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Pivot

New York Magazinenymag.com
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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Episodes

Biden on the Defensive, Trump's Threats, and Congressional Stock Trading

Kara and Scott discuss Microsoft and Apple ditching OpenAI board seats, the proposed ban on congressional stock trading, and Tesla's EV market share dipping below 50% for the first time. Then, calls for Biden to drop out of the race are mounting, but will the president just wait out the clock? Plus, what the GOP's new platform reveals about a Trump second term, including the implications for Big Tech. Finally, a listener question on deciding where to go for college. Follow us on Instagram and Th...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 532

Biden's Future, Paramount Skydance Merger, and Guest Brian Derrick

Kara and Scott discuss Biden's decision to stay in the race, and what alternate scenarios might look like. Then, after months of negotiations, the Paramount and Skydance merger appears to be (finally) happening. Plus, Apple gets a seat on OpenAI's board, and Threads turns one. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Brian Derrick, a political strategist, and the founder and CEO of Oath, a fundraising platform that aims to maximize campaign donations. Brian explains how donors are reacting to Biden's con...

Jul 09, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 531

OpenAI CTO Mira Murati on ScarJo Controversy, Sam Altman & Disinfo Fears | On With Kara Swisher

Pivot is off for the holiday! In the meantime, we're bringing you an episode of On With Kara Swisher. Kara interviews Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, and one of the most powerful people in tech. Murati has helped the company skyrocket to the forefront of the generative AI boom, and Apple’s recent announcement that it will soon put ChatGPT in its iPhones, iPads and laptops will only help increase their reach. But there have been some issues along the way - including CEO Sam Altma...

Jul 05, 202450 minEp. 530

Future of Travel: How is Aviation Innovating?

Pivot’s special series on the future of travel wraps up with a last stop: planes. What exactly is happening with Boeing? How will AI play a role in aviation? And most importantly, what is everyone’s favorite, and least favorite airport? Kara and Scott discuss it all with Pete Muntean, CNN's aviation and transportation correspondent, who also happens to be a pilot and flight instructor. Follow Pete at @petemuntean . Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow us on TikTok...

Jul 03, 202439 minEp. 529

Debate Aftermath, Amazon Takes on Shein, and Guest Kim Scott

Kara and Scott discuss the Supreme Court's Trump immunity ruling, and some of the controversial opinions from this term. Then, frustrations, fears, and theories after Biden's disastrous debate. Plus, Amazon prepares to compete in the on-demand fashion arena with Shein and Temu. Can it be a contender? Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Kim Scott, a former Google and Apple executive, and the author of "Radical Respect: How To Work Together Better." Kim explains how to effectively manage employees wit...

Jul 02, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 528

SCOTUS Social Media Ruling, VW Rivian Deal, and Nvidia Stock Roller Coaster

Kara and Scott discuss Nvidia’s roller coaster week, Waymo making robotaxis available for everyone in San Francisco, and what's next for Julian Assange after his release. Then, the Supreme Court rules in favor of the Biden administration in a social media content moderation case. Will that set a precedent for future social media/misinformation rulings? Plus, Volkswagen gives Rivian a $5 billion shot in the arm. Is the deal a win-win for both companies? Finally, a listener challenges Scott on whe...

Jun 28, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 527

Future of Travel: Is It Boom or Bust Time for EVs?

Pivot's special series on the future of travel rolls on — next stop, electric vehicles. Is the slowdown in EV sales a temporary blip, or part of a larger trend? When will individuals get a piece of charging station revenues? And what will be the ultimate gamechanger to get people to buy these cars? Kara and Scott discuss it all with Beia Spiller, an energy economist, and the Transportation Program Director for Resources for the Future. Follow Beia at @starbeia Follow us on Instagram and Threads ...

Jun 26, 202427 minEp. 526

Debate Prep, Apple and Meta's Potential AI Partnership, and Guest Brené Brown

Kara and Scott roll their eyes over the latest Elon stories, including the news of his 12th child, and his criticism of Melinda French Gates’ political donations. Then, are longtime adversaries Apple and Meta putting their differences aside for a new AI partnership? Plus, with the presidential debate just a few days away, Kara and Scott share their advice for the candidates. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Brené Brown, host of the Vox Media podcasts, "Unlocking Us" and "Dare to Lead." Brené expl...

Jun 25, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 525

Elon's About-Face, Surgeon General's New Warning, and AI in Ads

Kara and Scott are live at Cannes! They discuss Elon's plan to win back advertisers, and the Surgeon General's proposal for warning labels on social media. Then, what brands are using AI most effectively right now? Plus, the EU's hard-right parties just harnessed the youth vote in recent elections. What role will the younger generation of voters play in the upcoming U.S. presidential election? Recorded on June 18th at the AdWeek House in Cannes, France DISCLAIMER/ONLY IN CANNES: Our live taping ...

Jun 21, 202442 minEp. 524

Future of Travel: Is High-Speed Rail Finally Happening in the U.S.?

All aboard for Pivot's special series on the future of travel, examining the big changes coming to the way we get around the world! Will 2024 be the year that high-speed rail becomes reality in the United States? How did the U.S. get so far behind other countries? And what cities have the best train systems? On this episode, Kara and Scott talk trains with Yonah Freemark, the principal research associate at the Urban Institute, who also writes the blog, The Transport Politic. Follow Yonah at @yf...

Jun 19, 202428 minEp. 523

Washington Post Drama, OpenAI IPO Rumblings, and Guest Scott Wiener

Kara and Scott discuss the drama surrounding the Washington Post's new publisher and incoming editor, as well as Amazon's One Medical facing questions about its call centers. Then, Stanford's Internet Observatory, a prominent disinformation research group, is facing an uncertain future amid ongoing political attacks. Plus, OpenAI announces its newest board member, and might be moving closer to becoming a for-profit company. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is California State Senator Scott Wiener. S...

Jun 18, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 522

Apple’s AI Pop, The Fate of Paramount, and Elon’s Eventful Week

Kara and Scott discuss North Dakota voting in favor of placing age restrictions on congressional candidates, X making likes private, and Tesla shareholders voting on Elon Musk’s pay package. Then, Apple stock is surging after the company revealed its AI plans, and Paramount’s merger talks with Skydance fall apart. Plus, a listener question on the latest drama with Justice Alito. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast . Send us your ques...

Jun 14, 202455 minEp. 521

Apple Intelligence, The Texas Stock Exchange, and Guests Brody and Luke Mullins

Kara and Scott discuss Apple finally unveiling AI plans. Can it pull ahead in the AI race? Then, Sandy Hook families may finally get some of their settlement, as Alex Jones moves to liquidate his assets. Plus, AI start-up Perplexity is in hot water with news publishers, Amazon expands its robotaxi testing to more cities, and a proposed Texas Stock Exchange throws its hat in the ring. Finally, our Friends of Pivot are Wall Street Journal investigative reporter, Brody Mullins, and Politico contrib...

Jun 11, 202458 minEp. 520

AI Antitrust Investigations, Nvidia Stock Split, and OpenAI Whistleblowers

Kara and Scott discuss New York's plan to regulate social media for kids, X's new rules on adult content, and Shane Smith's latest venture at Vice. Then, federal regulators move forward with antitrust investigations in the AI sector, while Nvidia surges to a $3 trillion market cap, and gets ready for a stock split. Plus, a group of current and former OpenAI employees call for transparency and whistleblower protections. Finally, a listener question about the recent ruling that blocks Fearless Fun...

Jun 07, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 519

Google Search Troubles, Trump Trial Aftermath, and Guest Elie Honig

Kara and Scott discuss the Paramount/Skydance merger, the Washington Post's major changes at the top, and Salesforce's worst trading day in 20 years. Then, Google is in damage control mode after a document leak raises questions about search, and its new AI Overviews feature goes viral for all the wrong reasons. Plus, Tesla shareholders are getting ready to vote on reinstating Elon Musk's multi-billion dollar pay package. Will Elon come out on top? Finally, our Friend of Pivot is CNN's Chief Lega...

Jun 04, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 518

Elon and Trump, OpenAI's Next Moves, and Melinda French Gates' $1B Donation

Kara and Scott discuss what impact the Trump hush money trial outcome could have on the election, and whether a Trump second term could include Elon Musk in an advisory role. Then, OpenAI announces a new model in the works, the formation of a safety committee, and more deals with publishers. Plus, Melinda French Gates announces a $1 billion donation to support women, families, and reproductive rights. Are the ex-wives of tech billionaires creating a new era of philanthropy? Finally, Kara and Sco...

May 31, 202459 minEp. 517

Are Elon’s Best Days Behind Him? | On With Kara Swisher

Pivot will be back on Friday! In the meantime, we're bringing you an episode of On With Kara Swisher, all about someone we just don't discuss enough – Elon Musk. Kara has assembled a panel of experts, to get their take on all things Elon: Kirsten Grind from the New York Times, Becky Peterson from The Information, and Tim Higgins, Wall Street Journal columnist, and author of "Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century." The group talks Tesla, Twitter/X, SpaceX, and more. Follow and ...

May 27, 202457 minEp. 516

Scarlett vs. OpenAI, Nvidia's Numbers, and Guest Julia Angwin

Kara and Scott discuss the Department of Justice's antitrust suit against Live Nation, News Corp's $250 million deal with OpenAI, and Nestle's new frozen food brand aimed at Ozempic users. Then, Scarlett Johansson alleges OpenAI copied her voice after she refused to license it to Sam Altman, though new reporting says a voice actress was hired months earlier. How does OpenAI move past these accusations, and regain trust? Plus, Nvidia shares blockbuster earnings, while Trump Media's numbers are la...

May 24, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 515

Market Milestone, Alito Flag Fail, and OpenAI Drama

Kara and Scott discuss Disney character and parade performers voting to unionize, whether a global tax on billionaires could actually happen, and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's wife flying an upside-down American flag. Then, the Dow passes the 40,000 mark as other markets surge. But are meme stocks creating a little too much froth for investors? Plus, OpenAI deals with another high-profile departure over safety concerns. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow ...

May 21, 202455 minEp. 514

OpenAI's New Model, Presidential Debates, and EV Tariffs

Kara and Scott discuss the Senate's new AI "Roadmap to Legislation," the Biden administration's tariffs on Chinese EVs, and Mark Zuckerberg's 40th birthday bash. Then OpenAI and Google reveal their latest AI models and features. Should we be worried about our AI future? Plus, President Biden and former President Trump are set to face off in two debates — Kara is excited and Scott has concerns. Finally, a listener mail question on setting kids up for the financial road ahead. Follow us on Instagr...

May 17, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 513

Apple’s ChatGPT Deal, Uber Earnings, and Guest Adam Moss

Kara and Scott discuss Sony and Apollo Global wanting to break up Paramount, Apple apologizing after everyone hated the new iPad Pro ad, Melinda Gates resigning from the Gates Foundation, and new reporting that casts doubt on RFK Jr.’s VP pick. Then, earnings, earnings, earnings. What do Kara and Scott think of the latest numbers from Uber, Warner Bros and The New York Times? Plus, Apple has closed in on an agreement with OpenAI to use ChatGPT in iPhone operating systems. And, our Friend of Pivo...

May 14, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 512

TikTok Lawsuit, Reddit's Debut Earnings, and the 4-Day Work Week

Kara and Scott are live at the Finance Forward Conference in Hamburg, Germany! They discuss TikTok's lawsuit against the U.S. government, as well as the latest earnings from Reddit and Disney. Then, Microsoft and OpenAI launch a $2 million fund to counter election deepfakes. Will that amount of money do anything to move the needle? Plus, Germany is the latest country to test a four-day work week. Could that actually improve productivity? Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficia...

May 10, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 511

Non-Competes, Inflation, and Peloton

Kara and Scott take another look at non-compete agreements: where do they actually make sense? Plus, as the Fed holds interest rates steady, what factors are really affecting inflation? And, with another leadership shakeup at Peloton, can the pandemic-era fitness darling survive? All that and more, including what Big Tech regulation would do to stocks, and some positive thoughts for the rest of the year. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow us on TikTok at @pivotp...

May 07, 202432 minEp. 510

Tesla Layoffs, Amazon Earnings, and Walmart Closes Health Centers

Kara and Scott discuss Tesla laying off its Supercharger team, WeWork reaching a $450 million restructuring deal, and Dave & Buster's taking a gamble on betting. Then, what do Amazon's latest earnings mean for the company's AI plans? Plus, Walmart shuts down its health centers and CVS stocks take a major tumble. Is anyone doing healthcare right? Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial . Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast . Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-...

May 03, 202450 minEp. 509

Paramount CEO Ouster, Microsoft and Alphabet Earnings, and Guest Jan Sramek

Kara and Scott discuss the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the FTC accusing Amazon of using disappearing messaging apps to conceal potential evidence, and social media reacting to Gov. Kristi Noem's dog tale. Then, what Microsoft and Alphabet's latest earnings reveal about the Big Tech's AI race. Plus, Paramount's drama continues as CEO Bob Bakish steps down. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is California Forever CEO and Founder, Jan Sramek. Jan explains why he wants to build a new community in ...

Apr 30, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 508

Kara's Ketamine Trip, Meta and Tesla Earnings, and the FTC Bans Non-Competes

Kara and Scott discuss the campus protests, Harvey Weinstein’s conviction being overturned, and… Kara doing ketamine. Meta and Tesla’s Q1 earnings are out, and Scott’s got predictions on earnings to come. Plus, the FTC bans non-competes. Then, a listener question on what the TikTok ban means for the presidential election. 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...

Apr 26, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 507

TikTok Ban Approaches, China's App Crackdown, and Guest Dana Mattioli

Kara and Scott discuss Tesla's Cybertruck recall, Sony teaming up with Apollo for a Paramount bid, and Netflix's decision to stop reporting subscriber numbers. Then, the TikTok bill moves closer to becoming a law. Will TikTok's parent company go to court to stop a ban? Plus, is China's decision to crack down on popular messaging apps a retaliatory move? Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Dana Mattioli, the Wall Street Journal's Amazon reporter, and author of the new book, "The Everything War: Amazo...

Apr 23, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 506

TikTok Ban Fast-Tracked, Elon Pay Package Revived, and NPR Bias Accusations

Kara and Scott discuss the new plan to fast-track the TikTok ban bill through Congress, the debate over Caitlin Clark's WNBA salary, and Trump Media's questionable move into streaming. Then, Tesla is asking shareholders to reapprove Elon Musk's multi-billion dollar pay package, despite a judge calling it unfair back in January. Will Elon get his way? Plus, NPR and Google are the latest companies to get publicly called out by employees. How should employers handle criticism and pushback from with...

Apr 19, 202456 minEp. 505

Trump on Trial, Big Bank Earnings, and Guest Charles Duhigg

Kara and Scott discuss Google's efforts to avoid paying for news in California, Barry Diller's plan to revitalize The Daily Beast, and Iran's attack on Israel. Then, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are out with first quarter earnings. Is the future looking bright for big banks? Plus, Donald Trump's hush money trial gets underway in Manhattan. How will this case impact the presidential race? Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Charles Duhigg, writer for the New Yorker and author of the new book, "Su...

Apr 16, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 504

OpenAI Lawyers Up, Paramount's Messy Merger, and Guest Isaac Arnsdorf

Kara and Scott discuss Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's showstopping appearance at the White House state dinner, David Chang's chili crunch drama, and Meta facing pushback on its political content restrictions. Then, OpenAI prepares to fight numerous legal battles, but do they have a winning strategy? Plus, Paramount Global's proposed merger with Skydance Media is facing opposition from shareholders. Will the deal go through? Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post nationa...

Apr 12, 202459 minEp. 503
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