Pivot

Kara and Scott dissect what the FTX meltdown means for cryptocurrency, Meta's layoffs, and how the midterms might impact big tech. Friend of Pivot Jonathan Haidt stops by to talk about the impacts of social media on teens and society. And hours after our regular taping, we dragged Scott out of a fancy London bar to record an updated reaction to the latest Twitter news: Elon Musk was warning of a p...

Kara and Scott question Elon Musk's sense of humor after he bans comedian Kathy Griffin (and others who spoofed his account) over the weekend. They also talk about the layoff trend in the tech industry, as Meta reportedly prepares for a massive reduction in its workforce this week. Friend of Pivot Matt Stoller stops by with reasons to be optimistic about the fight against corporate monopolies. You...

Kara is joined by guest host Kai Ryssdal, Host and Senior Editor of Marketplace! They discuss the latest dispatches from Elon Musk’s Twitter, from layoffs to subscription plans. Also, Amazon’s new post-pandemic reality, and the Fed’s latest interest rate hike. Friend of Pivot Jon Favreau stops by to break down what’s to come in the midterms. You can find Kai on Twitter at @kairyssdal, and Jon at @...

From a misinformation scandal to a so-called trolling campaign, Kara and Scott discuss the first few days of Elon Musk's Twitter. Also, Apple beat earnings expectations, but how long can it depend on iPhone sales? Mark Zuckerberg will testify in a case brought by the FTC, and Lula da Silva takes back the Brazilian presidency. Friend of Pivot Margaret Sullivan talks about the state of journalism an...

Kara and Scott discuss the headwinds Elon Musk and Twitter employees will face, as well as disappointing earnings reports for big tech. Warner Bros. Discovery will pay $1 billion to downsize, and Adidas has terminated its partnership with Ye. Then, a listener question for (specifically) Kara. *Note: This episode was recorded on Thursday morning and reflects the news at that time. You can listen to...

Elon Musk wants to layoff 75% of Twitter’s staff, and Republicans are suing Google. Amazon's getting in to home insurance, while Apple's getting in to home security. Friend of Pivot Dahlia Lithwick joins to discuss her book, “Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America,” and what the future holds for abortion rights. You can find Dahlia on Twitter at @Dahlialithwick and can find h...

Netflix beat estimates for Q3 and added two million subscribers. Meta has Super-App dreams for WhatsApp, and Mark Zuckerberg is ready to take on iMessage. Plus, Twitter freezes employees' stock accounts, and an activist investor grabs a significant stake in Salesforce. Friend of Pivot Ben Smith joins Kara and Scott to talk about the state of media, and the launch of his news platform, Semafor. You...

It’s been a big week in right wing media: Kanye’s buying Parler, Murdoch may re-merge Fox and News Corp, and whistleblowers are getting fired at Truth Social. Plus, Musk is under federal investigation, stemming from his attempt to buy Twitter. Also, Apple’s mixed reality headset will scan irises, Netflix’s ad-supported tier will launch November 3rd, and in Big Grocery news, Kroger has agreed to bu...

Elon Musk pushes back against reports that he had conversations with Putin, but Kara and Scott aren't having it. They also discuss Meta's new hardware and what it means for the company's overall strategy. Plus, the latest on the economy, and the $965 million Alex Jones owes Sandy Hook families. You can listen to Kara’s new show, On with Kara Swisher, here. Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT...

Hey Pivot listeners! The Pivot team is off for the Monday holiday, so instead of your regularly-scheduled episode, you're getting an exciting surprise: an episode of our sister podcast, On with Kara Swisher! You're welcome, and we'll be back on Friday with more Pivot! Donald Trump has said journalist Maggie Haberman is like his “psychiatrist” — a remark she dismisses as a meaningless and failed at...

Kara and Scott give us a break down of the biggest themes of Q3, and wins and fails of the quarter. And of course, the latest with Elon and Twitter. Also, Amazon won’t make any new hires for the rest of the year, Uber’s former Security Chief has been convicted of obstructing justice, and OPEC voted to decrease oil production. A listener asks Kara and Scott to reveal their (news) sources. *NOTE: Th...

Kara and Scott are ready with the hot takes in reaction to the breaking news that Elon Musk has revived his offer to buy the social media company. They discuss everything from his possible motivations, to the financial and political implications, to whether Scott will lose his blue check mark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So many Elon texts. Kara and Scott discuss A-listers’ conversations with Musk, and TikTok’s wins and losses in Europe. Also, Liz Truss’s reversal on tax cuts for the wealthy, and Kim Kardashian’s crypto trouble with the SEC. Then, we’re joined by Friend of Pivot, Gabriel Debenedetti about his new book on the relationship between Joe Biden and Barack Obama. You can find Gabriel on Twitter at @gdebe...

Oprah and Apple TV cut the cord on their deal while Netflix's Dahmer series breaks records. Kara and Scott discuss what it all means for the streaming industry. Also, Apple rolls back iPhone production while Amazon rolls out new hardware. Advertisers blast Twitter after ads appear next to child abuse content, and Elon Musk and Parag Argawal’s depositions have been delayed. Plus, Italy’s recent tur...

Tim Cook, Sir Jony Ive, and Laurene Powell Jobs unpack the life and work of Steve Jobs, the legendary Apple co-founder who changed consumer technology forever. Jobs was a regular guest at Code conferences, appearing at the first All Things D in 2003. Over the years on the Code stage, he predicted the end of the PC era, bantered with his arch-rival Bill Gates, and famously denied— and later teased—...

Kara and Scott discuss the growing protests in Iran, and what dramatic market declines mean for the future. They also chat about Elon's pre-trial deposition in Delaware, and how Meta allegedly bypassed Apple’s tracking transparency policy. Then, Friend of Pivot Jessica Yellin joins to discuss the neutral news trend, and her independent media company, News Not Noise. You can find Jessica on Twitter...

Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki speaks with Kara Swisher at Code 2022. They discuss Psaki's new career at MSNBC, the state of news, and her time in the White House. Recorded on September 8th in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Biden administration makes a full-court press at crypto. Could a digital dollar be next? Also, the FTC wants the dirt on the Amazon/Roomba deal. Trump says he can use the power of thought to declassify documents, but there's one thing he didn't think of: a new lawsuit from NY's Attorney General. Kara and Scott take a listener question about prioritizing your career and your clients. Send us yo...

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy speaks with Kara Swisher at Code 2022. Kara and Andy discuss his thoughts on unionization, returning to the office, higher wages, and tech legislation. Recorded on September 7th in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss the impacts of a Texas social media law, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s bill to protect children’s data. Also, Adobe acquired Figma. Plus, a mega stock crash at Meta, a bizarre harassment case for eBay, and Russian troll’s impact on the Women’s March. Friend of Pivot, Marta Tellado, stops by to talk about her new book, “Buyer Aware: Harnessing Our Consumer Power for a Sa...

Bob Iger, the former CEO and Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, speaks with Kara Swisher at Code 2022. Kara and Bob discuss the winners and losers in the streaming wars, the future of movies, that time he almost bought Twitter, and what he’s up to in retirement. Recorded on September 6 in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a big week on the Hill for tech companies. Kara and Scott discuss the testimonies of TikTok COO Vanessa Pappas and Twitter whistleblower, “Mudge.” Also, California’s Attorney General sued Amazon, Patagonia’s founder is giving the company away to help fight the climate crisis, and Kara's fired up about Link Rot. Plus, you'll want to stick around for our spiciest listener question yet. Send us...

Frances Haugen, the former Facebook employee who turned over a trove of documents known as the Facebook Files, speaks with Kara Swisher and Casey Newton at Code 2022. What was the impact of Haugen’s disclosure, and what does she still wish to see? And, ultimately, was it worth it? Recorded on September 6 in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott are back to discuss the demise of a journalism antitrust bill, as well as a potential deal between Vice and a Saudi media giant. Also, Twitter says payments to a whistleblower shouldn't affect its deal with Elon Musk. Then, Friend of Pivot Mark Bergen chats about his new book, “Like, Comment, Subscribe: Inside YouTube’s Chaotic Rise to World Domination.” Plus, Scott was on Bill Mahe...

2022 has been a difficult year for Snap, Inc. Shortly after announcing layoffs, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel sat down with Kara and Scott to discuss the challenges facing his company, and why he thinks they can be overcome. Recorded on September 7 at Code 2022 in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices