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.

A lively discussion unpacks the past year of Elon Musk, blending humor with serious analysis. The panel engages in a playful quiz about Musk's social media antics and predicts his future moves in tech and politics. They humorously speculate on outrageous scenarios involving hybrids and societal shifts, all while dissecting Musk's online presence. Insights into the success of the Cybertruck and the fate of Dogecoin add layers to their conversation. Expect witty banter and surprising forecasts about Musk's influence on the world.

What a year 2024 has been for Elon Musk. From the ups-and-downs of Tesla stock, to his rapid ascent to the top of Republican party politics to various SpaceX wins and losses, it seems like a year that Musk won’t forget. And neither will we: for the year-end episode, we actually have a two-part special, featuring Max Chafkin as host, Dana Hull (Elon Musk reporter) and Sarah Frier (Big Tech editor) as panelists and a special guest, Ryan Broderick, host of his own podcast, Panic World, and Garbage Day newsletter founder. In the first part, we go over the word (or words) that describe Musk’s year; discuss both the biggest and most underappreciated stories of the year; and figure out who was the most important sidekick among Elon’s ever evolving entourage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted Mann, a Bloomberg News reporter specializing in Washington dynamics, delves into Elon Musk's audacious move against the US government's funding. They discuss Musk's influence on political decisions and the implications of potential shutdowns for federal employees. The conversation touches on Musk's alignment with Trump, the chaos in the Republican Party, and how public shaming tactics are reshaping Congressional accountability. This gamble raises critical questions about the future of governance and partisan politics in America.

Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, dives into his latest feud with Sam Altman, breaching past communications that suggest differing priorities in AI safety. The discussion heats up with insights from Bloomberg reporter Loren Grush regarding the implications of billionaire Jared Isaacman’s influence on NASA and Musk's agenda. They also explore Musk's innovative preschool project, aimed at shaping education through a far-right lens, revealing his controversial approach to learning. Tune in for a mix of tech rivalry and educational reform!

Josh Green, a Bloomberg political writer, shares insights on Elon Musk's new role as a powerful influence in politics, especially as he supports Donald Trump's agenda. They discuss Musk's surprising mingling with global leaders in Paris and his ties to figures like Viktor Orban at Mar-a-Lago. Green analyzes the impacts of Musk's political moves on his businesses and the tech landscape. The conversation also touches on the soaring valuations of SpaceX and Tesla, revealing the complexities of Musk's multifaceted influence and ambitions.

Jef Feeley, a Bloomberg legal reporter, joins the discussion on Elon Musk's latest legal defeat regarding his Tesla pay package. He delves into the implications of Musk's political shift, highlighting how it has altered consumer sentiment towards Tesla. As both liberal and conservative buyers reassess their loyalties, Feeley and the team unpack the emerging market for anti-Elon merchandise. They also touch on Musk's ongoing legal battles, including a showdown with OpenAI and the potential repercussions for his businesses.

Devika Shanker-Grandpierre, a tech risk expert and former social media executive, joins to discuss the emerging DOGE initiative led by billionaires aligned with Trump. She delves into the implications of Musk's lax content moderation on X, emphasizing concerns about misinformation and user safety. The trio speculates on wealth and political influence, and how diminished moderation might exacerbate trust issues online. They humorously contemplate Musk's suggestion to buy MSNBC, reflecting on the unpredictability of tech and media.

Delve into the quirky world of poultry as the discussion reveals how chicken reflects broader economic issues. The exploration includes the rising prices of eggs and meat, highlighting factors driving inflation. Enjoy a humorous take on the fierce competition in the chicken sandwich market, alongside insights into the complexities of the poultry supply chain. It's a fascinating intersection of food and economics that challenges conventional perspectives on American capitalism.

Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, dives deep into the political implications of his rising influence and ties with Donald Trump. The discussion explores how social media and disinformation reshaped perceptions during the election cycle. Musk addresses the potential ethical issues surrounding wealth and power in government while highlighting the need for accountability. The interplay of admiration and concern for his concentrated influence reveals the complexities of modern democracy and the importance of maintaining democratic values.