On with Kara Swisher

Bobbi Brown, the visionary founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and now Jones Road, shares her journey from pioneering natural beauty to reinventing herself in her 60s. She discusses her exit from Estée Lauder and the challenges of a non-compete clause, emphasizing resilience in starting anew. Bobbi also explores the beauty industry's shift to social media and the importance of authenticity. With her new brand, she targets inclusivity and minimalism, aiming to help women of all ages embrace their natural beauty.

Christopher Eisgruber, President of Princeton University and constitutional scholar, dives into the complexities of free speech on campuses. He discusses his book, terms of respect, highlighting the challenges universities face under recent political pressures. Eisgruber emphasizes the need for robust academic freedom while critiquing the impact of social media on cancel culture. He also warns about the long-term effects of hostile government policies on higher education and advocates for constructive dialogue amidst polarization. His insights shed light on the future of academic discourse.

Sen. Tina Smith, a U.S. Senator from Minnesota and former lieutenant governor, opens up about her surprising decision to retire early after just one term. She tackles pressing issues, including the looming government shutdown and the alarming rise of political violence, marked by the tragic assassination of her colleague. Smith emphasizes the need for Democrats to adopt clearer strategies and highlights the importance of encouraging younger leaders to step up and reshape the party's future in challenging times.

In this poignant discussion, Matt and Maria Raine share their heartbreaking account of their son Adam's interactions with ChatGPT, which they allege contributed to his suicidal thoughts. Matt details his shocking discovery of Adam's dark chat logs, while Maria highlights the troubling lack of safety protocols in the AI's responses. Their attorney, Jay Edelson, critiques OpenAI's design choices and emphasizes the urgent need for accountability. Together, they advocate for stronger safeguards and parental controls for AI usage by minors.

Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and a rising star in the Democratic party, discusses challenges facing the party as he weighs a 2028 presidential run. He addresses the complexities of Biden's 2024 candidacy and the evolving stance on Gaza. Buttigieg critiques political violence and social media's role in radicalization, and offers insights on gerrymandering. He also shares thoughts on the future of the party, emerging leaders, and the importance of rebuilding trust in American institutions after Trump.

Join Joe Manchin, former U.S. Senator and centrist icon, as he discusses his new memoir, 'Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense.' Manchin delves into his unorthodox voting record and reasons for leaving the Democratic Party. He reflects on the dangers of political polarization and how bipartisan relationships used to foster compromise. The conversation touches on the filibuster as a protection against hurried legislation, the challenges facing independents, and why a centrist movement may hold promise for future elections.

Sayash Kapoor, co-author of "AI Snake Oil" and Substack writer, Rajeev Kapur, CEO of 1105 Media and author of "AI Made Simple," and futurist Amy Webb tackle pressing AI questions. They discuss how AI reshapes business without displacing jobs and emphasize the need for critical thinking in tech integration. Vibe coding, the balance between trust and privacy, and ethical considerations in AI are explored, alongside strategies for young professionals entering the workforce. Listeners leave with insights on adapting to the AI revolution.

Cristobal Valenzuela, Co-founder and CEO of Runway AI, discusses how AI-generated videos are revolutionizing storytelling, making it accessible to aspiring filmmakers. He highlights the dual nature of this technology, capable of creating both innovative films and concerning deepfakes. The conversation dives into Runway's strategies to stand out against tech giants and the ethical responsibilities tied to AI in the film industry. Valenzuela also emphasizes the importance of keeping creativity at the heart of filmmaking while managing the challenges that come with AI adoption.

In this engaging discussion, historian Jill Lepore, a New Yorker staff writer and Harvard professor, sheds light on her latest book about the U.S. Constitution. She argues that while the amendment process was a radical innovation, it has become nearly unchangeable, impacting today's political climate. Lepore critiques originalism, discusses the challenges posed by Trump’s rhetoric, and emphasizes the importance of public involvement in constitutional governance. The conversation navigates historical compromises and the growing significance of the 14th Amendment in modern America.

John Malone, the influential Chairman of Liberty Media and cable industry pioneer, shares his journey from engineer to media mogul. He discusses the evolution of cable television and how he navigated its challenges. Malone dives into the hot topics of liberal media bias, the impact of Trump's political narrative, and the necessity for regulating Big Tech. He critiques CNN’s approach and contrasts it with companies like Fox News, all while advocating for a balanced media landscape amidst changing viewer preferences.