Pivot

Join Preet Bharara, former US attorney and host of 'Stay Tuned with Preet', as he dives into the legal complexities surrounding current events. The conversation heats up with insights on Facebook's venture into audio and its implications for creators. They also dissect WeWork's tumultuous journey towards a SPAC merger and reflect on the legal ramifications of high-profile cases involving WeWork and Trump. With a blend of humor and serious analysis, Bharara brings a unique perspective on the intersection of law and technology.

The discussion kicks off with the recent surge in cryptocurrencies, highlighting the buzz around Bitcoin and Dogecoin. There's a deep dive into Bernie Madoff's dark legacy, including chilling insights from an interview with him. The conversation shifts to Russia's strategic maneuvers regarding Twitter, raising questions about government oversight of social media. Finally, there's a lean into predictions for Alibaba and the broader implications of cryptocurrencies on national stability.

Walter Isaacson, best-selling author of biographies like those of Steve Jobs and Leonardo da Vinci, joins the conversation to discuss his new book, "Code Breaker." They delve into the recent unionization failure at Amazon, reflecting on the challenges workers face. The talk also highlights Alibaba's massive antitrust fine and its unexpected benefits for the company. Additionally, Isaacson shares insights into CRISPR technology, exploring its ethical dilemmas and the societal impact of genetic editing.

Kara and Scott delve into Twitch's new guidelines aimed at curbing hate speech, ensuring a safer streaming environment. They explore YouTube's introduction of a metric that tracks video removal rates for violations. A listener's question leads to a lively discussion about the future of marijuana stocks. Scott makes an intriguing prediction about LG's mobile division, speculating on potential buyers. The conversations blend tech insights with humor and personal anecdotes, offering an engaging take on current digital trends.

John McWhorter, a Columbia linguistics professor and Atlantic contributor, joins the conversation to dissect the intricate dynamics of cancel culture versus accountability. He challenges the oversimplification of narratives and critiques the infantilization of society's responses to issues. The discussion delves into the impact of cancel culture on academic discourse and the need for a balanced dialogue. Additionally, they examine Janet Yellen's proposed global corporate tax and the implications of Facebook's ongoing data breach crises, blending insights with sharp commentary.

Big Tech is stepping into the military realm, raising ethical concerns among employees. The hosts dissect Compass's role in real estate tech and its struggles against traditional valuations. A $2 trillion infrastructure plan from President Biden garners excitement, while a clever April Fools' prank adds a playful twist to the discussion. Expect insights on corporate accountability, the rise of digital consumerism, and predictions on market dynamics—all served with humor and candid personal anecdotes.

Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham Law professor and antitrust expert, dives deep into the alarming intersection of monopoly power and systemic inequity. She critiques the idolization of tech moguls like Tony Hsieh and discusses the distressing consequences of corporate irresponsibility. The conversation shifts to the state of unions in America, particularly amid Amazon's labor battles, emphasizing their crucial role in protecting workers' rights. Teachout also calls for robust antitrust reforms, warning of the detrimental effects monopolies have on marginalized communities.

Microsoft's potential acquisition of Discord sparks a lively discussion on gaming and community engagement. The hosts weigh in on the demanding culture faced by young Goldman Sachs analysts, debating work-life balance versus hustle culture. They also tackle the upcoming tech hearings on disinformation and examine changing news consumption habits in our digital world. The conversation merges humor with serious topics, highlighting the evolving landscape of work and the influence of technology on our lives.

David Yermack, Chairman of the Department of Finance at NYU Stern and an expert in cryptocurrency and NFTs, joins the conversation to unravel the NFT craze and its tumultuous landscape. He discusses the unique ownership rights that NFTs represent and the complexities involved in their market viability. The talk also touches on Dispo's recent struggles with accountability amid allegations against its founder, and the potential implications of Donald Trump's venture into social media, making for a mix of tech, ethics, and economics.

Kara and Scott dive into Facebook's new newsletter platform, stirring up controversy in the Substack world. The discussion pivots to Netflix’s streaming carbon footprint and its implications for the entertainment industry. They tackle the ethics surrounding McKinsey's consulting practices, questioning its status as the pinnacle of early career success. Along the way, they touch on the complexities of transparency in big tech and the growing consumer demand for corporate sustainability.