You Should Listen to Paxton Smith

I am more confident about the future after listing to Paxton Smith on the Pivot podcast. Paxton is the bright, intelligent, and bold valedictorian who hijacked her own speech to say what was really on her mind in the wake of the anti-choice legislation signed by Texas Governor Greb Abbott.

Although she took some good-natured ribbing at the end for her current decision to study entertainment and pop music performance at the University of Texas, I suspect she knows exactly what she is doing. It suggests to me that she is a pragmatic person that does not want to get stuck spinning her wheels with by-the-book activism and speeches.

She understands that pop culture moves people and sways opinion. And that is how you move the needle in the direction you want.

Paramount CEO Ouster, Microsoft and Alphabet Earnings, and Guest Jan Sramek – Pivot

Kara and Scott discuss the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the FTC accusing Amazon of using disappearing messaging apps to conceal potential evidence, and social media reacting to Gov. Kristi Noem's dog tale. Then, what Microsoft and Alphabet's latest earnings reveal about the Big Tech's AI race. Plus, Paramount's drama continues as CEO Bob Bakish steps down. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is California Forever CEO and Founder, Jan Sramek. Jan explains why he wants to build a new community in Solano County, California, and clears up some of the misconceptions. Follow Jan at @JanSramek. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. 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