On with Kara Swisher

Join Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and David Mandel, creators behind the HBO series "White House Plumbers," as they delve into the echoes of Watergate in today's political scandals. They discuss the surreal parallels between Nixon's blind loyalty and Trump’s controversies. The trio even imagines a future series chronicling Trump's scandals, humorously casting Timothée Chalamet as Rudy Giuliani. Their insights explore the absurdity of politics, the normalization of scandals, and how comedy can reveal truths about power and ambition.

Maggie Smith, the acclaimed poet and author of "You Could Make This Place Beautiful," delves into the complexities of relationships. She opens up about her own experiences with marriage and divorce, exploring when it’s time to commit or part ways. The conversation also touches on the challenges of single motherhood and balancing a writing career, reflecting on themes of hope and infidelity. Smith emphasizes the evolution of relationships and the need for self-acceptance, offering insights that resonate with modern love.

Roy Wood Jr., a sharp comedian and writer from 'The Daily Show', shares his experiences from the White House Correspondents' Dinner and the careful crafting of his jokes for President Biden. He delves into the impact of the Writers Guild strike on Hollywood, emphasizing the necessity of writer solidarity. Wood discusses navigating humor amid political sensitivities and the evolving landscape of comedy and journalism, advocating for engagement with diverse viewpoints. His unique take on the intersection of comedy and the current media landscape is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc. and visionary behind augmented reality, dives into the challenges of their AI chatbot and the transformative potential of AR glasses. He discusses how a TikTok ban might actually benefit Snap, alongside the impact of Apple’s privacy changes on advertising. Spiegel also explores the creative promise of AI, its ethical dilemmas, and the need for responsible regulation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With insights into AR's influence on fashion and user engagement, it's a captivating discussion on the future of social media.

Ron Klain, former Chief of Staff to President Biden, dives into the upcoming 2024 election dynamics. He emphasizes pivotal issues like abortion, gun control, and international relations with Ukraine and China. Klain discusses the potential rematch between Biden and Trump, exploring how voter sentiment is shaped more by real-world events than political advertising. He also reflects on the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the evolving landscape of political campaigning in a rapidly changing media environment.

Ben Smith, the founding editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and former media columnist for the New York Times, discusses major shifts in the media landscape. He reflects on the closure of BuzzFeed News and the ramifications for journalism. The conversation delves into the Fox News settlement with Dominion, highlighting challenges faced by media companies today. Smith shares insights about his new venture, Semafor, and touches on how figures like Elon Musk are reshaping journalism and the implications for independent reporting in the digital age.

Larry Summers, a renowned economist and former Treasury Secretary, dives into the complexities of inflation and the fallout from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. He elaborates on the necessity of a politics of opportunity over envy, advocating for more visionary figures like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates in America. Summers stresses the importance of institutional learning in navigating economic challenges and the critical role of thoughtful regulation and industrial policy in fostering stability.

Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary and current host of MSNBC's 'Inside with Jen Psaki,' shares her insights on the upcoming 2024 presidential race. She discusses Biden's vulnerabilities and the potential implications of a Trump rematch. The conversation also covers the challenges of transitioning from government to journalism, emphasizing the need for credibility and relationship-building across party lines. Psaki highlights the significance of engaging voters, especially regarding abortion rights post-Dobbs, and reflects on the evolving media landscape.

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.