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.

DOGE’s Chaos Strategy, X’s New Valuation, and Guest Co-Host Katie Drummond – Pivot

Kara is joined by guest co-host Katie Drummond of WIRED! They talk all things DOGE: Is Elon Musk not in charge? How much have cuts actually saved so far? Is Steve Bannon a fan? Plus, X is in talks to raise money at a valuation of $44 billion, which is the same amount Elon Musk bought it for. Read more from WIRED here. 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