Squawk Pod

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.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican Senator from Oklahoma, tackles the looming government shutdown and the intense negotiations in Congress. CNBC's Emily Wilkins updates listeners on the political turmoil in D.C. as bipartisan plans emerge. Meanwhile, Joe Magliocco, CEO of Michter's Distillery, shares insights on the potential 50% tariffs on whiskey exports to the EU and how this could reshape the industry amidst changing consumer habits favoring premium spirits. Tune in for a mix of politics and whiskey!

In this engaging discussion, Pete Sessions, a Republican Congressman from Texas and co-chair of the House DOGE Caucus, delves into urgent negotiations to prevent a government shutdown and advocates for a clean funding resolution. He highlights the importance of government efficiency. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Senior Associate Dean at Yale, offers insights into CEO sentiments surrounding tariffs and economic shifts, while discussing notable visits to Mar-a-Lago. Together, they navigate the current political and economic landscape, shedding light on both corporate strategy and governmental accountability.

Joe Scarborough, co-host of MSNBC's Morning Joe and former Congressman, discusses the complex 1,547-page government spending bill aimed at avoiding a shutdown, touching on bipartisan challenges and the influence of figures like Elon Musk on Congressional decisions. Cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs adds insights on the rising threats businesses face, particularly from China, and the urgent need for improved defense against ransomware and data breaches. Together, they explore the intersection of politics, technology, and security in today's landscape.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan shares insights on the market outlook for 2025 and the Federal Reserve's potential moves. Senators Klobuchar and Cruz dive into their bipartisan 'Take It Down' Act aimed at regulating deepfakes on social media. The podcast also highlights urgent calls for online safety legislation amid discussions on political responsibilities. Plus, a former TV host receives a hefty prison sentence, showcasing the serious consequences of deception in business and media.

Walter Isaacson, the acclaimed author of the Elon Musk biography and a Tulane University professor, dives into the buzz surrounding mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey. He discusses Musk's influence on politics and his relationship with President-elect Trump, touching on the implications of CEO visits to Mar-a-Lago. The conversation explores critical issues like the potential privatization of the U.S. Postal Service and defamation law as it relates to media responsibility. Isaacson also reflects on the evolving tech landscape and the challenges posed by misinformation.

Sara Blakely, the self-made billionaire and founder of Spanx, shares her latest venture: high-heeled sneakers called 'Sneex.' She discusses her entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from shapewear to innovative footwear. Sara emphasizes the importance of comfort in design, revealing the four-year process behind Sneex. She also touches on the challenges of manufacturing and the role of consumer feedback in refining products. Blakely's passion for fashion meets practicality, making these heels a game changer for women seeking both style and comfort.

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.