Pivot

The podcast dives into the potential impact of Donald Trump's hush money trial on the upcoming election and speculates about a possible advisory role for Elon Musk if Trump wins again. OpenAI’s new model and its corporate governance challenges spark a discussion on the ethical responsibilities of tech leaders. Meanwhile, Melinda French Gates’ landmark $1 billion donation highlights a new wave of philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting women and families. The hosts also tackle a listener question about their least favorite products.

Kirsten Grind, a tech investigations reporter with a keen focus on Elon Musk, and Becky Peterson, who covers Musk's ventures at The Information, delve into the volatile world of the billionaire. They dissect Tesla's struggles, including executive turnover and Musk's unpredictable decisions. The conversation shifts to the complexities of managing platforms like Twitter, the future of Neuralink, and the duality of Musk's leadership. With humor and insight, they explore the shifting perceptions of this tech icon amidst his myriad challenges.

Julia Angwin, CEO of Proof News and NY Times opinion writer, shares her insights on the rapidly evolving AI landscape. She argues that the hype around AI may be overblown, raising concerns about its impact on journalism and accuracy. The conversation also delves into the intriguing legal battle involving Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI over voice modeling and copyright issues. Additionally, they tackle the implications of antitrust lawsuits in the entertainment industry and the innovative approach of Proof News in leveraging data for journalism.

Disney performers are rallying for union rights, sparking a lively discussion on worker treatment in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, the Dow hits an impressive 40,000, but concerns arise about meme stocks causing volatility. Tax debates on billionaires heat up, with implications for future generations. OpenAI faces turmoil with leadership shifts and safety worries, raising questions about tech ethics. Tune in for insightful takes on these pressing issues intertwined with humor and levity!

The hosts dive into the Biden administration's tariffs on Chinese EVs, raising eyebrows about the economic impact. They dissect OpenAI and Google's latest advancements in AI, questioning the potential risks to our future. A lively conversation about the upcoming Biden-Trump debates adds political excitement, with the hosts sharing their contrasting feelings. They also explore how emerging technologies may reshape media and urge for quicker regulations. Plus, a fun listener question about financial planning for kids ties it all together!

Joining the conversation is Adam Moss, former editor-in-chief of New York Magazine and author of "The Work of Art: How Something Comes From Nothing." The hosts dive into Apple's intriguing agreement with OpenAI, hinting at future iPhone features powered by ChatGPT. They also tackle the potential Paramount breakup involving Sony and Apollo Global, and share sharp insights on Uber's earnings report. Moss shares his artistic journey from journalism to painting, revealing the unpredictable joys and struggles of the creative process.

At a conference in Hamburg, the hosts dive into TikTok's lawsuit against the U.S. government, pondering the balance between free speech and national security. They also explore Reddit's first earnings after going public and Disney's streaming moves. The discussion shifts to Microsoft and OpenAI's $2 million fund aimed at fighting election deepfakes. Plus, Germany's trial of a four-day work week sparks a debate on productivity and work-life balance. A lively mix of tech, finance, and cultural commentary ensues!

Explore the ins and outs of non-compete agreements and their impact on worker mobility. Delve into the current state of inflation and how various factors play into it. The hosts discuss Peloton's struggles post-pandemic, questioning its future and survival amidst fierce competition. They also touch on the potential market effects of breaking up major corporations and provide a hopeful outlook for the year ahead, focusing on personal and societal achievements.

The discussion kicks off with Tesla's surprising layoffs in its Supercharger team, sparking debates about corporate priorities. WeWork's massive restructuring deal gets analyzed, while Dave & Buster's ventures into betting raise eyebrows. Amazon's earnings hint at ambitious AI plans, overshadowed by Walmart's health center closures and CVS's stock plunge. The episode dives into the chaotic state of healthcare and critiques current approaches, leaving listeners questioning who really gets it right.

Jan Sramek, CEO and founder of California Forever, is aiming to reshape community living in Solano County, California. He shares insights on holistic urban planning amidst the housing crisis and tackles misconceptions around his ambitious project. The hosts also dive into the latest earnings reports from Microsoft and Alphabet, revealing their strategies in the AI race, alongside the ongoing leadership shake-up at Paramount. The lively discussion touches on tech ethics and the need for innovative solutions to housing challenges.