Kara Swisher: Elon Musk Is “Losing It On The Stand” | Pivot
- May 1, 2026
- 57:22
- Full Episode
Kara and Scott unpack the FCC’s attack on Disney and what it means for media and free speech. Then, they break down a massive Big Tech earnings day, the AI spending arms race, and the "ketamine economy." Plus, Elon Musk takes the stand in the OpenAI trial, and Taylor Swift moves to protect her voice and image from AI.
00:00 Intro 00:18 FCC Comes For Disney 13:18 Big Tech Earnings 26:55 Elon Testifies 36:54 Taylor Swift Fights Against AI 47:36 Predictions
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Todd Wiseman
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Disney faces FCC scrutiny, Kimmel pushes back, Musk testifies against OpenAI, and Swift trademarks her voice against AI misuse.
Key points
- Kimmel's Bold Response. Jimmy Kimmel is encouraged to stand by his controversial jokes about Melania Trump.
- Media's Trump Coverage. A proposal for how media should streamline coverage of Trump's statements.
- AI's Impact on Earnings. Tech companies report staggering earnings, largely driven by AI investments.
- A Reckoning in America. Discussion on the growing anger towards the wealthy and their disconnection from societal issues.
- Elon Musk Takes the Stand. Elon Musk claims he was a fool to fund OpenAI and warns against AI risks.
- Virgin Atlantic's Joy of Flying. Virgin Atlantic aims to bring back the joy of flying with stylish planes and attentive service.
Episode highlights
- Kimmel's Bold ResponseJimmy Kimmel is encouraged to stand by his controversial jokes about Melania Trump.“I think he should just double down and say, 'I stand by everything I said.'”2:03May 1, 2026
- Media's Trump CoverageA proposal for how media should streamline coverage of Trump's statements.“This is what Trump said today.”7:31May 1, 2026
- AI's Impact on EarningsTech companies report staggering earnings, largely driven by AI investments.“What jumps out at you about these four companies?”14:28May 1, 2026
- A Reckoning in AmericaDiscussion on the growing anger towards the wealthy and their disconnection from societal issues.“The wealthiest people in our nation have a vested interest in the success of America.”24:32May 1, 2026
- Elon Musk Takes the StandElon Musk claims he was a fool to fund OpenAI and warns against AI risks.“It's not okay to steal a charity.”27:15May 1, 2026
- Virgin Atlantic's Joy of FlyingVirgin Atlantic aims to bring back the joy of flying with stylish planes and attentive service.“They've been that way ever since.”36:12May 1, 2026
- Taylor Swift's Trademark StrategyTaylor Swift files a trademark for her voice clips to protect against AI misuse.“This is something a lot of celebrities are doing, but she’s probably the biggest one.”36:57May 1, 2026
- AI and Celebrity VoicesThe conversation shifts to the implications of AI using celebrity voices and likenesses.“Everyone should own their digital twin.”39:17May 1, 2026
