Pivot - podcast cover

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

Shutdown Ending, Trump's Pardons, and Guest Curtis Sliwa

Live from Brooklyn, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway host Curtis Sliwa, who shares insights from his mayoral campaign, his love for animals, and the Guardian Angels' mission. They then critique the government's handling of the shutdown and Trump's pardons. The discussion shifts to the New York Times article on women in the workplace, exploring gender equality, the importance of male role models, and the transformative yet potentially isolating impact of AI, particularly on young men.

Nov 12, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 667

Flight Cancellation Chaos, SNAP Ruling, and U.S.-Canada Trade War

Live from Toronto, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway tackle several pressing issues, starting with the chaos of US flight cancellations and the deeper concerns about airline safety and political mismanagement. They delve into the Supreme Court's SNAP ruling, reflecting on American values and the growing wealth disparity. The hosts extensively discuss the US-Canada trade war, examining its economic asymmetry, the long-term damage to global alliances, and Canada's strategic push for independent innovation. They also cover the rise of progressive mayors, the role of government in services, declining tourism, and, through audience Q&A, the future of the advertising industry and the urgent need for AI regulation to combat disinformation and societal polarization.

Nov 11, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 666

Mamdani's Win, Palantir's Stock Slide, and Tesla's Pay Package

This episode of Pivot covers a range of current events, starting with an analysis of recent Democratic election victories across various states and their implications for future political landscapes, alongside a deep dive into Mamdani's win and the economic policies debated. The hosts also discuss the Supreme Court's questioning of Trump's tariffs, with Scott offering an unconventional investment strategy. Further, they examine Palantir's remarkable earnings contrasted with its high valuation and Michael Burry's short position, and predict the outcome of Elon Musk's controversial $1 trillion pay package at Tesla. Finally, they touch on the 'right-wing civil war' sparked by Tucker Carlson's interview with a white nationalist.

Nov 07, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 665

Amazon's OpenAI Deal, Netflix Explores Warner Bros. Bid, and Elon's Flying Car

This episode features a deep dive into Netflix exploring a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, examining the strategic implications and content value. Kara and Scott analyze the latest tech earnings from Apple and Amazon, highlighting Amazon Web Services' growth and its significant AI investments. The hosts also critique the government shutdown's impact on vulnerable populations, the US-China chip trade dynamics, and Elon Musk's ongoing promises of a flying Tesla Roadster, often dismissing them as distractions from delivery issues.

Nov 04, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 664

Nvidia Hits $5 Trillion, Elon Musk Launches Grokipedia, and OpenAI's IPO Future

Kara and Scott discuss OpenAI finally completing its for-profit restructure, and Nvidia becoming the first company in history to hit a $5 trillion market cap. Then, Elon Musk launches Grokipedia, while Truth Social gets into the prediction market business. Plus, the latest in tech earnings from Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet. We're going on tour! Get tickets at pivottour.com Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠ Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠ . Follow us on Instagram and Threads at ⁠⁠ @pivotpodcastofficial⁠⁠ . F...

Oct 31, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 663

Crypto Pardon, Amazon Automation, and Reagan Tariff Ad

This episode delves into Trump's impactful decisions, from imposing tariffs based on a Reagan ad to pardoning Binance founder CZ, raising concerns about corruption and personal gain. Kara and Scott also explore Amazon's ambitious automation plans and the future of jobs with AI and robotics. The discussion extends to Argentina's election, highlighting alleged cronyism in a US bailout, and critiques the modern economy's shift towards speculation and gambling, concluding with reflections on democratic erosion and Ukraine's ongoing fight.

Oct 28, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 662

Warner Bros. Discovery For Sale, OpenAI’s Browser, and Netflix Earnings

Kara and Scott delve into Warner Bros. Discovery's potential sale, analyzing suitors, internal challenges, and AI's future impact on media production. They also discuss OpenAI's new browser challenging Google and the Reddit lawsuit over data scraping. Earnings reports from Netflix and Tesla are examined, alongside critical political commentary on Trump's White House actions and his demand for DOJ compensation, and a geopolitical prediction about China's AI strategy.

Oct 24, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 661

Colleges Push Back, Ozempic Price Promise, and White House vs. Anthropic

This episode delves into the "No Kings" protests, analyzing their significance as a peaceful defense of American democracy against perceived overreach, alongside a detailed look at how major colleges are rebuffing the Trump administration's academic compact. Kara and Scott also explore the contentious debate over AI regulation, sparked by David Sachs's clash with Anthropic and Peter Thiel's stark warnings. The conversation then shifts to the potentially revolutionary impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, discussing their accessibility, societal benefits, and market implications, contrasting it with personal health journeys. Finally, they cover recent cybersecurity breaches highlighting national vulnerabilities and conclude with wins, fails, and a debate on political engagement and billionaire influence.

Oct 21, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 660

Instagram Goes PG-13, ChatGPT Allows Erotica, and Netflix Grabs Podcasts

This episode delves into a range of current events, beginning with the fallout from the Young Republicans' racist and sexist Telegram leak, sparking a debate on accountability and J.D. Vance's hypocrisy. The hosts then pivot to the implications of AI on content, discussing California's new bills, OpenAI's decision to allow erotica on ChatGPT, and Instagram's teen safety features. They also cover the weaponization of government agencies like Meta and the IRS, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff's controversial comments on San Francisco, and a powerful critique of the Pentagon's new press policy. The episode concludes with a prediction about podcasts being repurposed as TV shows and a discussion on Kamala Harris's political future.

Oct 17, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 659

Mark Zuckerberg on the AI bubble and Meta's new display glasses | ACCESS

In this special episode of Access, Alex Heath and Ellis Hamburger interview Mark Zuckerberg about Meta's latest innovations. Zuckerberg details the new Meta Ray-Ban display glasses, emphasizing their AI capabilities, live translation, and the groundbreaking neural band for subtle input. He also outlines Meta's long-term strategy for glasses as the next computing platform and discusses the company's significant investment in AI research, addressing potential bubble fears and sharing insights into the progression towards self-improving superintelligence.

Oct 14, 20251 hr 21 min

Cheaper Teslas, OpenAI’s Cash Burn, and Apple’s CEO Succession Plans

This episode delves into several pressing business and tech topics, starting with Tesla's rollout of cheaper Model 3/Y, which met with lukewarm investor reception amidst fierce competition and Elon Musk's pivot to AI and robotics. The hosts then tackle OpenAI's astonishing $1 trillion computing deals, highlighting concerns about circular investments fueling an AI bubble and the potential for a market collapse. They also examine Apple's CEO succession plans, the significance of soaring gold prices as a dollar alternative, and the political implications of major banks lobbying for roles in the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac IPO. The conversation concludes with a look at controversial National Guard deployments in U.S. cities and a humorous reveal of Kara's past arrests.

Oct 10, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 658

OpenAI Backtracks, Elon's Netflix Boycott, and Instagram Safety Features

Kara and Scott discuss the troubling escalation of Trump's immigration crackdowns in Chicago and Portland, highlighting the "manufactured division" and the role of tech companies like Apple and Google in pulling ICE-tracking apps. They also cover OpenAI's controversial copyright opt-out policy for Sora, arguing against IP theft and its impact on the creative economy. Further discussions include Elon Musk's politically motivated Netflix boycott, the disruption of traditional media by new platforms, and a critical look at Instagram's ineffective safety measures for children, advocating for strict age-gating on social media.

Oct 07, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 657

Government Shutdown, OpenAI’s Sora 2, and Hegseth's Lecture

This episode delves into the U.S. government shutdown, exploring political strategies and concerns about Trump's mental state. It then pivots to the $55 billion private acquisition of Electronic Arts, highlighting Saudi investment and Jared Kushner's role. The hosts also scrutinize OpenAI's new video app, Sora 2, and its controversial copyright opt-out policy, leading to a deep dive into the ethics of AI companions and synthetic relationships, including Scott Galloway's personal experience. Finally, they discuss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's bizarre military rant and make a compelling prediction for a massive Netflix-Disney merger.

Oct 03, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 656

Saudi Comedy Festival Controversy, Threads' Major Milestone, and Trump's Movie Tariff

This episode delves into several pressing topics, including Donald Trump's controversial proposal for a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies and its potential impact on the entertainment industry. Kara and Scott then tackle the ethical debate surrounding comedians participating in Saudi Arabia's state-sponsored comedy festival, highlighting issues of censorship and hypocrisy. They also analyze Threads' significant milestone in daily active users over X and the broader shift in media consumption. The hosts fiercely critique the TikTok deal, exposing concerns about cronyism and foreign influence, and examine Trump's alleged retribution campaign against James Comey. The episode concludes with a serious discussion on the dangers of AI for children and the urgent need for robust regulation.

Sep 30, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 655

Kimmel & ABC, Nvidia’s OpenAI Investment, and Tylenol’s Trump Problem

This episode of Pivot delves into Jimmy Kimmel's highly-rated comeback and the underlying challenges facing late-night television, including politically motivated attacks from the Trump administration. Kara and Scott also analyze Nvidia's massive $100 billion investment in OpenAI, raising questions about market bubbles and potential monopolies. They examine the legal and PR implications for Tylenol's parent company after Trump's unsubstantiated claims and explore YouTube's decision to reinstate accounts banned for misinformation, alongside a debate on businesses' right to refuse service following an Office Depot incident.

Sep 26, 202550 minEp. 654

Jimmy Kimmel Returns, Charlie Kirk’s Memorial, and Trump’s H1-B Visa Shake-Up

This episode delves into the political weaponization of Charlie Kirk's memorial service, critiquing Donald Trump's rhetoric and the opportunism surrounding the event. Kara and Scott also analyze Disney's controversial decision to suspend and then reinstate Jimmy Kimmel, highlighting the impact of economic pressure. They dissect the Trump administration's H1-B visa changes, exploring the economic implications for tech and the influence of large companies. Finally, the hosts issue a stark warning about the societal dangers of character AI and synthetic relationships, especially for teenagers.

Sep 23, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 653

ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel, Pam Bondi’s Free Speech Mess, and Trump Sues The New York Times

This episode delves into the growing threats to free speech and independent media, sparked by ABC's cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live after a joke about Charlie Kirk. Kara and Scott critique corporate appeasement, government overreach, and the hypocrisy of right-wing figures on "cancel culture." They also analyze Trump's continued legal attacks, the controversial TikTok deal as an example of cronyism, and FBI Director Kash Patel's evasive testimony, all while considering the rise of alternative media and proposing an economic strike as a form of resistance.

Sep 19, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 652

Kirk Suspect Motives, TikTok "Framework" Deal, and Tucker Carlson Plays Detective

Kara and Scott unpack the rage and division following Charlie Kirk’s assassination — and who’s fueling it. Then, the Trump administration touts a “framework” for a TikTok deal. Plus, Paramount makes a play for Warner Bros., OpenAI reshapes its partnership with Microsoft, and Tucker Carlson pushes conspiracy theories. 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...

Sep 16, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 651

Charlie Kirk Assassination Aftermath

Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway analyze the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, criticizing divisive political rhetoric while advocating for sensible gun control and highlighting Governor Spencer Cox's unifying response. The discussion then pivots to the tech world, examining Larry Ellison's strategic AI investments catapulting Oracle's value, contrasting it with Apple's perceived lack of innovation. Finally, they delve into Kamala Harris's new book, which critiques President Biden's "reckless" decision to seek re-election, and Scott offers geopolitical predictions on US "own goals" and European defense stocks.

Sep 12, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 650

Dept. of War Rebrand, Trump's Tech Bro Dinner, and Elon's Pay Package

This episode of Pivot delves into several controversial topics, starting with Donald Trump's attempt to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, which Scott Galloway critically dismisses as 'little dick weirdness' with negative implications for recruitment and international relations. Kara Swisher and Galloway then lambast Big Tech leaders for their 'grotesque' dinner with Trump, arguing their economic security obligates them to speak out against the former president. The discussion also covers Elon Musk's massive potential Tesla pay package, which the hosts view as nearly impossible to achieve, advocating for significantly higher taxes on extreme wealth. Finally, the episode tackles RFK Jr.'s dangerous anti-vaccine stances and Anthropic's landmark copyright settlement, highlighting the urgent need for AI companies to compensate creators for stolen content.

Sep 09, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 649

Trump’s Alive, China Flaunts BFFs, and Scott’s Back!

Scott Galloway's much-anticipated return to Pivot features a wide-ranging discussion on current events. The hosts delve into the swirling rumors about Donald Trump's health and his strategic use of legal threats to silence media. They also explore a significant geopolitical realignment, observing the growing alliance between China, Russia, and India. Domestically, they critique Google's recent antitrust verdict, advocating for stronger trust-busting measures to address the escalating urban affordability crisis. The conversation concludes with an analysis of the declining cable news industry, contrasting its struggles with the burgeoning success and economic model of podcasts.

Sep 05, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 648

How Paul Krugman Would Fix The Economy: Solutions with Henry Blodget

What would an actually good tariff policy look like? Can the U.S. ever bring back manufacturing jobs, and should it? How bad is the deficit and what can we do to address it? In the first episode of Solutions, Henry asks Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman about the most pressing problems facing the U.S. economy — and how he would fix them. Listen to more from Solutions with Henry Blodget here ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 02, 20251 hr 23 min

Trump Comes for the Fed, The Redistricting Wars, and Guest Co-Host Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Governor Gavin Newsom joins Kara Swisher to discuss his unique approach to confronting Donald Trump, including using memes and merch to highlight political absurdities, and the ongoing redistricting battles across states. They also delve into Trump's unprecedented efforts to assert control over the Federal Reserve and his threats to deploy military in cities, contrasting this with Newsom's legal pushback and California's crime-fighting strategies. The conversation concludes with a look at the tech industry's accountability, AI safety concerns, and its evolving relationship with political power.

Aug 29, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 647

Ghislaine's DOJ Interview, Cracker Barrel's Logo Change, and Guest Co-Host Tim Miller

In this episode, Kara Swisher and Tim Miller delve into the implications of Donald Trump's threats to deploy the National Guard and his administration's deal to take a 10% stake in Intel, sparking debate over "MAGA socialism" and government meddling. They also examine Ghislaine Maxwell's defense of Trump and the political fallout of the Cracker Barrel logo change. The hosts share their "wins and fails," touching on topics from Trump's health to LGBTQ+ rights and the future of AI.

Aug 26, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 646

The “Woke” Smithsonian, South Park’s Latest Dig at Trump, and Co-Host Wesley Morris

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.

Aug 22, 20251 hr 15 minEp. 645

Zelensky's White House Return, Newsom Trolls Trump, and Guest Co-Host Abby Phillip

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.

Aug 19, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 644

Trump & Putin’s Alaska Date, Gay Marriage Challenged, and Guest Co-Host Rachel Maddow

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.

Aug 15, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 643

Trump's D.C. Crackdown, Putin Summit, and Cuomo's Mamdani Jabs

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.

Aug 12, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 642

AI Therapy, “Mankeeping,” and Screen Addiction

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.

Aug 08, 20251 hr 27 minEp. 641

MAGA War Chest, Nuclear Subs, and Texas Dems Flee

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.

Aug 05, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 640
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