On with Kara Swisher

Dr. Zeke Emanuel, an oncologist and bioethicist who helped shape the Affordable Care Act, shares insights from his latest book. He argues that the obsession with longevity often overshadows meaningful living. Emanuel critiques wellness fads for complicating healthy habits and emphasizes the importance of social relationships. He discusses the balance of moderate drinking, the risks of smoking and vaccine hesitancy, and proposes sensible nutrition, urging people to embrace simple joys—like eating ice cream—while maintaining health.

Ro Khanna, a U.S. Representative from California and former Obama official known for his focus on technology policy and economic justice, discusses pressing issues like the dire conditions in ICE facilities after his visit. He advocates for the full release of Epstein files, linking elite impunity to the erosion of trust in authority. Khanna also addresses a proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires, urging economic independence for Democrats as they prepare for upcoming elections. Ambitiously eyeing a future presidential run, he emphasizes accountability and bipartisan collaboration.

Imran Ahmed, Founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, tackles online hate and disinformation. He shares how he became a target of the Trump administration and Elon Musk for aligning tech accountability with individual rights. The conversation dives into disinformation during the pandemic, the challenges tech companies face in balancing moderation, and the implications of AI harm. Imran argues for transparency and accountability, while also detailing the pressing legal battles he faces to continue his advocacy work.

David Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times, Luisa Palacios, an energy finance expert, and Alejandro Velasco, a historian of Venezuelan politics, delve into the aftermath of Maduro's arrest. They explore the motivations behind the U.S. action, assess the feasibility of controlling Venezuela without ground troops, and unravel the implications for everyday Venezuelans. The guests also discuss the intertwined history of U.S. interests in Venezuelan oil and the potential risks of occupation, while reflecting on the broader consequences for American credibility in global politics.

Isaac Chotiner, a staff writer for The New Yorker, is known as the 'interview assassin' for his confrontational questioning style that unveils truths from prominent figures. He discusses his preparation for tough interviews and shares insights from his viral Q&As with Karine Jean-Pierre and Cass Sunstein. Chotiner also explores the fine line between opinion and neutral questioning, the dynamics of declining access to guests, and reflects on the important stories shaping the political landscape for 2026.

Vlad Tenev, Co-founder and CEO of Robinhood, shares insights on the evolution of prediction markets, describing them as 'truth machines' that provide reliable forecasts. He elaborates on the integration of tokenization in retail finance and its potential to reshape access to global assets. Vlad also discusses the challenges of balancing market integrity with democratization, while emphasizing the company's vision to become a financial super app. Additionally, he reflects on personalizing contracts, digital responsibility, and enhancing engagement in earnings calls.

In a fascinating discussion, Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora and a pioneer of self-driving cars, teams up with Johnathon Ehsani, a road safety researcher from Johns Hopkins. They explore the rapid evolution of driverless semi-trucks and their implications for road safety and the economy. Urmson shares insights on current deployments and the challenges of public perception, while Ehsani emphasizes the importance of demonstrating safety benefits. Together, they navigate the future of autonomous trucking, addressing job impacts and the need for effective regulations.

The discussion kicks off with U.S. pressure mounting on Venezuela, examining the geopolitical motivations and implications of military buildup. They delve into the controversial decision to export advanced AI chips to China, balancing economic factors with national security concerns. A Red Team/Blue Team exercise unfolds, pitting advice for Ukraine against Russia regarding a potential peace deal, unpacking the complexities of each side's motivations. Expect a mix of strategic insights and spirited debate on critical global issues!

Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and Puck co-founder, joins tech experts Casey Newton, Joanna Stern, and Charlie Warzel to dissect the chaotic tech landscape of 2025. They tackle the rising AI bubble and economic disruption, while exploring the impact of Trump on the tech industry. Key topics include TikTok's ownership shuffle, the implications of Musk's antics, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies like home robots and disinformation on social media. The group shares predictions for 2026, hinting at a turbulent future ahead.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, leads the charge in AI and autonomous vehicles, showcasing how AI powers Uber’s pricing, routing, and deliveries. He emphasizes the potential of robotaxis and debates the future of human driving, suggesting society might opt for safer AVs over humans. Their discussion covers city planning for equity, risks of job displacement, and the urgent need for environmental progress with EV adoption. He also touches on Uber’s collaborations with other AV manufacturers and the transformative impact on urban mobility.