Pivot

The hosts dive into Apple's strategic shift towards fitness subscriptions, critiquing its value proposition. They discuss the celebrity Instagram boycott against misinformation and its impact on social media accountability. California's identity struggles amid climate challenges and housing issues are analyzed. Plus, predictions about Palantir's direct listing highlight its financial hurdles and competition. A blend of humor and insightful discussions keeps the dialogue engaging.

In a riveting discussion, Alex Stamos, Director of the Stanford Internet Observatory and former head of security for Facebook, explores the risky partnership between Oracle and TikTok, shedding light on data privacy concerns. Stamos navigates the intricate web of TikTok's addictive algorithm and the challenges of regulating misinformation. The episode also covers Nvidia's strategic acquisition in AI chips, raising significant questions about the tech landscape and its influences on security and consumer trust.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, discusses the company's societal impact, its ongoing disputes with Epic Games, and his vision for America's tech future. Tim Wu, a Columbia University professor, examines antitrust issues and critiques China’s lead in tech policies while explaining Facebook's legal challenges. Casey Newton from The Verge dives into TikTok's acquisition debates and the spread of misinformation on social media, all wrapped up with humor about the tech giants' growing influence during the pandemic.

The legal showdown between Apple and Epic Games takes center stage, revealing its implications for tech and consumer rights. Republican Senators propose changes to Section 230, stirring up conversation about content regulation. A listener digs into the ethics of consumerism, specifically questioning Chipotle's practices. Meanwhile, predictions about Shopify's market position and insights into the fashion industry's sustainability practices offer a fresh perspective on retail and consumer responsibility.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, shares insights on the gig economy's challenges, particularly around worker classification and the implications of Proposition 22. Vanessa Bain, co-founder of the Gig Workers Collective, advocates for gig workers’ rights, emphasizing the need for better protections amid evolving labor laws. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on gig work, the push for unionization, and the importance of balancing flexibility with employee-like benefits, all while navigating a shifting economic landscape.

The discussion dives into Russian election interference on major social media platforms, raising questions about accountability and ethics. Zoom’s rapid revenue growth captures attention, exploring strategies for managing newfound power. A listener from Australia prompts a fascinating debate on a proposed law requiring tech giants to share ad revenue with publishers. In predictions, there's excitement about potential big spending from Shopify, all while contemplating the shifting dynamics of retail and e-commerce.

Kara and Scott reunite to discuss Walmart's ambitious bid, teaming up with Microsoft to acquire TikTok. They explore Amazon's new fitness tracker, Halo, and its implications for health and data privacy. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they dissect Tesla's stock dynamics and the evolving role of tech titans. With personal anecdotes and lighthearted banter, they also delve into the impact of geopolitical events on U.S.-China relations and reflect on the legacy of Chadwick Boseman.

In this lively discussion, Sarah Friar, CEO of Nextdoor, shares her insights on community engagement and the vital role of local moderators in fostering healthy neighborhood interactions. Rana Yared, a general partner at Balderton Capital, discusses the shift from traditional finance to a burgeoning tech landscape, especially in Europe. They explore how the pandemic has catalyzed innovation across sectors, including healthcare, and tackle the challenges of misinformation in a digital age. Expect intriguing predictions and the impact of tech monopolies!

Baratunde Thurston, a talented writer, activist, and comedian, fills in as co-host and unleashes his keen insights. He and Kara dissect the significant exit of TikTok's CEO, Kevin Mayer, and delve into Palantir's controversial S-1 filing that casts shadows on Silicon Valley. The duo tackles listener questions on cable news, critiquing its shift towards opinion and sensationalism, while emphasizing the need for responsible journalism. Baratunde also shares predictions about the grief and challenges our society will face in the coming months.

Join Baratunde Thurston, a dynamic comedian and podcast host, and Maureen Dowd, a sharp political commentator from the New York Times, as they tackle today's hottest topics. They dive into the intrigue of the upcoming Digital Republican National Convention and the implications of celebrity endorsements. The duo doesn't shy away from discussing Mark Zuckerberg’s TikTok fears amid his controversies, and they even weigh in on Steve Bannon's legal woes. Plus, Baratunde shares his hilarious wins and fails, including a sneaker story that you won’t want to miss!