With great power, comes great scrutiny. Every Tuesday and Friday, journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway offer sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. They make bold predictions, pick winners and losers, and bicker and banter like no one else. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Scott Galloway returns to Pivot after a month-long absence, playfully addressing his hosting style and announcing a new, more sensitive approach, while also declaring a "zero fucks given" stance for the next 11 months. He jokes about AI's potential to "kill humanity soon enough." Galloway also discussed his favorite guest co-host, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and her pragmatic view on presidential qualities.
The podcast opens with a discussion of Harvey AI, an AI agent designed for legal work, and an advertisement for Monday.com that highlights the use of AI agents in content creation. The hosts briefly touch on the implications of AI in various professional fields.
During Scott Galloway's co-hosting stint, he discussed a conversation with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. When asked about the qualities she'd seek in a presidential candidate, Clinton prioritized the ability to win the electoral college over traditional attributes like empathy or geopolitical understanding. Galloway found this response insightful and pragmatic.
Kara Swisher expressed a strong desire for artificial intelligence to advance rapidly, even to the point of ending humanity. This statement came in response to Scott Galloway's flamboyant on-air persona.
Sep 8 · Ina Garten’s Next Course? A Podcast | On With Kara Swisher5 stories
Ina Garten is launching a new podcast called "Happy Hour with Ina," which will focus on conversations about drinks, both cocktails and mocktails. Garten explained that she wanted to move beyond the typical short interview format of TV shows to allow for longer, more in-depth conversations with guests.
Ina Garten's upcoming podcast, "Happy Hour with Ina," will allow her to feature guests she previously couldn't host on her television shows. She explained that the podcast format makes it easier to secure guests, as they can simply stop by for a drink and a conversation when they are already in New York for other engagements.
Ina Garten announced that her new podcast, "Happy Hour with Ina," will launch on Wednesday, September 16th. The podcast will feature guests for drinks and conversations at her kitchen table in New York City. She aims to connect personally with guests from various fields.
The conversation touched on the increasing popularity of mocktails, with one speaker noting that restaurants now offer as many non-alcoholic options as alcoholic ones. The key to a good mocktail, according to one speaker, is to include an acidic component like lime to give it an edge, distinguishing it from a simple fruit juice drink.
Ina Garten shared her favorite cocktail, a Bourbon sour with a hint of chocolate liqueur and vanilla, which she discovered in the South of France. She described the drink as tasting like 'liquid velvet,' noting that the subtle additions enhance the bourbon's flavor without making it taste overtly of chocolate or vanilla.
Sep 4 · Apple Bows to Trump, Bond Market Sounds the Alarm, and Kalshi Bans George Santos4 stories
Kara Swisher introduces Jacob Soboroff as the final guest co-host for the last episode of August. Soboroff, a senior national and political reporter for MSNBC, discusses his show 'Connect with Jacob Soboroff,' which centers on people and their stories.
Jacob Soboroff describes his show 'Connect' as being about people and politics, aiming to center voices not typically heard. He explains his passion for connecting with people, stemming from his upbringing in Los Angeles.
Kara Swisher announces the death of feminist icon Gloria Steinem at age 92. Swisher remembers Steinem as an "entrepreneur of social change" and a talented journalist, noting the close timing of her death with that of Dolly Parton.
Jacob Soboroff shares his thoughts on Gloria Steinem, highlighting her role in Ms. Magazine. He notes how Steinem, in an "open source way," allowed the magazine and the feminist movement to be guided by its readers.
Sep 1 · Trump’s Map Makeover, Milo’s Deportation, and Gwyneth’s AI Dinner Drama3 stories
Jen Sacha describes her recent controversial statements, including her views on homeschooling and her belief that "Goonith's Paltro" (Gwyneth Paltrow) is intentionally trying to distance herself from Donald Trump. Sacha connects this to a broader pattern of "trickle down kiss assery" in politics and media.
Jen Sacha stated that fundamentalist Christianity is a greater threat to women and children in the United States than Sharia law or radical Islam. She believes Republican politicians in Oklahoma, where she grew up, are focused on taking away rights, contrasting this with the policies of New York City's Muslim mayor.
Cara Swisher promoted her podcast "Why Are You Like This," highlighting an upcoming episode featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Pablo Torre. The episode will discuss Torre's NYC upbringing, his impact on sports media, and a 'spicy question' he poses to Swisher.
Aug 28 · Meta’s Massive Settlement, Bill Gates’ AI Warning, and Remembering Dolly Parton6 stories
Kara Swisher and Kaitlyn Collins discussed the legacy of Dolly Parton, highlighting her ability to enact political change through quiet actions and her power to unite diverse groups of people. Collins noted Parton's support for the Moderna vaccine, feminist causes, trans people, and Black Lives Matter as examples of her subtle political influence.
Kara Swisher described her experience at Dollywood as a place where people from all walks of life—gay, redneck, conservative, liberal, and lesbian—coexist harmoniously, attributing this unity to Dolly Parton's influence. Swisher contrasted this with the divisions outside the park, noting the difficulty of bottling such a feeling.
Kaitlyn Collins shared how Dolly Parton was a significant part of her childhood in Alabama, with family vacations often including trips to Dollywood. She recalled how the park felt like a 'Disney World for us before we went to Disney World' and how seeing Dolly's childhood home replica was a core memory.
The discussion touched upon Dolly Parton's long-standing support for the LGBTQ+ community, noting her choice of Melissa Etheridge for a duet in 2003 during the height of the gay marriage debate. This action is seen as a significant statement of support, decades before it was common for celebrities to openly advocate for such causes.
Kara Swisher mentioned the song 'Traveling Through' by Dolly Parton, featured in the movie 'Transamerica,' as an example of Parton's quiet activism and a song of acceptance. The movie itself is noted for its portrayal of a trans woman meeting her son.
The transcript briefly notes a rare occurrence where both Donald Trump and the Democratic Socialists of America issued similar statements regarding a passing. This is highlighted as a moment that is unlikely to happen again.
Aug 14 · Trump's Catering Truck Escape, MAGA Media, and Chelsea Handler on Joe Rogan's $82M Payday3 stories
Chelsea Handler shared a personal letter she wrote about her family's dysfunction and lack of manners during a vacation. The letter, initially intended for her family, was shared widely after friends found it relatable, and Handler realized its potential to help others. She discussed how post-therapy skills influenced her approach to family communication.
Chelsea Handler expressed her appreciation for precise language use and her dislike for certain verbal crutches. She specifically cited "anyways" as a lazy way of speaking. Handler also noted that Scott Galloway sometimes uses the word "mendacious" incorrectly, though she is more forgiving of that than the use of non-existent words.
Chelsea Handler made a prediction that Spencer Pratt will "gone forever" from public relevance. Kara Swisher mentioned Pratt's past appearance at the White House, to which Handler responded she did not think he would return to prominence. Peter Navarro was also mentioned in relation to the White House.
Kevin Roose and Casey Newton, hosts of the "Hard Fork" podcast, are leaving the show to start their own independent podcast and media company. They announced their departure and shared that their new venture will focus on AI, which they believe is the most important story in the world and has not been adequately covered by mainstream media. The new show will be released at least twice a week and will prioritize YouTube.
Kevin Roose clarified that the "Hard Fork" podcast, despite its name, was not a bet on the future of crypto. He stated that they have conclusively determined that their initial premise was wrong. The new venture will focus on AI, which he and Casey Newton believe is a critical and under-reported story.
Hosts Casey Newton and Kevin Roose are launching a new media venture with a philosophy centered on the belief that the current AI landscape is "absolutely crazy" and the "most important story in the world." They intend to provide serious, in-depth coverage of AI, acknowledging that their previous podcast, "Hard Fork," may have fallen short in this area.
Hillary Clinton, joining Cara Swisher and Scott Galloway on Pivot, expressed her excitement about the growing popularity of women's sports, particularly basketball. She noted how the sport has broken into mainstream consciousness, contrasting it with her childhood experiences where opportunities for girls in sports were limited.
Hillary Clinton reflected on the transformative impact of Title IX, which mandated equal opportunities in education, including sports. She highlighted how the legislation, though slow to embed, allowed girls to compete and paved the way for professionalization of women's sports like soccer and basketball, while acknowledging ongoing pushback.
Jul 31 · Mamdani’s Tax List, Zuck's Media Blitz, and SpaceX’s Trillion-Dollar Wipeout3 stories
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss New York Mayor Eric Adams's decision to release a list of 950,000 residents potentially subject to a "punitive tax" on luxury second homes. The list includes names and addresses, raising concerns about doxing and privacy.
Kara Swisher likens Mark Zuckerberg to "corporate vaseline as Axe body spray," suggesting his media efforts are an attempt to cover up or mask perceived negative aspects. Scott Galloway agrees with the sentiment.
Scott Galloway states that SpaceX has experienced a significant valuation decrease, referring to it as a "trillion-dollar wipeout." Kara Swisher acknowledges this, highlighting a substantial drop in the company's perceived worth.
Jul 28 · Paramount Merger Pause, Meta AI Optimism, and the Peptide Boom4 stories
Cara Swisher and Scott Galloway discussed the changing media landscape, highlighting how platforms like Substack allow talent to bypass traditional gatekeepers. They observed a growing market for expertise and substantive content in a post-Trump era.
Scott Galloway shared his advice for Hillary Clinton regarding her potential podcast ventures. He suggested that instead of hosting her own show, she should focus on being a regular guest on established podcasts.
Cara Swisher expressed her enjoyment of a "cats"-like theatrical performance, describing it as a drag show that made the concept of cats work. She found the experience joyful and the crowd packed, but noted the show is closing due to high Broadway costs.
Scott Galloway revealed he recently visited former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at their home. While not explicitly stating the reason, he implied it was related to Hillary Clinton's potential podcasting endeavors.
Jul 17 · Military Testosterone Screenings, Diarrhea Parasite Politics, and Data Center Debates6 stories
The U.S. military will implement annual testosterone screenings for service members aged 30 and older, with voluntary testing available for younger troops. Those found with low levels will be offered hormone replacement therapy as part of a new program.
Scott Galloway has voiced strong criticism of the U.S. military's new initiative to screen service members for testosterone levels. He argues that the problem is not low testosterone but a lack of purpose, education, work, and relationships among young men.
Elon Musk may have broken Wisconsin law by promising $1 million checks to voters in the 2020 election, according to the Wisconsin Election Commission. A bipartisan panel found probable cause that Musk violated a state law prohibiting offering anything of value to influence votes.
Kara Swisher shared her positive review of the film "The Odyssey," describing it as "great" and noting its reliance on real actors rather than extensive CGI or AI. She mentioned watching it with Casey Newton after dinner at her son's workplace.
Scott Galloway predicted Spain to win the World Cup final against Argentina. He mentioned that he would be attending the game thanks to an invitation from "ABM Bev."
Kara Swisher commented on the stunt casting in "The Odyssey," suggesting that some of the well-known actors' brief appearances might not have been ideal. She specifically mentioned Shirley MacLaine's role as Calypso.
Jul 7 · World Cup Controversy, Trump Accounts, and DOGE Farewell2 stories
Anthony Scaramucci claims Donald Trump's social media platform, Truth Social, is preparing for an IPO. He suggests the stock could be highly volatile, comparing its potential movement to that of Dogecoin.
Kara Swisher discusses the unusual celebrity guest list at Taylor Swift's wedding, noting Adam Sandler as the officiant. Anthony Scaramucci praised the originality and authenticity of the event and highlighted the couple's significant donation to City Harvest.
Jul 3 · Trump's Crypto Windfall, Dems' Anti-Establishment Wave, and the Supreme Court’s Big Week4 stories
Scott Galloway revealed some of the guest hosts who will be filling in for Kara Swisher while she is away. Among them is Anthony Scaramucci, also known as 'The Mooch.' Galloway expressed a humorous concern that The Mooch's appearances might boost download numbers.
Scott Galloway shared a piece of advice he often gives to young men, which he attributes to Dan Harris: 'Action absorbs anxiety.' He explained that when feeling anxious about something, taking immediate action can help alleviate those feelings.
Scott Galloway recounted an incident where a crude joke he told before a meeting with the chief investment officer of JP Morgan, Michael, offended him. Galloway declared he would only tell dad jokes until Michael accepted his apology, emphasizing the importance of apologizing when upsetting others.
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway briefly discussed their upcoming Fourth of July holiday plans. Galloway mentioned he would be on a boat around Sardinia, while Swisher humorously stated she was going to a tractor parade.
Jun 30 · Comcast Splits, OpenAI Weighs IPO Delay, and Buttigieg Targeted3 stories
Comcast has announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.30 per share, signaling confidence in its financial health. The company cited robust subscriber growth and diversified revenue streams as key drivers for this decision.
Sources indicate that OpenAI is exploring the possibility of delaying its planned Initial Public Offering due to current market conditions. The company is reportedly reassessing the timing to ensure a more favorable market reception for its shares.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is reportedly facing increased scrutiny regarding his campaign's funding sources. Details emerged suggesting potential irregularities in the contributions received during his past electoral campaigns.
