On with Kara Swisher

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.

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.