

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

Feb 28, 2020 • 56min
Bob Iger exits — what’s going on at Disney? The stock market takes a coronavirus hit. PLUS Is “coffee” a disruptable industry?
Bob Iger's sudden exit from Disney raises questions about the company's future leadership. The stock market faces turmoil due to the coronavirus, leading to insights on which companies may thrive, like Peloton. Panera's new coffee subscription model sparks excitement for its innovative business approach. The conversation touches on the challenges facing food delivery services and the evolving political landscape, particularly regarding the pandemic's management. A light-hearted wrap-up includes predictions about upcoming political shifts and the joys of creativity amidst family absence.

Feb 25, 2020 • 59min
Coronavirus hits the global supply chain, the demise of at-home-trading and updates on the Saudi infiltration of Twitter
In this discussion, guest Matt Frieman, an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland specializing in microbiology and emerging coronaviruses, sheds light on the global impact of COVID-19. He delves into how the virus is influencing supply chains, and the urgent need for effective public health measures. The hosts also explore Bernie Sanders' political victory in Nevada, Morgan Stanley's acquisition of E*Trade, and troubling incidents of foreign infiltration at Twitter, raising concerns over data security and the evolving investment landscape.

Feb 21, 2020 • 44min
The debate after the debate (Kara and Scott assess Nevada), Bezos and Buffet: who is the “better” billionaire and a big prediction on Zoom
Kara and Scott dive into the Nevada debate fallout, assessing how candidates can better market themselves. They compare the philanthropic approaches of Warren Buffet and Jeff Bezos, including Bezos' hefty pledge to combat climate change. With a keen eye on future trends, Scott predicts Zoom's stock will soar due to the ongoing work-from-home movement. The duo blends humor and insight as they tackle these pressing topics, making for an engaging discussion on politics and billionaires' influence.

Feb 18, 2020 • 58min
The EU takes on AI, the US vs. Huawei continues, Airbnb is in the red, and a Friend of Pivot on your children’s data privacy
Jim Steyer, a bestselling author and Stanford professor, dives into the critical topic of children's data privacy in the digital age. He highlights the risks kids face on social media and calls for delayed exposure to its influences. The conversation also criticizes current U.S. regulations, specifically Section 230, advocating for stronger protections for young users. Moreover, the discussion touches on the broader implications of tech regulations in the EU and the evolving landscape of child safety amidst rapid technological advancements.

Feb 14, 2020 • 54min
Amazon pays taxes (and fights for JEDI), SoftBank gains on Sprint and what ClassPass tells us about the fitness economy
The conversation centers on Amazon's minimal tax payments while it battles the government over JEDI contracts. They also discuss Google's recent executive departures and the implications for corporate culture. The conversation shifts to ClassPass, examining its billion-dollar valuation and its impact on the fitness economy. Tensions between traditional gyms and at-home fitness solutions are highlighted, alongside regulatory concerns in the tech industry. Predictions about potential Facebook bans in India add an intriguing twist to the discussion.

Feb 11, 2020 • 42min
The Oscars' rebrand, Uber’s ‘yoga babble’ earnings call, and Friend of Pivot Andrew Ross Sorkin calls Instagram the 'Super App'
Andrew Ross Sorkin, a New York Times columnist and Squawk Box host, brings insights on the Oscars' rebranding and its cultural implications. He discusses Uber's recent earnings call, humorously critiquing corporate jargon and the idea of 'yoga babble.' Sorkin also dives into Instagram's evolution towards becoming a 'Super App,' merging e-commerce with social media. The conversation touches on creator monetization and the challenges faced by traditional media platforms in adapting to modern audiences.

Feb 7, 2020 • 48min
Tech meltdown in Iowa, Sheryl Sandberg’s engagement (Kara and Scott debate), One Medical and US healthcare disruption and a Tesla prediction
The hosts delve into the chaotic technological failures during the Iowa caucus and debate whether Sheryl Sandberg’s engagement was a savvy PR move or a genuine moment. They explore One Medical's IPO and how tech-driven healthcare could disrupt the industry. Spotify's acquisition of The Ringer is celebrated, while Casper's IPO is critiqued. In bold predictions, one host speculates about Tesla launching its own cryptocurrency within the next few years. Expect lively discussions and insights on the intersection of tech, politics, and healthcare!

Feb 4, 2020 • 42min
IBM leadership shuffle, Amazon earnings, plus "Friend of Pivot” Jon Lovett pops in from Iowa to talk Trump’s inevitable ad operation
IBM's leadership sees a shake-up as the company aims to catch up in cloud computing. The hosts analyze Zuckerberg's new approach to social media, alongside Amazon's recent earnings that highlight its market dominance. Jon Lovett drops in to share insights on Trump's looming ad campaign, emphasizing the importance of messaging in upcoming elections. As they reflect on wins and fails, they also question Jeff Bezos' dating choices amid a defamation lawsuit involving his girlfriend's brother, adding a touch of intrigue to the mix.

Jan 31, 2020 • 47min
US budget deficit will hit $1-trillion; AAPL, MSFT, GOOGL, AMZN, FB earnings breakdown; and Britain sides with China on Huawei
The U.S. budget deficit is projected to surpass $1 trillion, raising alarms about economic stability. Major tech earnings are dissected, with Apple shining while others falter. Britain’s unexpected allyship with Huawei presents intriguing geopolitical dynamics. Meanwhile, social media’s accountability takes center stage, with discussions on Facebook's oversight board and labor law violations by Chipotle. Plus, predictions about Uber’s future and the competitive landscape of delivery services keep the conversation lively.

Jan 28, 2020 • 40min
Kara’s back in action; a listener question on WeWork’s impact on co-working companies, and a pop culture quiz
Kara and Scott return with playful banter and insightful discussions. They reflect on Kobe Bryant's tragic death and its media repercussions. The duo tackles the fallout of WeWork on co-working spaces, exploring how companies are recalibrating their strategies. They also delve into YouTube's new requirements for moderators, addressing serious implications for mental health. Joining them is Brooke Hammerling, who dishes on the week's biggest pop culture moments, ensuring there's a fun quiz segment too!


