

On with Kara Swisher
Vox Media
It's on. Twice a week, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher gets to the heart of the story through no-holds-barred interviews with power players across business, tech, media, politics and beyond. So why do her guests show up? “Smart people,” says Kara, “like difficult questions.”Mondays and Thursdays from New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 10, 2022 • 1h 2min
How Donald Trump Helped the Democrats
Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, a Democracy reporter for The Washington Post focusing on Arizona, joins Tia Mitchell from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering Georgia, and Chris Potter of WESA FM, discussing Pennsylvania. They analyze the surprising midterm election outcomes, exploring how key issues like abortion and election denial shaped voter turnout. The trio delves into the internal struggles of state GOPs, the impact of Donald Trump, and the rising importance of local journalism in navigating political misinformation. Tune in for insights from these seasoned political reporters!

4 snips
Nov 7, 2022 • 56min
How John King Gets Ready for Election Night
John King, a seasoned CNN political reporter, shares insights into the high-pressure world of election night coverage. He discusses how he preps for the iconic 'Magic Wall' and the strategies for making crucial election calls. The conversation dives into the impact of misinformation on social media, adaptability during unpredictable voting trends, and the pressures of transparent reporting. King also reflects on the importance of integrity in elections amidst a divided political landscape.

14 snips
Nov 3, 2022 • 55min
Kara on Elon and John Legend on Kanye (and More!)
This week’s guest is John Legend, the multi-award-winning artist and social justice champion. He reflects on his friendship with Kanye West and its unraveling due to antisemitism. John also dives into how TikTok has transformed the music scene, affecting artists' power. He emphasizes his commitment to political activism, expressing concern for the future without any plans to run for office. Meanwhile, Kara passionately critiques Elon Musk’s recent Twitter moves, making her frustration with social media clear as the conversation unfolds.

4 snips
Oct 31, 2022 • 54min
Matt Levine on Elon Musk: Chief Twit & “Meme Lord”
In this discussion, Matt Levine, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and creator of the 'MoneyStuff' newsletter, dives into Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter. He speculates on Musk's vision for the platform and how his engineering background might reshape its future. The conversation touches on potential shifts in content moderation, the ramifications for free speech, and even the possibility of reinstating previously banned users like Trump. Levine also examines the financial challenges facing Twitter, alongside the market dynamics affecting its next steps.

Oct 27, 2022 • 60min
Frank Luntz, Rick Wilson and Sarah Longwell on Donald Trump and the Midterms
Join veteran pollster Frank Luntz, Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson, and Republican strategist Sarah Longwell as they dissect the looming midterm elections. They discuss Trump's considerable impact on the Republican Party and the electoral landscape. The trio debates whether the party can distance itself from MAGA, tackling topics like election integrity and the rise of influential figures like Elon Musk in politics. They also explore the challenges Republican candidates face in a polarized environment and the evolving voter demographics that could sway outcomes.

Oct 25, 2022 • 1h 7min
Twitter Spaces On: WTF is Happening in the UK and the World
Jonathan Freedland, a British journalist and author, discusses the political chaos in the UK with the rise of Rishi Sunak and the influence of Rupert Murdoch. Joined by Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, they dive into the disturbing uptick in anti-Semitism and hate speech, fueled by popular figures like Kanye West. They also reflect on Freedland's poignant book about a Holocaust escapee and the pressing need for accountability in social media to combat such rhetoric.

11 snips
Oct 24, 2022 • 52min
The Economy Stinks, and Dr. Doom is Not Hopeful
Nouriel Roubini, known as "Dr. Doom," is an NYU professor and hedge fund consultant famed for predicting the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses his new book, highlighting dire forecasts of a stagflationary debt crisis and the flaws of cryptocurrency, which he likens to primitive technology. He also analyzes the rising tensions between the US and China under Xi Jinping's leadership and explores the precarious global economy influenced by ongoing crises. In addition, the conversation touches on the challenges facing women in high-ranking tech positions.

36 snips
Oct 20, 2022 • 1h 3min
Airbnb’s CEO on Nomadic Life, Loneliness… and Cleaning Fees
Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, discusses navigating challenges like the pandemic, layoffs, and the importance of flexibility in remote work. He opens up about personal loneliness and how it contrasts with professional success. The conversation also tackles the mystery behind Airbnb's cleaning fees and how economic downturns can spark innovation. Additionally, they dive into the impact of digital connections on relationships and the nuances of modern dating, blending personal anecdotes with insightful commentary.

Oct 19, 2022 • 50min
Twitter Spaces On: Elon, Elon, Elon … and Trump
In a lively discussion, William Cohan, journalist and founding partner of Puck, and Scott Galloway, business professor and co-host of Pivot, dissect the impact of Elon Musk's controversial Twitter acquisition. They delve into the financial fallout and challenges of free speech amid instability. With critical insights on Tesla and SpaceX, they debate Musk's evolving public perception. The conversation also touches on the potential return of Trump to Twitter and the broader implications of celebrity ownership in social media.

15 snips
Oct 17, 2022 • 1h 1min
The Billionaire Who Took America Online
In this engaging conversation, Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and author of "Rise of the Rest," reflects on the internet's evolution since the 1990s. He shares insights from his book, emphasizing the potential for entrepreneurship to flourish outside major tech hubs. Case and Kara discuss the disparities in venture capital distribution and propose solutions for fostering innovation in underserved communities. They also examine the challenges faced by tech companies today and consider ways to bridge the growing political divides affecting economic growth.


