Pivot

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...

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 r...

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 Secu...

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 @pivotpodc...

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 @piv...

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 Septe...

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...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 b...

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 o...

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

Kara and Scott discuss California Governor Gavin Newsom's choice of Laphonza Butler for Dianne Feinstein's senate seat, and whether Kevin McCarthy could be ousted as Speaker of the House. Plus, the Supreme Court adds two cases to the docket that could have a major impact on the future of social media. Our Friend of Pivot is New York Times Pitchbot, who stops by to talk about his popular Twitter ac...

Allen Media Group Founder, Chairman and CEO Byron Allen speaks with CNBC Correspondent Julia Boorstin at Code 2023. They discuss his bid to buy ABC, the use of AI in media, and his multiple lawsuits against McDonald's. 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 podc...

After a headline-making Code Conference, Kara discusses her interview with Yoel Roth, the former head of trust and safety at Twitter, and also talks about X CEO Linda Yaccarino's interview with CNBC Correspondent Julia Boorstin. Then, Scott addresses his critics and explains what he got wrong about the Writers Strike, and what he still thinks he got right. Plus, how Travis Kelce is seemingly exper...

Kara and Scott discuss the tentative deal between Hollywood writers and studios, and what it means for the future of the industry. They also talk about GOP attacks on misinformation researchers, as well as the hedge fund making billions betting against FTC Chair Lina Khan. Friend of Pivot Mathias Döpfner stops by to talk about the future of media and his new book The Trade Trap: How to Stop Doing...

As Rupert Murdoch announces his retirement, Kara and Scott discuss the future of the media mogul's empire and his legacy. They also react to the Russell Brand controversy, and Elon's plan for a Twitter paywall. Then, there's chaos in Congress as a shutdown approaches, so why is everyone talking about the Senate dress code? Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on T...

Kara and Scott discuss the Jann Wenner controversy, and the new management term "feedforward." And as the "summer of strikes" marches into the fall, they talk about the State of the Unions. Then, is Disney selling off ABC? And would that be the end of linear television? Our Friend of Pivot is Benyamin Cohen, the author of, "The Einstein Effect: How the World's Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Ou...

Kara and Scott discuss the new openings for the greatest jobs in journalism – Taylor Swift and Beyoncé reporters. They also unpack Apple's underwhelming product launch and the backlash Drew Barrymore is facing after bringing her show back during the strikes. Then, was the big tech AI summit a big success? And who will be the winners and losers as Google's landmark antitrust trial gets underway? Fo...

Kara and Scott dish on their big date night at the U.S. Open. They also preview A.I.'s big week on Capitol Hill before Kara gives her no-holds-barred review of Walter Isaacson’s Elon Musk biography. Our Friend of Pivot is former Amazon employee Kristi Coulter, who's pulling back the curtain on tech company culture in her new book, "Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career." You ca...

Scott is back! He and Kara waste no time digging into Charter vs. Disney and the FTC’s possible Amazon suit. Our Friend of Pivot is CEO and National Chair of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt. He shares his thoughts on being on the receiving end of Elon Musk's latest tweetstorm. You can follow Jonathan at @JGreenblattADL. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. F...

Not many people can name the original founders of Tesla. So how did two guys who wanted to build an electric car create a company synonymous with Elon Musk? Listen to more from Land of the Giants here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Free August is over, welcome to Scottember! As we head into the holiday weekend, Kara and Scott open the listener mail bag to answer questions about whether we’ve hit peak Apple, how to stay present with kids, and what to do when you’re working for a company whose policies don't match your morals. Plus, do Apple Vision Pros make you look rich?! And when was Scott's last good hair day? Send u...

Wall Street Journal columnist Joanna Stern is Kara's co-host as Scott-free August comes to an end. They explore how Trump's mugshot is spawning merch from the right and the left, and what to expect from the upcoming iPhone 15. Then, Joanna's investigation into the best EVs on the market and why a group of Silicon Valley elite is buying up land in northern California. Our Friend of Pivot is Profess...