Max Chafkin and Dana Hull, Bloomberg Businessweek journalists, delve into Elon Musk's controversial weekend at Donald Trump's inauguration. They dissect Musk's hand gesture that sparked debate and explore accusations surrounding his gaming skills, raising questions about credibility in gaming. The duo also analyzes the implications of the evolving DOGE project and Musk’s ambitious Martian goals, juxtaposing his entrepreneurial influence with the ethics of the gaming community, which stirs both excitement and skepticism.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek columnist and co-host of the Elon Inc. podcast, dives into SoftBank's ambitious $100 billion investment plan in the U.S. under President-elect Trump, discussing its implications for tech industries like AI and semiconductors. He also explores the escalating rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman and its potential impact on the tech landscape. Additionally, Chafkin highlights emerging travel trends and consumer behaviors that are reshaping markets in a post-pandemic world.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek journalist, delves into the impact of Elon Musk's ventures. Craig Trudell analyzes the upcoming Tesla Model Y refresh and market dynamics amid regulatory challenges. Sridhar Natarajan discusses the complexities of Musk's Twitter acquisition, revealing banks struggling with significant debt. The podcast also highlights Tesla's political backlash, the evolving analyst relationship, and X's partnership with Visa, aiming to revolutionize banking on social media. It's a lively discussion about innovation and market challenges!

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek columnist and Elon Inc. co-host, discusses SpaceX's potential tender offer valued at $350 billion and its influence on Tesla's stock. Sydney Seiler examines South Korea's declaration of martial law and its geopolitical significance, particularly regarding North Korea. Ryan Detrick analyzes market trends, highlighting growth in small and mid-cap stocks. Amy Rubenstein shares strategies for investing in distressed housing, while Alexis Browne Roberts emphasizes adaptability in investment strategies amid current economic shifts.

Join Brad Stone, editor at Bloomberg Businessweek, as he sheds light on the shifting economic landscape and political dynamics shaping 2025. Tim Craighead reveals the 50 companies set to watch, while John Driscoll emphasizes the urgent need for fair wages and their benefits. Columnist Max Chafkin discusses tech rivalries, particularly between Elon Musk and Sam Altman. Finally, Nikki Eckstein shares the hottest travel trends and eco-friendly destinations for the year ahead. Get ready for a thought-provoking exploration of business, technology, and travel!

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek journalist, and Dana Hull, a reporter with deep insights into Elon Musk's ventures, dive into Musk's turbulent New Year. They discuss a shocking Cybertruck explosion near a Trump Hotel and its fallout on Tesla's already shaky sales numbers. The duo analyzes the growing media scrutiny surrounding Tesla and the complexities of Musk's political entanglements with the MAGA crowd. Their insights shed light on the challenges Musk faces in maintaining his empire amidst controversies and declining consumer perceptions.

Dana Hull, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in Elon Musk and Tesla, joins Kurt Wagner, a social media expert, and Max Chafkin, a senior writer, to explore Musk's alliances with political figures like Donald Trump. They discuss the shifting user base from X to emerging platforms like Bluesky, highlighting user dissatisfaction and the implications for Musk's ventures. The dynamics of Musk's financial power amid political engagements are examined, as well as regulatory strategies that impact his businesses in the tech realm.

Max Chafkin shares insights on the tech industry's landscape, while Sam Altman discusses the transformative journey of OpenAI and its evolving role in AI technology. Eva Doe delves into Huawei's geopolitical significance and its impact on US-China relations. Grant Hemingway explores the rise of non-alcoholic beverages and changing consumer preferences in a health-conscious world. Bernice King reflects on her father's legacy and the ongoing fight for social justice, urging a united approach to address inequality. David Berry highlights the appeal of authentic outdoor experiences in today's travel trends.

Josh Tyrangiel, former Bloomberg Businessweek editor, shares insights from his revealing interview with Sam Altman, discussing ChatGPT's evolution and its challenges. Max Chafkin analyzes the troubling shutdown of GM’s Cruise, diving into safety concerns and regulatory hurdles in the self-driving sector. Doug Ciocca, CEO of Kavar Capital, offers valuable perspectives on navigating current market conditions, particularly amidst political uncertainties and fluctuating interest rates.

Microsoft is a household name when it comes to Word docs, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations, but it’s not the first name many people think of when it comes to cool new tech. At least until recently. The company’s big investment in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has now launched it to the forefront of tech innovation.  Bloomberg Businessweek writer Max Chafkin joins this episode to tell the story of how the company that once brought us Clippy the interactive paperclip became a power player in the new frontier of artificial intelligence. Read more: Microsoft’s Sudden AI Dominance Is Scrambling Silicon Valley’s Power Structure Listen to The Big Take podcast every weekday and subscribe to our daily newsletter: https://bloom.bg/3F3EJAK  Have questions or comments for Wes and the team? Reach us at bigtake@bloomberg.net.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.