Google Nest's Surveillance Secret, Bondi's Epstein Meltdown, Meta & YouTube in Court
Kara and Scott discuss AG Pam Bondi's disastrous testimony on the Epstein files and Big Tech's day in court as Meta and YouTube face trial for deliberately addicting young users. Then, the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case reveals that Google Nest stores “deleted" video, and an Anthropic researcher resigns, warning the “world is in peril.” Plus, Hong Kong media mogul and activist Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 20 years in prison, and Antitrust Chief Gail Slater resigns. Also, Scott predicts IPO trouble for OpenAI. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
AI Spending Spree, Crypto Winter, and Kara's Message to Jeff Bezos
Kara and Scott break down the Super Bowl ads, and the backlash over Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Then, they look at what’s next for crypto, as Bitcoin and major tokens plummet. Plus, Amazon and Big Tech continue their AI spending spree, Trump throws his support behind the Nexstar–Tegna merger, and Kara has a message for Jeff Bezos. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email Pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How did Heated Rivalry’s Producers Make Their Massive Hit?
In this special bonus episode of Pivot, Kara talks to Heated Rivalry Executive Producers Jacob Tierney & Brendan Brady about the creative and financial risks they took to make the hit show. The duo also breaks down the process that allowed them to work on a shoestring budget, without compromising the artistic vision. They also explain pros and cons of shooting projects in Canada vs the U.S, and reveal the projects they’re hoping to do next. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
AI Faceoffs at the Super Bowl, Bob Iger's Heir Apparent, and WaPo's Brutal Cuts
Pivot takes a look at Anthropic's surprise Super Bowl offensive against OpenAI, and Scott explains why he thinks they are "the definition of intelligent branding." Also, Kara and Scott unpack Alphabet's blockbuster earnings, and what a potential Clinton testimony in the Epstein case could mean. Then: Disney finally names Bob Iger's successor after years of drama, and The Washington Post slashes a third of its workforce in devastating layoffs. Is this Kara's moment to step in and buy it? Scott has some thoughts. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Epstein Files Fallout, Trump's Fed Chair Pick, and Musk Merger
It's Resist and Unsubscribe February! Kara and Scott discuss what they've been unsubscribing from, and what their next moves might be. Then, they unpack the new Epstein files release and the wide-ranging network of powerful figures it exposes. Plus, Trump's Fed chair pick, SpaceX and xAI merge, and the latest developments in the AI arms race. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email Pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Economic Protests, Social Media on Trial, and Big Tech Earnings
Can an economic strike send an effective message to the government? Kara and Scott discuss the ways people can use their wallets to protest, including a new resource from Scott himself — resistandunsubscribe.com. Plus, Kara is not impressed with Tim Cook’s call for de-escalation in Minnesota. Then, will landmark lawsuits over social media addiction lead to any lasting change? And the S&P 500 crosses the 7,000 mark for the first time, ahead of major Big Tech earnings from, Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla. Also, Kara’s new CNN show has a name: Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever! You can pre-order Vivian Tu’s book Well Endowed here. Listen to Networth and Chill here, or watch on YouTube here. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Cost of Corporate Silence on ICE, Trump's Health, and TikTok USA
Kara Swisher is joined by guest co-host Anthony Scaramucci to discuss why so many business leaders have stayed silent about ICE violence in Minneapolis — and why it's time to push back against Donald Trump (and Stephen Miller). Then, Trump goes on the record about his health in a new interview that’s raising more questions and concerns. Plus, TikTok seals the deal to stay in the U.S., but glitches abound. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email Pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is Alex Pretti Shooting a Turning Point?
Kara and Scott jump on for an emergency episode in the aftermath of the Alex Pretti shooting in Minneapolis. They break down how cellphone video from the scene contradicts the narrative pushed by the Trump administration, the political reaction in Washington, and why a national economic strike — not just protests — may be the most effective response. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email Pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Davos Drama, DOGE's Social Security Scandal, and Netflix Goes All-Cash for Warner Bros
Kara and Scott the wins and losses at Davos, DOGE's mishandling Social Security data, Netflix's all-cash Warner Bros offer, and the FCC targeting late-night hosts with new equal time requirements. Plus, ICE agents continue to clash with protesters in Minnesota, and the so-called wine moms of Minneapolis are fighting back. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Betting on Reality with Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour: ACCESS
This week, Alex and Ellis talk about the rise of storytelling in tech and why X is now openly pleading for its haters to come back. Then they sit down with Tarek Mansour, co-founder and CEO of Kalshi, to discuss insider trading, his rivalry with Polymarket, regulatory chaos, sports betting, and why prediction markets are having a real moment. Listen to more from ACCESS here. ACCESS is produced in partnership with the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fed Chair Investigation, Trump's Oil Deals, and Scott's Absence Explained
Scott is back — and he has a lot of explaining to do about his recent absence. Then, he and Kara discuss Fed Chair Jerome Powell's response to the DOJ's criminal investigation. Plus, Trump pressures oil executives to invest in Venezuela, and California’s proposed wealth tax has billionaires fleeing. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email Pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fed Chair Investigation, Trump's Oil Deals, and California's Proposed Wealth Tax
Scott is back! He and Kara discuss Fed Chair Jerome Powell's response to the DOJ's criminal investigation. Plus, Trump pressures oil executives to invest in Venezuela, and California’s proposed wealth tax has billionaires fleeing. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email Pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump's Venezuela Oil Gambit, ICE Shooting Fallout, and Warner Bros. Says No (Again)
Kara welcomes Audie Cornish and Bill Cohan to unpack President Trump's controversial Venezuela strategy, and his pitch to oil executives. Bill reveals what he'd tell any client eyeing Greenland as an investment. Then: the fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota that's sparking national outrage, why Warner Bros. just rejected another Paramount buyout offer, and how Grok managed to sink even lower. Check out more from Audie on “CNN This Morning, and the podcast, “The Assignment.” Find more from Bill on Puck. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kimmel & ABC, Nvidia’s OpenAI Investment, and Tylenol’s Trump Problem
Kara and Scott discuss the aftermath of Jimmy Kimmel's highly-rated return, Nvidia’s $100 billion investment in OpenAI, and what Tylenol's parent company should do about the attacks from the Trump administration. Plus, YouTube will reinstate accounts banned for posting misinformation, and a Charlie Kirk poster at Office Depot reignites a fight over whether businesses can refuse service. We’re nominated for a Signal Award! Vote for us here! Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jimmy Kimmel Returns, Charlie Kirk’s Memorial, and Trump’s H1-B Visa Shake-Up
Kara and Scott discuss Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, Jimmy Kimmel’s return, and the Trump administration sending big tech into panic over H1-B visas. Plus, Trump takes to Truth Social to tell AG Pam Bondi to prosecute his enemies, and more details about the supposed TikTok deal. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel, Pam Bondi’s Free Speech Mess, and Trump Sues The New York Times
Kara and Scott discuss ABC pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for a joke about the Charlie Kirk shooting, Trump filing a defamation suit against the New York Times, and Pam Bondi attempting to clean up her “hate speech” mess. Plus, FBI Director Kash Patel’s heated testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, Nvidia's $5 billion investment in Intel, and President Trump's fourth extension of the TikTok ban deadline. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kirk Suspect Motives, TikTok "Framework" Deal, and Tucker Carlson Plays Detective
Kara and Scott unpack the rage and division following Charlie Kirk’s assassination — and who’s fueling it. Then, the Trump administration touts a “framework” for a TikTok deal. Plus, Paramount makes a play for Warner Bros., OpenAI reshapes its partnership with Microsoft, and Tucker Carlson pushes conspiracy theories. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email pivot@voxmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Charlie Kirk Assassination Aftermath
Kara and Scott break down the reactions to Charlie Kirk’s assassination in Utah. Then, mass protests in Nepal, Larry Ellison becomes the richest person in the world as Oracle stock soars, and Apple rolls out new iPhones. Plus, Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday book, and Kamala Harris says Biden’s run was fueled by “recklessness.” Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dept. of War Rebrand, Trump's Tech Bro Dinner, and Elon's Pay Package
Kara and Scott discuss Trump rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War, and his "grotesque" dinner with Big Tech leaders. Then, how Tesla's new pay package could make Elon a trillionaire. Plus, RFK Jr.'s continued chaos, and Anthropic's $1.5 billion copyright settlement. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
DOGE’s Chaos Strategy, X’s New Valuation, and Guest Co-Host Katie Drummond
Kara is joined by guest co-host Katie Drummond of WIRED! They talk all things DOGE: Is Elon Musk not in charge? How much have cuts actually saved so far? Is Steve Bannon a fan? Plus, X is in talks to raise money at a valuation of $44 billion, which is the same amount Elon Musk bought it for. Read more from WIRED here. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Every Tuesday and Friday, tech journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway offer sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. They make bold predictions, pick winners and losers, and bicker and banter like no one else. After all, with great power comes great scrutiny. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.