

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

Dec 28, 2021 • 57min
2021: Pivot's Year In Review
Dive into the tumultuous events of 2021, including the Capitol insurrection and its impact on political accountability. Discover how social media grappled with misinformation and political content, particularly after the insurrection. Explore the rise of cryptocurrency, highlighted by Tesla's Bitcoin decisions and El Salvador's bold move. Reflect on the shifting dynamics of remote work and significant labor movements. The speakers share humorous insights on 2021's wild news and look forward to what the next year may bring.

Dec 24, 2021 • 1h 9min
Guest Episode: Decoder with Nilay Patel: Why the future of work is the future of travel, with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky shares his unconventional approach to company management, emphasizing a single-team structure that contrasts with typical corporate hierarchies. He discusses the company's evolution post-pandemic, highlighting improved relationships with cities and regulators. Chesky delves into the impact of digital trends like cryptocurrency and the metaverse on travel. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning to a public company, addressing the importance of community partnerships and creative collaborations in enhancing user experience.

Dec 21, 2021 • 51min
BFFs: The Best of Kara and Scott 2021
Reflecting on a year of friendship, the hosts share hilarious banter and personal anecdotes that highlight their dynamic relationship. They discuss celebrity endorsements, blending humor with insights on authenticity in creative pursuits. Amusing tales from their Miami trip and parenting quirks lead to relatable conversations. With a lighthearted spin, they touch on the complexities of social media and self-image, all while keeping the mood fun and entertaining. Their chemistry shines through every laugh and heartfelt moment.

Dec 17, 2021 • 46min
End of Year Listener Mail Bag
The hosts dive into listener questions about responsible gambling and the future of urban transportation, speculating on the impact of tech advancements. They discuss the ethical implications of leadership decisions at Facebook and explore cultural perspectives on tech regulation. The effects of rankings on industries like education and gambling addiction are examined, alongside alternatives to traditional college education. Their reflections on kindness in leadership and humorous anecdotes about balancing life wrap up a thought-provoking discussion.

Dec 14, 2021 • 1h 6min
Pivot Predictions Special: 2022
The hosts and guests dive into bold predictions for 2022 across key areas like the Metaverse, tech regulation, and workforce recovery. The conversation touches on China’s influence in tech, the societal implications of VR, and the cultural impact of figures like Elon Musk. Humor shines through as they banter about boy bands and pop culture, offering a blend of insightful forecasts and personal stories. As they reflect on the future of entertainment and technology, the anticipation builds for what’s to come, especially in animation and streaming.

Dec 10, 2021 • 51min
Apple’s Secret China Deal, Buzzfeed’s Mild Disaster, and Newspapers Strike Back
A massive AWS outage and Tim Cook's diplomatic maneuvers with China highlight the tech world's unpredictability. BuzzFeed's stock launch raises questions about media's future. The hosts reflect on the struggles of traditional newspapers grappling with digital giants. Amidst tech drama, they humorously predict Twitter's next owner. The interplay of corporate interests and political tensions steers captivating discussions, while personal anecdotes add a relatable flair.

Dec 7, 2021 • 1h 9min
Twitter’s Reorg, Comedians v. Spotify, and Friends of Pivot Charlie Warzel and Anne Helen Peterson
Charlie Warzel, a reporter and co-author of "Out of Office," alongside Anne Helen Peterson, dives into the evolving landscape of remote work. They discuss the post-pandemic shift in work dynamics and the need for flexible schedules to enhance well-being. The conversation also touches on Twitter's organizational changes and the creative tensions between comedians and streaming platforms over royalties. Their insights reflect on the challenges and opportunities within modern work environments, advocating for improved compensation and understanding of burnout.

Dec 3, 2021 • 50min
Twitter’s New Anti-Harassment Policy, Chris Cuomo’s Suspension, and Stacey Abrams is Running for Governor
The hosts dive into Twitter's new anti-harassment policy and the fallout from Chris Cuomo's suspension at CNN. They discuss Stacey Abrams' run for Governor in Georgia and how she's addressing voter mobilization amidst tough laws. Insights on Meta's acquisition of Giphy highlight competition in social media. The complexities of leadership decisions at Twitter reveal stark contrasts with its more successful peers. Predictions on the futures of Tesla and SpaceX create a buzz, blending business with a touch of humor.

Nov 30, 2021 • 1h 15min
Jack Dorsey steps down from Twitter, Omicron’s Impact, and Friend of Pivot, John McWhorter
In this engaging discussion, John McWhorter, a Columbia University linguistics professor and author of "Woke Racism," unpacks the complexities of language and race in contemporary society. He addresses the implications of cancel culture and advocates for a more centrist approach to societal discussions. The conversation also dives into Jack Dorsey's resignation from Twitter, shedding light on its potential impacts on company culture and accountability. Throughout, the hosts tackle the Omicron variant's global response and the future of social media in shaping discourse.

Nov 23, 2021 • 58min
Build Back Better Passes in the House, Amazon’s Exposed Customer Data, and the Holmes Trial's Surprise Witness
Kara and Scott dive into the recent passing of a crucial infrastructure bill, dissecting its implications for renewable energy and family welfare. They also shine a spotlight on Amazon's troubling customer data exposure. In a twist, Elizabeth Holmes testifies in her trial, revealing intriguing defense strategies. The discussion doesn't shy away from the shifting dynamics in companies like Apple, particularly regarding back-to-office mandates, and the complexities of philanthropy from leaders like Jeff Bezos and McKenzie Scott.


