Kara Swisher: Kash Patel is a “National Security Risk” | Pivot
Episode Description
Kara and Scott discuss Kash Patel’s defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and Donald Trump’s attempt to appease Joe Rogan with an executive order on psychedelics. Then, they break down the U.S. seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, as JD Vance heads back to Pakistan for peace talks. Plus, Anthropic’s “productive” White House meeting, and Netflix’s push into vertical video and podcasts.
00:00 Intro 00:17 Kash Patel Sues Atlantic 7:20 Trump’s Iran “Incompetence” 17:00 Joe Rogan Influences Executive Order 24:40 Anthropic Meets with The White House 39:58 Netflix Earnings 45:25 Streaming Bets on Podcasts 56:22 Wins and Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Todd Wiseman
Video Producer: Rich Shibley
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
Cash Patel sues The Atlantic over allegations of incompetence; Joe Rogan influences Trump’s psychedelic drug policies; Netflix pivots to podcasting.
Key points
- Cash Patel's Defamation Suit. FBI Director Cash Patel files a $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic, claiming a hit piece.
- Patel's Alleged Incompetence. Reports allege excessive drinking and erratic behavior from Patel, raising national security concerns.
- Trump's Psychedelic Executive Order. Trump signs an executive order to fast-track FDA review of psychedelics for mental health, influenced by Joe Rogan.
- Potential in Psychedelic Research. A Stanford study shows significant potential for psychedelics in treating veterans' PTSD.
- Influencer Dynamics. A humorous take on the role of influencers in politics and society.
- The AI Regulation Vacuum. The lack of thoughtful regulation around AI is creating chaos and uncertainty.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Cash Patel's Defamation SuitFBI Director Cash Patel files a $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic, claiming a hit piece.“It was not a hit piece.”0:22Apr 21, 2026
- Patel's Alleged IncompetenceReports allege excessive drinking and erratic behavior from Patel, raising national security concerns.“This guy doesn’t appear to be showing up.”1:20Apr 21, 2026
- Trump's Psychedelic Executive OrderTrump signs an executive order to fast-track FDA review of psychedelics for mental health, influenced by Joe Rogan.“Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.”17:16Apr 21, 2026
- Potential in Psychedelic ResearchA Stanford study shows significant potential for psychedelics in treating veterans' PTSD.“Almost nine and 10 participants experienced a reduction in PTSD symptoms.”18:39Apr 21, 2026
- Influencer DynamicsA humorous take on the role of influencers in politics and society.“You’re an influencer. We got to take you to Coachella.”24:21Apr 21, 2026
- The AI Regulation VacuumThe lack of thoughtful regulation around AI is creating chaos and uncertainty.“The vacuum is being filled by chaos around something that people aren’t sure.”28:34Apr 21, 2026
- Dario's Future as CEOA prediction that Dario will be disliked in two years.“We’ll hate him too in 24 months.”34:43Apr 21, 2026
- Reed Hastings' DepartureNetflix co-founder Reed Hastings is leaving, raising questions about the company's future.“Reed Hastings is a generational entrepreneur.”41:14Apr 21, 2026
