Squawk Pod

Megan Cassella, a reporter covering the Trump administration's transition, dives into Pam Bondi's appointment as Attorney General and its implications. The conversation intertwines political dynamics with Hollywood trends, spotlighting the competition between 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' at the box office. They also discuss the evolving dining landscape, featuring new trends like 'rip and dip' bagels and mini martinis, showcasing how culinary preferences are shifting alongside entertainment.

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky shares his thoughts on Alex Ovechkin's impending record-breaking feat, reflecting on his legacy in hockey. Senator Cynthia Lummis passionately discusses her vision for a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and the cryptocurrency’s growth toward the $100,000 milestone. Jake Sherman analyzes the political landscape and potential cabinet picks for the incoming administration. The trio dives into the crossover between sports, politics, and finance, revealing insights that are sure to excite fans and investors alike.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, celebrates the airline’s centennial and discusses consumer spending trends, revealing a surprising prioritization of travel over retail. While Delta navigates its relationship with Boeing, Bastian reassures fans of his confidence in the new leadership. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan shares excitement over the team’s collaboration with Hallmark for a holiday movie, inspired by Taylor Swift's influence on fandom. The conversation explores marketing innovations and future branding strategies in the dynamic entertainment landscape.

Martha Stewart, the iconic author and culinary guru with 100 published books, dives into her latest cookbook and the intriguing Netflix documentary that reveals her storied past. She clears up misconceptions around her infamous feud and reflects on her pop culture impact. Meanwhile, Eric Schmidt tackles the tensions between big tech and government regulation, discussing his new book on AI and its future. Together, they navigate the intersecting worlds of cooking, technology, and cultural legacy, all while providing humor and insightful anecdotes.

Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity AI, talks about the launch of their innovative AI-powered shopping assistant that transforms online shopping into a personalized experience. He discusses how advanced AI models will move beyond answering questions to offering actionable solutions. Alongside Mike Allen, who analyzes Trump’s surprising cabinet picks and their implications for future policies, the conversation covers everything from Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy to Tesla's stock surge, highlighting the intertwining of tech innovation with political dynamics.

John Driscoll, former president of Walgreens Boots Alliance, raises alarms about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasizing its potential risks to healthcare policy. Ted Decker, Home Depot CEO, discusses how inflation is impacting consumers and the company's strategic responses, including a significant grant for healthcare initiatives. Additionally, Cathie Wood shares insights on Elon Musk's new government role and its implications for innovation and the stock market.

Eamon Javers, a CNBC reporter known for his coverage of the Trump transition, joins Tom Barrack, a loyal Trump ally and former inaugural committee chair. They discuss the surprising nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general amid ongoing investigations, shedding light on the implications for the Republican Party. Barrack shares insights into Trump's hiring strategies and expectations for his second term. The conversation also touches on the intersection of AI and media, revealing emerging trends in political communication.

Eric Cantor, former Republican House Majority Leader turned Wall Street executive, shares insights on the Senate leadership race and anticipates regulatory shifts under a potential Trump administration. They discuss the formation of the new Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, aimed at reducing spending. The conversation also explores Cava's soaring stock following impressive earnings, highlighting the restaurant's ambitious growth plans, and the evolving landscape of the fast-casual dining market.

Judy Shelton, senior fellow at the Independent Institute and a former Federal Reserve Board nominee, alongside Jared Cohen, President of Global Affairs at Goldman Sachs, dive into pressing economic and geopolitical topics. They discuss the turbulent future of the Federal Reserve amid calls for greater accountability and independence. Cohen highlights the energy demands of artificial intelligence and the need for 'data center diplomacy' in U.S.-China rivalry. The episode also touches on significant market shifts following recent political changes and the evolving landscape of technology.

Peter Orszag, CEO of Lazard and former OMB director under Obama, discusses the economic impacts of President-elect Trump's cabinet selections and their potential ripple effects on the market. He emphasizes the importance of Fed independence and strategic planning in a shifting political landscape. Meanwhile, Drew Scott, co-founder of Scott Brothers Global, shares insights on the current housing market and their new HGTV show, which encourages homeowners to renovate instead of relocate, addressing affordable housing and innovative solutions like Accessory Dwelling Units.