Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway Unpack Elon Musk’s Messy Breakup
Episode Description
Kara and Scott discuss Elon Musk’s very public breakup with Shivon Zilis. Then, they debate David Ellison’s decision to name the combined Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery company Skydance, and take a closer look at CNN’s future. Plus, the fallout over Cornell’s handling of sexual assault allegations, and how Kara and Scott are talking to their kids about it.
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00:00 Intro 01:08 Elon’s Public Breakup 5:23 Sam Altman’s Elon Comments 10:20 Cornell’s Sexual Assault Fallout 25:12 Ellison’s Rebrand 28:57 CNN’s Future Under Skydance 37:31 Netflix’s Growth Problem 48:13 Wins and Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Todd Wiseman
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
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About Pivot
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.
Episodes blend breaking news analysis with bold predictions, sharp debate, and the occasional argument between the two hosts. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Brief Summary
Cara and Scott discuss Zillis's breakup with Musk, Altman's comments on him, Cornell rape allegations, and Netflix's growth challenges.
Key points
- Elon Musk's Abrupt Breakup. Siobhan Zillis reveals her sudden breakup with Elon Musk, sharing their text exchanges.
- Sam Altman Calls Elon a Bully. In a Vanity Fair interview, Sam Altman labels Elon Musk a bully, sparking discussion.
- Cornell's Rape Allegations. Cornell's president addresses serious rape allegations against fraternity members, promising action.
- First Physical Contact Advice. Always be sober for your first physical contact with a partner. It reduces risks.
- Advice on Helping Others. Encouragement to help those in distress, even at personal cost.
- New Company Name Controversy. The merger of Paramount and Warner Brothers leads to backlash over the name Sky Dance.
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Episode highlights
- Elon Musk's Abrupt BreakupSiobhan Zillis reveals her sudden breakup with Elon Musk, sharing their text exchanges.“Didn't see that coming.”1:13Oct 6, 2026
- Sam Altman Calls Elon a BullyIn a Vanity Fair interview, Sam Altman labels Elon Musk a bully, sparking discussion.“Once in a while you got to punch a bully back in the nose.”5:28Oct 6, 2026
- Cornell's Rape AllegationsCornell's president addresses serious rape allegations against fraternity members, promising action.“This will not be a moment that passes.”10:24Oct 6, 2026
- First Physical Contact AdviceAlways be sober for your first physical contact with a partner. It reduces risks.“The first time you kiss or more with a partner, you should both be sober.”18:58Oct 6, 2026
- Advice on Helping OthersEncouragement to help those in distress, even at personal cost.“You have to take it even if it costs you.”21:45Oct 6, 2026
- New Company Name ControversyThe merger of Paramount and Warner Brothers leads to backlash over the name Sky Dance.“Why abandon a century's worth of brand recognition for something that sounds like a stargazing app?”25:41Oct 6, 2026
- Mark Thompson's Leadership at CNNMark Thompson remains as chairman and editor-in-chief at CNN, ensuring stability.“I'm glad Mark is there. He's a great guy.”30:22Oct 6, 2026
- Vanta's Efficiency GainsVanta claims to cut auto prep time by 82% and delivers a 526% ROI.“You can cut your auto prep by 82%.”35:50Oct 6, 2026
