

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

Jun 29, 2021 • 56min
Toyota's GOP contributions, BuzzFeed's SPAC and a Friend of Pivot from Microsoft
Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, joins the conversation for an insightful discussion. They tackle Toyota's extensive GOP contributions and the ethical implications for corporations. The conversation shifts to BuzzFeed's SPAC ambitions, exploring the digital media landscape's evolution. Yusuf shares perspectives on the cultural transformations at Microsoft, touching on Windows 11 and its impact on remote work and creative collaborations. The dialogue blends industry insights with personal anecdotes, making for an engaging listen.

Jun 25, 2021 • 55min
House Judiciary Committee antitrust bills, Microsoft hits $2 trillion, and a prediction on the future of social media
A deep dive into the House's proposed antitrust bills reveals the tensions surrounding big tech regulation. Microsoft celebrates its staggering $2 trillion market cap, joining the elite ranks of tech victors. Climate change vs. Covid-19 costs stir heated listener debate, and predictions point to fresh players emerging as the tech landscape shifts. Amid serious discussions, humor about celebrity culture and quirky anecdotes keeps it light, blending business insights with entertaining commentary.

Jun 22, 2021 • 1h 12min
American Airlines cancellations, Bitcoin mining bans, and Friend of Pivot Chuck Todd
In this conversation with Chuck Todd, NBC News Political Director and host of Meet the Press, they dive deep into the future of news streaming. Todd discusses how major media companies are responding to evolving digital landscapes and the shift towards documentary-style content. They also tackle the implications of the SEC's new climate change regulations and China's Bitcoin mining ban. With keen insights, Todd offers a glimpse into the changing dynamics of media and politics in today's world.

Jun 18, 2021 • 1h 9min
Amazon's worker problem, Andreessen Horowitz's new website and a prediction about inflation
Dive into the troubling worker conditions at Amazon and the contrasting philanthropic efforts of Mackenzie Scott and Jeff Bezos. Explore the rise of a new content platform by Andreessen Horowitz and its implications for unbiased journalism. The conversation also tackles the shifting landscape of corporate workspaces, the challenges of remote work, and the outlook on inflation affecting market trends. Expect humorous anecdotes mixed with serious discussions on tech monopolies, AI's rapid evolution, and the future of media.

Jun 15, 2021 • 1h 5min
Apple vs. the Trump Administration, CEO compensation broke records during COVID, and Friend of Pivot Caleb Scharf on space exploration 8:18
In a captivating conversation, Caleb Scharf, the Director of Astrobiology at Columbia University, shares insights about space exploration and UFO sightings. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches over speculative theories. The discussion also dives into the ethics of billionaire space travel and the widening pay gap between CEOs and employees during the pandemic. Scharf challenges perceptions of space travel, questioning the real value of missions to Mars amidst pressing societal issues.

Jun 11, 2021 • 56min
Billionaires and the tax code, Facebook smartwatch and a listener mail question on children's screen time
A deep dive into the scandalous findings that America’s billionaires dodge taxes, revealing a stark critique of the U.S. tax system. The hosts also explore Facebook’s upcoming smartwatch, questioning its place in a market led by giants like Apple. Discussions about children’s screen time ignite a debate on digital parenting, balancing guidance with independence. Listeners are treated to humor and personal anecdotes, making complex issues relatable and engaging.

Jun 8, 2021 • 57min
G-7 nations' historic tax reform, Bitcoin 2021, and Friend of Pivot Jon Meacham on de-platforming Trump
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham as he delves into the implications of the G-7's historic tax reform, establishing a 15% global corporate tax rate to combat tax avoidance. The discussion shifts to the evolving cryptocurrency landscape, spotlighting the Bitcoin 2021 event and the contrasting visions of tech leaders. Meacham also reflects on the impact of de-platforming figures like Trump, the normalization of extreme political rhetoric, and the historical context of today's political polarization.

Jun 4, 2021 • 55min
The SEC goes after Elon Musk's tweets, Fauci's emails, and should Roku acquire more content?
Dive into the whirlwind of Elon Musk's tweets, as scrutiny from the SEC reveals unapproved posts affecting stock prices. Unpack Dr. Fauci's controversial emails, unveiling insights into public health communications during the pandemic. Listener questions spark debates on Roku's potential acquisition of Quibi content, highlighting the shifts in streaming dynamics. This mix of tech, health, and media creates an engaging conversation about accountability and innovation in today's landscape.

Jun 1, 2021 • 1h 4min
Uber and Lyft price surge, the Biden infrastructure bill and Friend of Pivot Casey Newton
Casey Newton, writer of the newsletter Platformer, dives deep into the world of social media and its evolution. He discusses Twitter's struggles with governance and the race for a new CEO, emphasizing the challenges of competition and content monetization. The conversation also touches on the ongoing Biden infrastructure bill negotiations, shedding light on the fragmented political landscape. Listeners gain insights into the impact of social media on mental health and the push towards better online user experiences.

May 28, 2021 • 52min
Russia crackdown on social media, Amazon buys MGM, and is 5G worth the hype?
The discussion kicks off with Russia's escalating penalties against social media giants like Google and Twitter. Then, they dive into Amazon's monumental $8.45 billion deal to acquire MGM, exploring the future of entertainment and corporate power dynamics. The hosts also tackle the buzzing topic of 5G technology, weighing its anticipated benefits against the hype. Personal anecdotes and humorous insights add a light touch as they navigate these serious discussions.


