On with Kara Swisher

Martha Stewart, a media mogul and lifestyle influencer, shares insights from her remarkable career and ongoing reinvention. She discusses her early fascination with tech, from device frustrations to leveraging platforms like TikTok for business. At 81, Martha breaks stereotypes, making waves in modeling and even exploring concepts like 'Martha AI.' The conversation highlights her resilience through challenges, including legal issues, and her unwavering work ethic. Join this inspiring journey of age-defying ambition and innovative entrepreneurship!

In this discussion, Francis Pearman, an Assistant Professor at Stanford University focusing on educational disparities, dives into the harsh realities of school discipline and its impact on the achievement gap. He highlights how Black students are disproportionately affected by punitive measures, leading to long-term consequences like dropout rates and criminal justice involvement. Pearman calls for a shift towards restorative justice and community engagement, advocating for more equitable educational environments where every child can thrive.

Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and Inflection AI, dives into the future of personal AI with his new chatbot, Pi. He discusses the balance between personal assistants and the evolving tech landscape, raising questions about the 'wokeness' of AI. Suleyman also reflects on his former colleague Geoffrey Hinton's shift in perspective regarding AI safety and the existential risks it may pose. The conversation touches on the importance of ethical considerations and public engagement as AI continues to transform our lives.

Jen Easterly, Director of CISA, discusses her crucial role in safeguarding America's infrastructure from cyber and physical threats. She emphasizes the need to make elections "boring" again to ensure security amidst rising political tensions. Jen explores the challenges of misinformation and the importance of nonpartisan collaboration among officials. Additionally, she highlights evolving threats from cyber attacks and the responsibility of tech companies in enhancing resilience. The conversation balances the urgency of cybersecurity with a dash of humor.

Tekedra Mawakana, Co-CEO of Waymo and a pioneer in autonomous vehicle technology, dives deep into the future of transportation. She discusses the challenges of societal acceptance amid concerns from regulators and unions. Kara shares her optimism about driverless cars, emphasizing their potential to transform mobility. The conversation also touches on the intricate relationship between innovation and public trust, as well as the evolving job landscape impacted by technological advances. Mawakana provides insights on the day-to-day functionality of Waymo's autonomous taxi service and its implications for accessibility.

In this conversation, Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO of Aurora, shares insights from his journey building self-driving technology, including leading Google's autonomous vehicle project. He discusses the upcoming launch of Aurora's driverless truck service in Texas, delving into safety concerns, job displacement, and the necessity of human oversight. Urmson also addresses regulatory challenges and public skepticism surrounding autonomous vehicles. Tune in for a humorous anecdote about Kara's attempt to test Urmson’s own self-driving car!

Jeremy Strong, acclaimed for his role as Kendall Roy, and Alexander Skarsgård, known for his captivating portrayal of Lukas Matsson, dive deep into the world of 'Succession'. They explore the emotional weight of the show's finale and its complex character dynamics, especially between Kendall and Shiv. The duo shares insights on the satire of wealth and power, revealing their thoughts on the possibility of spin-offs. They also reflect on the creative process behind their characters, emphasizing the layers of ambition and personal struggles that define them.

Samantha Power, USAID Administrator and former UN Ambassador, joins Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister and digital innovation leader, to discuss how technology is reshaping warfare in Ukraine. They dive into the impactful Diia app, which streamlines access to vital services during wartime. The conversation highlights technological advancements in military strategy, digital transparency, and how these innovations are fostering a more engaged citizenry. They also explore the role of international support in bolstering Ukraine's democracy through tech.

Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, passionate about tech ethics, joins the conversation. He discusses the urgent need for slowing the AI arms race, emphasizing the ethical challenges AI poses to society. Harris highlights the risks of misinformation and job displacement, advocating for proactive regulation. He draws parallels between AI and biosafety concerns, warning about the dangers of democratizing powerful technologies without safeguards. The discussion is a call for a balanced approach to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks.

Lilly Singh, a trailblazing creator who gained fame on YouTube and successfully transitioned to TV and film, joins the conversation. She shares her insights on why many creators are keen to move from the thriving social media scene to the challenges of traditional television. Highlighting the importance of diversity in Hollywood, Singh also emphasizes the struggles women of color face in the industry. The discussion is rich with humor and pop culture references, reflecting on the evolving landscape of content creation and its emotional challenges.