

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

Aug 6, 2021 • 49min
Cuomo digs in, Chaos in the skies, and Evictions delayed... perhaps
George Conway, an attorney and Washington Post columnist, joins the discussion to tackle pressing political and legal issues. He dives into the fallout from Andrew Cuomo’s mounting harassment allegations and the potential impact on public accountability. Conway also dissects the chaotic state of the airline industry post-pandemic, highlighting societal challenges and unruly passenger behavior. Furthermore, he examines Trump's tumultuous last days in office and raises questions about social media's role in free speech versus regulation.

Aug 3, 2021 • 54min
Hollywood on Blast, Vaccine Mandates, and Friends of Pivot Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker
Stephanie Ruhle hosts a lively discussion featuring Pulitzer winners Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. They delve into Hollywood's changing dynamics, spotlighting Scarlett Johansson and Amanda Knox's bold critiques of the industry. The conversation shifts to corporate vaccine mandates, exploring their potential impact on public health and consumer behavior. Leonnig and Rucker also share insights from their book on Trump's final year and speculate on his political future, highlighting his enduring influence on the Republican Party.

Jul 31, 2021 • 49min
Instagram's new privacy settings, Big Tech's record profits, and the Capitol insurrection hearing.
A lively discussion tackles Instagram's new teen safety features and why they took so long to implement. The hosts dive into the impressive profits of Big Tech and their potential impacts. You'll hear about the decline of Clubhouse and the challenges it faces in the competitive audio landscape. As they analyze the Capitol insurrection hearing, they share insights on investing strategies, including diversification and market dynamics. Plus, expect some humorous travel banter and a touching farewell as a host prepares for a month-long vacation.

Jul 27, 2021 • 59min
Tokyo Games Can't Catch a Break, Klobuchar Targets Vaccine Misinformation, and Friend of Pivot Eliot Brown
Eliot Brown, Wall Street Journal reporter and co-author of 'The Cult of We,' joins to unpack the twists of the WeWork saga, highlighting how Adam Neumann’s charm attracted big money before it all fell apart. The discussion also covers the precarious state of the Tokyo Olympics, affected by rising COVID fears and dwindling star power. Additionally, they tackle the urgent issue of vaccine misinformation on social media and the importance of responsible digital discourse in today’s charged environment.

7 snips
Jul 23, 2021 • 48min
Jack Dorsey's Bitcoin hopes, Biden picks a heavy hitter, and the Pegasus spyware scandal
The conversation dives into Jack Dorsey's ambitious vision of Bitcoin as a pathway to world peace. It critiques the media's focus on extravagant billionaires while essential issues like climate change and social media censorship simmer beneath the surface. The alarming revelations from the Pegasus spyware scandal raise questions about privacy in our tech-driven lives. Lastly, a listener's burning query about retirement amidst climate doom sparks reflections on financial responsibility and hopeful prospects for the future.

Jul 20, 2021 • 51min
Biden vs. Facebook, the U.S. accuses China of cyberattacks, and Friend of Pivot Paxton Smith on Texas' new abortion law
Paxton Smith, a valedictorian known for her viral speech against Texas's abortion law, joins the discussion. She passionately shares her insights on the impact of youth activism and social media's role in amplifying critical issues. The conversation also tackles the Biden administration's accusations against China regarding cyberattacks, highlighting the precarious relationship between the two nations. As these pressing topics unfold, listeners are encouraged to reflect on personal commitments to social justice and informed discourse.

Jul 16, 2021 • 41min
Big banks' quarterly earnings and economic recovery, and a prediction on space SPACs
Dive into the world of big banks as quarterly earnings suggest a potential economic recovery. Hear about the ambitious $3.5 trillion budget deal from Senate Democrats and its implications. Get insights on how Apple is competing in the niche search market. Plus, Scott makes a bold prediction about the future of space SPACs, and lively discussions ensue about the dynamics of the housing market and the effects of digital currencies. Tune in for playful banter and community engagement!

Jul 13, 2021 • 56min
Regulators are cracking down on tech, and Friends of Pivot Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang on Facebook's leadership
Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang, New York Times journalists and co-authors of "An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook’s Battle for Domination," dive into Facebook's leadership challenges amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. They discuss Mark Zuckerberg's control and the internal dynamics shaped by misinformation and accountability. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of corporate domination, U.S.-China tech regulations, and the urgent need for effective legislation in the digital age.

Jul 9, 2021 • 57min
Q2 Quarterly Review: The State of the World According to Pivot
The podcast dives into a comedic personal story involving synchronized swimming and drug tests. It reviews the past two quarters, highlighting key wins and fails in tackling major global challenges. Discussions include the impact of social media on misinformation and political polarization, as well as evolving job markets and tech shifts. The speakers assess previous predictions, analyze corporate mergers, and explore the dynamics of labor and streaming strategies. Lively banter keeps the conversation engaging while unpacking serious societal issues.

Jul 2, 2021 • 56min
Facebook FTC antitrust case thrown out and Amazon vs. Lina Khan
A Federal judge recently dismissed the FTC's antitrust case against Facebook, stirring up discussions on regulatory actions in tech. The hosts delve into Amazon's push for FTC Chair Lina Khan to recuse herself amidst ongoing antitrust scrutiny. Listeners hear about young workers stepping away from corporate jobs, reflecting a broader shift in workforce dynamics. Key insights on the implications of tech monopolies and the trends in entrepreneurship highlight the changing landscape of both business and policy.


