Pivot

Kara and Scott discuss President Biden’s clemency announcement, Rupert Murdoch’s succession scheme backfires, and GM scraps its Cruise robotaxi program. Plus, the entire internet tries to analyze Luigi Mangione — Scott and Kara have opinions about that. Also, President-elect Donald Trump has named Andrew Ferguson to lead the FTC, and our thoughts on Time’s Person of the Year. Then, Friend of Pivot R.J. Cutler joins to discuss his latest documentaries on Martha Stewart and Elton John. 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 TikTok's latest legal setback, and what Donald Trump will do (if anything) if the ban goes into effect next month. Then, Trump appoints investor, podcaster, and Elon minion, David Sacks, as the new "White House AI and crypto czar." Will this position have any real power? Plus, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield backs away from a controversial plan to only pay for anesthesia for a limited amount of time. Our Friend of Pivot is Vivian Tu, host of the Vox Media podcast "Networth and Chill." Vivian goes by "Your Rich BFF" on social media, where she's become a financial guru, dispensing advice and tips to millions. Follow Vivian at @your.richbff 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 highlights from The New York Times DealBook Summit, including Jeff Bezos saying he’s “optimistic” about a second Trump term, and Sam Altman trying to make nice with Elon Musk. Then, the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has prompted a wave of reactions on social media. Plus, the French government collapsed on Wednesday, and South Korea’s president is facing impeachment after declaring martial law. Also, in good news for cryptocurrency, Trump’s new SEC pick has caused Bitcoin to surge. Stay tuned for listener mail to hear Kara and Scott pick their dream administrations. Vote in this week’s poll 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 and Scott discuss the Hunter Biden pardon, and its repercussions for President Biden. Then, President-elect Donald Trump selects Kash Patel to run the FBI, and new reports raise questions and concerns about Pete Hegseth. Plus, Elon Musk takes aim at Sam Altman and OpenAI, yet again. Our Friend of Pivot is filmmaker Lauren Greenfield, whose new docuseries, "Social Studies," provides an inside look at teens and social media. Lauren explains what parents don't know about their kids' social media usage. Watch "Social Studies" here. You can find the "Social Studies" curriculum and parents guide here. Follow Lauren at @lgreen66. 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