

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

Dec 13, 2019 • 50min
Netflix Golden Globe noms, bipartisan agreement on encryption, and Amazon's plan for fashion
The hosts dive into the recent congressional hearing on encryption, exploring how it impacts messaging apps. They share updates on leadership changes at Away and dissect Jack Dorsey's proposal to form a small, open-source team. With fashion icon Joanna Coles as a guest, the discussion turns to Amazon's ambitions in the fashion world and its effects on traditional brands. They reflect on the emotional weight of series finales in TV, while closing with predictions about the influence of internet porn on youth.

Dec 10, 2019 • 46min
A letter to Twitter, Uber's data transparency, and Away proves startup culture is rough
The hosts tackle a letter addressing concerns about Twitter's management, shedding light on corporate governance. They dive into Uber's troubling report on sexual assault incidents, revealing safety issues in ride-sharing. The harsh culture at Away is discussed, contrasting the startup's appealing brand with real employee experiences. Additionally, a cheeky follow-up ad to the Peloton campaign featuring Aviation Gin delights everyone, sparking conversations about media responsibility and the intriguing mix of culture and advertising.

Dec 6, 2019 • 41min
CEO’s are out (literally), France's "digital service tax” is in, and 'innovator privilege’
Major shifts in tech leadership take center stage, with Google facing a new landscape as Sundar Pichai steps in. A French lawyer shares insights on the new digital service tax targeting U.S. tech giants. Political discussions highlight Kamala Harris’s rising star and the implications of income inequality. The complexities of billionaire behavior in politics stir debate, while the challenges of campaign finance and diversity in candidates spark reflection. All while the hosts mix humor and personal anecdotes into their lively analysis.

Dec 3, 2019 • 36min
Dorsey moves to Africa and streaming platforms trump movie theaters
Jack Dorsey's bold decision to move to Africa while leading Twitter raises eyebrows about corporate governance. The hosts dissect the streaming wars, highlighting how home viewing is reshaping movie dynamics and impacting theater attendance. They also delve into the pitfalls of logistics companies like FedEx, discussing the broader implications of tech disruptions and societal issues. With humor and insight, they explore cultural sensitivity and Africa's burgeoning tech scene, predicting Twitter may face challenges ahead.

Nov 29, 2019 • 44min
London gives Uber the boot, the billionaire's 2020 strategy, and streaming wars continue
London's decision to revoke Uber's operating license shakes up the ride-hailing industry, raising questions about safety and regulation. Michael Bloomberg's political strategies come under scrutiny in light of his billionaire status. Meanwhile, Google's recent firings of employee labor organizers spark a debate on corporate ethics and employee rights. The hosts also dissect Mark Zuckerberg's lackluster public engagement while critiquing the streaming wars, particularly Disney Plus's rise against Netflix. A lively blend of tech, politics, and corporate culture keeps the conversation engaging!

Nov 22, 2019 • 49min
Trump lies about Apple, HBOMax fumbles its brand, Juul gets sued
Tim Cook faces backlash for allowing Trump to misrepresent Apple's factory story. They discuss Facebook's call for regulations on political ads and HBO Max's potential brand dilution. The conversation turns to 'sharenting', debating the line between sharing and privacy. The legal troubles for Juul, accused of targeting teens, spark a serious discussion on vaping's impact. Wins for diplomacy and celebrity-driven business ventures round out their insights, highlighting the intertwining of politics, branding, and personal responsibility.

Nov 15, 2019 • 44min
Big Tech wants to be your wallet and your healthcare provider. What could go wrong?
Explore how Silicon Valley giants are diving into finance by offering credit cards and checking accounts, raising concerns over data security. Google’s Nightingale project aims to revolutionize healthcare with AI-driven treatment recommendations, but skepticism looms. The rivalry between Alibaba and Amazon sparks interesting discussions, while Dara Khosrowshahi's controversial comments create waves. Light-hearted banter on Disney+ and the joys of filmmaking adds a lively touch to the tech-heavy dialogue.

Nov 8, 2019 • 45min
Twitter and the Saudis, Facebook’s 'Switcharoo', and the 2020 digital ads race
A shocking revelation details former Twitter employees spying on user data for Saudi Arabia. Leaked Facebook emails expose the company's shady data practices as they shift focus for the upcoming election. Meanwhile, a progressive PAC gears up to challenge Trump in the digital ad arena, but they seem outmatched. Beto bids farewell, while Airbnb garners praise for its transparency. In education, there's a controversy over SAT data being sold to elite universities to manipulate rejection rates, raising significant ethical questions.

Nov 1, 2019 • 42min
Twitter will stop running political ads ... your move, Facebook
Kara and Scott celebrate Twitter's bold move to ban political ads, creating a challenge for Facebook. They dive into an enlightening interview with Edward Snowden, discussing whistleblowing and government surveillance. The conversation shifts to the streaming wars, with HBOMax entering the fray. They also tackle a proposed bill aimed at democratizing user data access across social media platforms, highlighting privacy issues. Finally, they reflect on the booming content creation industry and the shifting landscape of celebrity culture.

Oct 25, 2019 • 43min
The screw-up-billionaire, quantum computers, and the skewering of Zuckerberg
The discussion kicks off with a major corporate shake-up as SoftBank buys out Adam Neumann for $1.7 billion. Quantum computing is unveiled, raising questions about its future impact on industries. Tesla surprises everyone with impressive earnings. Senior reporter Peter Kafka shares insights on the brewing streaming wars as Apple jumps into the mix. Meanwhile, women in Congress take a firm stand against Mark Zuckerberg, criticizing Facebook’s handling of misinformation and reminding us of the importance of accountability in tech.


