

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

Aug 24, 2020 • 53min
Pivot Schooled #1: Media's Overnight Chaos, with TikTok's Vanessa Pappas and Columbia University's Emily Bell
In this engaging discussion, Vanessa Pappas, General Manager of TikTok North America, shares insights on the platform's rapid growth amid political scrutiny and the challenges of misinformation. Emily Bell, Director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, dives into the shifting media landscape, stressing the importance of a reliable information ecosystem. Together, they tackle TikTok's unique community dynamics and the implications of corporate media acquisitions, all while navigating the chaotic intersection of technology and journalism.

Aug 21, 2020 • 53min
Lyft and Uber consider franchising, Apple becomes the first $2 trillion company and a listener mail question about social distancing with Aminatou Sow
Aminatou Sow, author of 'Big Friendship' and co-host of 'Call Your Girlfriend', joins to delve into pressing tech and social issues. They explore the implications of Apple achieving a $2 trillion valuation amid economic inequality. The conversation shifts to the struggles of ride-share companies like Lyft and Uber in California. A listener’s question about navigating social distancing brings forth thoughtful insights on maintaining relationships during the pandemic. Aminatou also humorously tackles the idea of filling Trump's shadow cabinet.

Aug 18, 2020 • 53min
Epic Games challenges Google and Apple, guest host Aminatou Sow on keeping the post office public, and Friend of Pivot Mary Trump on her uncle Donald
Aminatou Sow, author of "Big Friendship" and co-host of "Call Your Girlfriend," brings her sharp insights as they discuss Epic Games' legal battle with Apple and Google over monopolistic practices in app distribution. The conversation turns to the challenges facing the Postal Service, with ideas on how to keep it public. Joining them, Mary Trump, author of "Too Much and Never Enough," shares her unique perspective on her uncle Donald, providing a captivating glimpse into family dynamics amidst political chaos.

Aug 14, 2020 • 53min
Uber threatens to shutdown app over AB5, Airbnb's surprise IPO and a listener mail question about WFH with Andrew Ross Sorkin
Join Andrew Ross Sorkin, a New York Times columnist and CNBC anchor, as he delves into the heated topic of Uber's potential app shutdown over California's AB5 law. He also discusses Airbnb's sudden IPO amidst economic uncertainty. Listener questions spark a lively debate on the future of remote work and evolving company cultures. Predictions about the Biden-Harris administration highlight possible cabinet members, blending serious insights with a touch of humor!

Aug 11, 2020 • 1h 2min
Trump’s executive order on TikTok & WeChat, Friend of Pivot Jennifer Palmieri about women in politics, and guest host Andrew Ross Sorkin on a billionaire tax
In this engaging discussion, guest host Andrew Ross Sorkin, a New York Times columnist and CNBC anchor, tackles Trump's executive orders on TikTok and WeChat and what they mean for U.S.-China tech relations. Jennifer Palmieri, former communications director for Hillary Clinton and author of "She Proclaims," highlights the challenges women face in politics and the recent push for greater representation. They also dive into Bernie Sanders' bold proposal for taxing pandemic profiteers, sparking a conversation about wealth and social justice.

Aug 7, 2020 • 45min
Disney+ pioneers at-home movie premieres and Facebook signs a lease in Manhattan, with guest host Stephanie Ruhle
Stephanie Ruhle, MSNBC anchor and NBC News senior business correspondent, takes the helm with sharp insights on Disney's bold move to offer big-budget rentals on its streaming platform. The conversation dives into Facebook's new Manhattan lease and its implications for NYC's post-pandemic recovery. Listener responses reveal public anxieties during these turbulent times, while Ruhle shares her political forecasts for the upcoming elections, weaving together business, entertainment, and societal shifts in a compelling narrative.

Aug 4, 2020 • 55min
Guest host Stephanie Ruhle on TikTok ban, SpaceX splash down, and Friend of Pivot Rep. David Cicilline on antitrust hearings
Guest host Stephanie Ruhle, an anchor at MSNBC Live, dives into the heated discussions surrounding TikTok's potential ban and Microsoft's bid to acquire it amidst national security concerns. She also explores the implications of SpaceX's recent achievements in private space travel. Joining her is Congressman David Cicilline, Chairman of the House Antitrust Subcommittee, who sheds light on the significant big tech hearings addressing monopolistic practices and the urgent need for regulatory reforms to protect competition and consumers.

Jul 31, 2020 • 56min
The surprises at Big Tech's antitrust hearing, Snap's first diversity report, and a scary prediction for parents of college students
Dive into the surprising twists from a recent tech antitrust hearing, where major CEOs faced intense scrutiny. Explore Snap's first diversity report, revealing gaps in representation while celebrating female leadership. Enjoy a lighthearted discussion on Taylor Swift's cultural influence, and brace yourself for Scott's chilling prediction for parents of college students as universities navigate the post-pandemic landscape. Humor, insights, and societal commentary make for an engaging listen!

Jul 28, 2020 • 1h 2min
Facebook’s “cultural crisis,” Mark Cuban on the NBA’s rebound, and Kara gets replaced by AI
Mark Cuban, the dynamic owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a prominent investor, joins to discuss the NBA's safe return after the pandemic. He shares insights on the effectiveness of the league's 'bubble' at Disney World compared to other sports. Cuban also touches on his optimistic views about a COVID-19 vaccine, his Twitter sparring with Ted Cruz, and the emerging wave of legalized sports gambling. Plus, there's a lively debate about what tech giants should display during congressional hearings and the evolving role of AI in media.

Jul 24, 2020 • 59min
Previewing the Big Four's antitrust appearance, Twitter bans QAnon, and prediction on Tesla buying up companies
Get ready for a showdown as the CEOs of tech giants head to Washington for historic antitrust hearings. Twitter takes a bold step by banning QAnon, urging other platforms to follow suit. The implications of Uber's tech solutions on public transit raise questions about monopoly power. Plus, predictions swirl around Tesla's strategic acquisitions in the months ahead. With a mix of satire and insightful analysis, the conversation highlights the critical intersection of technology, competition, and regulation.


