Pivot

Kara and Scott discuss President Trump lashing out at Fed Chair Jerome Powell, The White House asking the IRS to revoke Harvard’s tax exempt status, and Elon Musk trying to build an army of super-babies. Then, Nvidia says it will start producing AI supercomputers in the U.S., Mark Zuckerberg takes the witness stand, and a federal judge rules that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in some online advertising technology. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 latest tariff confusion, with Trump flip flopping on tech exemptions, and warning of more tariffs to come. Then, the FTC's blockbuster antitrust trial against Meta gets underway. Will Meta eventually have to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp? Plus, Blue Origin's all-female flight lifts off, and Bill Maher goes to Washington for dinner with Trump. Help Pivot win Best Business Podcast at the Webbys! Vote here Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social 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

How can AI help us understand and master deeply complex systems—from the game Go, which has 10 to the power 170 possible positions a player could pursue, or proteins, which, on average, can fold in 10 to the power 300 possible ways? This week, Reid and Aria are joined by Demis Hassabis. Demis is a British artificial intelligence researcher, co-founder, and CEO of the AI company, DeepMind. Under his leadership, DeepMind developed Alpha Go, the first AI to defeat a human world champion in Go and later created AlphaFold, which solved the 50-year-old protein folding problem. He's considered one of the most influential figures in AI. Demis, Reid, and Aria discuss game theory, medicine, multimodality, and the nature of innovation and creativity. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Listen to more from Possible here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss President Trump pausing tariffs for 90 days, the escalating trade war with China, and the fallout for Apple amidst the tariff chaos. Then, Elon Musk and trade adviser Peter Navarro are feuding, but it’s okay, because as The White House says, “boys will be boys.” Plus, how SCOTUS is (mostly) cutting the red tape for Trump. Note: After this episode was recorded on Thursday, The White House said the tariff rate for China is now at 145%. It will likely change again. Many times. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 markets' wild ride thanks to Trump's tariffs, China's retaliation plans, and Howard Lutnick's theory about a manufacturing resurgence coming to the United States. Then, a deeper dive into some of the tariff winners (Warren Buffett), and losers (Big Tech), and some advice for panicked investors. Plus, the TikTok deadline gets extended yet again. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 is joined by Jon Lovett, co-host of Pod Save America and host of Lovett or Leave It. They to discuss Elon Musk’s possible departure from the Trump administration, a Democratic win in Wisconsin, and Cory Booker’s record-breaking speech. Then, Liberation Day liberated us all (and threw the market into chaos), Joe Rogan thinks the Trump administration’s deportations are “horrific,” and President Trump reviews bids for TikTok. Stick around to hear what’s on Jon and Kara’s For You page. Listen to Pod Save America here, and Lovett or Leave It here. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 is joined by Jen Psaki, the host of MSNBC's "Inside with Jen Psaki," to talk all things Signalgate, Trump taking on Big Law, and what's going on with the latest pardons. Then, Elon says the "destiny of humanity" rests on the outcome of the Wisconsin judicial election, and his AI company xAI acquires X. Plus, Jen weighs in on The White House Correspondents' Association cancelling comedian Amber Ruffin's appearance at the annual dinner, and possible changes coming to the White House briefing. Follow Jen at @jenpsaki.msnbc.com Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social 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 jump right in to discuss all things Signalgate — will heads roll? Then, President Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imported cars, the Trump family announces plans for a stablecoin, and Megyn Kelly is launching a podcast network. Plus, stay tuned for Scott’s prediction on who will fill the leadership void left by the chaos of the Trump administration. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 Meta tell-all that's become a bestseller, the latest attempt to sunset Section 230, and RFK Jr.'s justification for banning phones in schools. Then, Elon Musk's visit to the Pentagon is raising questions about his conflicts of interest, especially as SpaceX prepares to get a windfall from government contracts. Plus, the massive Cybertruck recall, and Elon's daughter Vivian gives a candid and delightful interview to Teen Vogue. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 showdown between the Trump administration and the judiciary, President Trump’s firings at the FTC, and Starlink’s latest available location…The White House! Then, the HHS has removed a Surgeon General’s advisory on gun violence from its website, BYD’s new fast-charging technology, and Forever 21 is blaming Shein and Temu for its bankruptcy. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 cracks in the Democratic Party after the shutdown showdown, and the Dems' missed messaging opportunity on the economy. Then, President Trump puts Voice of America and another agencies on the chopping block, and gives an hour long speech to The Justice Department. Plus, Southwest Airlines says no more free bags. Is the long-term brand cost worth the short-term gain? Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 Amazon's Prime Video streaming “The Apprentice,” and Steve Bannon’s guest appearance on Gavin Newsom’s podcast. Then, the tariff whiplash continues, and President Trump is not ruling out a recession. Elon Musk plans to donate $100 million to Trump’s political operation after that Tesla ad at the White House… stick around for Scott’s prediction on how long the bromance will last. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 live at SXSW — taking shots and dancing around like Elon (okay, that's just Scott). They discuss how Elon's business empire is struggling, and how much money DOGE is really saving. Then, Trump's crypto summit, and his plan to create a Bitcoin reserve. Plus, as the IPO slump continues, will any major company go public this year? Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Recorded on March 9th at SXSW in Austin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss Jon Stewart's interview invitation to Elon Musk, and Google's efforts to persuade the DOJ that it should keep Chrome. Then, President Trump's one hour and forty minute joint address to Congress puts a spotlight on major partisan divides. Plus, the effects of Trump's tariff whiplash. (Note: in the hours since this episode was recorded, Trump changed his mind once and may do so again.) Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 opening up the Pivot listener mailbag and answering your questions! They discuss whether Trump will try to seek a third term, what U.S. TikTok employees should do right now, and the art of quitting. Then, Kara and Scott reveal how they quickly pull those facts and stats on every episode, and share tips for battling jet lag. Plus, would Scott ever consider a run for the presidency?! Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social 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 go off on Jeff Bezos' revamp of The Washington Post’s opinion section. President Trump's first cabinet meeting (feat. Elon Musk) and DOGE’s surprise leader. They also have thoughts on President Trump's new $5 million “gold card” for wealthy foreigners, and the latest market moves by Tesla and NVIDIA. Plus...Scott's upcoming cameo on HBO's The White Lotus. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 Elon's ultimatum to federal workers, his bizarre chainsaw-wielding appearance at CPAC, and the paternity lawsuit brought by a right-wing influencer. Then, Trump fires several high-ranking military leaders, and brings in podcaster and former Fox News personality Dan Bongino as Deputy FBI director. Plus, the markets try to rebound after a dramatic plunge, Amazon takes control of the James Bond franchise, and new polling shows nobody likes Mark Zuckerberg. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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 is joined by guest co-host Katie Drummond of WIRED! They talk all things DOGE: Is Elon Musk not in charge? How much have cuts actually saved so far? Is Steve Bannon a fan? Plus, X is in talks to raise money at a valuation of $44 billion, which is the same amount Elon Musk bought it for. Read more from WIRED here. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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

Ben Stiller knew he needed to make Severance the moment he read an early version of the show in a writing sample its creator, Dan Erickson, submitted to his production company. Now, years later, Severance is a hit, reportedly generating $200 million for Apple TV, and Stiller is the series’ executive producer and go-to director responsible for some of its most pivotal episodes. Kara talks to Stiller about the most poignant themes of the show, from its commentary on surveillance and technology to its meditations on trauma and identity. Plus, they chat politics — including Stiller’s reaction to an angry post about him by Elon Musk and his view on making political art now. Listen to more from On with Kara Swisher here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara and Scott discuss President Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin about Ukraine, inflation rising 3% in January, and Elon Musk’s Oval Office appearance. Then, Sam Altman has some harsh thoughts about Elon Musk following his bid for OpenAI, an AI deal between China’s BYD and DeepSeek threatens Tesla, and the AP gets punished for deadnaming the “Gulf of America.” Stick around for Scott’s prediction on Tesla. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.social. 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