

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

Sep 12, 2024 • 60min
Useful Idiots? How Right-Wing Influencers Got $ to Spread Russian Propaganda
In this thought-provoking discussion, Julia Davis, an investigative journalist and creator of the Russian Media Monitor, joins experts Alex Stamos and Brandy Zadrozny to unravel how right-wing influencers are allegedly funded by the Kremlin to spread propaganda. They dissect recent indictments, detailing the financial connections between Russian operatives and American media figures. The trio critiques the impact of this disinformation on U.S. politics and underscores the alarming strategies employed to foster societal discord amid ongoing foreign influence campaigns.

Sep 9, 2024 • 52min
CNN's Dana Bash On Debate Drama, the Harris Interview & America’s Deadliest Election
Dana Bash, CNN’s chief political correspondent and author of "America's Deadliest Election," discusses the dramatic shifts in the current election landscape. She reflects on co-moderating the pivotal debate that influenced President Biden's decision to step back from the race. The conversation dives into her revealing interview with Vice President Kamala Harris and explores chilling parallels between the violent 1872 Louisiana gubernatorial race and today's political challenges. The nuances of debate dynamics and voter perception are also critical talking points.

21 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 60min
Tech and Kids: Parenting Expert Dr. Becky Answers Listener Questions
Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist renowned as the "millennial parent whisperer," tackles the pressing concerns of modern parenting. She offers insights on the right age for kids to enter social media and practical advice on managing screen time for toddlers. The duo discusses fostering open communication around tech and strategies for establishing healthy boundaries. Dr. Becky also shares thoughts on how parents' smartphone habits influence their children and highlights the importance of community support in navigating challenges.

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 17min
Stay Tuned with Preet: Elections, Now & Then (with Joanne Freeman)
Join renowned historian Joanne Freeman, a Yale professor specializing in U.S. political history, as she dives into the tumultuous 33 days that shook America. She discusses the shocking assassination attempt on a former president and President Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race. The conversation also highlights themes of political violence, the rise of Kamala Harris, and the impact of technology on democracy. Freeman offers a compelling analysis of historical contexts, making sense of today's chaotic political landscape.

5 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 3min
Unpacking Tech’s Influence on Today’s Media
Joining the discussion are Oliver Darcy, founder of Status and former CNN media reporter, Charlotte Klein, a media columnist at New York Magazine, and Joanna Stern, senior tech columnist at the Wall Street Journal. They dive into how tech giants shape media consumption and the challenges of authenticity in an AI-driven landscape. The trio also tackles the contentious debate over cell phone use in schools and the shifting dynamics between traditional journalism and online platforms, all while analyzing the ethical implications of tech influence on media.

Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 6min
The DNC Afterparty and What’s Next for the Harris/Walz Campaign
Eugene Daniels, a White House correspondent for Politico, and Noel King, co-host of Vox’s Today Explained, join political strategist Sarah Longwell and independent journalist V Spehar to unpack the recent Democratic National Convention. They discuss the event's star-studded atmosphere and its key messages for the Harris/Walz campaign. The panel also explores voter engagement strategies, the influence of content creators, and the implications of RFK Jr.'s endorsement for swing states, all while addressing the evolving dynamics within American politics.

6 snips
Aug 22, 2024 • 49min
David Axelrod Breaks Down Kamala Harris’s Messaging and Strategy
David Axelrod, former chief strategist for Barack Obama and current CNN commentator, shares his insights on Kamala Harris's political messaging and the dynamics of the upcoming elections. He discusses the Democratic National Convention and the transition from Biden to Harris, emphasizing authenticity in her campaign. Axelrod also analyzes the challenges of representation in leadership, particularly for women of color, and reflects on the evolving political landscape in a post-Trump world. His experienced perspective offers valuable reflections on strategy and voter connection.

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 2min
Politics, Protests and Kamalanomenon: What to Expect at the DNC
Join Astead Herndon, a New York Times politics reporter, Sabrina Siddiqui from the Wall Street Journal, Casey Newton of Platformer, and Reed Galen from The Lincoln Project as they dive into the upcoming Democratic National Convention. They discuss Kamala Harris's role, the influence of social media and memes on political engagement, and the shifting strategies within the Democratic Party. The conversation also highlights the challenge of misinformation in elections and how generative AI is reshaping narratives. Tune in for insights on the evolving political landscape!

Aug 15, 2024 • 51min
How the Right Launders Online Propaganda with Renée DiResta
Renée DiResta, a leading expert on online disinformation and author of "Invisible Rulers," discusses her recent experiences with the Stanford Internet Observatory and the political pressures affecting academic research on propaganda. She explores the evolution of online misinformation, revealing how social media and influencers manipulate narratives. Renée also highlights the challenges posed by tech companies in moderating content and the urgent need for transparency to combat the rising tide of disinformation, particularly during elections.

Aug 12, 2024 • 54min
The Daily Show’s Desi Lydic Mines the “Weird” 2024 Election For Comedy Gold
Desi Lydic, a senior correspondent on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," shares her unique insights into the absurdities of the 2024 election, specifically how social media has transformed political comedy. She critiques the Harris/Walz campaign and discusses the balance between humor and political correctness. Lydic also reflects on the challenges of hosting, the dynamics of writing for comedy, and whether any topics are truly off-limits in political satire. Her witty perspectives reveal how laughter can effectively tackle serious issues in today's political landscape.