Pivot

Kate Klonick, an Associate Professor at St. John’s University Law School, specializes in social media moderation and governance. In this conversation, she dives into the complexities of regulating political figures on platforms like Twitter. The discussion also highlights the challenges of moderation practices balancing free speech with user safety. Additionally, they explore Apple's strategic shift away from Taiwan and the implications of hustle culture within corporate leadership, particularly under Elon Musk's controversial management style.

Joe Coscarelli, a cultural reporter for The New York Times and author of "Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story," joins the discussion. He explores the evolution of hip hop, spotlighting Atlanta's rise as a musical hub and its impact on the industry. The conversation dips into the FTX collapse and its ongoing fallout, along with the controversies surrounding Elon Musk and Twitter's workforce reductions. Expect insights on pop culture's intersection with tech, the challenges of the music landscape, and a humorous take on recent corporate shakeups.

In this discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and NYU professor known for his insights on social media, joins to unveil the chaotic impact of platforms on teens' mental health. The team dissects the fallout from the FTX collapse and its implications for crypto investors. They explore the contrasting management styles of Meta and Twitter amid layoffs, highlighting the humane approach at Meta versus the chaos at Twitter under Musk. The conversation also digs into Gen Z’s values and the urgent need for effective parental guidance.

Matt Stoller, Director of Research at the American Economic Liberties Project, joins the discussion on tech's turbulent landscape. They critique Elon Musk’s Twitter parody rules and explore the increasing layoffs in the tech industry, particularly at Meta. Stoller offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against corporate monopolies, emphasizing the need for antitrust reforms. The conversation also touches on the shifting relationships among major tech firms and the implications of these changes for competition and regulatory scrutiny in the market.

Kai Ryssdal, an insightful business reporter and senior host of Marketplace, joins Jon Favreau, co-founder of Crooked Media and former Obama speechwriter. They tackle the latest upheavals at Twitter under Elon Musk, highlighting management chaos and user concerns. Ryssdal shares insights into Amazon's post-pandemic challenges and consumer behavior changes. Favreau provides a keen analysis of the shifting political landscape as the midterms approach, focusing on key races and the crucial issues that resonate with voters.

Margaret Sullivan, a media columnist at The Washington Post and author of "Newsroom Confidential," discusses the shifting landscape of journalism. She highlights the erosion of trust in news media and the impact of social media on public perception. The conversation touches on the rise of disinformation, the challenges of corporate influence, and the urgent need for media integrity. Sullivan also reflects on lessons from historical scandals like Watergate that continue to shape today's media environment, emphasizing the importance of news literacy.

Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter brings intrigue and uncertainty, including speculation about controversial figures returning to the platform. Big tech faces challenges with disappointing earnings and layoffs, while Warner Bros. Discovery plans a $1 billion downsizing. Adidas cuts ties with Ye, prompting discussions about ethical responsibility in partnerships. The podcast also humorously touches on Halloween traditions and the complexities of legacy in the tech industry, all while exploring the evolving landscape of social media and political candidate critiques.

Dahlia Lithwick, Senior Editor at Slate and author of "Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America," shares her insights on women's rights and legal challenges post-Dobbs. She discusses the implications of recent political shifts on abortion rights and emphasizes the need for advocacy. The conversation also touches on the Republican Party's legal actions against Google and Elon Musk's controversial plans for Twitter. Together, they explore the broader issues of division and the importance of resilience in today’s political landscape.

In this discussion, Ben Smith, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Semafor, shares insights from his extensive journalism experience. He delves into Netflix's recent resurgence and its new ad tier, while strategizing against competitors like Microsoft. The conversation also touches on the media landscape's evolution and the complex dynamics between traditional news outlets and newer platforms. Smith emphasizes the importance of transparency and audience engagement in today's saturated market, providing a fresh perspective on the future of journalism.

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and staff writer at The Atlantic, dives deep into the ongoing war in Ukraine. She discusses the resilience of Ukrainian forces against Russian aggression and the complex public sentiment in Russia regarding the conflict. Applebaum critiques the concentration of power within the military-industrial complex and advocates for more government oversight. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical implications of corporate involvement in warfare, highlighting the urgent need for accountability.