

On with Kara Swisher
Vox Media
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

113 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 56min
How Trump's Policies Will Shape the Stock Market with Aswath Damodaran
Aswath Damodaran, the Professor of Finance at NYU's Stern School, dives into the intricacies of stock market valuations in light of Trump's policies. He debates whether the market is overvalued, particularly amidst rising tech stock concerns and the dominance of 'MAG-7' companies. The conversation touches on the impact of trade tensions and immigration policies on corporate decisions and IPO activities, while also analyzing the stock performance of companies like NVIDIA and Palantir amidst broader economic challenges.

61 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 52min
Comedian Ronny Chieng on Political Satire, Trolling Algorithms and Cerebral Dick Jokes
Ronny Chieng, an Emmy award-winning comedian known for his sharp satire on The Daily Show, shares his insights on the current state of political humor and the role of comedians in addressing societal issues. He discusses the intersection of political satire and cultural commentary, revealing how his law degree enhances his joke-writing. Chieng explores the challenges of Asian representation in Hollywood, particularly through his role in Hulu's 'Interior Chinatown,' and reflects on the influence of digital culture on masculinity and mental health.

119 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Rahm Emanuel’s Tough Love Intervention for the Democratic Party
Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago mayor and U.S. ambassador to Japan, returns with candid insights on the Democratic Party's challenges. He bluntly critiques the party's missteps and suggests a shift towards education and quality of life issues. Emanuel discusses Elon Musk's influence on politics and the need for Democrats to rally against Trump's agenda using strategic legal tactics. The conversation also touches on global hotspots, including China and Ukraine, making for a dynamic exploration of today's political landscape.

216 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Oren Cass, Paul Krugman & Mariana Mazzucato on Trumponomics
Join esteemed economists Oren Cass, founder of American Compass and Financial Times contributor; Mariana Mazzucato, UCL professor and author of "The Entrepreneurial State"; and Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Substack writer as they dissect the implications of Trumponomics. They explore Trump's tariffs, the efficacy of industrial policy, and the complex dynamics of U.S. trade relations. The conversation also covers the necessity of AI regulation, concerns about economic bubbles, and the intertwined effects of immigration on the economy.

79 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
Unchecked and Unbalanced: Trump’s Executive Power Moves and the Rule of Law
Preet Bharara, former US Attorney and host of "Stay Tuned with Preet," joins lawyer George Conway, CNN's Jamie Gangel, and Jonathan Kanter, ex-AAG for Antitrust. They dive into the surge of President Trump's executive orders and the ensuing legal battles. The conversation examines the implications of disregarding court rulings, the erosion of judicial trust, and the potential for a constitutional crisis. They also discuss the balance of power between the branches of government and the chilling effect of presidential immunity on justice.

27 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 48min
Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo on Defying Gravity, the Attack on Diversity and (Maybe) Getting an EGOT
Cynthia Erivo, a talented singer, actor, and producer best known for her roles in 'Wicked' and 'Harriet,' shares her journey of empowerment and artistic expression. She reflects on the significance of her role as Elphaba, its resonance with themes of identity, and the current attack on diversity. Erivo discusses her desire to amplify underrepresented voices, her aspirations for EGOT status, and the crucial role of storytelling in activism. She emphasizes the cultural impact of 'Wicked' and the importance of representation in media.

204 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 56min
Dissecting Elon Musk’s Hostile Takeover with Anne Applebaum, Eoin Higgins & Ryan Mac
In this insightful conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Anne Applebaum, IT Brew reporter Eoin Higgins, and New York Times journalist Ryan Mac analyze Elon Musk's aggressive takeover of key government operations. They discuss the troubling implications of tech billionaires influencing democracy and governance, drawing parallels to historical regimes. The guests explore how Musk's actions challenge accountability in the digital age, as well as the potential for corporate tactics to undermine democratic values. Expect a captivating dive into the intersection of technology and politics.

30 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 57min
Why Ben Stiller Made Severance (and Doesn’t Care about What Elon Says About Him)
Ben Stiller, an acclaimed actor and director, dives deep into the success of 'Severance,' revealing how its unique premise reshapes our understanding of identity in the workplace and beyond. He reflects on the show's commentary on surveillance and corporate control, drawing parallels to real-world issues. Stiller also shares his candid thoughts on making political art and discusses humorous yet poignant moments from the series, even addressing criticisms from tech moguls like Elon Musk with clarity and wit. Tune in for a blend of humor and insightful dialogue!

112 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 52min
Trump’s J6 Pardons, the Militia Movement, and the Border
Amy Cooter, a researcher on domestic militias, Tess Owen, an investigative reporter on extremism, and Paul Rosenzweig, a cybersecurity lawyer, delve into President Trump’s pardons for January 6th insurrectionists. They discuss the alarming message these pardons send to violent militia groups like the Oath Keepers, the influence of social media on far-right extremism, and the potential legal ramifications of Trump's actions. Their insights illuminate the intersection of political violence, militia dynamics, and the risks posed by unchecked executive authority.

62 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
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.