

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

Oct 23, 2019 • 59min
Mark Zuckerberg the free speech jester, and Marc Benioff the class traitor
Kara and Scott dive into the intriguing world of tech and social issues, discussing the decline in elite M.B.A. applicants and the contrasting views on free speech between China and the U.S. They tackle Amazon’s ambitious healthcare moves and explore the responsibilities of tech giants like Facebook and their CEOs. With humor, they address the challenges of business education and the influence of billionaire 'class traders' on social change, all while connecting with an engaged audience at Stanford.

Oct 18, 2019 • 38min
LIVE at the Podcast Upfronts in NYC!
The hosts kick off with an exciting announcement about their new schedule—two shows a week! They dive into WeWork's impending layoffs and bankruptcy, juxtaposed with the chaos surrounding Facebook's cryptocurrency, Libra. The discussion turns to Bill Gates' controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the accountability of billionaires. Personal stories about mental health are shared, emphasizing the importance of confronting stigma. The episode wraps up with reflections on innovative startups and anticipations for future live shows.

Oct 11, 2019 • 42min
Going after venture capital culture and the unicorn industrial complex
Dive into a lively discussion about the feuds brewing between venture capitalists and tech giants, alongside the curious case of billionaires paying less tax than everyday workers. The hosts tackle the ethical concerns surrounding corporate responsibility, especially with tech companies bowing to foreign pressures. Moreover, Turkey’s Twitter drama catches their attention, juxtaposed with Andrew Yang's financial triumph. A surprise prediction about Michael Bloomberg’s presidential aspirations adds fuel to the fire, wrapping it all in humor with personal parenting tales!

Oct 4, 2019 • 46min
Mark Zuckerberg’s leaky staff and the silver lining to WeWork’s downfall
Mark Zuckerberg's leaked audio reveals his concerns about government scrutiny and election interference, sparking debate about big tech's innovation struggles. The downfall of WeWork is dissected, showcasing the implications for its investors and the public markets, while bringing a humorous twist on the intersection of business and pet adoption. The conversation also touches on social media's power dynamics and the responsibility of platforms like Twitter, wrapped in engaging anecdotes and a lively comparison of serious business insights with playful narratives.

Sep 27, 2019 • 58min
LIVE from Toronto, Kara and Scott go international!
Kara and Scott bring the energy live from Toronto, discussing WeWork's ongoing struggles and the implications of CEO Adam Neumann's departure. They ponder if we've hit peak 'founder' amidst the chaos in the startup world. The hosts highlight Shopify's rise as a competitor to Amazon and dive into the fierce streaming battle between Amazon and Netflix. Whistleblowers take center stage as crucial players for accountability in democracy. Their humorous take on Canadian culture serves as a delightful backdrop for deep reflections on the American dream.

Sep 20, 2019 • 47min
Uber is 'disruptive and drunk', weWork is 'just drunk', and Pivot turns 1!
The hosts celebrate their 1st anniversary with humorous reflections and a look back at memorable moments. They analyze the fallout from WeWork's failed IPO and discuss Amazon's self-serving algorithm. A witty critique emerges on Facebook's new 'Supreme Court' and its questionable effectiveness. Political missteps, including Trudeau's controversy, spark a lively debate. The duo tackles the tension between established brands and Amazon's market practices, all while maintaining a playful banter that keeps listeners entertained.

Sep 18, 2019 • 28min
'I love Amazon. Let's break it up'
At a live conference, the conversation dives into the call to break up Amazon, highlighting which segments should be spun off first. It examines the power imbalance that sellers face and critiques Amazon's impact on innovation and retail dynamics, especially for smaller businesses. The speakers also explore the potential consequences of Amazon's market dominance and advocate for regulatory measures to ensure healthy competition. The discussion wraps up with a compelling case for dismantling Amazon to unlock value and foster a more balanced economy.

Sep 13, 2019 • 57min
LIVE! From the Lesbians Who Tech Summit
Join the lively banter from the Lesbians Who Tech Summit, where Kara and Scott dive into tech and politics with a twist! They tackle the antitrust probe into Google, proclaiming it a win for accountability. The discussion shifts to augmented reality glasses, with conflicting views on their future. Highlights include Kara cheering Chrissy Teigen’s Twitter showdown with Trump and Scott celebrating California's gig worker protections. Plus, they field questions on making tech a more inclusive space for the LGBTQ community. It's all fun and thought-provoking!

Sep 6, 2019 • 43min
Is Uber super f*cked? Let’s ask “Super Pumped” author Mike Isaac
Mike Isaac, a New York Times reporter and author of "Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber," dives into the chaotic ride-sharing drama surrounding Uber. He discusses the company's complicated history and current financial struggles, addressing labor issues and future profitability. Isaac doesn't hold back on critiquing Twitter's security slip, while also sharing bold predictions about WeWork's fate. The chat takes a fascinating turn as they explore Walmart's progressive stance on gun control, reflecting on corporate influence in societal issues.

Aug 30, 2019 • 45min
Peloton “sells happiness” and bedbugs take over Twitter
Dive into the world of Peloton, where the debate rages on whether it's a luxury gimmick or a true wellness innovation. Discover Facebook's latest moves to keep pace with Snapchat and TikTok. Hear Kara lament over journalists who can't take a joke and Scott's controversial Tesla opinions. Plus, a peek behind the curtain on Scott's prediction process—complete with a cheeky Magic-8 ball reference. Throw in a sprinkle of bedbug buzz and you've got a captivating blend of tech, fitness, and cultural commentary!


