On with Kara Swisher

Join Jon Lovett, a political commentator and podcaster from Crooked Media, as he dives into the chaotic aftermath of Kevin McCarthy's ousting and what it means for the GOP. He discusses Trump's continuing influence and the challenges facing Biden in the upcoming election. The conversation shifts to the evolving podcasting landscape, touching on the impact of unions and the saturation of the market. Lovett’s sharp wit shines as they explore the intertwining of politics and pop culture while navigating voter sentiments and campaign strategies.

Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman and author of "Renegade," discusses his unique position as a voice against Trumpism within the GOP. He reflects on the high cost of his impeachment vote and shares insights from the "Trump Resistance" text chain. Kinzinger elaborates on the reluctance of many Republicans to oppose Trump despite recognizing him as a threat to democracy. The conversation also touches on the psychological challenges faced by anti-Trump Republicans and the need for unity among them to safeguard democratic principles.

Yoel Roth, former head of trust and safety at Twitter/X and now a visiting scholar at UPenn, delves into the complexities of online safety and misinformation. Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, discusses her strategic vision for the platform, emphasizing free expression and user engagement. The podcast captures the tension between their perspectives, particularly around advertising losses and the challenge of navigating public perception. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional toll of leadership, making this a captivating clash of ideas in the evolving tech landscape.

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, shares her inspiring journey through a male-dominated landscape. She discusses her memoir, revealing the challenges she faced while striving for independence and success. Johnson delves into the importance of minority representation in media and the evolution of BET. She also shares her experiences in the hospitality and sports industries, highlighting the role of women and the need for authentic storytelling in shaping cultural narratives.

Join Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary and MSNBC host, along with Franklin Foer, Atlantic writer and author, Astead Herndon, NY Times political reporter, and Alex Thompson, Axios correspondent, as they dissect Biden's challenging path to 2024. They debate rising voter discontent over Biden's age and effectiveness, the Democratic Party's struggles with public perception, and how ongoing labor strikes are reshaping economic sentiment. This all-star panel reveals the complexities that define Biden's viability in an election year filled with uncertainties.

Walter Isaacson, a distinguished biographer known for his works on Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, joins Kara for a riveting discussion. They tackle the controversies surrounding Isaacson's latest biography on Musk, exploring whether it mitigates his contentious behavior. The conversation dives into Musk’s complex personality, the nuances of access journalism, and the moral dilemmas of biography writing. They also juxtapose Musk with Jobs, examining their distinct public personas and the implications of fame on their characters. It’s a candid and insightful chat that reveals the intricacies of storytelling in the modern age.

In this engaging conversation, comedian Alex Edelman shares how his one-man show, "Just For Us," led him to unexpectedly meet white supremacists in Queens. He discusses the importance of engaging with opposing views and the complexities of free speech in today's society. Edelman also reflects on Elon Musk's controversial remarks about the Anti-Defamation League, tackling themes of identity, empathy, and the delicate balance of humor in confronting societal issues. His insights remind us of the power of dialogue in bridging divides.

Conan O'Brien, a late-night legend and comedian, joins the discussion with hilarious insights about the decline of late-night TV. He shares his experiences during the writers' strike and his exciting $150 million deal with SiriusXM. The conversation dives into the evolution of comedy, the challenges of modern humor, and the impact of AI on creativity. Conan also reflects on the importance of connections in the industry and the art of interviewing, making for a delightful blend of humor and thoughtful commentary.

Naomi Klein, a renowned Canadian author and climate activist, dives deep into her latest book, *Doppelganger*, exploring her confusing ties to conspiracy theorist Naomi Wolf. She shares her eye-opening experiences navigating Steve Bannon's podcast and the dark allure of conspiracy theories. Klein reflects on identity and misinformation's impact, discusses the societal ramifications of digital narratives, and critiques the growing extremism in public discourse. Her insights challenge listeners to rethink their engagement with media and the digital landscape.

Dive into the intriguing evolution of Elon Musk's persona and his complex relationship with the media. Hear personal anecdotes from a journalist who admired him as a visionary but grew critical over time. Explore Musk's interactions with politics and his strategic responses to media scrutiny. Gain insights into his surprising acquisition of Twitter and its implications. The conversation balances admiration and frustration, revealing a multifaceted view of one of tech's most controversial figures.