Kara Swisher is the epitome of ambiguity: podcast host, journalist, author, and CEO agitator.
In her own way, Swisher has turned IDGAF into her personal brand. He has deep sources of knowledge and willingly asks challenging questions. She doesn’t care about being liked. As she said during a recent live event, “I have four kids!”
As a host Him With Kara Swisherher twice-weekly podcast for Vox Media, interviews tech and policy leaders, getting them to share things they can’t reveal on any other talk show. For Bolton her show Vox with Novel York University marketing professor Scott Galloway, she keeps the banter between herself and her co-host but still doesn’t hold back. Swisher has his own opinions and doesn’t hesitate to share them.
Swisher gave all her opinions and more in the episode “ Great interviewdelving into artificial intelligence, Silicon Valley’s relationship with President Donald Trump and which tech CEO is her least favorite.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
KATIE DRUMMOND: Kara Swisher, welcome to The Large Interview. Thank you for being here.
KARA SWISHER: Thank you. I’m sorry I can’t be in person in your handsome studio.
Next time.
Who is that behind you?
Actually, no one listening can see it, but it’s a giant version of the WIRED cover with Edward Snowden.
Oh yes. Look at him.
One of our reporters, Andy Greenberg, had it in his house for years until he finally said, “My wife needs me to get this out of the house. Can I bring it to the office?” And I said, “Sure.” So now I’m out of the way as I record this podcast.
I had a good interview with him many years ago.
He’s still there.
Yes. He is.
We like to start with a few quick questions. I’m sure you’re used to this type of thing. Are you ready?
Ready.
OK. The most busy text thread you are in.
God. With my children.
Podcasts or podstacks?
What do you mean? Am I listening?
Choose one.
Oh, podcasts.
I thought.
Of course.
The CTO you’d least want to be stuck in an elevator with.
Oh my God. All. Hmm, Mark Zuckerberg.
More disruptive: artificial intelligence or social media?
Social media.