Pivot - podcast cover

Pivot

New York Magazinenymag.com
Every Tuesday and Friday, tech 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. After all, with great power comes great scrutiny. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Episodes

UFOs, The State of Tech, and Guest Lakshmi Rengarajan

Kara and Scott talk Super Bowl ads and legacy blue check wars. And what on Earth (or Mars?) is the deal with all of these UFOs? Plus, the state of Big Tech: the layoffs, the opportunities, the A.I. Also, Friend of Pivot and co-host of Land of the Giants, Lakshmi Rengarajan joins to dicuss all things dating. You can hear more from Lakshmi on Land of the Giants and Paired by the People. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...

Feb 14, 20231 hr 18 minEp. 379

AI Blunders, The GOP Cries Censorship, and Adam Neumann’s Comeback

Kara and Scott discuss the latest changes at Disney, including layoffs, and the expensive mistake made by Google's chatbot. Also in the mix: Adam Neumann is back, and has invented apartments! Plus, how did that Republicans hearing with the former Twitter execs go? The Dawg and Jungle Cat have thoughts. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 10, 20231 hr 3 minEp. 378

Balloon-Gate, The AI Arms Race, and Guest Jerry Saltz

Kara and Scott discuss Google's newest effort to compete with ChatGPT, the Koch network's anti-Trump efforts, and the latest on Elon Musk’s many legal battles. Plus, of course, the fallout from the Chinese balloon. Then, they’re joined by Friend of Pivot, Jerry Saltz to discuss the state of art world. You can find Jerry on Twitter at @jerrysaltz and can get his book here. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co...

Feb 07, 20231 hr 19 minEp. 377

Meta Shakes Off the FTC, and AAG Jonathan Kanter takes on Google

The Fed eases up on the brakes, Elon Musk looks for new ways to monetize Twitter, and Snap has another rough quarter. Also: Meta may have prevailed in a fight with the FTC. Today’s Friend of Pivot is Jonathan Kanter, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at the DOJ. He stops by to discuss Google, antitrust, and his agency's fight against monopolies. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...

Feb 03, 20231 hr 26 minEp. 376

Sick Day! Tinder Changed the Game - from Land of the Giants: Dating Games

Today Kara’s out sick and we’re sharing an episode of Land of the Giants. When Tinder launched in 2012, it changed dating culture and our expectations around dating forever by leveraging the iPhone and gamifying the dating experience. But did the rise of dating apps make finding romance easier or harder, and what are the consequences of playing a game that never ends? Subscribe to Land of the Giants to get new episodes every Wednesday. If you miss Scott and Kara you can hear them on their other ...

Jan 31, 202338 min

Trump is Back on Meta, The DOJ Sues Google, and No More Murdoch Merger

Kara and Scott discuss the Bad Blood between the Senate Judiciary Committee and Live Nation, Walmart giving workers a raise, and the cancelled Murdoch merger of Fox and News Corp. Also, will you see more covfefe in your feeds? Trump is back on Facebook and Instagram. Plus, the DOJ is suing Google over its dominance in digital advertising: what took them so long? Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...

Jan 27, 202352 minEp. 374

Netflix Shakeup, More Tech Layoffs, and Guest Cory Doctorow

Biden will get a new Chief of Staff, the U.S. Attorney has questions for Amazon, and Elon takes the stand. Over at Netflix: strong subscriber growth, and Reed Hastings is out as Co-CEO. And of course, more layoffs. Then we’re joined by Friend of Pivot Cory Doctorow on his new book, “Chokepoint Capitalism: How Big Tech and Big Content Captured Creative Labor Markets and How We’ll Win Them Back.” Cory is on Twitter at @doctorow and you can find his book here. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PI...

Jan 24, 20231 hr 12 minEp. 373

Microsoft's Hard Landing, Bitcoin Bounces Back, and Inside Twitter with Zoe Schiffer

Kara and Scott discuss Microsoft layoffs, cryptocurrency’s surprising recovery, and Jacinda Ardern’s resignation. Plus, someone bought a Twitter bird statue for $100k, and it wasn’t Kara. Friend of Pivot Zoë Schiffer (@zoeschiffer) joins to discuss all of her recent Twitter reporting, including the work that went in to this week’s major New York Magazine story, which you can read here. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Jan 20, 20231 hr 10 minEp. 372

Live from London: Recession Calling?

Kara and Scott visit London's "new Palo Alto" for a live discussion on Tim Cook's pay cut, Prince Harry's memoir "Spare," and what European regulation means for social media users. Also, banking's biggest Eeyore softens his predictions for a 2023 recession, while Britain takes another step towards Brexit. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 18, 20231 hr 18 minEp. 371

Live from DLD: Microsoft's AI Future and the FAA Meltdown

At Munich's Digital-Life-Design conference, Kara and Scott unpack EU tech regulations, Tesla's many challenges (including Twitter), and OpenAI's future in Microsoft products. Also, what the latest airline meltdown says about US infrastructure. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 13, 202353 minEp. 370

The New McCarthy Era, A.I. on the Rise, and Guest Mike Allen

Kara and Scott are back together! They discuss the new power balance in Congress, how A.I. will and won't transform, and a potential ban on non-compete clauses. Plus, Jack Ma will give up control of Ant Group, and echoes of January 6th in Brazil. Today's Friend of Pivot is Mike Allen of Axios, who stops by to chat about his new book, “Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less,” and the changing landscape of the news business. You can find Mike Allen on Twitter at @MikeAllen and can find ...

Jan 10, 20231 hr 13 minEp. 369

House Arrest, Meta Fined Over Fine Print, and More...with Audie Cornish

CNN's Audie Cornish joins Kara as guest co-host with plenty to cover: the Republican disarray in the Speaker of the House vote, the E.U. fining Meta for privacy violations, and Twitter allowing political advertising back on the platform. Also, Donald Trump could get his Facebook account back, and Elon Musk’s year is off to a rough start. Plus, SBF’s former allies are cooperating, and tech layoffs continue. You can find Audie on Twitter at @AudieCornish, and can listen to her podcast “The Assignm...

Jan 06, 20231 hr 8 minEp. 368

State of Play: Inflation, Recession Signals, and the Housing Market — with Mark Zandi - The Prof G Pod

Today we're sharing an episode of The Prof G Pod, Scott Galloway's other favorite podcast. Enjoy! Mark Zandi, the chief economist of Moody’s Analytics joins to discuss the economy, including geopolitical uncertainty, the housing market, and why he’s not all that concerned about a possible recession. Follow Mark on Twitter, @Markzandi. Scott opens with his thoughts on investing in Chinese stocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 03, 202342 min

Elon Musk: Somebody That I Used to Know - On with Kara Swisher

Today we're sharing an episode of On with Kara Swisher - her other favorite podcat. Elon Musk is a puzzle, but if there’s anyone who can make sense of him it’s Kara Swisher. She’s covered him since the late 90s – back in her early days as a beat reporter at the Wall Street Journal and she’s had many in-depth interviews and exchanges with the tech titan since, perhaps more than any other reporter. She’s also covered Elon’s latest fiefdom, Twitter, before it even was Twitter. So today we turn the ...

Dec 30, 20221 hr 8 min

Elon, SBF, AI and What the Hell is Up in Tech? - On with Kara Swisher

Enjoy this episode of On with Kara Swisher! From the high speed train wreck at Twitter to the extradition of a fallen crypto kingpin and an AI that can rewrite your dating profile, there’s a lot happening in tech right now. Today, Nayeema moderates a conversation with Kara Swisher and Casey Newton, the tech reporter who runs the Platformer substack. They break down the biggest stories of 2022. And they look at what lies ahead in 2023. Will there be less billionaire grift? Is this the year that A...

Dec 27, 202257 min

2022: Pivot's Year in Review

We're looking back at the BIGGEST stories of the year. And what a year! When 2022 began, Russia enjoyed somewhat normal relations with the West, many Covid measures were still in place, Queen Elizabeth II reigned, and Big Tech was entering a second decade of economic dominance. Nothing lasts forever. Also: Kara and Scott's best brags, insults, and wins for the year. Happy 2023! Eat it, 2022! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 23, 202255 minEp. 367

The Future of Antitrust, Bitcoin, DWAC, and more

Kara and Scott look back on a year of predictions. What did they get right? What did Elon ruin? We’ll tally up the wins and losses around super-acquisitions, metaverse real estate, Trump’s SPAC, and, or course, Twitter. Also, friends of Pivot weigh in with their own predictions about augmented reality, privacy, and more. Send in your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 20, 202249 min

Microsoft Takeovers, the World's Richest Person, and Jack Dorsey's Legacy

Kara and Scott open the ol' listener mailbag to answer queries about LinkedIn etiquette, Microsoft products, and why Jack Dorsey is the best CEO ever. Also, a Pivot listener may have saved someone's life. Want to hear your own question on the show? Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 16, 202248 minEp. 365

The FTC Sues Microsoft and Twitter Blue is Back

Shortly after we recorded this episode, Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas. Don't worry, the takes in here are still fresh. The Respect for Marriage Act is headed to President Biden’s desk, and Sam Bankman-Fried will appear before the House Committee on Financial Services... actually, maybe not. Also, Twitter Blue is making a return, and the FTC has sued to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. Then, a spirited listener voicemail on Kara and Scott’s discussions about T...

Dec 13, 202248 minEp. 364

The Growing U.S.-China Divide, Senate's Journalism Bill is DOA, and Congressman Ro Khanna

Twitter ads are showing up on white nationalist profiles, and some big names exit Salesforce. Also, Congress killed the Journalism and Competition Preservation Act, and the divide between the U.S. and China is growing in the tech industry. Plus, Sunny Balwani has been sentenced, and Britney Griner is free. Kara and Scott are joined by Friend of Pivot, Congressman Ro Khanna about the Twitter Files, and his emails. You can find Congressman Ro Khanna at @RoKhanna on Twitter. We’re nominated for a S...

Dec 09, 20221 hr 6 minEp. 363

The Twitter Files, How to Make Good Business Decisions, and Guest Maria Ressa

In another big week for content moderation, internal Twitter emails detailing the decision to block the Hunter Biden laptop story were released, and Ye was suspended from Twitter. Then, welcome to Prof G University: Scott helps us understand how to make good business decisions for stakeholders. Plus, The DOJ wants an independent review into FTX’s bankruptcy, Tim Cook is on damage control on Capitol Hill, and Trump wants to flush the constitution down the toilet. Then, we’re joined by our Friend ...

Dec 06, 20221 hr 16 minEp. 362

SBF’s Publicity Tour, Elon vs. Apple, and The Respect for Marriage Act

Elon Musk calls a truce with Tim Cook after picking a series of fights with Apple. Kara and Scott review Sam Bankman-Fried's publicity tour, and discuss the Senate's passage of the Respect for Marriage Act. Finally, this episode's listener question comes in via carrier pigeon. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 02, 202256 minEp. 361

The Excruciating Toll of Elon's Stunts

Guest host William D. Cohan joins Kara to discuss the latest developments in the Twitter saga: banned accounts will return! Apple could ban Twitter from the App Store! Elon drinks caffeine-free Diet Coke?! Also, protests in China could disrupt Apple. Friend of Pivot Anand Giridharadas joins to discuss his latest book, "The Persuaders," and how clear, concise messaging could help save democracy. Suggested reading: "Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon" by @williamcohan "The Persua...

Nov 29, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 360

How to Raise the Next Scott Galloway

Happy Thanksgiving! Kara and Scott take a break from the news to answer all your questions about raising happy, healthy, successful Pivot listeners. Between Covid, the economy, and the always-difficult work/life balance, modern parents face unprecedented challenges. Luckily, Pivot's here to answer the What, Whys, and Hows of parenting in the age of endless distraction. Send us your questions, parenting-related or otherwise! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad cho...

Nov 25, 202259 minEp. 359

Bob One Returns, Trump Can Tweet Again, and Guest Noam Bardin on Post News

Kara and Scott discuss Elon Musk’s latest moves, including letting Former President Trump back onto the Twitter. And Bob 1 has returned to replace Bob 2 at Disney. Also, Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced to over 11 years, and Swifties are coming for Ticketmaster. Then, they’re joined by former Waze CEO Noam Bardin to discuss his newest endeavor, Post News, a social network with the goal of paying publishers. You can join Post News here: post.news Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to n...

Nov 22, 20221 hr 16 minEp. 358

Elon Bets It All, Apple Grows Out of China, and Guest Kate Klonick

Apple will source chips from a plant in Arizona, in a move to lower its dependence on Taiwan. Also, Chief Twit is still at it; this time with a hustle culture ultimatum for Twitter 2.0. Also, Facebook still won’t fact check politicians, including Donald Trump, and Yale and Harvard are done participating in the U.S. News and World Report. Kara and Scott speak with Friend of Pivot and Associate Professor at St. John’s University Law School, Kate Klonick about social media moderation. You can find ...

Nov 18, 20221 hr 4 minEp. 357

Deep Cuts at Twitter, FTX Hack, and Friend of Pivot Joe Coscarelli

Kara and Scott discuss the latest belt-tightening measures at Amazon and Disney and the latest round of the Apple v. Epic Games antitrust fight. Also, Twitter’s shrinking workforce, Musk v. Markey, and the mysterious hack that’s just one of FTX’s mounting problems. New York Times Culture Reporter Joe Coscarelli is our Friend of Pivot. He stops by to chat about his new book, Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story. You can follow Joe Coscarelli here. In Wins and Fails, Kara and Scott discuss. Black Panther...

Nov 15, 202258 minEp. 355

Crypto Chaos, Meta Layoffs, Musk Mania, and Guest Jonathan Haidt

Kara and Scott dissect what the FTX meltdown means for cryptocurrency, Meta's layoffs, and how the midterms might impact big tech. Friend of Pivot Jonathan Haidt stops by to talk about the impacts of social media on teens and society. And hours after our regular taping, we dragged Scott out of a fancy London bar to record an updated reaction to the latest Twitter news: Elon Musk was warning of a possible Twitter bankruptcy, while top executives were jumping ship. You can check out more of Jonath...

Nov 11, 20221 hr 10 minEp. 354

Parody Accounts on Twitter, Peak Layoff Season, and Tech Monopolies

Kara and Scott question Elon Musk's sense of humor after he bans comedian Kathy Griffin (and others who spoofed his account) over the weekend. They also talk about the layoff trend in the tech industry, as Meta reportedly prepares for a massive reduction in its workforce this week. Friend of Pivot Matt Stoller stops by with reasons to be optimistic about the fight against corporate monopolies. You can follow Matt Stoller at @matthewstoller, and subscribe to his substack, BIG, here. Send us your ...

Nov 08, 20221 hr 13 minEp. 353

More Twitter Drama, Amazon Post-Pandemic, and Guest Jon Favreau on the Midterms

Kara is joined by guest host Kai Ryssdal, Host and Senior Editor of Marketplace! They discuss the latest dispatches from Elon Musk’s Twitter, from layoffs to subscription plans. Also, Amazon’s new post-pandemic reality, and the Fed’s latest interest rate hike. Friend of Pivot Jon Favreau stops by to break down what’s to come in the midterms. You can find Kai on Twitter at @kairyssdal, and Jon at @jonfavs. If you want to get involved in the last days before the midterms, visit VoteSaveAmerica.com...

Nov 04, 20221 hr 3 minEp. 352