

Pivot
New York Magazine
With great power, comes great scrutiny. Every Tuesday and Friday, 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. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

12 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 1h 11min
Elon Musk’s Outer Space, Scott-Free August Preview, and Guest Ian Rogers
In this conversation, Ian Rogers, Chief Experience Officer at Ledger and a veteran of Apple Music, dives deep into the cryptocurrency landscape. He highlights the significance of secure devices for protecting digital assets and introduces Ledger's innovative backup solutions. The discussion also touches on Elon Musk's influence over space technology and its broader implications for power dynamics. There’s a humorous critique of cultural phenomena like the 'Barbie' movie, underscoring its impact on media and gender dynamics.

32 snips
Jul 28, 2023 • 57min
Big Tech Earnings, College Admissions Controversies, and UFOs
Discover the buzz around Big Tech earnings and how AI is reshaping the industry. Dive into the heated debate on legacy college admissions and their impact on equity. Explore intriguing military reports on UFOs and ponder whether extraterrestrials are among us. The conversation also covers the dynamics of the advertising market, union negotiations, and the future of electric vehicle charging. Add in some light-hearted health supplement chats and you've got a mix of serious and fun topics that keep you engaged!

34 snips
Jul 25, 2023 • 1h 10min
The X Factor, AI Guardrails, and a Barbenheimer Post-Mortem
Alondra Nelson, former deputy assistant to President Biden, joins the conversation to discuss the Biden administration’s AI Bill of Rights. They dive into the concerns surrounding Big Tech's recent AI safety commitments and whether they are enough to protect society. The discussion also touches on Elon Musk’s Twitter rebrand and the challenges faced by traditional journalism under billionaire ownership. The cultural impact of films like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' is examined, highlighting their roles in sparking essential societal conversations.

38 snips
Jul 21, 2023 • 50min
Barbenheimer, AI in the Newsroom, and Scott Doubles Down
The hosts share amusing anecdotes from their recent outdoor adventures, including wildlife encounters. They humorously analyze the stark contrasts between Barbie's playful narrative and Oppenheimer's serious themes while discussing the Hollywood strikes. The conversation shifts to AI in journalism, highlighting Google's new tool and the challenges it brings to the industry. A young listener seeks investment advice, prompting tips on building wealth early. Political predictions about a former president's future also add intrigue to the mix.

35 snips
Jul 18, 2023 • 1h 17min
Bob Iger’s Rough Ride, Record-Breaking Heat Waves and Guest Ashlee Vance
Ashlee Vance, Bloomberg reporter and author renowned for his works on Elon Musk and the space race, joins the discussion. They explore the sizzling heat wave and its impact on politics and infrastructure. Bob Iger’s challenging tenure at Disney and growing labor disputes in Hollywood are analyzed, alongside Tesla's innovative Cybertruck amidst industry pressures. Vance shares insights on the modern space race, highlighting advancements in satellite technology and the necessity for global cooperation to tackle climate change.

29 snips
Jul 14, 2023 • 1h 12min
Zuck's Second Chance, Lina Khan's Losing Streak, and More
Hosts delve into the intriguing rise of Threads, questioning if Zuckerberg can redeem himself amidst tech rivalries. The ongoing strikes in Hollywood get a light-hearted yet serious examination, spotlighting the entertainment industry's evolution. They tackle the FTC's antitrust failures and the implications for big tech, while also highlighting Taylor Swift's latest success in the music realm. A debate ensues over the future of nuclear energy, touching on listener perspectives, as they wrap up with a look at Trump's legal troubles and the shifting media landscape.

39 snips
Jul 11, 2023 • 47min
Tesla’s Chargers, The Writers’ Strike, and What Global Policies Will Save the World
The discussion kicks off with Tesla's plans to standardize its charging network, stirring potential FTC scrutiny. There's a dive into how writers are fighting for better control over their intellectual property amid an evolving digital landscape. The hosts also tackle the critical need for global policies to address climate change and technology's impact on society. With reflections on community spaces and storytelling's evolution, the conversation reveals the intersections between creativity, technology, and the future of collaboration.

22 snips
Jul 7, 2023 • 58min
Meta’s Threads, and A Major First Amendment Ruling
A federal judge's ruling sparks a debate on the First Amendment and its implications for social media and government communication. Meanwhile, Apple's astonishing $3 trillion valuation raises questions about wealth distribution and market dynamics. Tensions between the U.S. and China escalate over export restrictions on critical minerals crucial for tech. Meta's Threads bursts onto the scene, garnering millions of users and intensifying the competition with Twitter, all while challenging privacy norms and corporate influence.

24 snips
Jul 4, 2023 • 54min
The Economy, the Media, and Fatherhood — with Kai Ryssdal
Kai Ryssdal shares fresh insights on the economy, highlighting the alarming surge in billionaires and wealth inequality. He reflects on masculinity's changing narratives while tackling the media's evolving landscape. As technology shifts, he emphasizes the value of human skills amidst AI advancements. Personal anecdotes on fatherhood reveal his commitment to nurturing relationships and open communication. The conversation also touches on the political climate, exploring age, connection, and the importance of staying engaged in both family and societal discussions.

19 snips
Jun 30, 2023 • 1h
Psychedelics in Silicon Valley, and Restrictions on AI Chip Exports
The discussion kicks off with potential changes in social media as Trump may return to Twitter. Psychedelics are becoming a cultural staple in Silicon Valley, raising questions about mental health and misuse. The hosts also tackle the US's consideration of AI chip export restrictions to China, mixing national security with tech competition. Vanna White's contract negotiations highlight ongoing gender pay disparities. Finally, there’s a deep dive into how local governments can attract and retain talent in a competitive job market.


