Pivot

Jessica Rosenworcel, the Acting Chairwoman of the FCC, shares her insights on expanding broadband access, highlighting its crucial role during the pandemic. She discusses the digital divide affecting low-income households and the importance of equitable internet access for education and telemedicine. The conversation also touches on Tesla's hefty investment in Bitcoin and Twitter's potential shift toward a subscription model, raising questions about the future of these tech giants and the balance in responsible investing.

The transition of Jeff Bezos from CEO to executive chairman marks a new era for Amazon. Elon Musk’s ambitious plans to send civilians to space signal exciting changes in space travel. A Facebook employee questions the platform's redeeming qualities, revealing insights into the tech industry. Meanwhile, Scott shares bold stock predictions on GameStop, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment strategies. The rivalry between Bezos and Musk adds a thrilling dimension to discussions on tech’s future.

Reshma Saujani, the Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, is leading an inspiring initiative called the 'Marshall Plan for Moms' to support mothers facing economic struggles post-pandemic. She discusses the alarming drop in workforce participation among women and the need for systemic changes like paid leave and affordable childcare. The conversation also covers escalating tensions between major tech companies and the impact of the Reddit stock frenzy on retail investors, highlighting the urgent call for transparency in the financial landscape.

Dive into the chaotic rise of GameStop's stock as retail investors on Reddit challenge Wall Street's heavyweights. Discuss the ripple effects this has on the stock market and the frustrations faced by younger investors. Explore Google's decision to cut donations to politicians who denied the election results, raising questions about corporate accountability in politics. The conversation also spotlights the need for educational approaches to navigate modern trading practices and the implications of social media on mental health and decision-making.

Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna joins the discussion, shedding light on the Facebook Oversight Board's critical role in the Trump account debate and its implications for global leaders. He explores the political fallout from the Senate impeachment trial, emphasizing urgent reforms in tech regulations. The conversation also touches on Biden's first 100 days, addressing accountability in Congress, and the landscape of innovation in California. Khanna calls for actionable results amidst a polarized political climate, all while navigating the complexities of social media's influence on democracy.

The hosts dive into the emotional backdrop of Inauguration Day, contrasting celebration with underlying tensions. They explore Biden's administration and the concerns surrounding antitrust issues in the tech sector. Big changes at Fox News raise questions about the network's future amid declining ratings. The conversation also touches on the challenges of traditional media in a shifting political landscape and the need for education to combat misinformation.

FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter joins the conversation to unpack the challenges of regulating big tech amidst rising misinformation. She dives into antitrust lawsuits against Facebook, emphasizing the need for effective enforcement to maintain market competition. The discussion also touches on Twitter's controversial suspensions and Parler's comeback, highlighting the urgent demand for accountability across social media platforms. Slaughter offers insights into the FTC's future role in shaping tech regulations under the Biden administration.

The podcast dives into the intricacies of Donald Trump's second impeachment and the ripple effects on businesses distancing themselves from him. Airbnb's cancellation of DC reservations ahead of inauguration raises questions about corporate accountability. The duo tackles the pressing issue of how to rebrand America amidst political turmoil. Listener mail adds a personal touch, discussing consumer economy predictions and the need for equitable resource distribution following pandemic-related wealth disparities.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an NYU professor and expert on authoritarianism, delves into the troubling rise of fascism throughout history and its implications today. She discusses how Trump's absence from Twitter affects his influence, and the role of tech platforms in shaping political narratives. The conversation also explores the dynamic between leaders and followers in authoritarian contexts, emphasizing the importance of accountability and media responsibility in preserving democracy. Fascinating insights on the ever-evolving threats to democratic norms are highlighted.

Casey Newton, Editor of Platformer, dives into the implications of Trump's de-platforming and the widening gap in social media accountability. He shares insights on how Democrats taking control of the Senate might reshape internet regulations, focusing on Section 230 and antitrust laws. Louie Swisher adds youthful commentary, exploring the evolving tech landscape. They predict a shifting future for Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg, hinting it could be her final year, while discussing nostalgic entertainment trends like a revival of drive-in movies.