

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 23, 2019 • 42min
DoorDash is still stealing tips. And is Tesla for sale?
In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle Trump’s influence on foreign policy via Twitter and the intriguing rumor of Tesla being acquired by Volkswagen. They express outrage over DoorDash's ongoing practice of pilfering tips from delivery workers, emphasizing its implications. The conversation takes a playful turn as Scott dreams of purchasing Uzbekistan. Lastly, they speculate on Spotify's potential foray into the hardware market, pondering the future of audio innovation.

Aug 21, 2019 • 1h 10min
LIVE! From NYC it's Kara and Scott
Kara and Scott dive into the recent shifts in corporate missions, touching on the Business Roundtable's new focus on stakeholders. They blend humor with social commentary, reflecting on vacation stories and public transport absurdities. The conversation moves to the gig economy and the growing income gap, as well as the pressing need for accountability in big tech regulation. They examine the complex dynamics of modern politics and corporate governance while engaging the audience with playful banter and insights on future events.

Aug 16, 2019 • 49min
Sharks, WeWork & Tumblr's tumble from grace
Join the lively banter about the quirky rise in shark sightings that mirrors the precariousness of WeWork's financial future. Delve into Tumblr's rocky decline and the ethical dilemmas tied to tech acquisitions. Discover Nike's innovative subscription service, which aims to simplify shoe shopping for growing kids. The conversation also touches on the impact of trade wars on the tech industry and Raj Chetty's insightful research on income inequality, sparking a blend of humor and serious reflections on societal challenges.

Aug 9, 2019 • 38min
Hate on 8chan and why Scott's not quitting Equinox
Kara and Scott tackle the fallout from Cloudfare dropping 8chan due to its ties to hate speech and domestic terrorism. They debate consumer ethics regarding SoulCycle and Equinox's connections to the Trump campaign, with Scott resisting the urge to quit Equinox. The conversation shifts to Facebook's rebranding strategy for WhatsApp and Instagram, along with insights into credit card fraud. Scott shares his excitement about Apple's new titanium card while predicting a bright future for The RealReal's stock.

Aug 2, 2019 • 32min
Facebook wants to read your mind. What could possibly go wrong?
The hosts dive into the controversial implications of Facebook's brain-reading technology. They explore the recent earnings of tech giants Amazon and Apple while reflecting on the rise of wearables. Transparency in tech, especially regarding their ties to ICE, sparks an engaging discussion. Amidst predictions, one host humorously advises against the rise of fake bacon. Personal anecdotes and insights on political discourse add depth, showcasing the intersection of technology and society.

Jul 26, 2019 • 42min
The Mueller hearing, Facebook's fine, and revisiting The Case of Al Franken
This discussion dives into the Mueller hearing and its impact on democracy, while also examining Facebook's hefty financial penalties and privacy concerns. The hosts revisit the controversial resignation of Al Franken during the Me Too movement, questioning the pressures behind it. They also reflect on Scott's accurate predictions and explore innovative solutions in energy and immigration policy. The episode balances serious topics with lighthearted anecdotes about upcoming debates and personal encounters.

Jul 19, 2019 • 33min
Peter Thiel is Pennywise, Trump's racist tweets, and Kara meets the Yang Gang
This conversation dives into the political insights from interviews with presidential candidates, highlighting their unique visions like universal basic income. The duo humorously dissects the clash of technology and politics, including Peter Thiel’s bold critiques. They also tackle Facebook's staggering fine, questioning corporate accountability in driving real reform. Plus, they dissect recent political tweets to emphasize the importance of thoughtful discourse and the potential of candidates who blend empathy with innovation.

Jul 12, 2019 • 33min
Epstein's Out, Rapinoe's In, Plus a Social Media-Less Summit
Join Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway as they discuss the complexities of double jeopardy in the context of Jeffrey Epstein. They dive into the unusual absence of major social media networks at President Trump's summit. The duo celebrates Megan Rapinoe while questioning the vitality of startup culture. As they share personal stories, they also prepare questions for Pete Buttigieg, blending politics and personal anecdotes in a lively conversation. A humorous helicopter tale adds a whimsical twist to their reflections on society.

Jul 5, 2019 • 42min
Fish and Chips and Biden and Harris and Reddit and Twitter
Join the hosts for a lively chat from London, where soccer meets politics during the Women's World Cup. They dive into Zuckerberg's Aspen interview and dissect Twitter's new policies on political tweets. The conversation then shifts to women's soccer, pay disparity, and the impact of media. With a focus on advertising disruptions and the rising e-commerce scene, they explore how companies are innovating. Enjoy light-hearted political predictions and entertaining banter on the ever-changing political landscape!

Jun 28, 2019 • 31min
TikTok, Time's Up on Facebook's Content Moderation Sites
In this engaging discussion, Casey Newton, a reporter at The Verge famed for exposing the struggles of Facebook's content moderators, shares shocking insights about their working conditions. He reveals the psychological toll of moderating graphic content and the lack of adequate support. The conversation shifts to TikTok, where Casey analyzes its appeal among teens and speculates on the potential impact of Chinese sanctions. They also dive into the challenges social media platforms face regarding content moderation and the complex landscape of tech and democracy.


