Squawk Pod

Christopher Mayle, co-founder of the Autism Impact Fund, invests in life-sciences, diagnostics, services and behavioral health for the neurodiverse community. He discusses the fund’s $150M first close, the need for early capital and better diagnostics, advances in therapeutics and AI, and scaling housing, employment and value-based care to support lifelong independence.

Firas Maksad, Eurasia Group MENA director and geopolitical analyst, unpacks timelines and tipping points in the Iran campaign and energy supply chains. Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor and author on happiness, explores why meaning is harder to find today and shares simple daily routines to restore focus and joy. They discuss geopolitics, oil-price mechanics, and habits that shape a more meaningful life.

A massive $122 billion funding round for OpenAI and what that means for AI investing. Cathie Wood on integrating AI into funds and developer-driven innovation. Tensions in the Middle East and risks around the Strait of Hormuz. A biotech IPO surge tied to new oral hair-loss treatments and the science behind sustained-release minoxidil.

Warren Buffett, longtime investor and Berkshire Hathaway chair known as the Oracle of Omaha, reflects on life after stepping down and reviving his charity lunch with the Currys. He talks about staying involved in investments, huge cash and T‑bill holdings, views on Apple and Occidental, risks in banking and private credit, U.S. economic strengths, Middle East energy implications, and philanthropy timing.

John Pistole, former TSA chief, on airport security, staffing and privatization possibilities. Steven Fulop, Partnership for New York City leader, on how tax changes could affect employers and revenue. Robert Frank, CNBC wealth reporter, on billionaire migration and Sanders’ tax-the-rich rally. Dan Murphy, CNBC Middle East correspondent, on widening conflict and regional risks.

Ben Miller, Fundrise CEO who opened retail access to private tech through the Innovation Fund. Dave Evans, co-founder of Stanford Life Design Lab and former Apple exec who wrote How to Live a Meaningful Life. They discuss the Fundrise IPO volatility and democratizing access to private AI firms. They also explore life design ideas like JOMO, radical acceptance, and choosing meaningful career and family paths.

Alex Sherman, CNBC reporter covering MLB and media who files from Citi Field. Senator John Fetterman, U.S. senator from Pennsylvania who explains his DHS votes and national security stance. James Quincey, outgoing Coca-Cola CEO who reflects on transforming the company into a total beverage firm. They discuss MLB opening day and labor pressures, Quincey’s succession and digital/AI shift, and the DHS funding standoff on Capitol Hill.

Raúl Torrez, New Mexico Attorney General who led the state's case against Meta, explains the jury verdict and next legal steps. Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator from California and co-author of the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act, outlines concerns about unregulated prediction markets. John Curtis, U.S. Senator from Utah and co-author, joins as a bipartisan voice on regulation and DHS funding negotiations. They cover prediction market bans, DHS funding fights, and Meta’s liability.

Ira Robbins, CEO of Valley National Bank, on small- and midmarket lending, loan pipelines, and liquidity pressures. Victoria Coates, former deputy national security advisor, on Iran’s political chaos, U.S. coordination with Israel, and secure information access for Iranians. They discuss Middle East military options, Strait of Hormuz transit risks, Asia’s LNG supply strains, and private credit redemption concerns.

Dan Murphy, CNBC reporter in Dubai covering Gulf reactions. Richard Goldberg, former White House national security official on countering Iranian WMDs. Mohamed El‑Erian, market strategist and Allianz advisor. They discuss sudden market moves after a presidential post, claims of talks with Iran and a delayed strike window, military objectives and what remains to be done, and Gulf states’ shifting security stance.