Scott-Free August continues with none other than MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow! Kara and Rachel talk about the origins of “America First,” Trump’s ongoing D.C. takeover, and The White House’s review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions. Plus, President Trump and Vladimir Putin meet in Alaska, and SCOTUS is asked to overturn marriage equality. Then, what are The Ladies of the Right beefing about? Rachel’s podcast, “Ultra” won a 2025 Edward R. Murrow Award! Listen to it here. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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

As Scott-Free August rolls on, Kara is joined by guest co-host David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, and host of The New Yorker Radio Hour. Kara and David discuss Trump's federal takeover of the D.C. police, and look ahead to the "feel-out" meeting with Putin in Alaska this week. Plus, redistricting fights spread across the country, Cuomo pulls some punches on Mamdani (with limited success), and Zuck's Palo Alto compound faces scrutiny. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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

Scott-Free August continues with #1 New York Times bestselling author and award-winning podcast host, Mel Robbins! Kara and Mel talk about why “The Let Them Theory” took off, the pros and cons of using AI for therapy, why people should stop blaming their phones, and the deeper issues behind "mankeeping." Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast here. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 kicks off Scott-free August with guest co-host Anthony Scaramucci — lawyer, podcaster, founder of SkyBridge Capital, and yes, former White House Communications Director for Trump (briefly). Kara and The Mooch break down Trump’s decision to fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the latest tariff moves, and some nuclear saber-rattling with Russia. Plus, MAGA builds up its war chest, and Trump tussles with Charlamagne tha God over Epstein. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠.Follow us on Instagram and Threads at ⁠⁠@pivotpodcastofficial⁠⁠.Follow us on Bluesky at ⁠⁠@pivotpod.bsky.social⁠⁠Follow 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 advancement of a bill to ban stock trading by lawmakers, President Trump’s Joe Rogan problem, and Ghislaine Maxwell agreeing to testify for immunity. Then, President Trump says he will not extend the latest August 1st tariff deadline, and Microsoft and Meta’s mega earnings. Plus, Novo Nordisk shares are plummeting after weak growth for Ozempic and Wegovy. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠.  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 Skydance-Paramount merger getting the green light from the FCC, and South Park's timely takedown of Trump and Paramount. Then, with the tariff deadline looming, the EU strikes a trade deal with Trump. Plus, Ghislaine Maxwell talks to the DOJ, Gwyneth Paltrow becomes the "temporary" spokesperson for Astronomer in the wake of the Coldplay kiss cam scandal, and Tony Robbins sues over AI chatbots. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 news that President Trump is indeed in the Epstein files, and his latest attempts to distract the public from the story, including going after former President Barack Obama. They also unpack Tesla’s underwhelming earnings report, Trump’s so-called “AI Action Plan,” and why Columbia University is writing a big check. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 Coldplay kiss cam moment that captivated the nation, and launched a thousand memes. What does the incident reveal about work relationships, and letting your guard down in public? Then, Trump sues Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal for defamation. Who will emerge victorious in this legal battle? Plus, CBS cancels "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," and insists the decision was purely financial, and not related to Paramount's Trump settlement. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at ⁠⁠@pivotpodcastofficial⁠⁠.Follow us on Bluesky at ⁠⁠@pivotpod.bsky.social⁠⁠Follow 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 whether Trump will fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and all of the administration's efforts to distract from the Epstein scandal.   Elon Musk’s Grok scores a contract with the Defense Department, and Andrew Cuomo will officially run as an independent in the NYC mayoral race.  Plus, the House advances three crypto bills, and Kara and Scott are feeling better than ever after getting some love from a certain fellow podcast host. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 unpack the MAGA civil war erupting over how the Trump administration is handling the Epstein files. Then, Trump continues to go tariff-wild, now threatening Russia, the EU, Mexico and more, and he's also reigniting his longtime feud with Rosie O'Donnell. Plus, Elon blurs lines between businesses with SpaceX investing in xAI, and Google makes a new AI acqui-hire in the latest Big Tech talent grab. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 Linda Yaccarino's exit from X, the major problems with xAI's chatbot Grok, and President Trump’s continued tariff chaos. Plus, trouble at Tesla, a big shake-up at Apple, and Shein's IPO filing in Hong Kong. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 catastrophic flooding in Texas, and the blame game over forecasts, funding, and warning systems. Then, Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" is now law, so who wins, who loses, and what does the bill mean for the future of the country? Plus, Elon forms a new political party, and TikTok reportedly prepares to launch a U.S. app. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at ⁠⁠@pivotpodcastofficial⁠⁠.Follow us on Bluesky at ⁠⁠@pivotpod.bsky.social⁠⁠Follow 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 is joined by guest co-host Kristen Soltis Anderson, pollster and co-founder of Echelon Insights. They unpack the latest in Trump-world: a new round in the Trump vs. Elon saga, the $16 million settlement with Paramount, and a potential TikTok buyer. Plus, what the polls say about the “Big Beautiful Bill," and how NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is responding to Trump’s threats. Follow Kristen on X here. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 are opening up the listener mailbag, and taking questions from Pivot fans! They discuss why China's BYD electric vehicles are so innovative, and what would happen if the cars ever came to the U.S. Then, some parenting advice on navigating career choices in the age of AI, and how to have "The Talk" with your kids. Plus, why tech launches don't thrill us like they used to, and a question on time travel! Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 President Trump doubling down on claims that Iran’s nuclear program has been “obliterated,” and attacking news outlets for reporting on leaked intelligence that suggests otherwise. Then, Zohran Mamdani’s surprise win in the New York City Democratic primary for mayor. Plus, President Trump reportedly wants to name Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s replacement as soon as this fall, the FTC approves a mega advertising merger, and Meta and Anthropic score wins in AI copyright cases. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, and the mixed messages coming from President Trump and his team. Then, Tesla's long-awaited robotaxis are finally on the streets (sort of), but will they live up to Elon's game-changing promises? Plus, Meta's AI power grab, and the TikTok deadline gets delayed... again. The info in this podcast reflects events in the Middle East at the time of recording. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. 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 have a live audience at the Adweek House in Cannes this week. They discuss the Bezos wedding protests in Venice, French President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to ban social media for children under 15, and Meta adding ads to WhatsApp. Plus, chatbots are killing news publishers, and Trump is getting into the phone business. Then, audience questions! Kara and Scott are with a live audience at the Adweek House in Cannes. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 Minnesota lawmaker shootings, and if anything can be done about the uptick in political violence. Then, Trump says Israel and Iran will make a deal, but the latest conflict between the two countries continues to escalate. Plus, the No Kings protests rain on Trump's military parade, and Elon's SpaceX contracts with the government might be in danger. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 tensions flaring between President Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom over the National Guard’s LA deployment. Then, Elon Musk regrets “some” of his recent posts about Trump, and X lures advertisers by getting litigious. All of that plus: the U.S.-China trade deal is back, OpenAI makes a deal with Google, and more. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. 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 protests in Los Angeles, dig into Trump's escalating authoritarian tactics, and debate how the Democratic Party should fight back. They also get some on-the-ground perspective from New York Times reporter Livia Albeck-Ripka, who's been covering the protests. Then, Trump threatens Elon Musk with “serious consequences” if he funds Democrats, but is Elon’s behavior on X a sign he’s crawling back? Plus, Warner Bros. Discovery confirms it’s splitting into two companies, just as Kara and Scott predicted. We’ve got another call in show coming up! Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at ⁠⁠nymag.com/pivot⁠⁠. Watch this episode on the ⁠⁠Pivot YouTube channel⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Help us plan for the future of Pivot by filling out a brief survey: ⁠⁠⁠voxmedia.com/survey⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices