Pivot

In this dialogue, guest Liz Hoffman, a business and finance editor for Semaphore and author of 'Crash Landing,' offers sharp insights into how major companies navigated the rocky economic terrain during COVID-19. The hosts dive into the legacy of Twitter's verification process, the challenging dynamics for businesses in repressive regimes like Russia and Saudi Arabia, and the ethical dilemmas faced by American companies investing abroad. They also touch on the evolving landscape of U.S.-China relations and the stark realities of youth mortality in America.

Donald Trump’s recent indictment sparks a lively debate on its political implications and fundraising potential. Meanwhile, Alibaba announces a major split into six companies, reflecting on the challenges of large tech conglomerates. Misinformation surrounding a tragic school shooting raises concerns about societal fears and gun violence. Hosts also share insights on the risks of buy now, pay later schemes, and tech leaders call for caution in AI development. Expect humor alongside serious analysis of today’s pressing issues!

Emily Baker-White, a journalist and senior writer at Forbes, dives into the complex world of TikTok's data privacy concerns. She reveals how ByteDance employees spied on her, raising alarm about user surveillance and data security. The discussion also touches on the implications of recent Twitter features and the chaotic landscape of tech regulation, especially regarding financial fraud allegations tied to Jack Dorsey's Block. Additionally, they explore the rising political tensions in Israel, highlighting the impact on civil rights and public protests.

The conversation dives into TikTok CEO Shou Chew’s tense testimony before Congress as the app faces a potential ban. They explore the launch of Google's AI chatbot, Bard, discussing its implications for technology and ethics. The hosts humorously contrast survival scenarios with serious concerns about Ford’s declining EV market. Additionally, they tackle the complexities of equity compensation versus cash bonuses in corporate settings and explore Reddit's unique advertising advantages, all while balancing insightful commentary with culture and humor.

Join Dr. Gloria Mark, a UC Irvine professor specializing in human-computer interaction and author of 'Attention Span,' as she dives into how technology is reshaping our ability to focus. She discusses the implications of TikTok's looming testimony before Congress amidst security concerns. The conversation also uncovers the troubling trends in attention spans among youth and offers strategies for managing distractions in our tech-driven lives. Plus, light-hearted anecdotes and reflections on the responsibilities of tech companies make for an engaging discussion!

The U.S. government pressures TikTok to divest from its Chinese ownership, while Meta continues its cost-cutting with major layoffs. The fallout from the Silicon Valley Bank crisis raises questions about accountability and leadership in finance. ChatGPT’s new visual capabilities create buzz, but concerns about ethical implications arise, particularly in gambling. The discussion digs into venture capital's role in tech and banking trends, blending humor with serious insights on the evolving landscape of finance and technology.

Joined by Sam Sanders, pop culture expert and host of Into It, they dive into the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank crisis and the latest Oscars trends. The conversation highlights the historic wins and representation shifts in Hollywood, alongside a thought-provoking exploration of data privacy issues linked to a church scandal involving priests. They also critique modern media ethics and discuss the impact of streaming on award shows, questioning how the industry can adapt to changing audience habits.

In this insightful discussion, William D. Cohan, a renowned financial journalist and founding partner of Puck News, joins the conversation to dissect the shocking 48-hour collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. He explores the bank's mismanagement and the role of venture capitalists, shedding light on why depositors may—or may not—be fully compensated. Cohan also discusses the broader implications for the tech industry and what this crisis reveals about the need for banking transparency and stability amidst ongoing tech turmoil.

Hannah Dreier, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist from the New York Times, dives into the alarming issue of immigrant child labor in America. She uncovers the exploitation of migrant children in hazardous jobs and discusses the systemic failures that contribute to this crisis. The conversation also touches on the implications of recent policy changes affecting unaccompanied youth and the urgent need for reform. Join them as they explore the moral responsibilities of corporations and the ethical challenges posed by child labor regulations.

Jeff Kosseff, associate professor of cybersecurity law and author of "The United States of Anonymous," joins the discussion on the implications of new bills targeting online speech and their potential conflicts with the First Amendment. He addresses the GOP's renewed push against Big Tech, particularly relating to issues like abortion and transgender rights. The conversation also delves into the balance needed between protecting anonymity and ensuring freedom of expression in our polarized digital landscape.