Trump's motives and Wall Street's reaction. Guests also explore the unexpected cultural impact of the low-budget Canadian series "Heated Rivalry" and share their predictions on the fracturing of MAGA, the fragile economy, AI's transformative power, and Elon Musk's shift from celebrity to a quieter, influential figure.
This episode delves into bold 2026 predictions from Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. They foresee significant shifts in the AI sector due to geopolitical tensions and China's "AI dumping," alongside Amazon's growth driven by robotics and AI. Discussions also cover the potential for a stock market downturn, the evolving political scene with figures like Trump and tech CEOs, the ethical dilemmas of prediction markets, and the inevitable consolidation of Hollywood as AI reshapes content creation. The hosts also touch upon the controversial forced sale of TikTok and the rise of new media trends.
Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, details how AI represents a more fundamental threat than social media, from AI companions leading to mental health crises in youth to the looming job displacement. He explains the US-China AI race and the dangers of prioritizing AGI without guardrails. Harris proposes solutions like age-gating for AI relationships, liability laws, and international cooperation to ensure a humane and equitable AI future, drawing lessons from past technological arms races.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi details how applied AI powers everything from Uber's core operations to its aggressive expansion into autonomous vehicles and robotic deliveries. He outlines the company's strategy of partnering with AV manufacturers, foreseeing a future where software-driven cars enhance safety and efficiency, eventually leading to a hybrid human-robot network. The discussion also covers the societal impacts, regulatory challenges, and ethical considerations of this technological shift, including job displacement and environmental goals.
This episode of Pivot features Kara and Scott tackling diverse listener questions. They delve into topics like the feasibility of taxing AI and wealthy individuals, and propose impactful public policies for societal improvement. The duo also shares their contrasting philosophies on personal finance and offers emotional advice on parenting after the loss of a partner, alongside humorous anecdotes from their live tour.
This episode covers a somber weekend with discussions on tragic shootings and Rob Reiner's death, along with Trump's controversial AI executive order and its political implications. Kara and Scott also delve into the tech world, examining OpenAI's market position, Disney's approach to AI-generated content, and Oracle's financial struggles impacting potential media mergers, specifically the Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery bid. The hosts also share 'wins and fails' touching on public health, media responsibility, and the power of human connection.
This episode delves into significant tech and business news, including Disney's $1 billion investment in OpenAI and the controversial US decision to allow Nvidia to sell advanced chips to China, raising national security concerns. Kara and Scott also scrutinize Trump's alleged influence on the Warner Bros. deal and his mocking of "affordability," while passionately debating Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for teens under 16, emphasizing collective action and platform responsibility.
This episode breaks down Paramount's hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, examining the power struggles reshaping Hollywood and raising antitrust concerns. Kara and Scott also delve into Elon Musk's call to abolish the EU following a major fine against X, and Meta's significant financial losses in its Metaverse division, signaling a pivot to AI and AR. The conversation extends to the New York Times suing Perplexity AI for content infringement and a detailed discussion on structural solutions for economic affordability in housing, healthcare, and education.
Scott Galloway defends his views on therapy after his mother-in-law's nuanced agreement, then shares his surprise at Oprah Winfrey's enthusiastic endorsement of his book. Kara Swisher recounts her unexpected involvement in a media scandal involving Olivia Nuzzi, Ryan Lizza, and RFK Jr., emphasizing journalistic ethics. They also discuss Anthropic's potential IPO, the competitive landscape of AI with OpenAI's 'code red,' and the heated bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Kara and Scott explore the record-breaking Black Friday sales, highlighting how inflation and income disparities impact consumer spending. They also delve into the ethical implications of Trump's AI czar, David Sacks, leveraging his White House role for personal gain. Additionally, the hosts discuss potential Fed Chair nominees, Trump's controversial immigration crackdown, and the questionable launch of Melania Trump's production company, analyzing the broader themes of economic fragility and the blurred lines between public service and private profit.
