
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

36 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 54min
Why Tubi CEO Anjali Sud Says Free Is the Future of Streaming
Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi and former CEO of Vimeo, discusses the innovative free streaming model and how it competes against giants like Netflix. With a vast library of nostalgic and diverse content, Tubi caters to cord-cutters seeking affordable options. Sud emphasizes Tubi's ability to elevate unique voices and support emerging filmmakers. The conversation highlights the challenges of diversity in tech leadership while exploring the platform's commitment to inclusivity and its unique approach to audience engagement in a changing media landscape.

11 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 13min
Did a Chatbot Cause Her Son’s Death? Megan Garcia v. Character.AI & Google
Megan Garcia, grieving mother of Sewell Setzer III, shares her heartbreaking story of her son's suicide after engaging with AI chatbots. She discusses her lawsuit against Character.AI and Google, blaming them for failing to protect her son. Joining her is Mitali Jain, an advocate for tech responsibility, emphasizing the urgent need for regulations to safeguard children from potential harms of AI. They delve into the emotional toll on families and highlight the ethical implications of tech companies in child safety, calling for accountability and better protective measures.

72 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 11min
Nathan Myhrvold: Tech’s Renaissance Man
Nathan Myhrvold, founder and CEO of Intellectual Ventures and former Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft, is a true modern renaissance man. He discusses everything from groundbreaking innovations in superconductors and cancer therapy to the exploration of dinosaurs and asteroids. The conversation delves into the evolution of AI, highlighting techno-optimism and the need for regulation amidst technological advancements. Myhrvold also touches on the importance of diversity in corporate leadership and the role of innovative energy solutions to combat climate change.

13 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 13min
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Billie Jean King
In a heartfelt conversation, Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis pro and LGBTQ+ activist, shares her journey of self-acceptance and leadership. The discussion touches on the historical significance of the 'Battle of the Sexes' and its impact on women's rights. Billie emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health, challenges ageism in sports, and reflects on her legacy in empowering women. Julia Louis-Dreyfus seeks advice for her niece’s soccer career, while anecdotes from their upbringing highlight the evolution of women in sports and the transformative power of the feminist movement.

21 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 5min
Leaving X? Where Next? On Bluesky, Threads and the “Fediverse”
Kara hosts Nilay Patel, Editor-in-chief of The Verge; Mike Isaac, NY Times tech correspondent; and Alexa Corse from the Wall Street Journal, to discuss the mass migration from Elon Musk’s X to emerging platforms like Bluesky and Threads. They delve into the appeal of decentralized social media and the rise of the fediverse. The conversation highlights users seeking community over algorithm-driven engagement and explores the challenges of moderation and political discourse in today's online ecosystem. Tune in for insights on the evolving social media landscape!

11 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 4min
Charlamagne tha God on Trump, Journalism and that Anti-Trans Ad
In a candid talk, Charlamagne tha God, a media mogul and host of The Breakfast Club, shares insights on politics and journalism. He discusses the importance of meeting people where they are in media and that authenticity outweighs accuracy for politicians. Charlamagne reflects on his unexpected role in anti-trans advertising during the Trump campaign and critiques how Democratic leaders connect with voters. The conversation also tackles the fine line between humor and offense, alongside the challenges of social media on mental health.

8 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 5min
Jon Chu on Wicked, Silicon Valley, and Defying Hollywood’s Gravity
Jon Chu, the acclaimed director behind hits like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Wicked," shares his unique perspective shaped by his Silicon Valley upbringing. He discusses the profound impact of Steve Jobs on his filmmaking and how technology's evolution has altered artistic expressions. Chu delves into his "new view" trilogy and the challenges of representation in Hollywood, along with the importance of personal storytelling. He reflects on the interplay of creativity and AI in modern filmmaking, emphasizing the need for authenticity in a rapidly changing industry.

7 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ta-Nehisi Coates On Trump, Palestine and Journalism as a “Contact Sport”
Ta-Nehisi Coates, an acclaimed author and professor at Howard University, delves into critical discussions surrounding race and journalism. He analyzes the implications of a potential second Trump term and the Democrats losing the rainbow coalition. Coates passionately advocates for Palestinian rights in his latest work while drawing parallels with the Jim Crow South. He argues that journalists must adopt a more daring approach as they navigate today's complex media landscape, emphasizing the power of immersive narratives in driving societal change.

9 snips
Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 4min
Trump’s Second Term: How He Did It & What to Expect
Abby Phillip, CNN anchor, and Isaac Arnsdorf, political reporter, join Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster, and Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, to discuss Trump's potential second term. They analyze the factors behind his electoral success, especially among Latino voters and the youth. The panel debates the role of social media in political engagement, the disconnect between Democrats and key voter demographics, and the implications of a shifting political landscape for the future of American democracy.

50 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 59min
Trump vs Democracy: Two Historians’ Perspectives
Lindsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, and Timothy Naftali, a senior research scholar at Columbia University, dive into the potential implications of Trump's reelection on American democracy. They discuss historical parallels between past leaders and Trump's authoritarian tendencies, the fragility of democratic institutions, and the dangers of unchecked power. The conversation also highlights the need for accountability and the importance of media literacy in navigating today's political landscape.
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