On with Kara Swisher

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.

Zoë Schiffer, managing editor of Platformer, and Ryan Mac, tech reporter at The New York Times, dive into Twitter's transformation under Elon Musk. They discuss how the platform's shift from a global public square to a government-compliant entity affects its relevance. With Musk's controversial decisions, users feel disillusioned as censorship rises. The duo also explores the challenges facing Twitter's new ad chief, Linda Yaccarino, as she navigates a chaotic landscape while trying to balance advertiser relationships in a subscription-driven model.

Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission and a prominent figure in antitrust and AI regulation, dives into the complexities of governing big tech and AI innovations. She discusses the FTC's strategies to balance competition and consumer protection while tackling concerns about scams and fraud in AI. Khan also reflects on the evolving regulatory landscape and the implications of new leadership at companies like Twitter. Her insights highlight the urgent need for updated legislation to ensure market fairness and protect personal data.

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.