Squawk Pod

Becky Quick shares her personal journey as a mother of a child with a rare genetic disease. The challenges faced by families navigating the complexities of rare diseases are highlighted. Delve into the emotional impact of losing typical childhood milestones and the long diagnostic journey. Discover the unique biology of SYNGAP1, the personal triumphs of their daughter Kaylee, and the urgent need for awareness and funding in this arena. The discussion advocates for community action and highlights a new initiative aimed at supporting families affected by rare diseases.

Eamon Javers, a CNBC reporter specializing in foreign policy, and Brian Sullivan, a CNBC anchor with energy insights, dive into the implications of Venezuela's oil flow to the U.S., revealing that sanctioned oil will be sold indefinitely. They discuss the intricate details of the arrangement and its impact on American banks. Jacob Soboroff, an MSN anchor and author, shares his personal tale following the Los Angeles fires and the challenges of recovery, including housing issues and labor shortages. Together, they explore the intersection of geopolitics and community resilience.

Jeff Landry, the Governor of Louisiana and U.S. special envoy to Greenland, delves into the renewed relevance of the Monroe Doctrine and its implications for modern geopolitics. He emphasizes a business-oriented approach to Greenland, focusing on economic opportunities over territorial disputes. Joining him is Daniel Osorio, an investor and founder of Andean Capital Advisors, who analyzes the Venezuelan migration crisis and the potential of oil markets in the region. They also discuss how crypto adoption in Venezuela is becoming essential amid economic turmoil.

Jay Clayton, former SEC Chair and U.S. Attorney, shares insights on the legal proceedings against Nicolás Maduro, emphasizing the complex history dating back to 2011. He discusses drug trafficking as a national security threat, revealing the strategic implications of prosecution. Meanwhile, Mark Lazarus, CEO of Versant, unveils the company’s fresh start on NASDAQ, outlining ambitious plans for digital expansion and acquisitions. The conversation highlights the intersection of international law and media strategy as both guests navigate high-stakes discussions.

Stocks are on the move with Chevron and Exxon rising following the capture of Venezuelan leader Maduro. Airlines scramble to accommodate stranded Caribbean travelers. Interest rate cuts might not be imminent, according to Philadelphia's Fed president. Tesla faces challenges after falling short of delivery goals. Meanwhile, the latest 'Avatar' film continues to dominate the box office, sparking discussions on its performances and potential awards.

Bill Shufelt, Co-founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing, dives into the booming world of non-alcoholic beer. He discusses the impressive growth of the category and Athletic Brewing's unique offerings, highlighting their 12 styles of NA beers and innovative mocktails. Bill taps into the 'sober-curious' trend, noting how health-conscious consumers are reshaping the beverage market. He also shares insights on nutrition-focused innovations and the company’s plans for retail expansion, making NA drinks more mainstream and socially accepted.

Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, shares his urgent insights on the looming job apocalypse driven by AI automation and promotes corporate responsibility in reskilling displaced workers. Meanwhile, Bill Simon, former CEO of Walmart U.S., analyzes the retail landscape, highlighting winners like Dollar General while strategizing for 2026. Their discussions provide a compelling look into how AI and retail dynamics will shape the future as 2025 wraps up.

Dan Ives, a leading technology analyst at Wedbush Securities, discusses his top AI stock picks for 2026, spotlighting significant names like Microsoft and Tesla. He highlights the impact of NVIDIA chips and Apple’s consumer AI strategies. Meanwhile, Courtney Reagan dives into the rising personalization in retail returns, exploring how AI shapes return policies and logistics. They also touch on California's proposed wealth tax, examining its potential effects on Silicon Valley and entrepreneurship.

In this discussion, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC contributor and CEO of MCC Global, investigates the deep-rooted issues behind Venezuela's political crisis, touching on drug trafficking, oil mismanagement, and the international implications of the mass exodus. Bradley Tusk, founder of Tusk Ventures, dives into the complexities of AI regulation, exploring the energy demands associated with data centers and his innovative ideas for sustainable solutions. Together, they unveil the intricate web of geopolitical and technological challenges shaping today's world.

In this engaging discussion, happiness expert Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and author, shares how generosity and family ties are essential to finding true happiness. He emphasizes five money strategies to enhance joy, including investing in experiences and meaningful giving. Retail analyst Michael Zakkour reveals interesting trends from the holiday shopping season, detailing how a shorter timeframe impacted consumer behavior and identifying luxury and budget winners. The conversation seamlessly blends insights on spending and emotional well-being.