Kara and Scott are back with a lot to discuss! They start with the new Wall Street Journal piece on Elon Musk’s drug use, and get some medical expertise and insights from Kara's brother, Dr. Jeffrey Swisher. Then, they discuss the fallout from Harvard president Claudine Gay's resignation, and Bill Ackman's wife facing plagiarism charges. Plus, Disney's family feud between ESPN and Jimmy Kimmel, a possible Warner Bros/Paramount merger on the horizon, and more. Follow Jeff at @jeffreyswisher Follo...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 472
Kara and Scott are starting off the new year answering your listener questions! They tackle why more tech people aren't serving in government, whether Prof G AI compensates Kara, and if girl math is a good thing. Plus, a discussion of personal blindsides and New Year’s resolutions revealed. 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 your ad choic...
Jan 05, 2024•35 min•Ep. 472
Kara and Scott look back at highlights from the biggest themes of the year: learning to live with AI, labor strikes, the economic impact of girl power, and a sprinkling of Elon. Plus, what would Pivot be without some insults, squabbles, and humblebrags? 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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 29, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 471
As 2023 comes to an end, Kara and Scott are revisiting some of their favorite Friends of Pivot interviews, including fascinating and thought-provoking conversations with Esther Perel , Mehdi Hasan , Lakshmi Rengarajan , and Rupublicans co-founder Craig DeForest 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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 470
It’s time for our annual predictions episode! Kara and Scott share their 2024 predictions on politics, stocks, China, Google and more. Plus, some Friend of Pivot predictions from Jen Psaki, Mike Birbiglia, Fei-Fei Li, Bill Cohan, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, and Matt Belloni. 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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...
Dec 19, 2023•38 min•Ep. 469
Kara and Scott discuss Tesla recalling 2 million vehicles, Netflix revealing viewership statistics, and a couple of….terrifying liquids. Then, nearly 200 countries have approved a global pact that calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels at COP28. And Epic Games has beat Google in court, with a jury ruling the company violated antitrust laws. Then we’re joined by Friend of Pivot, Naomi Alderman, on her new book, “The Future.” You can find Naomi Alderman on X at @NaomiAllthenews. Follow us ...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 468
Kara and Scott discuss Tucker Carlson's new streaming service, Elon letting Alex Jones back on X, and whether the criticism of Google's Gemini demo video is warranted. Then, UPenn's president resigns after that Congressional testimony last week, will the other presidents follow? Plus, the EU moves forward with its landmark AI Act. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is "Pod Save America" co-host and "Pollercoaster" host, Dan Pfeiffer. Dan gives us insight into the latest election poll numbers and share...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 467
Kara and Scott discuss TIME's Person of the Year, Taylor Swift, George Santos' Cameo stardom, and yet another Republican debate. Then, they critique the testimony of three university presidents who spoke to Congress about anti-semitism on their campuses. And it’s a big week in AI news: Meta is teaming up with IBM to form an “AI Alliance,” Google launched a new model, “Gemini,” and Elon Musk’s AI startup has filed with the SEC to raise up to $1 billion. Then we’re joined by Friend of Pivot and Ch...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 466
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 a...
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 85...
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 ...
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 creati...
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
