Pivot

New York Magazine
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Jul 16, 2021 • 41min

Big banks' quarterly earnings and economic recovery, and a prediction on space SPACs

Dive into the world of big banks as quarterly earnings suggest a potential economic recovery. Hear about the ambitious $3.5 trillion budget deal from Senate Democrats and its implications. Get insights on how Apple is competing in the niche search market. Plus, Scott makes a bold prediction about the future of space SPACs, and lively discussions ensue about the dynamics of the housing market and the effects of digital currencies. Tune in for playful banter and community engagement!
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Jul 13, 2021 • 56min

Regulators are cracking down on tech, and Friends of Pivot Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang on Facebook's leadership

Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang, New York Times journalists and co-authors of "An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook’s Battle for Domination," dive into Facebook's leadership challenges amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. They discuss Mark Zuckerberg's control and the internal dynamics shaped by misinformation and accountability. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of corporate domination, U.S.-China tech regulations, and the urgent need for effective legislation in the digital age.
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Jul 9, 2021 • 57min

Q2 Quarterly Review: The State of the World According to Pivot

The podcast dives into a comedic personal story involving synchronized swimming and drug tests. It reviews the past two quarters, highlighting key wins and fails in tackling major global challenges. Discussions include the impact of social media on misinformation and political polarization, as well as evolving job markets and tech shifts. The speakers assess previous predictions, analyze corporate mergers, and explore the dynamics of labor and streaming strategies. Lively banter keeps the conversation engaging while unpacking serious societal issues.
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Jul 2, 2021 • 56min

Facebook FTC antitrust case thrown out and Amazon vs. Lina Khan

A Federal judge recently dismissed the FTC's antitrust case against Facebook, stirring up discussions on regulatory actions in tech. The hosts delve into Amazon's push for FTC Chair Lina Khan to recuse herself amidst ongoing antitrust scrutiny. Listeners hear about young workers stepping away from corporate jobs, reflecting a broader shift in workforce dynamics. Key insights on the implications of tech monopolies and the trends in entrepreneurship highlight the changing landscape of both business and policy.
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Jun 29, 2021 • 56min

Toyota's GOP contributions, BuzzFeed's SPAC and a Friend of Pivot from Microsoft

Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, joins the conversation for an insightful discussion. They tackle Toyota's extensive GOP contributions and the ethical implications for corporations. The conversation shifts to BuzzFeed's SPAC ambitions, exploring the digital media landscape's evolution. Yusuf shares perspectives on the cultural transformations at Microsoft, touching on Windows 11 and its impact on remote work and creative collaborations. The dialogue blends industry insights with personal anecdotes, making for an engaging listen.
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Jun 25, 2021 • 55min

House Judiciary Committee antitrust bills, Microsoft hits $2 trillion, and a prediction on the future of social media

A deep dive into the House's proposed antitrust bills reveals the tensions surrounding big tech regulation. Microsoft celebrates its staggering $2 trillion market cap, joining the elite ranks of tech victors. Climate change vs. Covid-19 costs stir heated listener debate, and predictions point to fresh players emerging as the tech landscape shifts. Amid serious discussions, humor about celebrity culture and quirky anecdotes keeps it light, blending business insights with entertaining commentary.
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Jun 22, 2021 • 1h 12min

American Airlines cancellations, Bitcoin mining bans, and Friend of Pivot Chuck Todd

In this conversation with Chuck Todd, NBC News Political Director and host of Meet the Press, they dive deep into the future of news streaming. Todd discusses how major media companies are responding to evolving digital landscapes and the shift towards documentary-style content. They also tackle the implications of the SEC's new climate change regulations and China's Bitcoin mining ban. With keen insights, Todd offers a glimpse into the changing dynamics of media and politics in today's world.
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Jun 18, 2021 • 1h 9min

Amazon's worker problem, Andreessen Horowitz's new website and a prediction about inflation

Dive into the troubling worker conditions at Amazon and the contrasting philanthropic efforts of Mackenzie Scott and Jeff Bezos. Explore the rise of a new content platform by Andreessen Horowitz and its implications for unbiased journalism. The conversation also tackles the shifting landscape of corporate workspaces, the challenges of remote work, and the outlook on inflation affecting market trends. Expect humorous anecdotes mixed with serious discussions on tech monopolies, AI's rapid evolution, and the future of media.
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Jun 15, 2021 • 1h 5min

Apple vs. the Trump Administration, CEO compensation broke records during COVID, and Friend of Pivot Caleb Scharf on space exploration 8:18

In a captivating conversation, Caleb Scharf, the Director of Astrobiology at Columbia University, shares insights about space exploration and UFO sightings. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches over speculative theories. The discussion also dives into the ethics of billionaire space travel and the widening pay gap between CEOs and employees during the pandemic. Scharf challenges perceptions of space travel, questioning the real value of missions to Mars amidst pressing societal issues.
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Jun 11, 2021 • 56min

Billionaires and the tax code, Facebook smartwatch and a listener mail question on children's screen time

A deep dive into the scandalous findings that America’s billionaires dodge taxes, revealing a stark critique of the U.S. tax system. The hosts also explore Facebook’s upcoming smartwatch, questioning its place in a market led by giants like Apple. Discussions about children’s screen time ignite a debate on digital parenting, balancing guidance with independence. Listeners are treated to humor and personal anecdotes, making complex issues relatable and engaging.

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