On with Kara Swisher

The discussion kicks off with a humorous look back at early encounters with Mark Zuckerberg. Topics like accountability in data privacy raise ethical questions about his leadership. Tech turbulence is spotlighted, noting recent layoffs and Instagram's rumored plans to take on Twitter. The contrasting personalities of tech titans are dissected, emphasizing Zuckerberg's unique challenges and communication struggles. Finally, the fallout from Facebook's IPO and controversies surrounding misinformation highlight the ongoing tension between corporate accountability and innovation.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Jessica Parker, the iconic actress and entrepreneur known for Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City," shares her insights on the evolving landscape of Hollywood. She discusses reprising her legendary role and her successful ventures in shoe design and wine. SJP emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in storytelling and the resilience of cinema amidst industry challenges, while also reflecting on the intersection of fashion and personal business. Her passion for empowering creatives shines through as she navigates the complexities of show business.

Wanda Sykes, a comedian and actress renowned for her sharp wit and stand-up specials, shares her insights on the current political climate. She humorously dissects topics like lockdowns, vaccine hesitancy, and book bans in her latest Netflix special. Sykes also expresses her evolving views on humor, specifically stating why she finds Donald Trump no longer funny. The conversation highlights the challenges of addressing sensitive societal issues through comedy, emphasizing the importance of advocating for marginalized voices.

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.