
On with Kara Swisher
It's on. Twice a week, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher gets to the heart of the story through no-holds-barred interviews with power players across business, tech, media, politics and beyond. So why do her guests show up? “Smart people,” says Kara, “like difficult questions.”Mondays and Thursdays from New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Latest episodes

62 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 11min
Social Media’s Original Gatekeepers On Moderation’s Rise And Fall
Del Harvey, former Twitter VP of trust and safety, shares insights on the evolution of social media moderation. Dave Willner, ex-head of content policy at Facebook, discusses the early challenges in defining community standards. Nicole Wong, a First Amendment lawyer and legal director at Twitter, weighs in on the balance between free speech and platform safety. They explore the shift from hands-off policies to strict moderation, the impact of misinformation during crises, and the growing role of AI in content policing.

87 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
From Trump to TikTok: Chris Hayes on the Rise of Attention Capitalism
In this engaging discussion, Chris Hayes, host of "All In with Chris Hayes" on MSNBC, delves into the concept of attention capitalism, the idea that attention is our most valuable resource. He explains how figures like Trump and Musk excel in capturing attention and its implications for our politics and media. The conversation highlights the challenges journalists face in a distraction-driven world and critiques how Democrats can learn from their opponents in the battle for public engagement. Hayes urges a rethink of our digital connections amidst growing frustrations with tech giants.

105 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 55min
On Trump’s “Day One” Promises: Former DHS Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas Talks Immigration, Terrorism, and Cybersecurity Threats
Alejandro Mayorkas, the first immigrant and Latino Secretary of Homeland Security, reflects on his tenure amid the complexities of U.S. immigration policy. He discusses the backlash he faced from all sides over Biden's border crisis and the implications of Trump's proposals. Mayorkas also dives into the challenges of cybersecurity, particularly with companies like TikTok, comparing regulation to a game of national security whack-a-mole. His insights into domestic extremism and the political landscape portray a nuanced take on the state of national security.

49 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 60min
Put Your Phone Away: Yondr CEO on the Philosophy Behind Phone-Free Spaces
In this engaging discussion, Graham Dugoni, Founder and CEO of Yondr, sheds light on the philosophy behind his innovative phone-locking pouches. He shares how these devices help create phone-free spaces at concerts, schools, and weddings, promoting genuine interactions. The conversation touches on the urgent need for cell phone bans in schools, inspired by literature like Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. Dugoni emphasizes the importance of balancing technology use and real-life engagement to enhance focus and community connections.

14 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 4min
Laverne Cox on Meta, Conservatives and The Battle For Trans Rights
Laverne Cox, an Emmy-nominated actress and renowned transgender activist, dives deep into the urgent fight for trans rights. She highlights the alarming rise of anti-trans ads during the Trump campaign and condemns Meta's harmful decision to halt monitoring hate speech. Laverne underscores how these dynamics contribute to increased violence against trans individuals. The conversation busts myths surrounding gender-affirming care and emphasizes resilience in activism, all while teasing her upcoming Netflix comedy series, Clean Slate.

77 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 53min
Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Regulating Tech, Antitrust, Trump’s Picks & More
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a leading advocate for tech regulation and antitrust legislation, dives into her legislative battles against Big Tech and the challenges small companies face amidst monopolies like Google and Amazon. She discusses her determination to address children's online safety and the complexities of bipartisan efforts in Congress. Klobuchar also shares insights on navigating the political landscape post-January 6, the implications of Trump's nominations, and the urgent need for accountability in the tech sector.

95 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 60min
Trump Whisperer Maggie Haberman On Trump 2.0
Maggie Haberman, senior political correspondent for The New York Times and author of "Confidence Man," talks about Trump’s unexpected return to power. She dives into his upcoming policy moves, potential cabinet picks, and the heavy influence of figures like Elon Musk. Haberman discusses the dichotomy of Trump’s public persona and the ongoing challenges he poses to both political parties. With insights into threats against journalists and dissenters, she reveals the political dynamics at play as Trump navigates his next chapter.

162 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 53min
AI Ethics and Safety — a Contradiction in Terms?
Join Rumman Chowdry, the first U.S. Science Envoy for AI, Mark Dredze, a bias researcher from Johns Hopkins, and economist-turned-AI scholar Gillian Hadfield as they delve into AI's ethical minefield. They address the haunting question: can we create unbiased AI? The trio also discusses the frightening realities of AI under potential future administrations, the need for robust legal frameworks, and the risks of stifling innovation amid the AI hype. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of the urgent need for responsible AI development.

16 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 41min
Samantha Bee on Being “Democrat-Celibate” (from The Assignment with Audie Cornish)
Samantha Bee, a comedian and former late-night host known for her Emmy-winning work on "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee," joins CNN correspondent Audie Cornish. They discuss Bee's surprising decision to be 'Democrat-celibate,' sharing her humorous take on stepping back from politics. The conversation dives into how comedy can address personal struggles and tackle the anxieties of constant news cycles. Bee also reflects on the evolving role of humor in today's political landscape, balancing escapism with the realities of divisive issues.

23 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 39min
Sarah Silverman on Being Wrong – and Treating Trolls with Kindness (from ReThinking with Adam Grant)
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Silverman, a fearless comedian known for her work on Saturday Night Live and Broadway, joins organizational psychologist Adam Grant. They dive into the power of kindness towards online trolls and the complexities of human relationships. Silverman shares her experiences of using humor as a defense mechanism, emphasizing empathy in tough conversations. The duo explores how compassion can transform conflicts and foster connections, shedding light on the importance of candid friendships that support and challenge.