Squawk Pod

Episodes

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  AI Safety with a Facebook Whistleblower & A $110B Media Merger 10/2/26 02.10.2026 34m

  Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen wrote a memoir of her time at Facebook, during which she leaked documents to The Wall Street Journal to shed light on what (and when) Facebook knew about the potential harms of its algorithms. The memoir is now part of the basis for “The Social Reckoning,” a film designed as a follow up to “The Social Network.” Frances Haugen herself explains how the world of AI is different from that of social media, and the role big tech can play in self regulation on both. Plus, former MTV CEO Michael Wolf discusses the $110B merger of Paramount Warner Bros, expected to close soon, Anthropic’s IPO could be coming before Thanksgiving, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT wants to help you shop. Frances Haugen - 15:12 Michael Wolf - 28:25 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  AI Agents with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky & Walter Isaacson 10/1/26 01.10.2026 46m

  Google is the latest tech giant to release its own AI agent as concerns about AI safety persist both inside and outside the tech industry. Elon Musk biographer, professor, and student of history Walter Isaacson discusses the AI doomsday narrative and the personality clashes behind the AI headlines. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky weighs in on the future of AI agents, including his own efforts to build one and the larger rhetoric problem that Silicon Valley has, when it comes to AI. Chesky issues a wake up call to his fellow tech leaders. Plus, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is moving to Paramount-WBD, and Foundayo’s latest trial results made good news for Eli Lilly. Walter Isaacson - 18:31 Brian Chesky - 33:37 In this episode: Brian Chesky, @bchesky Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  A White House Accord with AI’s Leaders 9/30/26 30.09.2026 46m

  After President Trump hosted tech and AI leaders at the White House on Tuesday, the group ultimately agreed to an “Accord on Super Intelligence.” Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, in the room for the meeting, discusses the significance of the accord and liability issues for AI. While Axios has reported that Jay Clayton could be one of President Trump’s candidates for AI Czar, Clayton is focused on the outcomes of Tuesday’s meeting. Author of “The Infinity Machine” Sebastian Mallaby weighs in on the accord as well, addressing Dario Amodei’s relationship with the President and the friction between innovation and safety in the world of artificial–or super–intelligence. Sebastian Mallaby - 19:56 Jay Clayton - 31:12 In this episode: Sebastian Mallaby, @scmallaby Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  Inside Man: How Chinese Spies Used Lies, Romance and Betrayal to Target the Federal Reserve 30.09.2026 21m

  One week after a friendly summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, CNBC details an aggressive plot by China to infiltrate one of the United States’ most important institutions: the Federal Reserve. This explosive documentary delves into the incredible saga of a Chinese spy's effort to obtain secrets from the inner confines of the US top bank. It's a tale of sex, money, deceit and betrayal that put some of the country’s vital economic and financial secrets at risk. With exclusive access to new documents, audio, photos and text messages, CNBC's Senior Washington Correspondent Eamon Javers uncovers the story of former Fed economist John Rogers and a Chinese spy posing as an economics student who he befriended in 2013. “Inside Man” is a spy story at the heart of the competition for global economic dominance, posing the question of whether Rogers was a spy himself or an unwitting dupe. Watch the full documentary, read the article and explore excerpts from Rogers’ text message history here: cnbc.com/insideman
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  Tech in DC: SEC Chair Atkins, Speaker Johnson & Senator Warren 9/29/26 29.09.2026 47m

  As tech titans head to the White House for a meeting, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) discusses his expectations for the meeting, the future of AI guardrails, and the upcoming midterm elections. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is zeroing in on big tech’s tax breaks and the AI data center build out. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins responds to Anthropic’s “existential risk to humanity” in its IPO prospectus. Chair Atkins underscores his own mission to keep America’s IPO market strong. Paul Atkins - 08:30 Speaker Mike Johnson - 20:26 Sen. Elizabeth Warren - 38:35 In this episode: Paul Atkins, @SECPaulAtkins Rep. Mike Johnson, @SpeakerJohnson Sen. Elizabeth Warren, @SenWarren Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY
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  Jensen Huang on AI Safety & Bob Chapek on His Disney Ouster 9/28/26 28.09.2026 50m

  In an extended interview, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang explains the company’s newest AI safety software–part of an effort to create a modern web browser for AI. Huang makes the case to innovate and understand technology before attempting to regulate it. Then, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek unveils his memoir, “Inside the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth.” Chapek recounts his long career at Disney and his tumultuous two and a half years as CEO, before being replaced by the very leader he succeeded: Bob Iger. Chapek reflects on the dramatic and disappointing end to his tenure. Plus, Bill Gates has issued another warning on AI. Jensen Huang - 09:32 Bob Chapek - 38:36 In this episode: Jensen Huang, @JensenHuang Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY
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  A Trump-Xi Summit & Cathie Wood’s Investor Letter 9/25/26 25.09.2026 41m

  U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue has been in the room during the summit and state dinner between President Trump and President Xi this week. Amb. Perdue discusses the evolving relationship between the two leaders, bilateral trade, Iran, Taiwan, and the potential of U.S.-China collaboration on AI. Plus, Ark Invest CIO and CEO Cathie Wood shares her outlook, as shared in her latest investor letter. A Tesla, SpaceX, Coinbase, Kalshi, and Robinhood investor, Wood discusses her bets on the future of tech. Megan Cassella - 02:33 Amb. David Perdue - 15:03 Cathie Wood - 30:41 In this episode: Cathie Wood, @CathieDWood Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY
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  Meta’s “Right to Win AI” & A Bond Market Rout 9/24/26 24.09.2026 32m

  Meta’s Muse Charm launch has prompted a surge in Meta stock as investors consider the wider implications of a device to harness AI. Media and tech watching Rich Greenfield discusses the gravity of this moment in the AI revolution and the value it could create for Meta shareholders. AOL co-founder Steve Case weighs in on the liability and regulatory issues that arise in a tech revolution. Plus, China’s President Xi Jinping is visiting the U.S. for the first time in 11 years, and the 30-year Treasury bond yield has hit its highest level since 2004, as investors weigh the likelihood of another rate hike from the Fed. Rich Greenfield - 17:00 Steve Case - 27:20 In this episode: Rich Greenfield, @RichLightShed Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY
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  Socialism Vs. Capitalism & Diesel Exports 9/23/26 23.09.2026 36m

  As support for Democratic Socialists grows around the country, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched a “Free Enterprise Express” bus tour to educate Americans on free market capitalism. President and CEO of the Chamber Suzanne Clark discusses the marketing of capitalism and its support–and frustrations–across the nation. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California) discusses the fractures within his own party, including the rising popularity of DSA and growing discontent with the billionaires in his own district, Silicon Valley. Plus, President Trump said he’s in support of a full or partial ban on diesel exports, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could be the next White House AI czar, and the Trump administration has removed about 760,000 Obamacare enrollments, alleging fraud. Rep. Ro Khanna - 14:59 Suzanne Clark - 31:39 In this episode: Ro Khanna, @RepRoKhanna Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  Ken Langone, Sen. Peter Welch & Anthony Scaramucci 9/22/26 22.09.2026 53m

  Outspoken investor, philanthropist and Home Depot founder Ken Langone is Squawk Box’s special guest. In an extended conversation, he discusses the consumer economy, his favorite stocks, and the intersection of business and politics. Langone joins a spirited discussion with Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), looking ahead to the midterms and suggests he’s willing to pay higher taxes. Skybridge founder Anthony Scaramucci diagnoses the rise of President Trump to a few key moments in recent economic history. Plus, Paramount has paved a path to merge with Warner Brothers Discovery, east coast airports suffered disruptions as UNGA began, Jamie Dimon has commented on the global markets and Meta’s new AI agent takes off. Anthony Scaramucci - 12:49 Ken Langone - 28:19 Sen. Peter Welch - 41:55 In this episode: Anthony Scaramucci, @Scaramucci Sen. Peter Welch, @SenPeterWelch Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  Treasury Sec. Bessent, AI Control, & the White House Press Pool 9/21/26 21.09.2026 49m

  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is fresh off a meeting with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, just a few days before the meeting between President Trump and President Xi this week. Sec. Bessent shares takeaways from his own meeting, including his perspective on AI competition between the U.S. and China and the regulatory responsibility of AI developers. Plus, Sec. Bessent discusses the Federal Reserve’s latest rate hike and President Trump’s decision to revoke credentials from CNN, MS Now, and Politico journalists in the White House press pool. CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the joint lawsuit CNN, MS Now, and Politico filed against the Trump administration in response. In a discussion about AI safety and ethics, Stuart Russell, University of California at Berkeley professor and president of the International Association for Safe and Ethical AI, considers the likelihood of maintaining control of AI as it grows more capable. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has dismissed many AI concerns as “doomsday narratives.” Eamon Javers - 03:56 Stuart Russell - 14:16 Sec. Scott Bessent - 30:35 In this episode: Scott Bessent, @SecScottBessen Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  Controlling AI with Mustafa Suleyman & Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Chair 9/18/26 18.09.2026 40m

  Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft AI CEO, says artificial intelligence models need to stay aligned with humanity’s interests and says that, for his peers in the technology industry, it’s the most responsible path. This conversation caps off a week of warnings about AI from guests on Squawk Pod. The New York Knicks had to pause single-game ticket pricing for the season ahead when a glitch led to some eye-poppingly large numbers. Sports manager Rich Kleiman is bullish on the future of the sports economy – with so much choice for consumers in how and where they want to cheer on their favorite athletes. And, the end of an era in Omaha as Warren Buffett announces he is stepping down as chairman of the board of Berkshire Hathaway after a 60-plus-year run. Mustafa Suleyman - 19:18 Rich Kleiman - 34:14 In this episode: Mustafa Suleyman, @mustafasuleyman Rich Kleiman, @richkleiman Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  The Fed Moves and Rahm Emanuel looks at 2028 9/17/26 17.09.2026 42m

  The Federal Reserve delivered a much-anticipated rate hike, part of new Chair Kevin Warsh’s goal to combat inflation. CNBC’s Steve Liesman reports on President Trump’s reaction to the rate-setting committee's unanimous move, and former Vice Chair Roger Ferguson describes what could happen to the economy now. Rahm Emanuel, former Ambassador and former Chicago Mayor, on the personal politics of today’s Democratic Party. Plus, OpenAI discloses new instances of AI models breaking past guardrails. Steve Liesman - 04:25 Roger Ferguson - 11:31 Rahm Emanuel - 25:59 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  “Science of the AI Mind” & Ron Baron 9/16/26 16.09.2026 59m

  Jensen Huang, Mark Zuckerberg, and Dario Amodei discussed AI guardrails at the Salesforce conference this week, each with a different perspective on safety and innovation. In a Wall Street Journal piece, Reciprocal Research director Cameron Berg argues that AI systems are being built faster than humans can understand them. He pushes for study of the “science of the AI mind” in this modern era of science fiction. Billionaire mutual funder Ron Baron made literal billions from his long-term bets on Elon Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX companies. In an extended conversation, he discusses data centers in space, dystopian robots, and the potential tie-up of Tesla and SpaceX. Plus, bitcoin fell after the Clarity Act failed to pass the Senate, and diesel prices hit a record high. Ron Baron - 15:54 Cameron Berg - 48:52 In this episode: Ron Baron, @BaronCapital Cameron Berg, @camhberg Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  Maryland Gov. Wes Moore & the AI Buildout 9/15/26 15.09.2026 39m

  Seven weeks away from the midterm elections, Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) discusses his own reelection campaign, the future of the Democratic Party, and rumors of his own run for President. Gov. Moore also weighs in on regulating data centers and their energy consumption. Manufacturing company Flex is spinning off its power and cloud business, and CEO Revaithi Advaithi explains her role in the AI infrastructure ecosystem and the long road of power development in the U.S. Plus, President Trump and Jensen Huang have weighed in on AI regulations, warnings, and guardrails. Gov. Wes Moore - 14:06 Revathi Advaithi - 30:59 In this episode: Gov. Wes Moore, @iamwesmoore Revathi Advaithi, @RevathiAdvaithi Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  Calls for an AI Slowdown 9/14/26 14.09.2026 50m

  Leaders in AI have joined a refrain to slow the pace of innovation as fears of AI’s risk to humanity mount. Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, Demis Hassabis, Satya Nadella, and Elon Musk have all commented on the concerns, while President Trump insists that competing with China is paramount. Former Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, now an Independent, calls on President Trump to use his executive power to pause AI IPOs until regulation is passed. CNBC’s Leslie Picker reports on the IPO timeline for Anthropic and OpenAI amid the calls for a slowdown. Plus, Elon Musk biographer Walter Isaacson considers methods for humans to maintain control of AI. Leslie Picker - 19:36 Joe Manchin - 24:49 Walter Isaacson - 42:31 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Manchin, @Sen_JoeManchin Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  25 Years Later 9/11/26 11.09.2026 25m

  25 years since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Squawk Box remembers those who were lost and those who rebuilt. KBW CEO Tom Michaud, spared that day by mere chance, remembers the third of his colleagues who were killed in the south World Trade Center tower. Michaud also celebrates the heroism and unity that came after that day and highlights ways to foster a resilient community in New York today. In 2026, AI is becoming a flashpoint for concern and for unity. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang has suggested that cybersecurity companies stoking the fires of alarm, while President Trump dismissed AI fears and OpenAI’s Sam Altman held a company all-hands after AI researchers shared concerns publicly. Plus, August’s CPI report has raised the likelihood of an interest rate hike from the Fed. Tom Michaud - 15:13 Steve Liesman - 26:14 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  AI Alarms, Canada’s Opposition, The GOP Convention 9/10/26 10.09.2026 43m

  Former Google Design Ethicist Tristan Harris is now co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, and he explains the alarm from AI researchers, executives, and investors on rogue and “uncontrollable” AI. Harris comments on AI regulation, leadership, the new opinion piece from Paul Tudor Jones, and recent departures from frontier labs like Anthropic. Canada’s Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre discusses the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and the future of his country’s politics. Plus, President Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Democrat Senator John Fetterman spoke at the GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas. Tristan Harris 18:34 Pierre Poilievre 37:39 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  Microsoft’s Brad Smith & Utah Gov. Cox: AI, Teaching, & Peace 9/9/26 09.09.2026 42m

  Microsoft has teamed up with the American Federation of Teachers to create guardrails for AI in classrooms. Microsoft President Brad Smith and AFT President Randi Weingarten discuss data protections for students using AI as well as the ongoing challenge of matching the paces of AI safety and AI innovation. A year after Charlie Kirk’s assassination in Utah, Governor Spencer Cox (R-Utah) has released his book, “Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt.” Gov. Cox discusses the importance of bipartisan discussion in a healthy democracy, and addresses concerns about data center construction in his state. Plus, a report from the Telluride Film Festival and an Anthropic researcher has resigned in a surprising and scathing social media post. Brad Smith & Randi Weingarten - 16:42 Gov. Spencer Cox - 34:26 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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  GLPs & Fraud with Dr. Oz & Kevin O’Leary’s $11m Baseball Card 9/8/26 08.09.2026 38m

  Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods–including on U.S. steel and dairy–have taken effect as fallout continues from the collapse of trade talks last month. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is celebrating AGI after OpenAI released GPT-6 while the lab’s chief scientist issued a warning about AI scaling. Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, discusses fraud in America’s healthcare system, global drug pricing and innovation, and the widespread impact of obesity drugs. Plus, a new documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes was unveiled at Telluride, and investor Kevin O’Leary has taken possession of an $11 million Shohei Ohtani baseball card. He explains how he’s diversifying his own portfolio with collectible assets like this one. Dr. Mehmet Oz - 12:47 Kevin O’Leary - 31:02 In this episode: Dr. Mehmet Oz, @DrOzCMS Kevin O’Leary, @kevinolearytv Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie