

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

Mar 17, 2020 • 55min
The private/public partnership to stop Covid-19, Facebook’s board sees more shakeups, and Kara’s brother Dr. Jeff Swisher on hospitals prepping for coronavirus
Dr. Jeff Swisher, a doctor in San Francisco, shares valuable insights on how hospitals are bracing for the inevitable influx of coronavirus cases. He discusses the unique challenges of triage decisions and the crucial role of effective communication during this crisis. Kara and Scott delve into public/private partnerships formed to tackle misinformation and resource allocation, while also addressing shifts in leadership at Facebook. A personal account from someone quarantined in Milan adds an emotional layer to the conversation.

Mar 13, 2020 • 37min
Tech in the time of COVID-19, Congressional antitrust hearing and Google Search, PLUS a listener asks: could Amazon Care roll out COVID-19 tests?
Dive into the intersection of tech and public health, exploring how technology could aid in combating COVID-19. Hear insights from Ron Klain on the critical need for testing and the delays in rollout. Discuss the recent Congressional antitrust hearing, with Yelp's concerns about Google's biased search results. Tune in for a listener query about Amazon Care and its potential COVID-19 testing services, earning a big thumbs up. Plus, discover engaging tips for professors transitioning to online teaching.

Mar 10, 2020 • 52min
Twitter’s new board, Silicon Valley vs. Washington’s approach to COVID-19, and Aminatou Sow joins to discuss women in leadership
Aminatou Sow, a podcast host and author known for her work on 'Big Friendship' and her tech background at Google, shares her insights on women in leadership. She discusses the overlooked challenges women face, especially during International Women's Day. The conversation also dives into how big tech addresses gig-worker safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting it with governmental approaches. Additionally, the hosts critique misinformation in media and its impact on public perception, underlining the need for systemic change.

Mar 6, 2020 • 58min
Fed cuts interest rates (and banks lobby for deregulation), Facebook’s Libra fades… Dorsey’s next move and moments of happiness
The hosts dive into the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts and the banking sector's push for deregulation amidst the pandemic's economic impact. They dissect the struggles of Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency and its redesigns, reflecting on broader challenges faced by the crypto market. An intriguing listener mail segment reveals insights into data privacy issues with online therapy apps. The conversation ventures into predictions about Jack Dorsey’s future with Twitter, sparking lively disagreements, all while sprinkling in personal moments of happiness.

Mar 3, 2020 • 54min
S&P hits a low, Jack Dorsey faces activist investors at Twitter and election technology — Kevin Roose joins to discuss
In this discussion, tech reporter Kevin Roose from The New York Times dives into the world of election technology, highlighting the vulnerabilities of electronic voting systems. He questions whether we should stick with traditional paper ballots ahead of Super Tuesday. The talk also touches on the challenges of engaging younger voters with mobile voting. Meanwhile, the hosts reflect on Jack Dorsey's pressures at Twitter from activist investors and what that means for the company's future amidst market fluctuations.

Feb 28, 2020 • 56min
Bob Iger exits — what’s going on at Disney? The stock market takes a coronavirus hit. PLUS Is “coffee” a disruptable industry?
Bob Iger's sudden exit from Disney raises questions about the company's future leadership. The stock market faces turmoil due to the coronavirus, leading to insights on which companies may thrive, like Peloton. Panera's new coffee subscription model sparks excitement for its innovative business approach. The conversation touches on the challenges facing food delivery services and the evolving political landscape, particularly regarding the pandemic's management. A light-hearted wrap-up includes predictions about upcoming political shifts and the joys of creativity amidst family absence.

Feb 25, 2020 • 59min
Coronavirus hits the global supply chain, the demise of at-home-trading and updates on the Saudi infiltration of Twitter
In this discussion, guest Matt Frieman, an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland specializing in microbiology and emerging coronaviruses, sheds light on the global impact of COVID-19. He delves into how the virus is influencing supply chains, and the urgent need for effective public health measures. The hosts also explore Bernie Sanders' political victory in Nevada, Morgan Stanley's acquisition of E*Trade, and troubling incidents of foreign infiltration at Twitter, raising concerns over data security and the evolving investment landscape.

Feb 21, 2020 • 44min
The debate after the debate (Kara and Scott assess Nevada), Bezos and Buffet: who is the “better” billionaire and a big prediction on Zoom
Kara and Scott dive into the Nevada debate fallout, assessing how candidates can better market themselves. They compare the philanthropic approaches of Warren Buffet and Jeff Bezos, including Bezos' hefty pledge to combat climate change. With a keen eye on future trends, Scott predicts Zoom's stock will soar due to the ongoing work-from-home movement. The duo blends humor and insight as they tackle these pressing topics, making for an engaging discussion on politics and billionaires' influence.

Feb 18, 2020 • 58min
The EU takes on AI, the US vs. Huawei continues, Airbnb is in the red, and a Friend of Pivot on your children’s data privacy
Jim Steyer, a bestselling author and Stanford professor, dives into the critical topic of children's data privacy in the digital age. He highlights the risks kids face on social media and calls for delayed exposure to its influences. The conversation also criticizes current U.S. regulations, specifically Section 230, advocating for stronger protections for young users. Moreover, the discussion touches on the broader implications of tech regulations in the EU and the evolving landscape of child safety amidst rapid technological advancements.

Feb 14, 2020 • 54min
Amazon pays taxes (and fights for JEDI), SoftBank gains on Sprint and what ClassPass tells us about the fitness economy
The conversation centers on Amazon's minimal tax payments while it battles the government over JEDI contracts. They also discuss Google's recent executive departures and the implications for corporate culture. The conversation shifts to ClassPass, examining its billion-dollar valuation and its impact on the fitness economy. Tensions between traditional gyms and at-home fitness solutions are highlighted, alongside regulatory concerns in the tech industry. Predictions about potential Facebook bans in India add an intriguing twist to the discussion.


