Pivot

Kara and Scott discuss California governor Gavin Newsom's veto of the AI bill that divided Big Tech, and Trump Media co-founders dumping $100 million worth of stock. Then, JD Vance and Tim Walz face off, Donald Trump's latest comments hit new lows, and is Kamala Harris leaning into crypto? Plus, a peek at OpenAI's financials reveals massive gains, but bigger losses. Will that be a problem for inve...

Kara and Scott discuss the biggest announcements from Meta’s Connect conference, and...that shirt. Then, OpenAI executives are jumping ship while the company attempts to go for-profit. Plus, VP Harris has laid out her “pragmatic” economic plans, and former President Trump keeps talking tariffs. Then, a listener question on the role of private equity. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpod...

Kara and Scott discuss Microsoft's plan to reopen Three Mile Island to power its data centers, and Qualcomm's potential takeover of Intel. Then, Nike gets a new CEO, but will the corporate shake-up get Nike back in the game? Plus, Trump's bizarre messaging around abortion, and Kamala Harris's attempt to get another debate on the calendar. Our Friends of Pivot are New York Times reporters Kate Cong...

Kara and Scott discuss Donald Trump's crypto plans, and Melania's bizarre promotional videos for her book. Then, Instagram is rolling out teen accounts, with default privacy for users under 18, messaging restrictions, and more. Will these changes do some actual good, or will they just help Instagram avoid scrutiny and regulation? Plus, the Fed makes a major rate cut – what does that mean for consu...

Kara and Scott discuss the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and what impact (if any) this will have on the election. Then, Tiktok has its day in court, the Biden administration cracks down on Shein and Temu, and what we're learning about OpenAI's future plans. Our Friend of Pivot is longtime tech journalist Evan Ratliff, who embarked on AI experiment with his new podcast, "Shell Gam...

Kara and Scott discuss the highs and lows of the presidential debate, the potential power of Taylor Swift's endorsement, and Elon's creepy offer. Then, Kara shares what she saw at Apple's big "Glowtime" event, and what to expect from the newest AI products. Plus, a listener mail question on the role of parents when it comes to keeping kids safe online. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotp...

Kara and Scott discuss the court battle over Rupert Murdoch's empire set to get underway this week. Then, Google and the DOJ are facing off for another major trial, this time Google is facing antitrust claims about its ad business. Plus, predictions on the presidential debate. Finally, our Friends of Pivot are sports icons, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, who are now offering expert analysis every wee...

Kara and Scott are reunited and it feels so good! They talk about the latest election polls, tech stocks continuing to struggle, and Apple's role in child safety legislation. Then, after Brazil blocks X, will other countries take on Elon Musk? Plus, what the heck is founder mode and why is everyone in Silicon Valley talking about it? Finally, a listener mail question about the future of Trump Medi...

There’s a major internet speech regulation currently making its way through Congress, and it has a really good chance of becoming law. It’s called KOSPA: the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, which passed in the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support late last month. At a high level, KOSPA could radically change how tech platforms handle speech in an effort to try and make the internet safe...

Kara is joined by her brother Jeff Swisher, her son Louie Swisher, and best friend of Pivot George Hahn! They discuss the upcoming debate rules and the state of the race, Mark Zuckerberg saying he felt “pressured” to “censor” Covid-19 content, and burnout among teachers and parents. Also a new COVID-19 vaccine is here – when should you get it? Then, a discussion on rawdogging flights… because why...

Kara and guest host Adam Grant discuss whether Democrats can keep running on the politics of joy, the contrasting types of masculinity on the ballot, and the effective leadership tactics that everyone can learn from this election cycle. Plus, what the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov means for social media platforms and tech execs. Then, our Friend of Pivot is Anupreeta Das, a New York Times jou...

Laura Coates joins Kara as co-host to discuss all things DNC! Top speakers, funny moments, and better vibes than the RNC. And of course, Tim Walz’s pep talk for the country. Plus, the latest on the race: RFK Jr. plans to drop out and endorse former President Trump. Then we’re joined by Friend of Pivot and Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham. Watch Kara and Scott’s interviews with Congre...

Pivot is at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago! Scott is stuck outside the security perimeter, but you'll still hear from him. Meanwhile, Kara sits down with CNN'S Audie Cornish and Politico's Eli Stokols to break down what Harris and the Democrats need to accomplish this week, and whether it matters that Harris hasn't done an interview since becoming the Democratic candidate. Plus, Gov...

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 appro...

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...

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 Democ...

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...

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,...

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...

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,”...

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 Thread...

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. Fo...

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...

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 T...

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 plat...