

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

133 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 50min
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 • 55min
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 • 54min
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 • 59min
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 • 54min
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.

20 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 53min
Molly Jong-Fast on How to Survive Anything
Molly Jong-Fast, a writer and political analyst known for her sharp insights as the host of Fast Politics and a Vanity Fair correspondent, shares her complex journey. She discusses her candid memoir about her relationship with her iconic mother, Erica Jong, and the challenges of writing through family struggles and dementia. Touching on themes of resilience, parental guilt, and the intricate dynamics of loss, she reflects on the role of modern media in political commentary while offering hope for America’s future amidst adversity.

74 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 53min
MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace on Iran & the Limits of Trump’s Power
Nicolle Wallace, host of MSNBC’s Deadline: White House and former White House communications director, engages in a thought-provoking discussion. She analyzes President Trump’s contradictory stance on Iran and addresses his credibility crisis with Americans. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise of political violence and its implications for democracy. Nicolle reflects on the 2008 presidential campaign and the challenges journalists face in today's fast-evolving media landscape, highlighting the importance of integrity in reporting.

60 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 59min
Young Democrats vs. the Gerontocracy
Greg Casar, the progressive chair from Texas, joins Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, and Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something. They tackle the Democratic Party's struggles, highlighting generational divides in political engagement. The trio emphasizes the need for bold policies to reconnect with younger voters and the importance of authentic communication. They also examine the power of social media in revolutionizing political strategy and advocate for transparency and trust in leadership to revitalize democracy.

90 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 53min
Never Ever Getting Back Together? The Trump/Elon Breakup
Henry Blodget, co-founder of Business Insider, Kirsten Grind, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, Kristen Soltis Anderson, a political pollster, and Rick Wilson, former Republican strategist, dive into the dramatic fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They dissect how their turbulent relationship reflects broader political tensions, revealing insights into Musk's personal struggles and their impact on his political ambitions. The conversation sheds light on the precarious nature of power dynamics in both tech and politics, and the potential long-term repercussions of their feud.