On with Kara Swisher

Isaac Chotiner, a staff writer for The New Yorker, is known as the 'interview assassin' for his confrontational questioning style that unveils truths from prominent figures. He discusses his preparation for tough interviews and shares insights from his viral Q&As with Karine Jean-Pierre and Cass Sunstein. Chotiner also explores the fine line between opinion and neutral questioning, the dynamics of declining access to guests, and reflects on the important stories shaping the political landscape for 2026.

Vlad Tenev, Co-founder and CEO of Robinhood, shares insights on the evolution of prediction markets, describing them as 'truth machines' that provide reliable forecasts. He elaborates on the integration of tokenization in retail finance and its potential to reshape access to global assets. Vlad also discusses the challenges of balancing market integrity with democratization, while emphasizing the company's vision to become a financial super app. Additionally, he reflects on personalizing contracts, digital responsibility, and enhancing engagement in earnings calls.

In a fascinating discussion, Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora and a pioneer of self-driving cars, teams up with Johnathon Ehsani, a road safety researcher from Johns Hopkins. They explore the rapid evolution of driverless semi-trucks and their implications for road safety and the economy. Urmson shares insights on current deployments and the challenges of public perception, while Ehsani emphasizes the importance of demonstrating safety benefits. Together, they navigate the future of autonomous trucking, addressing job impacts and the need for effective regulations.

The discussion kicks off with U.S. pressure mounting on Venezuela, examining the geopolitical motivations and implications of military buildup. They delve into the controversial decision to export advanced AI chips to China, balancing economic factors with national security concerns. A Red Team/Blue Team exercise unfolds, pitting advice for Ukraine against Russia regarding a potential peace deal, unpacking the complexities of each side's motivations. Expect a mix of strategic insights and spirited debate on critical global issues!

Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and Puck co-founder, joins tech experts Casey Newton, Joanna Stern, and Charlie Warzel to dissect the chaotic tech landscape of 2025. They tackle the rising AI bubble and economic disruption, while exploring the impact of Trump on the tech industry. Key topics include TikTok's ownership shuffle, the implications of Musk's antics, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies like home robots and disinformation on social media. The group shares predictions for 2026, hinting at a turbulent future ahead.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, leads the charge in AI and autonomous vehicles, showcasing how AI powers Uber’s pricing, routing, and deliveries. He emphasizes the potential of robotaxis and debates the future of human driving, suggesting society might opt for safer AVs over humans. Their discussion covers city planning for equity, risks of job displacement, and the urgent need for environmental progress with EV adoption. He also touches on Uber’s collaborations with other AV manufacturers and the transformative impact on urban mobility.

Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and author known for his sharp insights on ethics and technology, dives into Silicon Valley's political shift. He critiques tech moguls for embracing authoritarian politics and discusses how the left's excesses have radicalized some CEOs. Harris also warns about the risks AI poses to society and the dangers of misinformation. He reflects on his personal break with tech leaders and advocates for stronger regulation to combat the growing influence of tech oligarchs and protect democratic values.

Rachel Maddow, an incisive journalist and host of Burn Order, dives deep into the dark history of WWII Japanese incarceration, revealing hidden responsibilities and the alarming erosion of rights that still echoes today. She discusses the surprising role of a dedicated researcher and the chilling parallels to current mass-deportation policies. Maddow also critiques recent news controversies, such as boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers, and reflects on the evolving landscape of media as she navigates the impact of Trump's influence on journalism.

Margaret Atwood, the acclaimed Canadian author of The Handmaid's Tale, discusses her first memoir, Book of Lives. She explores the reasons for writing it in her 80s, revealing how her personal experiences shaped her creative process. Atwood shares insights on her love for nature, the duality of her identities as a writer and nature-lover, and the themes of hope within her dystopian narratives. She offers thoughts on politics, the evolution of social media, and the dark undercurrents of her writing, all while maintaining a hopeful perspective despite challenging times.

Beth Macy, award-winning reporter and author, shares insights from her memoir and discusses the opioid crisis and community decline. Jacob Silverman, an independent journalist, examines the link between tech billionaires and rural America under the MAGA umbrella. They explore the role of social media in political polarization, the decline of upward mobility, and how non-political activities can mend family ties. Their conversation also touches on tech elites' accountability and strategies for bridging divides between different social groups.