Pivot

We have a newspalooza for you today. Kara and Scott discuss Elon Musk's decision to put advertisers on blast, Henry Kissinger's death, Nikki Haley's next steps, those Mark Cuban political rumors, and Microsoft's non-voting seat at OpenAI. Then, guest Rob Copeland joins to discuss his new book, “The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, and The Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend.” You can find Rob on X at @realrobcopeland. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss Jeff Zucker's return to the news business, and the cost of advertiser backlash in Elon Musk's antisemitism controversy. Then, Sam Altman is back at OpenAI, but who are the winners and losers after all the chaos? Plus, a new complaint reveals what Meta knew about its underage users. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is legendary venture capitalist Alan Patricof. At age 89, Patricof is as active as ever, and he explains why the longevity economy is a smart investment. Follow Alan at @alanjpatricof Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving! While Kara and Scott take a break after a crazy week of news, enjoy this episode of Decoder, featuring Nilay Patel's interview with former President Obama on AI, free speech, regulation, and more. Kara and Scott will return next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara shares her latest reporting on Sam Altman and his decision to go to Microsoft, then she and Scott discuss what's next for OpenAI. Plus, Elon Musk threatens a "thermonuclear lawsuit," and X CEO Linda Yaccarino resists calls to resign. Our Friend of Pivot is Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, and author of "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines." Dr. Joy gives her take on OpenAI and the Altman ouster, and also discusses her mission to root out bias in AI.Follow Joy at @jovialjoy Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the swirl of drama around Sam Altman’s exit from OpenAI, one company seems to be the winner: Microsoft. It has both a significant partnership with, and an ownership stake in, the company, and now it's welcoming Altman and OpenAI researchers with open arms. For this emergency episode, Kara interviews Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's an emergency crossover episode of Pivot and the Prof G Pod and there's a lot to discuss. Sam Altman is out as CEO of OpenAI – but what exactly happened? Kara shares her latest reporting. Plus, major advertisers are fleeing X after Elon Musk endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory. Will Elon and X survive the firestorm? Kara and Scott break it all down. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss Nikki Haley's social media stance, Truth Social's waning prospects, and the revelation that Google sends a third of Safari ad revenue to Apple. And don’t worry, they also talk about the Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez photoshoot. You’re welcome/we’re sorry. Then, in the fight club that is DC, a government shutdown has been averted for now. Also, a look at how hate speech has surged on social media since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Then we’re joined by Friend of Pivot, Adrian Aoun, CEO and Founder of the health tech startup Forward, which is launching what it calls, “the world’s first AI doctor’s office.” You can find Forward on Twitter at @goforward. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss the new (and bizarre) AI pin, and Trump's desire for a televised trial. Also, the threat of a government shutdown is back, but will Speaker Mike Johnson be able to make a deal in time? Plus, what we're learning about the AI provisions in the new SAG-AFTRA agreement, and why not everyone is happy. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is New York Times President and CEO, Meredith Levien, who talks about the current state of journalism, subscription strategies, and yes, Wordle. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss the winners and losers from the GOP debate, Disney's latest earnings, and why Rivian seems to be bucking EV trends. Then, the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike is coming to an end, but who's really coming out on top? Plus, OpenAI makes a big announcement that Kara calls a "power move." Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Mattie Kahn, who writes about girls being a force for change in her new book, "Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions." You can follow Mattie at @mattiekahn Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss why Jeff Bezos is really moving to Florida, major changes coming to the real estate business and Elon's new AI bot, Grok. Plus, what's next for crypto and investors after Sam Bankman-Fried's guilty verdict. Then, with less than a year to go until the 2024 presidential election, should everyone calm down about the latest polls? Finally, our Friend of Pivot is New York Times reporter Kashmir Hill, who has written about facial recognition and privacy in her new book, "Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup's Quest to End Privacy as We Know It." You can follow Kashmir at @kashhill Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott tell all about their trip to the White House. Then, they discuss the Ozempic effect on Krispy Kreme stock, and Disney taking full control of Hulu. They've also got thoughts on whether bankruptcy is really the end for WeWork, as well as the tactics that helped the UAW reach a deal with automakers. Our Friend of Pivot is the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Chris Krebs. He breaks down the new AI executive order. You can follow Chris at @C_C_Krebs. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott are making the TV rounds: Kara was on The Simpsons, and Scott was on Bill Maher! They’re also on their way to The White House as President Biden launches a new approach to AI. Then, the FCC is ready to restore net neutrality. And auto executives are pumping the breaks on electric vehicles. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss where Twitter/X stands one year after Elon's acquisition. They also break down Biden's upcoming A.I. executive order, and the UAW—Ford agreement. Then, Mike Johnson is the new Speaker of the House, and Kara’s suspicious. States sue Meta, claiming its products harm kids. And today’s listener question ponders leadership and assholery. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Platformer's Casey Newton moderates a conversation at Code 2023 on ethics in artificial intelligence, with Ajeya Cotra, Senior Program Officer at Open Philanthropy, and Helen Toner, Director of Strategy at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology. The panel discusses the risks and rewards of the technology, as well as best practices and safety measures. Recorded on September 27th in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss the investigation into what Jim Jordan knew about sexual abuse at Ohio State, Jon Stewart and Apple parting ways and a tough road ahead for Tesla's Cybertruck. Then, how the Supreme Court's latest ruling impacts the White House and social media companies. Plus, companies and CEOs continue to struggle with how to address the Israel-Hamas War, as some employees push back. Our Friend of Pivot is Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg who reveals his company's latest acquisition. Follow Matt at @photomatt Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss the ongoing House speaker’s race, tech leaders dropping out of the Web Summit conference, and Google cutting news division jobs. Then, it’s a tough week for Goldman Sachs amidst profit declines. Will David Solomon giving up his DJ hobby help? Plus, X has begun testing out $1 subscriptions. Then, a listener question on Marc Andreesen’s “Techno-Optimist Manifesto.” Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss whether companies should speak up or stay silent on the Israel-Hamas War. Then, what Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of video game company Activision Blizzard means for future tech mergers. Plus, Taylor Swift rules the box office and Rite Aid files for bankruptcy. Our Friend of Pivot is Lincoln Project co-founder and former Republican strategist, Rick Wilson, who breaks down the speaker's race and looks ahead to the 2024 election. Also, Kara has her annual cold. Follow Rick at @therickwilson. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss how the Israel-Hamas war is getting covered on social media and the influx of misinformation. Then, Republicans still can't decide on a Speaker of the House. Plus, the failed talks between SAG-AFTRA and the studios, Birkenstock's underwhelming IPO and layoffs at the Washington Post. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is psychotherapist Esther Perel, who shares wise words on grief and loneliness. Follow Esther at @estherperel, subscribe to her podcast Where Should We Begin? and be sure to check out her upcoming course, Turning Conflict Into Connection. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pivot will return on Friday! In the meantime, we're bringing you an episode from another podcast in the Pivot universe: The Prof G Pod. Raj Chetty, the William A. Ackman Professor of Economics at Harvard University and the Director of Opportunity Insights, joins Scott to discuss research around higher education, specifically how elite universities shape who succeeds in the US. We also hear about broader trends regarding upward economic mobility and the role a child’s environment plays in creating opportunities for growth. Follow Prof Chetty’s work at Opportunity Insights here. Don't forget to follow and subscribe to The Prof G Pod here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss declining social media traffic to news sites, Amazon using an algorithm to test how high they could boost prices, and why the boom in weight loss drugs is the “biggest business story of the year.” Also, Kevin McCarthy’s historic ouster marks another prediction come true in Pivot Land. And the largest health care strike in U.S. history is underway. Then, a listener question on the ethicality of donating to elite universities. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices