

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 23, 2024 • 55min
From “Witch Hunt” to “Weaponization”: The Impact of Trump’s War on the DOJ with David Rohde
David Rohde, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and NBC News senior executive editor, dives into the ramifications of Donald Trump's war on the DOJ and FBI. He discusses how Trump's narrative of 'witch hunts' has eroded trust in these institutions, the challenges facing Attorney General Merrick Garland, and the implications of hyper-partisanship in American democracy. Rohde also explores the impact of conspiracy theories on public perception and the need for a nonpartisan approach to maintain the integrity of law enforcement in turbulent political times.

10 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 58min
Robert Reich on Trump, Harris, Musk and More
Robert Reich, a renowned economist and former Labor Secretary, shares his insightful critiques on America's rigged economic system. He discusses the stark differences in presidential candidates' visions for the future and calls out the powerful, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Reich emphasizes the economic disconnect felt by many Americans, the need for structural changes, and his unique ability to connect with younger generations through social media. His sharp analysis touches on topics like trade, campaign financing, and accountability in the tech industry.

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
Hillary Rodham Clinton Drops Truth Bombs
Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former First Lady and Secretary of State, shares her insights on women’s rights and gender disparities in the political arena. She discusses the recent Harris/Trump debate and analyzes campaign strategies, questioning whether voters are looking for more policy. Clinton also highlights the rising threat of misogyny in society and its implications if Trump were to be re-elected. Her passion for empowering women shines through as she reflects on the global struggles faced by women, particularly in Afghanistan.

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.


