Squawk Pod

Vice President Kamala Harris shares insights on her economic agenda aimed at combating price gouging and supporting the middle class. She hints at possible federal interventions as rising grocery prices, especially eggs, weigh heavily on consumers. Economic advisor Stephen Moore challenges her plans, stressing the historical implications of price controls. The conversation also dives into the spiking mpox cases globally, with Dr. Scott Gottlieb unraveling its origins and spread, raising concerns about public health safety and drug pricing in the current climate.

Diana Olick, a real estate expert, discusses the shake-up in realtor commissions following a landmark settlement. Amy Lessinger, President of Re/Max, details how these changes impact property transaction negotiations. In a political twist, Emily Wilkins reports on the cryptocurrency community's support for Vice President Harris. Meanwhile, Epic Games launches a mobile store to challenge Apple, highlighting ongoing tech rivalries. The conversation captures the intersections of real estate, politics, and gaming in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the Administrator of CMS, discusses the historic negotiation that has successfully lowered drug prices for Medicare patients, detailing its impact on both access to medications and pharmaceutical innovation. Gary Vaynerchuk, a social media guru, shares insights from the White House's influencer summit, emphasizing how content creators can reshape political campaigning and brand strategies. The conversation also touches on societal challenges and the significant resignation at Columbia University, reflecting on leadership pressures in tumultuous times.

Vladislav Klyushin is a young Russian oligarch whose empire is built on insider corruption and cyber-driven trading schemes. He made a staggering $93 million through illicit activities that have ramifications for American investors. The discussion digs into the thrilling details of his hacking firm, the cat-and-mouse game with U.S. law enforcement, and the glamorous yet dangerous life fueled by greed. Listeners gain fascinating insights from FBI investigators and even a former Russian spy, revealing how far-reaching these crimes truly are.

Nate Silver, founder of FiveThirtyEight and political forecasting guru, joins CNBC reporter Sharon Epperson to explore pivotal topics. Silver discusses his latest book on risk and the reliability of 2024 election polling, while Epperson highlights Social Security's 89th anniversary and the urgent voter concerns about its future. Additionally, they touch on the DOJ's scrutiny of Google and its implications for antitrust, underscoring the tension between innovation and regulation. This engaging conversation captures the intersection of politics, risk, and economic challenges.

Mellody Hobson, Starbucks’ lead independent director, discusses the company's bold leadership change amid sales challenges, detailing the strategic opportunities ahead. Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics, shares exciting insights about Fanatics Fest, a groundbreaking event for sports fans set to rival Comic Con. The conversation also touches on the implications of tax policies and social media dynamics involving figures like Trump and Musk, highlighting the intersection of business and public engagement.

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy discusses the upcoming 2024 election, weighing economic visions for America under both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Harris, the Democratic Presidential Nominee, unveils her economic strategies, contrasting sharply with Trump’s policies. They dive into the complexities of Federal Reserve independence and the influence of activist investors on major companies like Starbucks. The duo also tackles pivotal issues like taxation, consumer sentiment, and the shifting landscape of media amid streaming's rise.

In this conversation, Lydia Moynihan, a New York Post journalist, shares insights on Wall Street's shifting dynamics as the presidential election nears, examining Kamala Harris's dual appeal to financiers. CNBC’s Steve Liesman discusses the stability of the American consumer amid economic pressures, while Carl Quintanilla reports from Paris on Team USA’s women's soccer team's success in the Olympics. They explore the surge in interest for women's sports and the NWSL's growth, highlighting the financial implications and future potential.

Join Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA Commissioner, as they tackle pressing global issues. Haass discusses escalating Middle East tensions and the impact of U.S. support on geopolitics. Meanwhile, Gottlieb dives into the fentanyl crisis, revealing its devastating toll on American lives and advocating for tougher measures against its trade. The conversation also touches on the implications of these issues for the upcoming U.S. elections and recent alarming security concerns.

Governor Wes Moore, a former Wall Streeter turned nonprofit CEO, discusses the Harris-Walz ticket and its implications for swing states. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between business and government for economic growth. Hugh Johnston, Disney's CFO, shares insights on the company’s quarterly earnings and the recent price hikes in streaming services. The conversation also touches on the evolving entertainment landscape and the complexities of political dynamics affecting business interests.