

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

Jul 8, 2024 • 46min
Too Old or Still Relevant? NATO at 75 with Ambassador Julianne Smith
Julianne Smith, U.S. Ambassador to NATO and expert in national security, delves into NATO's critical role at its 75th anniversary. She discusses the alliance’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and the evolving strategy of military aid. Smith highlights the importance of cybersecurity and climate challenges, plus expanding partnerships in Asia and Africa. With a nod to the impact of U.S. domestic politics and former President Trump’s controversial statements, she outlines how NATO adapts to maintain relevance in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

9 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 20min
July 4th Special: Why Heather Cox Richardson Still Has Hope for American Democracy
Heather Cox Richardson, a Boston College history professor and author of "Democracy Awakening," shares her insights on the current state of American democracy. She dives into the implications of recent political events, including Trump's legal troubles and Supreme Court rulings. Richardson discusses why changing candidates mid-race could harm Democratic chances and reflects on the significance of historical context in today's political climate. Her optimism about democracy still shines through, urging for inclusivity and a focus on future generations.

9 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 52min
On Creepy Fingers, Deep Fakes, and Fair Use with Getty Images CEO Craig Peters
Craig Peters, CEO of Getty Images, dives into the intersection of AI and visual content. He discusses the challenges of generative AI, highlighting the need for authenticity in visual storytelling. Peters promises users 'uncapped indemnity' with Getty’s AI tool, while questioning the ethics of licensing agreements with AI companies. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of deep fakes on the upcoming elections and emphasizes the urgent need for clear standards in content authenticity to protect creators and maintain trust in the industry.

16 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 57min
Trump vs. Biden 2.1 with Stephanie Ruhle, Eliana Johnson and Mike Madrid
Stephanie Ruhle, host of MSNBC’s "The 11th Hour," joins Eliana Johnson, editor-in-chief at the Washington Free Beacon, and Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, to analyze the high-stakes showdown between Biden and Trump. They discuss pivotal polling dynamics, the impact of economic issues on voter sentiment, and the crucial need for each candidate to connect with independent voters. The trio also delves into how policy articulation and personal narratives will shape the electoral landscape as they prepare for the first debate.

Jun 24, 2024 • 52min
Storytelling, Family & Tragedy with Griffin Dunne
Griffin Dunne, actor, director, and author of "The Friday Afternoon Club," shares insights from his Hollywood upbringing, marked by both fame and tragedy. He reflects on the impact of his sister Dominique's murder on his family and his decision to recount these painful moments in his memoir. Dunne discusses the legacy of storytelling in his family, exploring how personal narratives shape identity and the challenges of writing about loss. He delves into the complexities of memory and the art of preserving family stories amidst public scrutiny.

Jun 20, 2024 • 57min
Flags, Free Trips & Secret Recordings: The Cases, Trials & Tribulation of SCOTUS
Nancy Gertner, a retired U.S. District Court judge and Harvard Law lecturer, joins Kedric Payne, ethics expert at the Campaign Legal Center, and David Tatel, a retired D.C. Circuit judge and author, to dissect the Supreme Court's current controversies. They explore ethical lapses among justices, the implications of Trump’s immunity case, and the urgent need for an enforceable code of ethics. The discussion highlights the intersection of judicial integrity and political accountability, revealing the challenges facing the Court amid rising public skepticism.

Jun 17, 2024 • 45min
Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Doing Death, Truth-Telling in Comedy and Getting Wiser
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the iconic Emmy-winning actress from 'Seinfeld' and 'Veep,' dives into the depths of comedy and drama, discussing her latest film that tackles grief and death. She shares how her podcast, 'Wiser Than Me,' has transformed her perspective through candid conversations with older women. Julia expresses concerns about the commodification of art films and reflects on the current landscape of comedy, emphasizing its risks and resilience despite challenges. The dialogue is infused with humor and insights into navigating life's complexities.

Jun 14, 2024 • 53min
Laurene Powell Jobs and Kara Talk Tech, AI & Journalism
Laurene Powell Jobs, a businesswoman and entrepreneur committed to social causes, engages with Kara Swisher, a renowned tech journalist. They delve into the powerful influence of tech CEOs and the urgent need for regulation in the industry. The conversation touches on the complexities of tech culture, including love, disillusionment, and the menace of misinformation. They discuss the ethical dilemmas of AI and emphasize the importance of protective regulations to ensure diverse representation in tech. Lively banter about personal tech preferences adds a humorous touch.

24 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 50min
OpenAI CTO Mira Murati on ScarJo Controversy, Sam Altman & Disinfo Fears
Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, discusses her pivotal role in the generative AI boom. She shares insights on the challenges OpenAI faces, including the brief CEO ousting of Sam Altman and controversies over voice technology. Murati addresses fears surrounding disinformation, especially with the upcoming presidential election, emphasizing the need for ethical AI development. The episode also touches on advancements in AI interaction capabilities and the responsibility tech companies have in ensuring safety and transparency.

Jun 10, 2024 • 40min
Abortion Politics in 2024 with Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood President
Cecile Richards, former President of Planned Parenthood and a passionate activist for reproductive rights, discusses the significance of abortion in the upcoming elections. She emphasizes the impact of recent Supreme Court rulings and shares her personal battle with brain cancer and its influence on her advocacy. The conversation highlights the role of technology in expanding access to reproductive health, particularly through innovative tools like chatbots. Richards underscores the urgency for voter education and activism in protecting women's rights in these challenging times.