Pivot

Kara and Scott dive into the drama surrounding Tesla and Hertz, unraveling the complexities of their partnership. They discuss Zillow's surprising exit from the home-buying market and the crash of the cryptocurrency Squid, spotlighting the risks of unregulated tech. The race for the Democrats unfolds with notable election results, underscoring challenges ahead. They also touch upon Facebook’s decision to ditch facial recognition, and Scott forecasts the fate of the Build Back Better initiative.

Aswath Damodaran, a finance professor at NYU Stern known for his valuation expertise, joins the discussion on pressing financial trends. He dives into the implications of Biden's ambitious spending bill and critiques billionaire tax policies. The conversation touches on the future of SPACs, the rise of meme stocks, and the evolving dynamics in the market dominated by big tech. They also humorously dissect Facebook's rebranding to Meta and examine corporate accountability in a shifting workforce landscape.

A proposed billionaire tax stirs debate on wealth inequality, facing significant political hurdles. Big Tech shines in Q3, particularly Alphabet, thanks to soaring digital ad spending. Insightful discussions unfold around the rebranding of Facebook and fresh takes on children's online privacy. Tesla's value skyrockets to a trillion, showcasing its booming status. Amidst this, the role of fintech and consumer trust emerges as pivotal in disrupting traditional finance, all while Scott shares predictions for Time's Person of the Year.

Dive into the revolutionary launch of the iPhone and its monumental impact on consumer technology. Explore how the App Store transformed the mobile landscape, spawning billion-dollar businesses and altering user behaviors. Delve into the psychological effects of smartphone dependency and the mixed feelings of its creators. Hear a personal story of someone choosing to disconnect from the digital world, revealing the challenges and rewards of a simpler life. Discover the dual legacy of the iPhone and its significance in our tech-heavy society.

Pamela Paul, Editor of the New York Times Book Review and author of "100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet," joins the discussion. They delve into Amazon’s flawed leave policies that shortchange workers and the ripple effects of Apple’s privacy changes on Big Tech. The conversation also touches on the controversial fallout of Facebook's practices and the societal impacts of the internet during the pandemic. Paul reflects on the nostalgic experiences lost to digital culture, emphasizing the need for a balance between online life and personal connection.

Join the lively discussion as the hosts dive into Facebook's name change and its implications for brand strategy amidst legal troubles. They also tackle Netflix's impressive Q3 numbers while addressing controversies, including the fallout from Dave Chappelle's special. The conversation turns to Trump’s new social network, exploring its challenges in a competitive tech landscape. Plus, they share thoughts on the recent vaccine mandate pushback and speculate about future trends in tech acquisitions and advertising strategies.

Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, known for his bold business strategies, dives into the intricacies of the entertainment industry. He discusses significant acquisitions, the impact of the pandemic on consumer behavior, and the future of movie theaters. Emanuel highlights the evolving role of data in sports and the power of celebrity branding, all while sharing insights from Endeavor's IPO journey. Their candid exchange also touches on the shifting dynamics between Hollywood and tech giants, offering a humorous yet insightful look at his career and aspirations.

In this engaging discussion, Christopher Mims, a technology columnist at the Wall Street Journal and author on global supply chains, shares his insights on LinkedIn's exit from China due to censorship. He highlights the broader implications for foreign businesses and the ongoing challenges in global supply chains, such as labor shortages and automation. The talk also touches on the mental health risks of social media platforms like TikTok for teens and the recent tensions in Hollywood, setting an intriguing backdrop for Mims' expertise.

The hosts dive into Facebook's controversial blacklist of dangerous users, raising questions about content moderation. They discuss Apple's decision to cut iPhone production due to a global chip shortage, highlighting its impact on supply chains. The conversation shifts to Texas airlines navigating anti-vaccine mandates and the backlash surrounding Dave Chapelle's latest Netflix special. With a sprinkle of humor, they share personal high school stories, adding a lighthearted touch to serious topics.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, known for spearheading advancements in cloud computing and AI, discusses a variety of pressing topics. He tackles the challenges of ransomware and the need for strong public-private partnerships in cybersecurity. The conversation also delves into the hybrid work culture revolution sparked by the pandemic, emphasizing flexibility and human connection. Nadella reflects on Microsoft's socio-political responsibilities, touching on critical issues like voting rights and AI's transformative potential in healthcare.