

On with Kara Swisher
Vox Media
It's on. Twice a week, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher gets to the heart of the story through no-holds-barred interviews with power players across business, tech, media, politics and beyond. So why do her guests show up? “Smart people,” says Kara, “like difficult questions.”Mondays and Thursdays from New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

109 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 60min
Epstein, Trump & the MAGA Meltdown — Sorting Fact from Fiction
Julie K. Brown, an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald, and Donie O'Sullivan, CNN's senior correspondent, dive deep into the fallout from Jeffrey Epstein's association with Donald Trump. They discuss the recent Justice Department memo that debunked key conspiracy theories surrounding the Epstein case, highlighting the rift within the MAGA base. Additionally, they unpack the implications of Trump’s name appearing in Epstein’s files and the broader impact of misinformation in shaping political narratives.

61 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 53min
When AI F*s Up, Who’s to Blame? With Bruce Holsinger
Bruce Holsinger, an author and University of Virginia professor, dives into the ethical labyrinth AI creates in today's society. He discusses his novel, Culpability, which centers on a tragic accident involving an autonomous vehicle and the pressing questions of accountability that arise. The conversation touches on AI companionship, the dual nature of AI as both aid and threat, and the historical impact of innovations like the printing press, highlighting the balance between progress and responsibility in an increasingly automated world.

161 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 60min
TikTok Is Changing How We Talk & How We Vote
Adam Aleksic, a Harvard-educated linguist and author of Algospeak, dives into the fascinating ways social media is reshaping our language and identities. He discusses the emergence of euphemisms and new vocabularies designed to navigate censorship, like 'unalive' for sensitive topics. The impact of TikTok on political communication is also explored, highlighting how it connects voters to modern figures more effectively than traditional politicians. Aleksic emphasizes the role of humor and relatability in political discourse while examining the ownership of language in the digital realm.

30 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
Making Trump Pay with E. Jean Carroll and Roberta Kaplan
Join E. Jean Carroll, a writer and former advice columnist known for her bold accusations against Donald Trump, and Roberta Kaplan, her civil rights attorney famous for winning landmark cases. They dive into the tumultuous legal battles over sexual assault allegations, unveiling potential evidence tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The conversation tackles courtroom absurdities, emotional turmoil, and the complexities of presidential immunity. With reflections on resilience and the power of collective action, it’s a captivating discussion on justice in high-stakes law.

133 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 54min
Science vs. Silicon Valley with Adam Becker
Join astrophysicist and journalist Adam Becker as he critiques the outlandish promises of Silicon Valley, from colonizing Mars to creating god-like AIs. He argues these fantasies serve as distractions for a power grab by tech billionaires. Becker delves into the gap between altruistic claims and reality, discussing the limitations of artificial intelligence and the dangers of unchecked tech oligarchs. Their conversation highlights the need for skepticism towards tech narratives and calls for a focus on real social issues rather than speculative solutions.

43 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 59min
Taking on Trump Family Corruption with Rep. Robert Garcia
Robert Garcia, a California Congressman and the newly appointed ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, shares his journey from being an undocumented immigrant to a rising political leader. He discusses the importance of transparency in government, the urgent investigations into Trump family corruption, and the need for youthful leadership in Congress. The conversation also highlights changing dynamics in Latino voter support and strategies for the Democratic Party to reconnect with young constituents. Garcia's insights showcase a fresh perspective on modern governance.

50 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 58min
The 2024 Election Post-Mortem: How Trump Beat the Odds
Join reporters Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Tyler Pager as they dissect Trump's surprising return to the presidency. They delve into the chaos of the election with insights on Biden's age-related struggles and strategic errors, as well as Kamala Harris's cautious campaign approach. The trio discusses Trump's political maneuvers, the internal dynamics of the Republican Party, and the Democrats' disconnect with voters. Expect a blend of sharp analysis and engaging anecdotes on what led to this dramatic political landscape.

54 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Red Scare Returns? Lessons from McCarthyism in the Age of Trump 2.0
Clay Risen, a New York Times reporter and author of "Red Scare: Blacklists, McCarthyism and the Making of Modern America," delves into the unsettling parallels between McCarthyism and today's political landscape. He discusses how current political rhetoric mirrors the tactics of the past, particularly the use of labels like 'communist' to discredit progressive figures. Risen also examines the impact of the Red Scare on civil rights and modern surveillance, emphasizing the need for historical awareness to navigate contemporary challenges in democracy.

30 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 53min
Jerrod Carmichael on Truth in Comedy, Coming Out Late & Religion
Join Emmy-winning comedian Jerrod Carmichael as he opens up about his compelling journey in comedy and personal identity. He discusses the challenges of coming out late, navigating family dynamics, and the role of faith in his life. Carmichael highlights the evolution of stand-up, stressing the importance of authenticity over audience expectations. He reflects on his inspirations from artists like Jay-Z and the need for comedians to share their truths. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation celebrating individuality and the art of storytelling.

48 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 58min
Trump's Iran Strikes: Triumph, Stalemate or Setback?
In this captivating discussion, Jason Rezaian, a former Tehran correspondent and human rights advocate, shares his insights on Iran's turbulent political landscape. CNN’s Jim Sciutto analyzes the implications of Trump’s bombings and potential ceasefires. Robin Wright brings her expertise to the complex U.S.-Iran relations and the ongoing nuclear tensions. Together, they delve into the possibility of regime change, the role of the Iranian diaspora, and the impact of international indifference on the Iranian populace, painting a vivid picture of a nation at a crossroads.