

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

Jan 5, 2021 • 54min
The Trump tapes and Tesla sales soar with guest host Stephanie Ruhle
In this engaging discussion, guest host Stephanie Ruhle, an MSNBC anchor, chats with Dr. Jeffrey Swisher, a San Francisco physician and brother of Kara Swisher. They delve into the Georgia Senate election and the bombshell tapes of Trump attempting to manipulate votes. The pair also explore Tesla's surprising sales surge during a challenging auto industry period. Dr. Swisher shares invaluable insights from his COVID-19 vaccine experiences, addressing public health communication and the ongoing challenges of vaccination efforts.

Dec 29, 2020 • 57min
The Wonder Woman premiere, Georgia's run off election, and friend of pivot Olivia Nuzzi
Hilary Rosen, a savvy political strategist and PR expert famous for her work in Democratic politics, joins White House reporter Olivia Nuzzi. They explore the evolving streaming landscape with 'Wonder Woman', dissect the implications of the Georgia runoff election, and analyze Biden's cabinet picks amid progressive concerns. The discussion touches on Trump's ongoing influence and the media's role in shaping current political narratives, all while critiquing responses to the pandemic from political figures.

Dec 22, 2020 • 1h 6min
2021 Predictions Special: the future of markets, healthcare, and media
In a lively discussion, the hosts and their insightful guests tackle the shifting market dynamics and tech predictions for 2021. They dive into the implications of automation on jobs and advocate for corporate responsibility and diversity. The conversation moves to healthcare changes and competition among major retailers post-pandemic, emphasizing the evolving media landscape. With light-hearted predictions from young voices, they explore consumer trends and the potential of platforms like Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus.

Dec 18, 2020 • 1h 5min
Facebook vs. Apple, Robinhood reckoning, and a prediction for Zoom
Dive into the escalating feud between Facebook and Apple as both giants face antitrust challenges. Explore the ethical implications of Robinhood's aggressive tactics towards inexperienced traders and the urgent call for greater accountability. Plus, hear a bold prediction for Zoom's future in the crowded video conferencing arena. The conversation touches on the potential shift of podcasting toward subscription-based models, raising intriguing questions about the evolving landscape of media.

Dec 15, 2020 • 1h 1min
Covid vaccine in the US, Roblox IPO delay, and friend of Pivot Stephanie Ruhle
Stephanie Ruhle, an MSNBC anchor and senior business correspondent, shares her personal journey with COVID-19 and its profound economic repercussions. She discusses the challenges of vaccine distribution in the U.S. and the implications for public trust and health policy. Ruhle also weighs in on Roblox's IPO delay, linking it to broader market trends. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy in political dialogue and critiques the media's role in shaping narratives around health and responsibility, particularly during these turbulent times.

Dec 11, 2020 • 48min
Facebook's monopoly reckoning, the Pfizer vaccine begins, and predictions for Airbnb stock
This discussion dives into the FTC's lawsuit against Facebook, accusing it of monopolistic practices. They also celebrate the UK as the first to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine to a non-trial recipient, reflecting on vaccine distribution. In listener mail, insights on Apple's new chip are shared. Predictions about Airbnb's stock performance reveal market dynamics and the impact of the pandemic on tech companies. The episode expertly intertwines themes of corporate responsibility, tech regulation, and the evolving landscape of social media.

Dec 8, 2020 • 1h 9min
DoorDash and Airbnb IPOs, WarnerMedia streaming updates, and Casey Newton on Substack
In this engaging conversation, Casey Newton, a savvy journalist and Substack writer known for his newsletter Platformer, shares insights on the media landscape. He discusses his transition to Substack and the opportunities it presents for independent creators. The hosts dive into the complexities of upcoming IPOs for DoorDash and Airbnb, and explore Warner Media's streaming strategies amidst fierce competition. Additionally, they reflect on the emotional costs of success and the evolving relationship between wealth and media.

Dec 4, 2020 • 52min
Amazon’s podcast acquisition, what led to Slack losing its lead, and Trump's move on 230
In a lively discussion, the hosts dive into Amazon's bold $300 million acquisition of Wondery, reshaping the podcast landscape. They explore the implications of Trump's push to repeal Section 230 amid defense spending debates. The conversation also touches on food insecurity, emphasizing the need for better grocery logistics. Amusing anecdotes from a global event and reflections on political dynamics provide a humorous backdrop to serious topics. Tune in for insights on corporate responsibility and the future of grocery shopping post-pandemic!

Dec 1, 2020 • 1h 15min
Antitrust trouble for Facebook and Google, Friend of Pivot on Covid vaccines, and remembering Tony Hsieh
Michael Mina, a Harvard epidemiologist and expert in pandemic control, joins the discussion on the urgent need for effective testing and equitable vaccine distribution. He highlights the importance of achieving herd immunity and critiques the complacency in public health approaches. The conversation also touches on the ongoing antitrust issues facing tech giants like Facebook and Google, alongside Amazon's massive hiring surge during the pandemic. Lastly, memories of the innovative entrepreneur Tony Hsieh and his lasting legacy are shared.

Nov 27, 2020 • 1h 5min
What happens post-Corona, marketing "defund the police", and predictions on SPACs
The hosts navigate the challenges of Thanksgiving during COVID-19, blending humor with deeper societal reflections. They discuss the recent AWS outage and its implications for tech infrastructure. Insights on opportunities in a post-pandemic world highlight the importance of civic engagement and empathy. The complexities of the 'defund the police' movement come into play, advocating for meaningful reform. The conversation also delves into the SPAC landscape, analyzing the risks of rushed investments and high valuations for pre-revenue companies.


