Squawk Pod

Lina Khan, the former Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, shares insights from her four-year tenure overseeing corporate mergers. She discusses her hopes for her successor and the looming challenges in regulating big tech. The conversation dives into Meta's significant policy shifts, including their new community notes system replacing third-party fact-checking. Khan also reflects on the evolving landscape of antitrust action and the implications of increasing wealth concentration in the tech industry.

Kevin McCarthy, former House Speaker and chairman of the Alpha Institute, shares insights on the GOP's strategy as President Trump prepares for a major legislation push. He discusses the potential implications of tariffs and the evolving political landscape post-election. In a fascinating twist, Joey Gonzalez, co-CEO of Barry’s, explores how GLP-1 weight loss medications are changing fitness dynamics and client motivations. With tech leaders donating to the upcoming inauguration, the political and fitness worlds intertwine in unexpected ways.

Walter Isaacson, a Tulane University professor and local author, shares insights on New Orleans' resilience following a tragic attack, highlighting the city's spirit amidst adversity. The conversation shifts to college football's new 12-team playoff, which has sparked a revenue increase and several competitive discussions. With Abe Madkour from Sports Business Journal, they explore potential tweaks for next season while touching on broader issues like regulatory changes and health warnings regarding alcohol. An engaging mix of local and sports commentary!

Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, dives into the alarming rise of flu, RSV, and norovirus this winter, shedding light on why these illnesses are peaking. He discusses the strain on healthcare systems and the crucial role of public health policies. Additionally, the conversation touches on major executive changes at Apple and Disney, probing into how these leadership shifts might shape the future of these giants in 2025. The complexities of healthcare challenges and their implications for society also take center stage.

Theresa Payton, CEO of Fortalice Solutions and former White House CIO, delves into a state-sponsored Chinese hack that breached U.S. Treasury systems, emphasizing its alarming implications for cybersecurity. Steve Kovach, CNBC tech reporter, discusses Elon Musk’s quirky online persona transformation with 'Kekius Maximus' and the politically charged Pepe the Frog meme. They also analyze Congress's sharp decline in productivity, tackling urban challenges like New York City's congestion pricing amidst political mismanagement and critiquing the government's focus on pressing issues.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at age 100. Roger Altman served as assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury under President Carter, and he reflects on former President Carter’s legacy in and after the White House. Next, The Wall Street Journal’s Tim Higgins discusses the rift between members of President-elect Trump’s inner circle and Elon Musk over immigration and H-1B visas. He explains about where Trump stands in the Musk-MAGA divide and examines Musk’s influence in political debates. Plus, Trump asked the Supreme Court to pause a law that could ban TikTok, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the Treasury will need to take “extraordinary measures” to avoid the debt ceiling. While the world mourns Jimmy Carter, the business community also mourns HBO and Cablevision founder Charles Dolan.  Roger Altman - 14:08Tim Higgins - 27:52 In this episode:Tim Higgins, @timkhigginsBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Recent rifts in MAGA-world have taken place both online and in the House Chamber. On X, Elon Musk is sparring with far-right activist Laura Loomer over HB-1 visas, dividing Musk fans. During the government funding battle last week, President-elect Trump criticized Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a vocal opponent of the Trump-backed spending bill. Rep. Roy explains his and the other 37 GOP votes against the bill, underscoring his commitment to smaller government and responsible spending. Next, Russia rejected a call for an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine but said it’s ready to hold negotiations. Richard Haass, Council on Foreign Relations president emeritus, breaks down the implications. Plus, Netflix set a streaming record with its Christmas NFL games and Richard Parsons, former Time Warner CEO, has died at age 76. Chip Roy - 17:21Richard Haass - 27:03 In this episode:Rep. Chip Roy, @chiproytxRichard Haass, @RichardHaassAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Disney is dominating the box office with big hits like 'Moana 2' and 'Inside Out 2,' despite a rocky reception for 'Mufasa.' The discussion shifts to the challenges retailers face from tariffs and the push to reshore manufacturing. As the holiday season winds down, top tech gadgets that won Christmas are revealed, highlighting gaming and smart home devices. The analysis extends to app trends post-Christmas, showing a rise in family-friendly tech and digital currencies in gaming.

Dive into the fascinating history of CEOs and their relationships with U.S. presidents, dating back to figures like Henry Ford. Explore how this dynamic has evolved over the years, shaping politics and business. As Christmas Eve unfolds, join NORAD in its 69-year tradition of tracking Santa's journey. Discover the advanced technology behind this festive operation and the dedicated volunteers who make it happen. Plus, catch up on the latest headlines, including regulatory news and corporate shifts in the media landscape. Happy Holidays!

A former health insurance executive sheds light on the pressing issues within the American healthcare system, highlighting the influence of shareholder pressure. The discussion reveals the struggles of for-profit practices, urging listeners to advocate for their rights. In a lighter vein, tech expert Joanna Stern presents clever last-minute gift ideas like digital subscriptions and password managers. The podcast also briefly touches on political developments and the surprising success of a video game adaptation, contrasting the chaos in health care with holiday cheer.