

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 20, 2019 • 47min
Uber is 'disruptive and drunk', weWork is 'just drunk', and Pivot turns 1!
The hosts celebrate their 1st anniversary with humorous reflections and a look back at memorable moments. They analyze the fallout from WeWork's failed IPO and discuss Amazon's self-serving algorithm. A witty critique emerges on Facebook's new 'Supreme Court' and its questionable effectiveness. Political missteps, including Trudeau's controversy, spark a lively debate. The duo tackles the tension between established brands and Amazon's market practices, all while maintaining a playful banter that keeps listeners entertained.

Sep 18, 2019 • 28min
'I love Amazon. Let's break it up'
At a live conference, the conversation dives into the call to break up Amazon, highlighting which segments should be spun off first. It examines the power imbalance that sellers face and critiques Amazon's impact on innovation and retail dynamics, especially for smaller businesses. The speakers also explore the potential consequences of Amazon's market dominance and advocate for regulatory measures to ensure healthy competition. The discussion wraps up with a compelling case for dismantling Amazon to unlock value and foster a more balanced economy.

Sep 13, 2019 • 57min
LIVE! From the Lesbians Who Tech Summit
Join the lively banter from the Lesbians Who Tech Summit, where Kara and Scott dive into tech and politics with a twist! They tackle the antitrust probe into Google, proclaiming it a win for accountability. The discussion shifts to augmented reality glasses, with conflicting views on their future. Highlights include Kara cheering Chrissy Teigen’s Twitter showdown with Trump and Scott celebrating California's gig worker protections. Plus, they field questions on making tech a more inclusive space for the LGBTQ community. It's all fun and thought-provoking!

Sep 6, 2019 • 43min
Is Uber super f*cked? Let’s ask “Super Pumped” author Mike Isaac
Mike Isaac, a New York Times reporter and author of "Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber," dives into the chaotic ride-sharing drama surrounding Uber. He discusses the company's complicated history and current financial struggles, addressing labor issues and future profitability. Isaac doesn't hold back on critiquing Twitter's security slip, while also sharing bold predictions about WeWork's fate. The chat takes a fascinating turn as they explore Walmart's progressive stance on gun control, reflecting on corporate influence in societal issues.

Aug 30, 2019 • 45min
Peloton “sells happiness” and bedbugs take over Twitter
Dive into the world of Peloton, where the debate rages on whether it's a luxury gimmick or a true wellness innovation. Discover Facebook's latest moves to keep pace with Snapchat and TikTok. Hear Kara lament over journalists who can't take a joke and Scott's controversial Tesla opinions. Plus, a peek behind the curtain on Scott's prediction process—complete with a cheeky Magic-8 ball reference. Throw in a sprinkle of bedbug buzz and you've got a captivating blend of tech, fitness, and cultural commentary!

Aug 23, 2019 • 42min
DoorDash is still stealing tips. And is Tesla for sale?
In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle Trump’s influence on foreign policy via Twitter and the intriguing rumor of Tesla being acquired by Volkswagen. They express outrage over DoorDash's ongoing practice of pilfering tips from delivery workers, emphasizing its implications. The conversation takes a playful turn as Scott dreams of purchasing Uzbekistan. Lastly, they speculate on Spotify's potential foray into the hardware market, pondering the future of audio innovation.

Aug 21, 2019 • 1h 10min
LIVE! From NYC it's Kara and Scott
Kara and Scott dive into the recent shifts in corporate missions, touching on the Business Roundtable's new focus on stakeholders. They blend humor with social commentary, reflecting on vacation stories and public transport absurdities. The conversation moves to the gig economy and the growing income gap, as well as the pressing need for accountability in big tech regulation. They examine the complex dynamics of modern politics and corporate governance while engaging the audience with playful banter and insights on future events.

Aug 16, 2019 • 49min
Sharks, WeWork & Tumblr's tumble from grace
Join the lively banter about the quirky rise in shark sightings that mirrors the precariousness of WeWork's financial future. Delve into Tumblr's rocky decline and the ethical dilemmas tied to tech acquisitions. Discover Nike's innovative subscription service, which aims to simplify shoe shopping for growing kids. The conversation also touches on the impact of trade wars on the tech industry and Raj Chetty's insightful research on income inequality, sparking a blend of humor and serious reflections on societal challenges.

Aug 9, 2019 • 38min
Hate on 8chan and why Scott's not quitting Equinox
Kara and Scott tackle the fallout from Cloudfare dropping 8chan due to its ties to hate speech and domestic terrorism. They debate consumer ethics regarding SoulCycle and Equinox's connections to the Trump campaign, with Scott resisting the urge to quit Equinox. The conversation shifts to Facebook's rebranding strategy for WhatsApp and Instagram, along with insights into credit card fraud. Scott shares his excitement about Apple's new titanium card while predicting a bright future for The RealReal's stock.

Aug 2, 2019 • 32min
Facebook wants to read your mind. What could possibly go wrong?
The hosts dive into the controversial implications of Facebook's brain-reading technology. They explore the recent earnings of tech giants Amazon and Apple while reflecting on the rise of wearables. Transparency in tech, especially regarding their ties to ICE, sparks an engaging discussion. Amidst predictions, one host humorously advises against the rise of fake bacon. Personal anecdotes and insights on political discourse add depth, showcasing the intersection of technology and society.


