Comedian Mike Birbiglia joins Kara to discuss the legal backlash to President Trump and Elon Musk's X event, the role of humor in the Harris campaign, and Starbucks tapping Chipotle’s CEO. Plus, Governor Gavin Newsom wants schools to restrict cellphone use, and streamer Tubi is defying expectations. Then, Mike answers your questions! Did he influence J.D. Vance’s love of couches? How does he approach storytelling? And most importantly…is Scott funny? Mike is currently doing a Charitybuzz auction...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 541•Transcript available on Metacast Kara is joined by guest host Mehdi Hasan to discuss Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount announcing major write-offs for their cable assets, and Elon Musk facing yet another lawsuit. Then, what the latest poll numbers reveal about the state of the presidential race, plus Donald Trump's false claims that Kamala Harris rally photos are AI-generated. Our Friend of Pivot is Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director, and the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge Capital. The ...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep 540•Transcript available on Metacast Noel King joins Kara as co-host to discuss the latest global market moves, NASA needing help from SpaceX, and whether empathy punishments work. Then, Tim Walz joins the Democratic ticket, how will the GOP campaign against him ? Plus, X has filed a federal antitrust suit against advertisers. Then, Noel and Kara make predictions on who will play Tim Walz on SNL, and what celebs the invigorated Democratic National Convention will attract. Listen to Today Explained here. Follow us on Instagram and T...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 539•Transcript available on Metacast Kara and Scott discuss the global stock market sell-off, and why people shouldn't panic. Then, Berkshire Hathaway unloads nearly half of its stake in Apple as the company's cash stockpile increases, and what's behind the reported growing tensions between Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. Plus, Donald Trump ditches the previously scheduled ABC debate, and insists on Fox News or nothing. Our Friend of Pivot is Jonathan Kanter, the Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Antitrust Divi...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep 539•Transcript available on Metacast Kara and Scott discuss Donald Trump's disastrous interview at the National Association of Black Journalists’ conference, the hundreds of VCs pledging their support to Kamala Harris, and the narrowing VP race. Plus, the latest earnings from Meta and Microsoft, and the Senate finally takes action with online regulation for kids. Then we’re joined by Friend of Pivot, Democratic Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis. You can find Governor Polis on Threads at @govofco. Follow us on Instagram and Threads ...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep 538•Transcript available on Metacast Kara and Scott discuss Biden's proposal to reform the Supreme Court, and Rupert Murdoch's real-life succession drama. Then, Elon is dealing with some family drama of his own, as his estranged daughter and his ex's mother call him out on social media. He also seems to have violated his own platform's policies, by sharing a deep fake of a Kamala Harris ad. Plus, Donald Trump courts the Bitcoin bros and Christian voters, as Kamala raises millions. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Anne Applebaum, sta...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep 537•Transcript available on Metacast Kara and Scott discuss Kamala Harris's poll numbers in the face of GOP attacks, Biden's farewell speech, and what Taylor Swift will do about it all. Then, tech stocks tumble after underwhelming earnings reports from Tesla and Alphabet. Then we’re joined by our Friend of Pivot, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to talk about his new memoir, “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service.” You can find “On Call,” here. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodc...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep 536•Transcript available on Metacast Kara and Scott discuss Joe Biden passing the torch to Kamala Harris, and how she'll do against Trump. Also, who will be her VP? Friend of Pivot, New York Times Opinion Columnist Lydia Polgreen joins them to discuss. Then, the ongoing fallout from the CrowdStrike update that caused 8.5 million devices to crash on Friday. You can find Lydia on Threads at @lpolgreen. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling ...
Jul 23, 2024•56 min•Ep 535•Transcript available on Metacast Kara and Scott discuss Biden's campaign crisis, and what happens next. Then, a number of Kara's favorite tech bros are lining up behind Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. How much influence could they have if Trump wins the election? Plus, Elon plans to relocate X and SpaceX to Texas, and Google is in talks for its largest acquisition ever. 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 nyma...
Jul 19, 2024•55 min•Ep 534•Transcript available on Metacast Kara and Scott react to the news of Donald Trump's VP pick, J.D. Vance, in real time. Then, they discuss whether Americans can actually "lower the temperature," following the Trump assassination attempt. Plus, a closer look at the conspiracy theories and misinformation now swirling around social media, and how Elon Musk is trying to shape the narrative. Our Friend of Pivot is David Plouffe, former Obama campaign manager, and current co-host of "The Campaign Managers" podcast. David explains what...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 533•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 532•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 531•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•50 min•Ep 530•Transcript available on Metacast 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 a...
Jul 03, 2024•39 min•Ep 529•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 528•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 527•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•29 min•Ep 526•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep 525•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•42 min•Ep 524•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•28 min•Ep 523•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 522•Transcript available on Metacast 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 questi...
Jun 14, 2024•55 min•Ep 521•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•58 min•Ep 520•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 519•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 518•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•59 min•Ep 517•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•57 min•Ep 516•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 515•Transcript available on Metacast 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 u...
May 21, 2024•55 min•Ep 514•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 513•Transcript available on Metacast 
