Pivot

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a New York Times columnist and Squawk Box host, brings insights on the Oscars' rebranding and its cultural implications. He discusses Uber's recent earnings call, humorously critiquing corporate jargon and the idea of 'yoga babble.' Sorkin also dives into Instagram's evolution towards becoming a 'Super App,' merging e-commerce with social media. The conversation touches on creator monetization and the challenges faced by traditional media platforms in adapting to modern audiences.

The hosts delve into the chaotic technological failures during the Iowa caucus and debate whether Sheryl Sandberg’s engagement was a savvy PR move or a genuine moment. They explore One Medical's IPO and how tech-driven healthcare could disrupt the industry. Spotify's acquisition of The Ringer is celebrated, while Casper's IPO is critiqued. In bold predictions, one host speculates about Tesla launching its own cryptocurrency within the next few years. Expect lively discussions and insights on the intersection of tech, politics, and healthcare!

IBM's leadership sees a shake-up as the company aims to catch up in cloud computing. The hosts analyze Zuckerberg's new approach to social media, alongside Amazon's recent earnings that highlight its market dominance. Jon Lovett drops in to share insights on Trump's looming ad campaign, emphasizing the importance of messaging in upcoming elections. As they reflect on wins and fails, they also question Jeff Bezos' dating choices amid a defamation lawsuit involving his girlfriend's brother, adding a touch of intrigue to the mix.

The U.S. budget deficit is projected to surpass $1 trillion, raising alarms about economic stability. Major tech earnings are dissected, with Apple shining while others falter. Britain’s unexpected allyship with Huawei presents intriguing geopolitical dynamics. Meanwhile, social media’s accountability takes center stage, with discussions on Facebook's oversight board and labor law violations by Chipotle. Plus, predictions about Uber’s future and the competitive landscape of delivery services keep the conversation lively.

Kara and Scott return with playful banter and insightful discussions. They reflect on Kobe Bryant's tragic death and its media repercussions. The duo tackles the fallout of WeWork on co-working spaces, exploring how companies are recalibrating their strategies. They also delve into YouTube's new requirements for moderators, addressing serious implications for mental health. Joining them is Brooke Hammerling, who dishes on the week's biggest pop culture moments, ensuring there's a fun quiz segment too!

Scott and Erica dive into the cybersecurity breach involving Jeff Bezos and Saudi hacking. They discuss Amazon's immense influence, likening it to a nation's power. Bezos' $1 billion investment in India sparks debate on its potential impact and the local resistance Amazon faces. Meanwhile, they analyze Netflix's struggle against Disney+ and predict disappointing earnings for Uber, contrasting it with a positive outlook for Facebook's profits. The conversation blends corporate dynamics with playful banter, making for an engaging listen.

The discussion dives into Google joining the trillion-dollar club and questions who truly bears the tax burden. Tensions rise as they weigh in on the significance of corporate accountability, especially in light of high-profile figures like Elizabeth Warren. An intriguing interview reveals how The Black List champions diverse narratives in Hollywood, critiquing the lack of representation during major award ceremonies. The conversation also tackles the impact of tech giants on storytelling and the evolving landscape of media as podcasting competes with traditional radio.

Kara and Scott dive into a heated debate about government hacking into suspects' phones, sparking questions on privacy versus security. They discuss the NSA's surprising transparency with Microsoft, which Scott sees as a savvy move. Ethical responsibilities in tech education come under scrutiny as they answer a listener's query. Kara praises Speaker Pelosi, while critiquing dating apps for selling personal data. Scott makes bold predictions for 2020, adding a layer of intrigue to their lively banter.

The discussion tackles Casper's potential public offering, drawing parallels with other internet retail giants. A heated rant unfolds about Softbank's struggles, particularly with OYO's massive layoffs. Olivia Nuzzi shares insights on the power dynamics between Congress and Twitter in reigning in Trump. The exit of Alphabet's legal head amid misconduct allegations adds another layer of intrigue. Plus, there's a surprise pop quiz on Norwegian cuisine that brings some lighthearted fun to the mix!

Kara and Scott dive into Facebook's controversial choice not to change ad policies while tackling the complexities of misinformation and deepfakes. They respond to a listener from Australia about tech's role in natural disasters. A critical look at CES highlights its failings, including the invitation of Ivanka Trump. Scott shares predictions about the future of cyber attacks, addressing the urgent need for accountability from tech companies in the face of climate change.