Digest

This episode of Pivot, hosted by Cara Swisher and Scott Galloway, covers a wide range of topics, including fundraising, tech earnings, online safety for kids, an interview with Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Bill Ackman's recent actions, and predictions for the future of investing. The episode begins with a discussion about a recent fundraising call with "white dudes" that raised $4.5 million, highlighting the participation of notable figures like Mark Hamill, Jeff Bridges, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The hosts then delve into the controversial appearance of Donald Trump at a conference of Black journalists, where he made racially insensitive remarks about Kamala Harris's heritage. Moving on to tech earnings, Cara and Scott analyze the recent reports of Meta and Microsoft, focusing on their significant investments in AI and the potential impact on the tech industry. The episode then shifts to the Senate's passage of two bills aimed at protecting children online, including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The hosts then interview Colorado Governor Jared Polis, discussing his views on housing affordability, the role of technology in government, and the upcoming presidential election. The episode concludes with a discussion about Bill Ackman's recent actions, including his decision to pull his IPO and his controversial tweets. The speakers discuss the potential impact of these actions on the future of hedge funds and the role of social media in investing. Throughout the episode, the hosts offer insightful commentary and analysis on these important topics, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments in technology, business, and politics.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Fundraising, and Trump's Remarks

This segment introduces the podcast, "Pivot," and its hosts, Cara Swisher and Scott Galloway. It also features discussions about a recent fundraising call with "white dudes" that raised $4.5 million and Donald Trump's controversial appearance at a conference of Black journalists.

00:05:39

Tech Earnings and AI Spending

Cara and Scott analyze the recent earnings reports of Meta and Microsoft, focusing on their significant investments in AI and the potential impact on the tech industry.

00:08:39

Online Safety for Kids and Interview with Governor Jared Polis

The hosts discuss the Senate's passage of two bills aimed at protecting children online, including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). They then interview Colorado Governor Jared Polis, discussing his views on housing affordability, the role of technology in government, and the upcoming presidential election.

01:05:07

Bill Ackman's Recent Actions and the Future of Hedge Funds

This segment discusses Bill Ackman's recent actions, including his decision to pull his IPO and his controversial tweets. The speakers discuss the potential impact of these actions on the future of hedge funds and the role of social media in investing.

01:05:54

Don Lemon's Lawsuit Against Elon Musk

This segment discusses Don Lemon's lawsuit against Elon Musk for refusing to pay him after a canceled partnership. The speakers discuss the implications of this lawsuit for both Elon Musk and Don Lemon.

01:06:29

Predictions for the Future of Investing

This segment focuses on predictions for the future of investing, particularly in the context of hedge funds. The speakers discuss the importance of captive capital and the potential impact of social media on investor behavior.

01:10:49

Bill Ackman's Misjudged Audience and DEI

This segment delves into Bill Ackman's misjudgment of his audience, particularly his assumption that his investors are primarily interested in meme stocks. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding your audience in the investment world and critique his claim that his fame around DEI is solely due to his ideas.

01:12:43

Bill Ackman's Personal Life and Call to Action

This segment concludes with a humorous anecdote about Bill Ackman's personal life, involving a brief encounter at a urinal. The speakers use this anecdote to transition into a call to action for listeners to submit questions for the show.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the main purpose of the fundraising call with "white dudes" that Scott Galloway participated in?

  The call aimed to raise money for political campaigns, with a focus on supporting Democratic candidates.

• What were some of the key takeaways from Meta and Microsoft's recent earnings reports?

  Both companies reported strong earnings, but their significant investments in AI raised concerns among investors about the potential return on investment.

• What are the main provisions of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)?

  KOSA aims to prevent online harm to children, while COPPA focuses on protecting their privacy by restricting targeted advertising and strengthening data security measures.

• What are Governor Jared Polis's views on housing affordability and how is he addressing the issue in Colorado?

  Polis believes that local government regulations have artificially constrained housing supply, leading to rising prices. He supports measures like allowing accessory dwelling units and multifamily zoning to increase housing stock.

• How does Governor Polis view the role of technology in government and what are his priorities in this area?

  Polis is a strong advocate for technology and innovation, and he has implemented policies to promote crypto adoption, quantum computing, and education reform.

• What are the potential implications of Bill Ackman's recent actions for the future of hedge funds?

  Bill Ackman's decision to pull his IPO and his controversial tweets may lead to a shift in how hedge fund managers approach social media and investor relations. It could also raise questions about the role of celebrity in the investment world.

• What is the significance of captive capital for hedge fund managers?

  Captive capital provides hedge fund managers with a stable source of funding, allowing them to invest for the long term without the pressure of short-term redemptions. This is crucial for managing illiquid investments and achieving long-term returns.

• How does Don Lemon's lawsuit against Elon Musk relate to the broader conversation about social media and business?

  Don Lemon's lawsuit highlights the potential risks and complexities of using social media for business purposes. It raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the potential for legal disputes arising from online interactions.

Show Notes