

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 1, 2020 • 57min
Walmart wants to buy TikTok, Amazon unveils its fitness tracker, and Kara and Scott catchup on the big stories of August
Kara and Scott reunite to discuss Walmart's ambitious bid, teaming up with Microsoft to acquire TikTok. They explore Amazon's new fitness tracker, Halo, and its implications for health and data privacy. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they dissect Tesla's stock dynamics and the evolving role of tech titans. With personal anecdotes and lighthearted banter, they also delve into the impact of geopolitical events on U.S.-China relations and reflect on the legacy of Chadwick Boseman.

Aug 30, 2020 • 55min
Pivot Schooled #2: The New Generation of Innovators, with Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar and investor Rana Yared
In this lively discussion, Sarah Friar, CEO of Nextdoor, shares her insights on community engagement and the vital role of local moderators in fostering healthy neighborhood interactions. Rana Yared, a general partner at Balderton Capital, discusses the shift from traditional finance to a burgeoning tech landscape, especially in Europe. They explore how the pandemic has catalyzed innovation across sectors, including healthcare, and tackle the challenges of misinformation in a digital age. Expect intriguing predictions and the impact of tech monopolies!

Aug 28, 2020 • 48min
Kevin Mayer exits TikTok, Palantir’s scorching S-1, and a listener mail question about cable news with Baratunde Thurston
Baratunde Thurston, a talented writer, activist, and comedian, fills in as co-host and unleashes his keen insights. He and Kara dissect the significant exit of TikTok's CEO, Kevin Mayer, and delve into Palantir's controversial S-1 filing that casts shadows on Silicon Valley. The duo tackles listener questions on cable news, critiquing its shift towards opinion and sensationalism, while emphasizing the need for responsible journalism. Baratunde also shares predictions about the grief and challenges our society will face in the coming months.

Aug 25, 2020 • 55min
Mark Zuckerberg and Tik Tok, Friend of Pivot Maureen Dowd on the digital Conventions and… Baratunde Thurston’s Wins and Fails
Join Baratunde Thurston, a dynamic comedian and podcast host, and Maureen Dowd, a sharp political commentator from the New York Times, as they tackle today's hottest topics. They dive into the intrigue of the upcoming Digital Republican National Convention and the implications of celebrity endorsements. The duo doesn't shy away from discussing Mark Zuckerberg’s TikTok fears amid his controversies, and they even weigh in on Steve Bannon's legal woes. Plus, Baratunde shares his hilarious wins and fails, including a sneaker story that you won’t want to miss!

Aug 24, 2020 • 53min
Pivot Schooled #1: Media's Overnight Chaos, with TikTok's Vanessa Pappas and Columbia University's Emily Bell
In this engaging discussion, Vanessa Pappas, General Manager of TikTok North America, shares insights on the platform's rapid growth amid political scrutiny and the challenges of misinformation. Emily Bell, Director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, dives into the shifting media landscape, stressing the importance of a reliable information ecosystem. Together, they tackle TikTok's unique community dynamics and the implications of corporate media acquisitions, all while navigating the chaotic intersection of technology and journalism.

Aug 21, 2020 • 53min
Lyft and Uber consider franchising, Apple becomes the first $2 trillion company and a listener mail question about social distancing with Aminatou Sow
Aminatou Sow, author of 'Big Friendship' and co-host of 'Call Your Girlfriend', joins to delve into pressing tech and social issues. They explore the implications of Apple achieving a $2 trillion valuation amid economic inequality. The conversation shifts to the struggles of ride-share companies like Lyft and Uber in California. A listener’s question about navigating social distancing brings forth thoughtful insights on maintaining relationships during the pandemic. Aminatou also humorously tackles the idea of filling Trump's shadow cabinet.

Aug 18, 2020 • 53min
Epic Games challenges Google and Apple, guest host Aminatou Sow on keeping the post office public, and Friend of Pivot Mary Trump on her uncle Donald
Aminatou Sow, author of "Big Friendship" and co-host of "Call Your Girlfriend," brings her sharp insights as they discuss Epic Games' legal battle with Apple and Google over monopolistic practices in app distribution. The conversation turns to the challenges facing the Postal Service, with ideas on how to keep it public. Joining them, Mary Trump, author of "Too Much and Never Enough," shares her unique perspective on her uncle Donald, providing a captivating glimpse into family dynamics amidst political chaos.

Aug 14, 2020 • 53min
Uber threatens to shutdown app over AB5, Airbnb's surprise IPO and a listener mail question about WFH with Andrew Ross Sorkin
Join Andrew Ross Sorkin, a New York Times columnist and CNBC anchor, as he delves into the heated topic of Uber's potential app shutdown over California's AB5 law. He also discusses Airbnb's sudden IPO amidst economic uncertainty. Listener questions spark a lively debate on the future of remote work and evolving company cultures. Predictions about the Biden-Harris administration highlight possible cabinet members, blending serious insights with a touch of humor!

Aug 11, 2020 • 1h 2min
Trump’s executive order on TikTok & WeChat, Friend of Pivot Jennifer Palmieri about women in politics, and guest host Andrew Ross Sorkin on a billionaire tax
In this engaging discussion, guest host Andrew Ross Sorkin, a New York Times columnist and CNBC anchor, tackles Trump's executive orders on TikTok and WeChat and what they mean for U.S.-China tech relations. Jennifer Palmieri, former communications director for Hillary Clinton and author of "She Proclaims," highlights the challenges women face in politics and the recent push for greater representation. They also dive into Bernie Sanders' bold proposal for taxing pandemic profiteers, sparking a conversation about wealth and social justice.

Aug 7, 2020 • 45min
Disney+ pioneers at-home movie premieres and Facebook signs a lease in Manhattan, with guest host Stephanie Ruhle
Stephanie Ruhle, MSNBC anchor and NBC News senior business correspondent, takes the helm with sharp insights on Disney's bold move to offer big-budget rentals on its streaming platform. The conversation dives into Facebook's new Manhattan lease and its implications for NYC's post-pandemic recovery. Listener responses reveal public anxieties during these turbulent times, while Ruhle shares her political forecasts for the upcoming elections, weaving together business, entertainment, and societal shifts in a compelling narrative.


