Pivot

Comedian Mike Birbiglia joins as a guest co-host, bringing his sharp wit to discussions on humor's role in political campaigns, especially Kamala Harris's approach. He reflects on why laughter can bridge divides, even in tense political landscapes. They delve into Starbucks' leadership changes and the surprising success of streaming service Tubi. Plus, Mike answers some burning questions about his storytelling methods, including whether he influenced J.D. Vance's love for couches and whether Scott is funny. Don't miss the humor amid serious topics!

In this engaging discussion, guest host Mehdi Hasan and Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director, dive into the challenges facing traditional cable networks as they adapt to a streaming-driven world. Scaramucci shares intriguing insights on how Trump might need to pivot his campaign strategies amid shifting voter sentiment. They also tackle Trump's outrageous claims about AI-generated rally photos of Kamala Harris, revealing the chaotic nature of today's political landscape and the evolving perceptions of key figures in the upcoming election.

Noel King, the host of Vox's Daily News Podcast, co-hosts this lively discussion, diving into the latest global market trends and NASA's collaboration with SpaceX. They explore the political implications of Tim Walz joining the Democratic ticket and speculate on GOP strategies against him. The conversation heats up around X's federal antitrust lawsuit against advertisers, blending politics with media influence. Fun predictions are made about who might play Walz on SNL, emphasizing the intersection of pop culture and politics.

Jonathan Kanter, the Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, shares crucial insights on the recent landmark ruling against Google, highlighting its potential impact on tech competition. The discussion dives into the implications of monopoly practices, urging for necessary regulatory interventions in the tech sector. Alongside Kanter’s perspectives, there's a lively analysis of the current stock market sell-off and Warren Buffett's strategies, including Berkshire Hathaway's significant move with Apple.

Join Jared Polis, the tech-savvy Democratic Governor of Colorado, as he dives into the urgent challenges of online safety for children under new legislation. He discusses the implications of climate change on wildfires and the state's housing crises, while emphasizing solutions-oriented politics. The conversation also touches on the rise of deepfakes and necessary regulations. Polis shares insights on how diverse political views can work together for effective reforms, showcasing Colorado’s innovative spirit in governance.

Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Autocracy, Inc.", dives into the alarming rise of autocrats globally and the extreme lengths they’ll go to for power. She discusses how misinformation and deep fakes threaten democratic engagement, especially with the upcoming elections. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk's family drama and his controversial social media antics. Plus, a look at Trump's efforts to woo Bitcoin enthusiasts while navigating the complex dynamics of family and wealth in politics.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and author of "On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service," shares insights on public health and politics. He discusses the challenge of misinformation in vaccine discourse, emphasizing the need for trust in health authorities. The conversation also touches on tech stock declines and the implications for the industry, while humorously examining how celebrity endorsements, like those from Taylor Swift, can influence political strategies.

Lydia Polgreen, a New York Times opinion columnist and co-host of the Matter of Opinion podcast, joins the discussion on Kamala Harris's potential presidential run after Joe Biden's endorsement. They delve into the implications of her candidacy, the dynamics of female leadership in politics, and Harris's messaging challenges with younger voters. Additionally, the team examines the recent CrowdStrike incident causing major tech disruptions, reflecting on the vulnerability of corporate power and the intersection of cybersecurity and politics.

Amid a Biden campaign crisis, the discussion unfolds on the pressure for a leadership shift within the Democratic Party. Tech entrepreneurs are aligning with Trump, raising questions about their influence if he wins. Elon Musk plans to move his ventures to Texas, creating waves in the business landscape. Meanwhile, Google is eyeing a massive acquisition, signaling a shift in corporate strategies. The hosts blend humor with sharp insights, tackling the complex relationship between politics and tech in today's climate.

David Plouffe, former Obama campaign manager and co-host of "The Campaign Managers," shares his insights on Trump's recent VP pick, J.D. Vance. The conversation dives into the implications of political violence, sparked by a recent assassination attempt on Trump, and its effects on society. Plouffe discusses how this event might reshape the upcoming elections and the ever-present conspiracy theories surfacing online. The tension between social media narratives and political discourse is examined, highlighting the urgent need for moderated discussions in a polarized environment.