

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

Nov 24, 2020 • 1h 6min
Media consolidations, Snapchat's TikTok competitor, and Joanna Coles on retail during the pandemic
Joanna Coles, a tech and media entrepreneur and former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, shares her insights on the evolving retail landscape during the pandemic. She discusses how shopping habits have shifted dramatically, influenced by social media. The conversation also covers the media industry's ongoing consolidation, highlighted by BuzzFeed's acquisition of the Huffington Post, and examines Snapchat's new TikTok-like feature, Spotlight, aimed at attracting top creators. It's a thought-provoking look at commerce and content in today's digital age.

Nov 20, 2020 • 1h 9min
Airbnb’s IPO, Amazon breaks into the pharmacy business, and predictions on a CNN sale
The discussion kicks off with Airbnb's bold IPO amidst market uncertainty, showcasing its impressive recovery. Then, attention shifts to Amazon’s game-changing entry into the prescription drug market, potentially disrupting traditional pharmacies. Listeners are urged to think critically about mentorship in their careers. Finally, predictions hint at a possible sale of CNN, sparking debate about the future of media ownership. It's an engaging blend of market dynamics, healthcare innovation, and career advice!

Nov 17, 2020 • 57min
Disney earnings, TikTok saga continues, and Maggie Haberman on the Trump transition
Maggie Haberman, a New York Times White House correspondent, shares her insights on the Trump administration's final months. She delves into the political dynamics at play and the chaotic events during the transition period. The conversation also highlights the implications of TikTok's uncertain future amid U.S. regulatory pressures. Additionally, they touch on Disney's latest earnings report and strategic shifts in the streaming landscape, all while navigating the complex intertwining of politics and social media.

Nov 13, 2020 • 49min
Covid’s ‘second wave’ and business, Europe brings antitrust suit to Amazon, and a prediction on fitness trackers
The impact of a potential second wave of COVID-19 on businesses and the stock market takes center stage. A deep dive into Europe's antitrust lawsuit against Amazon sparks discussion on competition and local retailers. Listener mail brings up the debate on free college education. Kara shares intriguing predictions about the future of fitness trackers amidst growing health tech trends. Humor, pop culture, and insights into consumer behavior complete this lively conversation.

Nov 10, 2020 • 1h 4min
Pfizer's covid-19 vaccine, China looks at fintech regulation, and Lyft President John Zimmer on the future of gig work
John Zimmer, President and co-founder of Lyft, joins the conversation about the implications of Proposition 22 for gig workers, discussing evolving labor laws and the need for flexible worker benefits. The talk also dives into China's regulatory tightening on financial technology, sparked by Ant Group's halted IPO. Additionally, amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Zimmer shares insights on market strategies and the future of ride-hailing services, highlighting how the gig economy is adapting to new challenges.

Nov 6, 2020 • 52min
The endless election, Twitter keeps Jack Dorsey as CEO, and a listener question about Pinterest
The hosts dive into the chaotic landscape of the ongoing election, questioning how effectively platforms tackle misinformation. They discuss Twitter's decision to retain Jack Dorsey as CEO, amid corporate drama and pressures. A listener poses an intriguing question about whether Target should acquire Pinterest, prompting a lively debate on social media's role in retail. With humor and insight, they also touch on the intersection of populism and Silicon Valley, highlighting the disconnect between everyday people and tech elites.

Nov 3, 2020 • 49min
Platforms prep for election, Panera CEO on the coffee "rundle", and proposition-22 is a fail
Niren Chaudhary, the CEO of Panera Bread, dives into the innovative coffee subscription program, discussing how it's reshaping customer engagement in the fast casual dining scene. He highlights the changes in consumer behavior during the pandemic and the importance of adapting business models to meet new expectations. Chaudhary also touches on challenges like fair employee compensation and supply chain management, while emphasizing the need for businesses to evolve and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Oct 30, 2020 • 52min
Republicans vs. Big Tech hearing, Apple is getting into search, and California votes on the future of gig work
Exciting revelations unfold as Republican Senators grill big tech CEOs in a fiery hearing. Apple’s ambition to enter the search market raises eyebrows amid concerns about privacy and competition. Heartwarming experiences at polling places contrast sharply with the serious implications of California's gig economy proposition. The hosts explore how these legislative changes might impact workers, while the political climate remains heated with upcoming elections. A perfect blend of humor and critical insight keeps the conversation lively and engaging!

Oct 27, 2020 • 1h 5min
Facebook readies the ship, Robinhood looting, Katy Tur on election night and Ant Group
Katy Tur, MSNBC anchor and NYT Bestselling author, dives into the contrasts between the 2016 and 2020 elections, emphasizing the influence of COVID-19 and societal unrest on political journalism. They discuss Facebook's strategies to handle potential unrest post-election and the alarming customer service crisis at Robinhood over looted funds. Katy shares insights on the evolution of media practices, the impact of high voter turnout, and the importance of responsible reporting in a rapidly changing landscape.

Oct 23, 2020 • 1h 1min
DOJ/Google showdown, RIP Quibi, and a listener mail question on Airbnb IPO
The discussion kicks off with the Department of Justice's bold antitrust lawsuit against Google, challenging its advertising dominance. Quibi’s untimely demise is analyzed, showcasing key missteps in its short-lived venture. A listener's intriguing question about Airbnb’s IPO ignites a conversation on corporate governance and employee equity. There's also a humorous dive into the awkwardness of remote work meetings, touching on societal behaviors. Finally, predictions about political figures add a layer of intrigue to the tech and business landscape.


