Pivot

Casey Newton, a Verge contributing editor and founder of the Platformer newsletter, brings sharp insights into the intersection of big tech and democracy. He delves into the potential misuse of Afghan data by the Taliban and discusses how social media manages pro-Taliban accounts. The conversation shifts to Facebook's new VR meeting app, Horizon Workrooms, questioning whether it will catch on with workers. Lastly, the ethics of Fox News mandating employee vaccination reporting sparks a thought-provoking debate on privacy and corporate responsibility.

Ben Smith, a journalist with the New York Times, shares insights on Afghanistan's tumultuous fall to the Taliban and its implications for news coverage. He highlights the challenges faced by the Biden administration in the aftermath. Joining him is Julie K. Brown, an award-winning investigative journalist famous for her work on the Epstein case. She discusses her revealing reporting, addressing the ethical dilemmas of media and justice. Together, they navigate the evolving landscape of both international affairs and the complexities of high-profile scandals.

Baratunde Thurston, an insightful author and commentator, joins the discussion to dissect the latest political absurdities. He humorously imagines the price tag for a Rudy Giuliani Cameo, while Kara critiques the politicization of vaccines. They dive into new census data and its impact on voting demographics. Baratunde predicts a shift in the auto industry toward electric vehicles, and Kara reveals what she'd do with Jeff Bezos' wealth, blending satire with serious societal commentary.

Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney and now a prominent podcaster, shares insights into the controversial investigation surrounding Andrew Cuomo. Joining him is Alexander Vindman, retired Lt. Col. and key impeachment witness, who discusses the life-changing call with Ukraine's president detailed in his new book. The conversation also dives into the contentious vaccine mandate debate, Apple's child safety measures versus privacy concerns, and the implications of ongoing political maneuvers influenced by Trumpism.

George Conway, an attorney and Washington Post columnist, joins the discussion to tackle pressing political and legal issues. He dives into the fallout from Andrew Cuomo’s mounting harassment allegations and the potential impact on public accountability. Conway also dissects the chaotic state of the airline industry post-pandemic, highlighting societal challenges and unruly passenger behavior. Furthermore, he examines Trump's tumultuous last days in office and raises questions about social media's role in free speech versus regulation.

Stephanie Ruhle hosts a lively discussion featuring Pulitzer winners Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. They delve into Hollywood's changing dynamics, spotlighting Scarlett Johansson and Amanda Knox's bold critiques of the industry. The conversation shifts to corporate vaccine mandates, exploring their potential impact on public health and consumer behavior. Leonnig and Rucker also share insights from their book on Trump's final year and speculate on his political future, highlighting his enduring influence on the Republican Party.

A lively discussion tackles Instagram's new teen safety features and why they took so long to implement. The hosts dive into the impressive profits of Big Tech and their potential impacts. You'll hear about the decline of Clubhouse and the challenges it faces in the competitive audio landscape. As they analyze the Capitol insurrection hearing, they share insights on investing strategies, including diversification and market dynamics. Plus, expect some humorous travel banter and a touching farewell as a host prepares for a month-long vacation.

Eliot Brown, Wall Street Journal reporter and co-author of 'The Cult of We,' joins to unpack the twists of the WeWork saga, highlighting how Adam Neumann’s charm attracted big money before it all fell apart. The discussion also covers the precarious state of the Tokyo Olympics, affected by rising COVID fears and dwindling star power. Additionally, they tackle the urgent issue of vaccine misinformation on social media and the importance of responsible digital discourse in today’s charged environment.

The conversation dives into Jack Dorsey's ambitious vision of Bitcoin as a pathway to world peace. It critiques the media's focus on extravagant billionaires while essential issues like climate change and social media censorship simmer beneath the surface. The alarming revelations from the Pegasus spyware scandal raise questions about privacy in our tech-driven lives. Lastly, a listener's burning query about retirement amidst climate doom sparks reflections on financial responsibility and hopeful prospects for the future.

Paxton Smith, a valedictorian known for her viral speech against Texas's abortion law, joins the discussion. She passionately shares her insights on the impact of youth activism and social media's role in amplifying critical issues. The conversation also tackles the Biden administration's accusations against China regarding cyberattacks, highlighting the precarious relationship between the two nations. As these pressing topics unfold, listeners are encouraged to reflect on personal commitments to social justice and informed discourse.