

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

May 4, 2021 • 1h 13min
Apple and Epic go to trial and Friend of Pivot Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a prominent advocate for antitrust reform, joins the conversation to discuss the ongoing trial between Apple and Epic Games. They dive into the implications of monopolistic practices in the tech world and the critical need for legislative changes. Klobuchar also shares her insights on how public perception shapes competition policy and highlights the challenges of corporate lobbying. The discussion is both insightful and sprinkled with humor, reflecting on her career in a male-dominated political landscape.

Apr 30, 2021 • 56min
Trouble at Basecamp, Bezos fights for the moon, and a listener question about dating apps
Controversy abounds at Basecamp as the company enforces a ban on political discussions, sparking employee backlash. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos is pushing NASA to reconsider its Moon mission contract with SpaceX. A listener poses an intriguing question about dating apps, with insights on Bumble's IPO and the industry's future. Plus, Scott speculates on potential legal troubles looming for Elon Musk after his SNL guest spot. Get ready for a blend of tech, corporate rivalries, and modern dating dynamics!

Apr 27, 2021 • 1h 4min
CEO wealth surge, Apple/Facebook tensions heat up, and Friend of Pivot DoorDash COO Christopher Payne
Christopher Payne, COO of DoorDash, shares insights on the company's innovative pricing model and recent lawsuit settlement. The discussion highlights the pandemic-driven surge in CEO wealth versus stagnant worker salaries, drawing attention to income inequality. Tensions between tech giants Apple and Facebook over ad tracking are also explored, alongside DoorDash's efforts to empower restaurants through adjusted fees and delivery partnerships. Payne emphasizes the changing landscape of food delivery as consumer expectations evolve.

Apr 23, 2021 • 58min
Apple's podcast play, Netflix's rough quarter, and a listener mail on crypto's carbon footprint
Exciting shifts in the podcasting landscape come to light with Apple's new features and premium subscriptions, raising questions for competitors like Spotify. Netflix faces challenges as subscriptions decline, prompting discussions on future strategies in content creation. Listener concerns about cryptocurrency's environmental impact are also addressed, diving into the complexities of its energy consumption and sustainability debates. Expect a mix of industry insights and light-hearted banter throughout!

Apr 20, 2021 • 1h 11min
Facebook gets into audio, WeWork's SPAC, and Friend of Pivot Preet Bharara
Join Preet Bharara, former US attorney and host of 'Stay Tuned with Preet', as he dives into the legal complexities surrounding current events. The conversation heats up with insights on Facebook's venture into audio and its implications for creators. They also dissect WeWork's tumultuous journey towards a SPAC merger and reflect on the legal ramifications of high-profile cases involving WeWork and Trump. With a blend of humor and serious analysis, Bharara brings a unique perspective on the intersection of law and technology.

Apr 16, 2021 • 48min
The crypto-surge, Bernie Madoff's dark legacy, and a question on Russia slowing Twitter
The discussion kicks off with the recent surge in cryptocurrencies, highlighting the buzz around Bitcoin and Dogecoin. There's a deep dive into Bernie Madoff's dark legacy, including chilling insights from an interview with him. The conversation shifts to Russia's strategic maneuvers regarding Twitter, raising questions about government oversight of social media. Finally, there's a lean into predictions for Alibaba and the broader implications of cryptocurrencies on national stability.

Apr 13, 2021 • 1h 4min
Amazon union defeat, Alibaba’s antitrust fine, and Walter Isaacson on CRISPR
Walter Isaacson, best-selling author of biographies like those of Steve Jobs and Leonardo da Vinci, joins the conversation to discuss his new book, "Code Breaker." They delve into the recent unionization failure at Amazon, reflecting on the challenges workers face. The talk also highlights Alibaba's massive antitrust fine and its unexpected benefits for the company. Additionally, Isaacson shares insights into CRISPR technology, exploring its ethical dilemmas and the societal impact of genetic editing.

Apr 9, 2021 • 1h 3min
Twitch's new guidelines, YouTube's video violations, and a prediction on LG's handset company
Kara and Scott delve into Twitch's new guidelines aimed at curbing hate speech, ensuring a safer streaming environment. They explore YouTube's introduction of a metric that tracks video removal rates for violations. A listener's question leads to a lively discussion about the future of marijuana stocks. Scott makes an intriguing prediction about LG's mobile division, speculating on potential buyers. The conversations blend tech insights with humor and personal anecdotes, offering an engaging take on current digital trends.

Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 15min
Global corporate tax, Facebook's data breach and a Friend of Pivot on "cancel culture"
John McWhorter, a Columbia linguistics professor and Atlantic contributor, joins the conversation to dissect the intricate dynamics of cancel culture versus accountability. He challenges the oversimplification of narratives and critiques the infantilization of society's responses to issues. The discussion delves into the impact of cancel culture on academic discourse and the need for a balanced dialogue. Additionally, they examine Janet Yellen's proposed global corporate tax and the implications of Facebook's ongoing data breach crises, blending insights with sharp commentary.

Apr 2, 2021 • 52min
Big Tech military contracts, Compass's IPO, and President Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan
Big Tech is stepping into the military realm, raising ethical concerns among employees. The hosts dissect Compass's role in real estate tech and its struggles against traditional valuations. A $2 trillion infrastructure plan from President Biden garners excitement, while a clever April Fools' prank adds a playful twist to the discussion. Expect insights on corporate accountability, the rise of digital consumerism, and predictions on market dynamics—all served with humor and candid personal anecdotes.


