

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

Sep 29, 2020 • 56min
Trump’s tax returns, Amazon’s home drone, and NYSE President Stacey Cunningham on upcoming IPOs
Stacey Cunningham, the President of the New York Stock Exchange, dives into the shifting landscape of IPOs and the role of market makers in enhancing public trading. She highlights the transition from traditional listings to SPACs and direct listings, addressing disparities in market representation. The conversation also touches on the evolving dynamics of public markets amid changing investor access, demonstrating the need for education in today’s financial world. It's an insightful look at how the exchange adapts in a rapidly transforming economic landscape.

Sep 25, 2020 • 1h 1min
Tesla’s “Battery Day”, the DOJ prepares for Google, and Scott’s prediction on “algorithmic e-commerce”
The discussion kicks off with Tesla's ambitious plans for a gas-vehicle-free California by 2035. Antitrust concerns heat up as the DOJ gears up to challenge Google's market dominance. The podcast also dives into differing political perspectives on data privacy emerging from the upcoming election. Scott speculates on a potential game-changing collaboration between TikTok and Walmart, all while analyzing the new wave of algorithmic commerce. It's a lively mix of tech, politics, and the future of retail!

Sep 22, 2020 • 55min
TikTok deal gets a presidential blessing, friend of Pivot Julia Angwin's internet Blacklight, and RIP RBG
Julia Angwin, founder and editor-in-chief of The Markup, joins the discussion to unravel the intricacies of TikTok's new deal and its presidential endorsement. She introduces Blacklight, a fascinating tool that reveals the unsettling data practices of the websites we visit, shedding light on tech's invasive nature. The conversation also touches on Palantir's market strategies and ethical concerns surrounding its partnerships with government entities. The episode artfully balances humor and serious implications regarding data privacy and women's rights in the workplace.

Sep 20, 2020 • 1h 20min
Pivot Schooled #5: The Psychology of Recovery, with Recode co-founder Walt Mossberg, Howard University's Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, and Los Angeles Superintendent Austin Beutner
Join Walt Mossberg, co-founder of Recode; Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, president of Howard University; and Austin Beutner, superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District, as they dive into the intricate relationship between recovery from COVID-19 and education. They discuss the long-term effects of the pandemic on K-12 and higher education, addressing challenges like the digital divide and financial barriers for students. Insights on innovative teaching, community engagement, and the future of online education make this a thought-provoking conversation!

Sep 18, 2020 • 53min
“The Apple “Rundle” is anemic, the California brain drain (California’s exodus) and a prediction on Palantir’s direct listing
The hosts dive into Apple's strategic shift towards fitness subscriptions, critiquing its value proposition. They discuss the celebrity Instagram boycott against misinformation and its impact on social media accountability. California's identity struggles amid climate challenges and housing issues are analyzed. Plus, predictions about Palantir's direct listing highlight its financial hurdles and competition. A blend of humor and insightful discussions keeps the dialogue engaging.

Sep 15, 2020 • 58min
Oracle wins Tik Tok, the future of AI chips, and Friend of Pivot Alex Stamos deep dives on TikTok privacy
In a riveting discussion, Alex Stamos, Director of the Stanford Internet Observatory and former head of security for Facebook, explores the risky partnership between Oracle and TikTok, shedding light on data privacy concerns. Stamos navigates the intricate web of TikTok's addictive algorithm and the challenges of regulating misinformation. The episode also covers Nvidia's strategic acquisition in AI chips, raising significant questions about the tech landscape and its influences on security and consumer trust.

Sep 13, 2020 • 1h 16min
Pivot Schooled #4: The Big Four, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Columbia University's Tim Wu
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, discusses the company's societal impact, its ongoing disputes with Epic Games, and his vision for America's tech future. Tim Wu, a Columbia University professor, examines antitrust issues and critiques China’s lead in tech policies while explaining Facebook's legal challenges. Casey Newton from The Verge dives into TikTok's acquisition debates and the spread of misinformation on social media, all wrapped up with humor about the tech giants' growing influence during the pandemic.

Sep 11, 2020 • 52min
Apple vs. Epic battle escalates, GOP’s Section 230 legislation, and a listener question on Chipotle conscious consumerism
The legal showdown between Apple and Epic Games takes center stage, revealing its implications for tech and consumer rights. Republican Senators propose changes to Section 230, stirring up conversation about content regulation. A listener digs into the ethics of consumerism, specifically questioning Chipotle's practices. Meanwhile, predictions about Shopify's market position and insights into the fashion industry's sustainability practices offer a fresh perspective on retail and consumer responsibility.

Sep 8, 2020 • 1h 16min
Pivot Schooled #3: The Sharing Capitalists, with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Gig Workers Collective co-founder Vanessa Bain
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, shares insights on the gig economy's challenges, particularly around worker classification and the implications of Proposition 22. Vanessa Bain, co-founder of the Gig Workers Collective, advocates for gig workers’ rights, emphasizing the need for better protections amid evolving labor laws. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on gig work, the push for unionization, and the importance of balancing flexibility with employee-like benefits, all while navigating a shifting economic landscape.

Sep 4, 2020 • 54min
Facebook's Russia problem (pt.2), Zoom's soaring market cap, and a prediction on Shopify
The discussion dives into Russian election interference on major social media platforms, raising questions about accountability and ethics. Zoom’s rapid revenue growth captures attention, exploring strategies for managing newfound power. A listener from Australia prompts a fascinating debate on a proposed law requiring tech giants to share ad revenue with publishers. In predictions, there's excitement about potential big spending from Shopify, all while contemplating the shifting dynamics of retail and e-commerce.


