Squawk Pod

After the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania testified on Capitol Hill this week, UPenn President Elizabeth Magill’s comments sparked backlash among the public and one of her colleagues. Concerns that university presidents are equivocating on the issue of condemning antisemitism on their campuses has prompted a nationwide debate over the role of academia and the business of higher education. President of Brandeis University Ron Liebowitz says, there’s no gray area in creating safe spaces to learn, at least for him. The November jobs report delivered some welcome economic news for the Federal Reserve, ahead of the central bank’s two-day meeting next week. Plus, CNBC’s Diana Olick is on the ground at COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference, and CNBC’s Robert Frank fact checks the great wealth migration: New York has not lost all its millionaires. Ron Liebowitz - 14:02 Diana Olick - 23:42 Robert Frank - 27:43 In this episode: Ron Liebowitz, @BrandeisU Diana Olick @DianaOlick Robert Frank, @robtfrank Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) discusses her concerns about cryptocurrency, after big bank CEOs appeared before Congress this week. It turns out, Sen. Warren and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon agree on the dangers of bitcoin. JetBlue and Spirit await the fate of their proposed merger. Columbia Law School Professor and former advisor in the Biden administration Tim Wu explains his perspective on airline consolidation: it isn’t great for consumers. In an op-ed in The New York Times, Wu concludes that M&A in the airspace often leads to higher prices for the same experience. The fourth Republican Presidential debate took place in Alabama on Wednesday, but only four of the candidates participated. Plus, Time Magazine has named Taylor Swift its Person of the Year. CNBC’s Jon Fortt explains why that decision does and doesn’t make sense. Sen. Elizabeth Warren - 15:34 Tim Wu - 34:42 In this episode: Elizabeth Warren, @SenWarren Jon Fortt, @jonfortt Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Bitcoin is building on its upward momentum. Robinhood co-founder and CEO Vlad Tenev discusses the 75% increase in crypto trading volume from October to November, what’s behind the crypto rally, and how the Federal Reserve’s decisions play out for retail investors. Former Congresswoman and ‘Oath and Honor’ author Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) discusses the 2024 presidential election, her efforts to prevent a Donald Trump reelection, and the state of her own party, the GOP. Plus, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley raised over $500,000 at a massive fundraiser in New York on Monday, and Elon Musk has filed for $1B in equity for his AI startup, X.AI. Liz Cheney - 11:29 Vlad Tenev - 27:20 In this episode: Liz Cheney, @Liz_Cheney Vlad Tenev, @vladtenev Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Bitcoin hit $42,000 for the first time in over 19 months; crypto investor and bitcoin bull Anthony Pompliano discusses the asset’s rise, regulatory tailwinds for the U.S. crypto companies, and the crypto community’s worldview on central banks and stores of value. In a thoughtful discussion, author, Harvard professor, The Atlantic contributing writer and fellow podcaster Arthur Brooks considers the toll America’s polarizing political climate is taking on the average citizen’s happiness. As tensions rise in Washington and on college campuses, Brooks explains how America’s current approach to community hurts us, more than helps. Plus, today’s headlines: Moody’s cut China’s credit outlook, CVS is changing how it prices prescription drugs, Take-Two Interactive’s stock tumbled after a trailer of the newest Grand Theft Auto game was leaked on X, and voters are gearing up for another Republican Presidential debate this week. Arthur Brooks - 12:17 Anthony Pompliano - 21:55 In this episode: Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Anthony Pompliano, @APompliano Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

After Fed Chair Jay Powell’s comments on Friday, investors are hopeful that the Federal Reserve is done hiking interest rates, and the interest rate environment has led to highs in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, gold prices, and bitcoin. Restaurateur Cameron Mitchell shares his consumer’s spending habits in the inflationary environment, including new trends in how Americans are dining out. Plus, Israeli forces announced an expansion of ground attacks against Hamas in Gaza, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi military group attacked commercial vessels in the Red Sea, and the US Senate is in the midst of heated negotiations to pass aid packages to Israel and Ukraine. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) explains his perspective on Washington’s priorities, balancing geopolitical obligations of emergency aid in warzones and domestic goals like border security. Sen. Roger Marshall - 13:20 Cameron Mitchell - 22:13 In this episode: Sen. Roger Marshall, @RogerMarshallMD Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

He was irreverent, he was focused, he was one of the world’s most successful investors. And he was one of a kind. Billionaire investor Charlie Munger - the longtime right-hand man and close friend of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett - died at age 99, a few weeks shy of what would have been his 100th birthday.. Becky Quick, Squawk Box co-host, interviewed Munger two weeks before his death. She traveled to his home in Los Angeles for a discussion on how to live a long life, pragmatic investing and the stunning advancements of the last century. This would be their final conversation. Charlie Munger: These ‘basic rules’ made me successful in life—‘with Warren Buffett, I had all 3’ Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger The Warren Buffett Archive Revisit our 2021 Squawk Pod series, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger: A Wealth of Wisdom Read more about Charlie Munger’s legacy: Charlie Munger, investing genius and Warren Buffett’s right-hand man, dies at age 99 Munger in final interview describes how he and Buffett turned Berkshire Hathaway into such a success How Munger and Buffett’s 60-year partnership was so special: ‘Charlie and I have never had an argument’ Charlie Munger’s sharp wit turned Berkshire meetings into uproarious affairs A ‘true master of investing:’ Top value investor on how Charlie Munger changed the craft Charlie Munger’s greatest bits of investing advice from over the years The investing world reacts to death of Berkshire legend Charlie Munger Follow Becky Quick on X: @beckyquick Squawk Pod is produced by Katie Kramer, Cameron Costa, Karoline Rouhotas and Zach Vallese. CNBC’s Managing Editor is Lacy O’Toole. John Lazration edited this podcast series.

“I’m an accidental guru.” This is the second episode of a series remembering and celebrating billionaire investor Charlie Munger. At age 99, the right-hand man to Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett sat down with Becky Quick in what became their last interview together - after years of Becky covering the company and facilitating shareholder questions at the raucous Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meetings. Munger passed away two weeks after this interview was recorded, just a month shy of his 100th birthday. In this extended audio version of that final CNBC interview, Charlie Munger reflects on his century of life, the childhood traumas that shaped him, the investing wins and losses that made his career, and the perspective and knowledge he gained in his final years. Follow Becky Quick on X: @beckyquick Squawk Pod is produced by Katie Kramer, Cameron Costa, Karoline Rouhotas and Zach Vallese. CNBC’s Managing Editor is Lacy O’Toole. John Lazration edited this podcast series.

Chris Krebs, cybersecurity expert and former CISA Director, explains the online threats from China, Russia, and others, as the 2024 election draws nearer. As respiratory illnesses surge in Ohio and in China, Dr. Kavita Patel, Stanford University Professor of Medicine and former White House official, discusses the global health surveillance system set in place since the Covid-19 pandemic. Plus, the temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War has ended. Other headlines today: Tesla’s Cybertrucks are out for delivery (finally), X’s ad executive Linda Yaccarino is speaking to advertisers in the aftermath of Elon Musk’s “x-pletive,” Disney is gearing up for a proxy fight with Nelson Peltz’s Trian, and PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan opened up to Andrew Ross Sorkin about his mental health at this year’s NYT DealBook Summit. Dr. Kavita Patel - 18:45 Chris Krebs - 24:26 In this episode: Dr. Kavita Patel, @kavitapmd Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Elon Musk’s interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin at the NYT DealBook Summit has gone viral, in part thanks to Musk’s message to advertisers pulling their ad spend from his platform: “Go f— yourself.” In a wide-ranging interview, the X owner and Tesla CEO apologizes for the post on X, FKA Twitter, responding to an antisemitic post. He discusses his own mental health, his trip to Israel, his original vision for OpenAI when he co-founded and named it, and so much more. Andrew Ross Sorkin recaps the highlights of that interview with Becky Quick and Joe Kernen. Plus, former House Speaker Paul Ryan is not holding back. He says he doesn’t want former President Donald Trump to return to the White House, and he calls Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley a “growth stock.” For more of Andrew’s conversations at The New York Times DealBook Summit, check out NYT’s full coverage. Paul Ryan - 16:38 In this episode: Elon Musk, @elonmusk Paul Ryan, @SpeakerRyan Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Academy Award-winning producer and bestselling author Brian Grazer is out with a new book, “A Curious Mind Expanded: The Secret to a Bigger Life.” The creative behind “A Beautiful Mind,” “Apollo 13, “Arrested Development,” and “The DaVinci Code,” among others, weighs in on Hollywood’s strikes, AI in art, and the ways he keeps his mind curious and growing. Two Federal Reserve governors are pointing to the end of rate hikes, Mark Cuban is selling his stake in the Dallas Mavericks, and Disney CEO Bob Iger is downplaying speculation that the entertainment giant is selling some of its assets. Plus, at age 99, investing legend Charlie Munger has died. The longtime friend of Warren Buffett and iconic Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair was just a month shy of his 100th birthday. Becky Quick, who spent hours interviewing him just two weeks ago, reflects on his decades of leadership, and his ageless razor sharp wit and wisdom. And, stay tuned to your feed for an upcoming special podcast series – we'll bring you the full audio of 99-year-old Charlie Munger’s final CNBC interview. Brian Grazer - 10:46 Charlie Munger - 19:59 In this episode: Brian Grazer, @BrianGrazer Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Amid a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War, Elon Musk visited Israel for a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. The trip comes as advertisers raise concerns about posts from the X owner and Tesla chief on Musk’s own platform, formerly known as Twitter. His response to an antisemitic tweet on X alarmed many, and executive consultant Eric Dezenhall says Musk’s trip to Israel might quell some of the public concern about his views. CNBC’s Beijing Bureau Chief Eunice Yoon is stateside for the first time in four years, and she offers a look inside the Chinese perspective on America, President Biden, and President Xi. Plus, China is preparing for a huge Shein IPO, Republican donors are considering backing Nikki Haley in her bid for President, and AI is showing up in Sports Illustrated. Eric Dezenhall - 09:57 Eunice Yoon - 23:39 In this episode: Eric Dezenhall, @EricDezenhall Eunice Yoon @onlyyoontv Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Black Friday’s first NFL game was a big score for advertisers, who bet on sports viewers going shopping on Amazon, either during or after the game. EDO Inc. President and CEO and former digital advertising executive Kevin Krim discusses Cyber Monday and Black Friday advertising, including the retail advertising wins on field and off. Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna (D-California) underscores his main concerns in the aftermath of OpenAI’s board-led implosion. Rep. Khanna is pushing for more transparency from innovators and technologists, and he suggests creating an AI agency in the federal government. Plus, as the Israel-Hamas War ceasefire extends, Rep. Khanna weighs in on geopolitics in the region. Also in Israel, the country is hosting Elon Musk today, and it’s eyeing a deal for Starlink communications in the Gaza strip. Rep. Ro Khanna - 12:50 Kevin Krim - 25:31 In this episode: Ro Khanna, @RepRoKhanna Kevin Krim, @kevinkrim Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Wall Street marks the day after Thanksgiving with a holiday-shortened session on Black Friday, but are the door-buster deals a thing of the past? Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin are joined by CNBC’s Steve Liesman on consumer holiday behavior and WSJ’s Joanna Stern offers her picks for personal technology gift ideas. Plus, the latest in the drama and the promise of artificial intelligence as told in the OpenAI and Sam Altman saga – and if tech’s top soap opera is at all interesting to the average news consumer – and Bitcoin hits a new high for the year. And, in a Squawk Pod exclusive, Cody Ko and Noel Miller of TMG Studios share the story of their rise in the creator economy – and the surprising growth their business has undergone from performing sketch comedy to running a thriving podcast studio. Joanna Stern’s Gift Recommendations: Mattel's Pictionary vs. AI ($25) Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder With Solar Roof ($299) Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max ($1,199 and up) Native Union Belt Cable Duo ($40) Joanna Stern - 18:14 Tiny Meat Gang - 26:44 In this episode: Joanna Stern, @JoannaStern Cody Ko, @CodyKo Noel Miller, @thenoelmiller Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Steve Liesman, @SteveLiesman Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

In this holiday pod extra, Gary Vaynerchuk discusses the outlook for advertisers from Amazon’s Black Friday football broadcast on Prime Video. And, yep - flying is miserable, but Vanderbilt Professor Ganesh Sitaraman has some ideas on how to fix it. He’s even written a book, “Why Flying Is Miserable,” and explains why public policy decisions are responsible for the industry’s problems and its solutions. Gary Vee - 2:21 Ganesh Sitaraman - 8:44 In this episode: Gary Vaynerchuk, @garyvee Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After a whirlwind few days, OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman has been reinstated as CEO. Plus, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has pleaded guilty to money laundering violations. CNBC’s Eamon Javers discusses crimes in the crypto world with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Joe Kernen, and Becky Quick, including the Department of Justice’s efforts to keep crypto in line with the law. And, ahead of Thanksgiving, the kitchen experts on the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line are ready with the tips all holiday hosts need to cook the perfect turkey. One expert, Bill Nolan, says, opt for oil over butter and don’t panic–just dial 1-800-BUTTERBALL. Once the turkey’s done, Food & Wine executive editor Ray Isle has the wine pairings to impress Thanksgiving guests, without breaking the bank. Author of “The World in a Wineglass,” Isle has all hosts, including our Squawk hosts Joe Kernen and Becky Quick, covered at the bar. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving! Ray Isle’s Wine Recommendations: 2022 Tiberio Trebbiano di Abruzzo ($22) 2021 Kutch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($42) 2020 Frog's Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel ($40) Bill Nolan - 19:49 Ray Isle - 27:27

OpenAI’s implosion might not be so bad for Microsoft, whose stock closed at an all-time high amid the AI drama. Semafor’s tech editor Reed Albergotti explains the good news for Satya Nadella, the fate and governance structure of OpenAI, and the many big tech offers to OpenAI’s talent. In its third quarter, Lowe’s has said its DIY customers are slowing down their projects, and it’s taking a toll on the company’s sales forecast. Plus, as more than 55 million Americans gear up for a week of holiday travel, former United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz has some tips for Turkey travelers, whether they’re seasoned passengers or infrequent flyers. His top advice: download your airline’s app. Reed Albergotti - 10:46 Oscar Munoz - 20:43 In this episode: Reed Albergotti, @ReedAlbergotti Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was ousted from his role by his own board, and he was promptly hired by Microsoft in a tumultuous weekend for tech. Internally at OpenAI, employees have reportedly threatened to follow Altman, requesting resignations from the OpenAI board, and externally, investors and news outlets are following the drama at one of the highest profile companies pushing AI forward. Also in tech, Elon Musk is in hot water with his biggest advertisers, including Disney and Apple, over antisemitic content and Musk’s own posts on X. Julia Boorstin breaks down the timeline of X posts, retweets, antisemitic accusations, and big advertiser backlash that colored the weekend. CEO of the Anti-Defamation League Jonathan Greenblatt discusses his own personal conversations with Elon Musk, including his advice to protect the Jewish community on and off of Musk’s platform. Plus, President Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have finished their latest meetings with China’s President Xi and Vice Premier He, respectively. Yellen shares her takeaways from those meetings, including how both the U.S. and China plan to keep an open dialogue about AI. As inflation continues to pressure American consumers, Secretary Yellen considers the progress of the fight against inflation and the state of the U.S. economy. Janet Yellen - 13:11 Jonathan Greenblatt - 30:01 In this episode: Julia Boorstin, @JBoorstin Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, says the U.S. and China have entered an environment of fierce competition. The billionaire investment mentor delves into U.S.-China relations, China's military agenda, social media influence, the economy, Treasury yields, A.I. impact, and more. Becky Quick sits down with Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair Charlie Munger in response to a ProPublica report on Warren Buffett's stock trades. Plus, videos on TikTok regarding Osama Bin Laden's criticism of the U.S. have gone viral. And Taylor Swift lyrics take over Wall Street. Ray Dalio, @RayDalio Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Zach Vallese, @zachvallese Ray Dalio - 13:51 Charlie Munger - 35:18

House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries shares insights on the recently passed short-term funding bill, what's at stake in the next round of spending talks on Capitol Hill, and the potential for bipartisan collaboration in Congress. Plus, the Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, delve into the challenge of rising housing costs, offer renovation tips, and explore strategies for creating a more sustainable and improved home. In other news, New York City takes legal action against Pepsi, while Target CEO claims customers are saying ‘a big thank you’ for locking up merchandise. Hakeem Jeffries - 14:43 Drew and Jonathan Scott - 23:41 Drew Scott, @MrDrewScott Jonathan Scott, @jonathanscott Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, @RepJeffries Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the UN, former governor of South Carolina and 2024 presidential candidate, discusses the state of the 2024 presidential race, why she believes she can be a viable alternative to former president Donald Trump, whether she would accept a hypothetical offer to be his VP pick, and more. Wholesale prices in October posted their biggest decline in 3½ years, providing another indication that the worst of the inflation surge may have passed. Wall Street also had its eyes on Washington as the House of Representatives passed a bill to avert a government shutdown. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on Wall Street bonuses. In this episode: Nikki Haley, @NikkiHaley Robert Frank, @robtfrank Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Zach Vallese, @zachvallese Nikki Haley - 10:48 Robert Frank - 32:42