Squawk Pod

U.S. airlines anticipate a record 31 million travelers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. In a surprising turn, the Department of Government Efficiency has been dissolved ahead of schedule. Kohl's names Michael Bender as its permanent CEO following a selection process. The FBI is investigating a hack affecting SitusAMC, a key player for real estate lenders. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly becomes the first health care firm to reach a staggering $1 trillion market cap, despite recent trial setbacks.

Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and strategic voice for Democrats, discusses the impending expiration of ACA tax credits and the urgent need for bipartisan solutions. Meanwhile, Dr. Toby Cosgrove, former CEO of the Cleveland Clinic, sheds light on rising healthcare costs driven by inflation and an aging population. He emphasizes the crucial role of AI in enhancing hospital efficiency and cites prevention strategies, including obesity solutions, as vital for lowering long-term expenses. Together, they explore the complex landscape of healthcare affordability and innovation.

Get ready for a whirlwind of financial news! Netflix, Paramount, and Comcast are in a bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery. Meanwhile, Nvidia's declining shares are causing market jitters. In the realm of prediction markets, Kalshi just raised a staggering $1 billion. Exciting times for F1 as the CEO of CrowdStrike invests in the Mercedes team. And art lovers, take note: a Frida Kahlo painting just set a new auction record for female artists at $54.7 million!

Joined by Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, and Kristina Partsinevelos from CNBC, the discussion dives deep into economic bubbles, particularly surrounding AI and broader markets. Dalio shares insights on the risks of concentrated ownership and debt, emphasizing the importance of a diversified portfolio. Partsinevelos breaks down Nvidia’s impressive earnings report and the implications for the tech sector. They also explore the interplay of government regulations in AI, painting a vivid picture of current market dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Greg Ip, Chief economics commentator for The Wall Street Journal, examines the current AI boom, highlighting its 'joyless' mood compared to the optimistic 90s dot-com era. He raises concerns about public distrust, job risks, and the uneven benefits of AI innovation. Meanwhile, Tom Freston, co-founder of MTV and former Viacom CEO, reflects on his memoir 'Unplugged,' sharing insights into MTV's cultural impact and the future of media, suggesting ways to rejuvenate the network for a digital audience.

Discover the buzz around Nvidia's upcoming earnings report and a landmark legislative move compelling the DOJ to release Epstein records. Delve into the Trump administration’s controversial efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. An airline trade group's push to secure air traffic controller salaries during potential government shutdowns raises eyebrows. Plus, don't miss the staggering sale of a Gustav Klimt painting for over $236 million, setting a new record at auction!

Retired four-star General David Petraeus delves into the high stakes of the Saudi crown prince's landmark visit, exploring Middle East diplomacy and potential U.S.-Saudi agreements like F-35 sales. He reflects on the legacy of Jamal Khashoggi and the complexities of U.S. relations in the region. Meanwhile, mentalist Oz Pearlman captivates with thrilling live demonstrations of mind-reading, revealing stunning connections to hosts’ thoughts and promoting his new book. It's a blend of serious politics and mind-bending entertainment!

Kevin Hassett, former National Economic Council director, dives into the administration's decisions to cut tariffs on over 200 food items, aiming to combat rising grocery prices and inflation. He discusses the importance of a data-driven Federal Reserve and the mixed signals from the labor market. Then, filmmaker Ken Burns shares insights from his PBS series The American Revolution, highlighting underrepresented voices and the significance of historical storytelling. Lori Calvasina discusses market sentiment and the implications of AI-driven stock movements.

Berkshire Hathaway just made headlines with a hefty $5 billion investment in Alphabet. Meanwhile, Apple is intensifying its search for a successor to Tim Cook, a move that has everyone speculating. On the streaming front, YouTube and Disney have brokered a deal to bring ABC and ESPN back to YouTube TV. Plus, Netflix is making waves with a major 10-for-1 stock split today. Financial insights and corporate strategies are heating up as the market prepares to open!

Ron Baron, a seasoned investor and chairman of Baron Capital, shares his insights on Elon Musk’s ambitious trillion-dollar pay plan for Tesla. He discusses the future of Tesla and SpaceX, emphasizing the potential of innovations like Optimus robots and Full Self-Driving technology. Baron also details his substantial profits from Musk’s ventures and outlines his long-term investment philosophy amid market fluctuations. He reveals his reasons for supporting Musk's pay package, citing Musk's transformative vision and legacy.