

Pivot
New York Magazine
With great power, comes great scrutiny. Every Tuesday and Friday, journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway offer sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. They make bold predictions, pick winners and losers, and bicker and banter like no one else. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 14, 2021 • 1h 6min
Pivot Predictions Special: 2022
The hosts and guests dive into bold predictions for 2022 across key areas like the Metaverse, tech regulation, and workforce recovery. The conversation touches on China’s influence in tech, the societal implications of VR, and the cultural impact of figures like Elon Musk. Humor shines through as they banter about boy bands and pop culture, offering a blend of insightful forecasts and personal stories. As they reflect on the future of entertainment and technology, the anticipation builds for what’s to come, especially in animation and streaming.

Dec 10, 2021 • 51min
Apple’s Secret China Deal, Buzzfeed’s Mild Disaster, and Newspapers Strike Back
A massive AWS outage and Tim Cook's diplomatic maneuvers with China highlight the tech world's unpredictability. BuzzFeed's stock launch raises questions about media's future. The hosts reflect on the struggles of traditional newspapers grappling with digital giants. Amidst tech drama, they humorously predict Twitter's next owner. The interplay of corporate interests and political tensions steers captivating discussions, while personal anecdotes add a relatable flair.

Dec 7, 2021 • 1h 9min
Twitter’s Reorg, Comedians v. Spotify, and Friends of Pivot Charlie Warzel and Anne Helen Peterson
Charlie Warzel, a reporter and co-author of "Out of Office," alongside Anne Helen Peterson, dives into the evolving landscape of remote work. They discuss the post-pandemic shift in work dynamics and the need for flexible schedules to enhance well-being. The conversation also touches on Twitter's organizational changes and the creative tensions between comedians and streaming platforms over royalties. Their insights reflect on the challenges and opportunities within modern work environments, advocating for improved compensation and understanding of burnout.

Dec 3, 2021 • 50min
Twitter’s New Anti-Harassment Policy, Chris Cuomo’s Suspension, and Stacey Abrams is Running for Governor
The hosts dive into Twitter's new anti-harassment policy and the fallout from Chris Cuomo's suspension at CNN. They discuss Stacey Abrams' run for Governor in Georgia and how she's addressing voter mobilization amidst tough laws. Insights on Meta's acquisition of Giphy highlight competition in social media. The complexities of leadership decisions at Twitter reveal stark contrasts with its more successful peers. Predictions on the futures of Tesla and SpaceX create a buzz, blending business with a touch of humor.

Nov 30, 2021 • 1h 15min
Jack Dorsey steps down from Twitter, Omicron’s Impact, and Friend of Pivot, John McWhorter
In this engaging discussion, John McWhorter, a Columbia University linguistics professor and author of "Woke Racism," unpacks the complexities of language and race in contemporary society. He addresses the implications of cancel culture and advocates for a more centrist approach to societal discussions. The conversation also dives into Jack Dorsey's resignation from Twitter, shedding light on its potential impacts on company culture and accountability. Throughout, the hosts tackle the Omicron variant's global response and the future of social media in shaping discourse.

Nov 23, 2021 • 58min
Build Back Better Passes in the House, Amazon’s Exposed Customer Data, and the Holmes Trial's Surprise Witness
Kara and Scott dive into the recent passing of a crucial infrastructure bill, dissecting its implications for renewable energy and family welfare. They also shine a spotlight on Amazon's troubling customer data exposure. In a twist, Elizabeth Holmes testifies in her trial, revealing intriguing defense strategies. The discussion doesn't shy away from the shifting dynamics in companies like Apple, particularly regarding back-to-office mandates, and the complexities of philanthropy from leaders like Jeff Bezos and McKenzie Scott.

Nov 19, 2021 • 55min
Pulp Fiction NFTs, Netflix’s Numbers Revealed, and Peloton Peddles New Stock
Kara and Scott dive into the drama surrounding Peloton's latest stock offering amid legal troubles. They also dissect the NFT showdown between Tarantino and Miramax over Pulp Fiction. Netflix's viewer stats reveal what's captivating audiences, while an iconic arena gets a crypto name makeover. Additionally, the hosts tackle corporate misconduct revelations and ponder the future of the Metaverse. With a blend of humor and insight, they navigate the fascinating intersections of entertainment, ethics, and emerging tech.

Nov 16, 2021 • 1h 3min
The Great Resignation Continues, J&J’s Two-Way Split, and Friend of Pivot, Blake Scholl
In this lively discussion, Stephanie Ruhle, MSNBC anchor and business correspondent, teams up with Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, who aims to revolutionize air travel with his innovative supersonic jets. They dive into the implications of the Great Resignation on today's workforce and the unique challenges it poses, especially for women. Scholl shares insights on the future of air travel, discussing the groundbreaking Overture aircraft's potential. The conversation also touches on the legal turmoil surrounding Steve Bannon and the significant impact of inflation on various income groups.

Nov 12, 2021 • 1h 8min
GE’s Three-Way Split, Facebook Scraps “Sensitive”Ad-Targeting Categories, and Friend of Pivot, Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and NYU professor, dives into the pressing issue of social media's impact on youth mental health. He discusses the rising mental health challenges tied to platforms like Instagram, especially among young girls. Haidt critiques the role of digital media in child development and emphasizes the urgent need for legislative reform to better protect minors. Alongside corporate insights, his conversation sheds light on how ethical considerations around data usage can shape social media's future.

Nov 9, 2021 • 57min
Elon’s Taxes, Infrastructure Week at Last, and Friend of Pivot, Mark Mahaney
This discussion features Mark Mahaney, a seasoned analyst and author known for his expertise in tech investing. The conversation dives into Elon Musk's substantial tax obligations tied to his Tesla stock and the societal impacts of public figures’ financial choices. Mahaney also shares insights from his new book, exploring the stock valuations of major tech players like Facebook and the implications of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The chat combines light-hearted moments with serious economic debates, all while discussing the importance of role models in today's society.


