Squawk Pod

New bipartisan legislation in Washington aims to break up pharmacy benefit managers after years of scrutiny on PBMs from Congress and the FTC. Health care insurance executive Mark Bertolini is now CEO of Oscar Health, and he spent years leading Aetna and CVS Health. Today, he reflects on American health care, his vision for an improved system, and his own security detail in the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder. In a wide ranging and very personal conversation, Bertolini shares his experience with 18 years of chronic pain and the treatment that changed his life. Plus, Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) is explaining his edited Spotify wrapped, and Elon Musk is inching closer to trillionaire status, thanks to a new Tesla stock milestone.   Mark Bertolini - 17:42 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Preroll 00:00ad 1 14:28ad 2 36:18TRT 36:44 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mitchell Green, founding partner at Lead Edge Capital, shares insights on halted M&A deals, including significant grocery and steel mergers. He discusses why 2025 will still see public market deal-making despite a slow IPO year, as many top companies have already secured funding. The conversation also touches on the impact of President-elect Trump's tariff strategies on the supply chain, raising concerns about consumer prices and international trade challenges. Gene Seroka adds depth by exploring automation in port operations and its effects on communities.

A shocking murder case rocks the healthcare industry, raising questions about profit motives and systemic challenges. Experts discuss the power vacuum in Syria and the strategic implications of the regime's decline. Meanwhile, Dunkin' Donuts surprises with bold marketing strategies. As the holiday season approaches, a travel guru shares tips for maximizing rewards and securing the best deals, navigating the complexities of bookings and airport security challenges.

Joining the discussion are Raf Sanchez, an NBC reporter from the Golan Heights, who shares live updates on the dramatic fall of Assad in Syria. Michael Froman, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, explores the political fallout of this regime change. Kathy Wylde, President of Partnership for New York City, addresses the chilling public reaction to the murder of a UnitedHealthcare executive, highlighting the intense online outrage and security concerns for corporate leaders. The conversation dives deep into the implications of these unfolding events.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams discusses pressing issues facing the city, including safety, housing, and immigration. He delves into the complexities of urban security in light of recent violent events and emphasizes the need for community support. Former Boeing Chief Security Officer Dave Komendat highlights the rising threats to executives amidst social media scrutiny. Additionally, professor Kara Reynolds breaks down the economic impact of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, revealing its staggering $5 billion influence on various industries.

Highlights from The New York Times DealBook Summit feature interviews with business moguls like Jeff Bezos and political leaders, touching upon diversity initiatives and the milestone of Bitcoin hitting $100,000. Fed Chair Powell likens Bitcoin to gold, igniting debates on its legitimacy. With optimism surrounding regulatory changes, discussions pivot to the importance of innovation in tech and AI. Additionally, the complexities of navigating governmental efficiency and the challenges within the Republican majority are explored, emphasizing the need for legislative collaboration.

In this engaging discussion, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC contributor and CEO of MCC Global Enterprises, analyzes the recent political unrest in South Korea and the implications of a no-confidence vote in France. Meanwhile, Roy Jakobs, CEO of Royal Philips, shares fascinating insights on how AI is revolutionizing healthcare, from improving diagnostics to enhancing patient experiences. They explore the balance between technological advancements and the irreplaceable human touch in medical care. Tune in for a timely exploration of politics and innovation!

Rep. Ro Khanna, a champion of Silicon Valley technology policy, advocates for keeping manufacturing jobs in California amidst recent EV credit changes. He emphasizes bipartisanship opportunities while discussing the intricacies of tax policies related to electric vehicles and national competitiveness. Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer turned YouTuber, shares his mission to make science cool and accessible for kids. He also highlights innovative projects like launching photos into space, blending creativity with education in the creator economy.

Arthur Brooks, President Emeritus of the American Enterprise Institute and columnist, shares insights on embracing gratitude this holiday season. He emphasizes being "grateful, not cheerful" as a key to enhancing mental well-being. Amber Venz Box, co-founder of LTK, discusses the explosive growth of live shopping on social media, revealing that over a thousand creators have become millionaires through her platform. The conversation also touches on significant political events and leadership changes in the tech industry, providing a thought-provoking mix of topics.

Joining the discussion is Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and current CNBC contributor, who shares insights on the shifting landscape of U.S. healthcare, particularly under potential political changes. Gary Vaynerchuk highlights the booming trend of live shopping on TikTok, where influencers are cashing in like never before, echoing the QVC model. The conversation also touches on the FTC's investigation into Microsoft, philanthropy’s effects on the wealthiest Americans, and the rising films that made waves this Thanksgiving.