Pivot

Rick Wilson, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and a seasoned Republican strategist, dives into the PAC’s clever social media tactics to challenge Donald Trump. He discusses the rise of Jack Ma's Ant Group in Hong Kong and its implications for American markets. The conversation also touches on Twitter's major security breach and the impact of Netflix's disappointing earnings. Wilson emphasizes the evolving landscape of political communication, blending traditional methods with agile digital strategies to rally support.

Kara and Scott dive into the launch challenges of NBC's streaming service, Peacock, notably its absence on major platforms. They discuss Apple's recent tax battle victory and its implications for antitrust discussions. Listener Mail includes insights on technology's positive psychological effects. Predictions offer a glimpse into potential new media collaborations and a bullish outlook on Netflix's earnings, showcasing the shifting dynamics in the streaming wars.

Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of Color of Change, dives into pressing issues around technology and civil rights. He shares insights on Google's substantial investment in India and its implications for local innovation. The conversation heats up as they dissect Facebook's potential ban on political ads, critiquing it as a superficial solution to deeper problems. Rashad also emphasizes the need for accountability in digital spaces and highlights the impacts of misinformation on marginalized communities, advocating for a more just digital landscape.

Dive into the discussion about Facebook's troubling civil rights audit and Sheryl Sandberg's response. Explore the potential U.S. ban on TikTok, highlighting its political ramifications. Listeners weigh in on why college tuition remains unchanged despite a shift to online courses. Scott predicts economic fallout from visa restrictions on foreign students. The hosts tackle the broader challenges facing social media platforms and the implications for free speech on college campuses.

Join tech reporter Taylor Lorenz, known for her sharp insights into internet culture, as she dives into the implications of Uber's acquisition of Postmates and what it means for food delivery dynamics. She sheds light on Clubhouse's unique audio community, discussing its allure and the toxic culture that sometimes lurks within. The conversation also touches on the challenges tech giants face as they prepare for congressional hearings on antitrust issues, highlighting the pressing need for accountability in the tech landscape.

Sayu Bhojwani, founder and president of New American Leaders, joins the discussion on Facebook's new hate speech policies amid pressure from civil rights groups. The conversation shifts to Amazon's bold acquisition of Zoox to enhance its position in the driverless vehicle market. Bhojwani highlights the significant implications of the recent suspension of H-1B visas and its potential to disrupt Silicon Valley's innovation landscape, emphasizing the need for comprehensive immigration reform to support the tech industry.

Discussion kicks off with Square deducting up to 20% from merchant sales, raising eyebrows about Jack Dorsey's leadership across both Twitter and Square. Twitch is under fire as female streamers demand action against harassment, echoing past controversies like Gamergate. A listener question dives into the effectiveness of Apple and Google's contact tracing apps amidst rising COVID-19 cases, highlighting the blend of technology and community response in this ongoing crisis.

John Rice, Founder and CEO of Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), passionately discusses the urgent need for more Black talent in leadership roles. He highlights the persistent myth of meritocracy and the barriers to diversity in Fortune 500 companies. The conversation also covers the TikTok initiative that cleverly disrupted a Trump rally, emphasizing the power of youth movements. Additionally, the emergence of a new search engine seeking to challenge Google is explored, focusing on user privacy in an ad-driven world.

Discover Twitter's new feature that lets users share audio clips, stirring debates about innovation. Explore Pinterest's struggle with claims of internal racism and the need for deeper corporate accountability. Delve into the potential repeal of Section 230 and its impact on tech lawsuits, alongside Apple's App Store monopoly and the costs faced by developers. Finally, consider the unsettling effects of online trading apps on mental health, as they blur lines between trading and gambling addiction.

Suze Orman, a renowned personal finance expert and author, shares her insights into the current economic turmoil many Americans face. She emphasizes the critical need for emergency savings as foreclosures and asset repossessions loom. Orman discusses how the pandemic has shifted financial attitudes and the risks new investors encounter in a volatile stock market. With practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures, highlighting the importance of resilience and informed planning in these uncertain times.