On with Kara Swisher

Chris Best and Hamish McKenzie, co-founders of Substack, dive into the turmoil surrounding their platform amid Elon Musk's recent criticisms. They clarify the intentions behind Substack Notes, countering the notion it's a Twitter clone. Highlighting the challenges of newsletter monetization versus social media models, they reflect on the impact of their platform's approach to free expression. The duo discusses how current tensions shape the future of content creation, emphasizing Substack's growth and evolving dynamics in the industry.

Jesse Armstrong, the creative genius behind HBO's 'Succession,' and Mark Mylod, its talented director, discuss the parallels between Rupert Murdoch and the show's Logan Roy. They delve into the influential role of media moguls and the internal conflicts at companies like Fox News. Armstrong and Mylod also reflect on the emotional weight of pivotal narrative choices, including the shocking death of Logan Roy, and how it resonates with themes of loss and family dynamics in both fiction and reality.

Seema Sistani, the tech-savvy CEO of Weight Watchers and former co-founder of the House Party app, discusses the company's bold acquisition of Sequence, a telehealth provider specializing in GLP-1 drugs. She explores the role of medical interventions in weight management and the societal perceptions surrounding them. The conversation also touches on the obesity epidemic, personal anecdotes about diet struggles, and how digital transformations are reshaping community support in health. Sistani emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health that transcends simple aesthetics.

Brooke Shields, an iconic actress and model from films like "Pretty Baby" and "Blue Lagoon," opens up about her tumultuous journey through fame. She candidly discusses the hypersexualization of young women and the profound impact of social media on mental health. In her new documentary, she reflects on her early roles and shares insights about guiding her daughters through today's media landscape. Brooke also revisits her complicated relationship with her mother and the challenges of finding authenticity in a scrutinizing world.

Audie Cornish, former host of NPR’s 'All Things Considered' and now at CNN, discusses her remarkable career journey. She shares her experiences covering Hurricane Katrina and the importance of asking for help. Cornish reflects on the challenges faced during her transition to CNN, including the abrupt shutdown of CNN+. She emphasizes the need for media to evolve and adapt, while also highlighting the chaos at CNN as a potential source of creative energy. This insightful conversation unfolds amidst her recognition at the 2023 Audio Vanguard Award.

Katie Porter, a California congresswoman celebrated for her incisive questioning of CEOs, discusses her early bid for Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat. She reflects on the chaos surrounding the Silicon Valley Bank collapse and critiques the ineffectiveness of Congress in tackling tech regulation. Porter shares insights on corporate accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency while rejecting corporate PAC money. The conversation also highlights the importance of community engagement and restoring public trust in government, showcasing her commitment to reform.

In a lively discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lawrence Wright tackles the influx of Silicon Valley figures like Elon Musk into his hometown of Austin, Texas. He shares insights into the cultural clash between liberal Austin and the conservative Texas landscape. Exploring themes of home and identity, Wright reflects on Austin's transformation from a quirky city to a tech hub, the impact of gentrification, and the nostalgia of belonging. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by longtime residents amid rapid change.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and a leading figure in AI development, shares insights on the fierce competition in the AI landscape, citing major players like Microsoft and Google. He addresses the transition of OpenAI from a non-profit to a capped profit organization, raising ethical questions surrounding GPT technologies. Altman discusses the hallucinations of ChatGPT and highlights the need for regulations and accountability in AI's rapid evolution. Together with Kara, they explore the transformative potential and societal implications of artificial intelligence.

In this conversation, Reid Hoffman, a billionaire venture capitalist and co-founder of LinkedIn, shares his insights on AI's transformative potential, specifically highlighting GPT-4's advancements. He discusses the political landscape, reflecting on his support for Democrats amidst a friendship with Peter Thiel and Elon Musk. Hoffman also addresses the challenges faced by Silicon Valley Bank and emphasizes the importance of ethical governance in tech. With a keen focus on the balance between technology's benefits and risks, he advocates for meaningful dialogue in today's polarized environment.

In this chat, Kevin Systrom, the co-founder of Instagram and the AI-powered newsreader Artifact, shares his journey from social media mogul to innovator. He reflects on his regrets about Instagram and discusses the challenges facing new tech ventures like Artifact, especially amid the SVB crisis. The conversation covers the evolving landscape of information curation and the ethical dilemmas in social media. Systrom also critiques the tech industry’s culture and highlights the importance of adapting to changing times in both personal and professional realms.