Pivot – Electric Vehicles, Tech Giant Land Grab and Co-Host Joanna Stern

Intro

In this episode of the “Pivot” podcast, guest co-host Joanna Stern, Wall Street Journal columnist, joins Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway to discuss a wide range of topics, including electric vehicles, tech giant land grab, and more. They delve into the latest developments in the EV market, the upcoming iPhone release, and the controversial reputation of Elon Musk. Additionally, they explore the concept of “end times” and how societies can navigate through crises. With their unique insights and analysis, the hosts provide a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology, business, and society.

Main Takeaways

Electric Vehicles

• Joanna Stern discusses her recent piece on electric vehicles (EVs)
• Electric vehicle sales continue to rise, but they remain expensive for companies and consumers
• The speaker shares their experience in purchasing an electric vehicle, evaluating criteria such as battery life, charging speeds, and driver-assistant features
• They test and compare six different electric cars, ultimately choosing the Ford Mustang Mach-E
• The Ford Mustang Mach-E is described as a “computer on wheels” with innovative features
• Tesla’s charging network is recognized as superior, but they need to innovate more with their car designs
• Competition in the EV market is increasing, providing consumers with more choices

iPhone and Tech Updates

• The upcoming iPhone 15 release is expected in September, with rumors of significant price hikes and upgrades in wireless charging and cameras
• Apple is changing the port on the iPhone to USB-C, causing frustration for users who have invested in previous chargers and cables
• Battery life issues have been reported for iPhone 14 Pro users, potentially due to thermal problems and increased charging
• Despite some drop-off in the smartphone market, young people still heavily use iPhones due to their solid design and resale value
• Apple’s revenue was down 2% in the latest quarter earnings

Tech Giant Land Grab

• Flannery Associates, backed by Silicon Valley investors, is buying $800 million worth of farmland in Northern California for a new city
• The project covers an area of about 52,000 acres, more than three times the size of Manhattan
• There is limited information about the project, leading to speculation and interest
• Questions arise about its proximity to the Travis Air Force base and ongoing lawsuits with landowners over pricing

End Times and Societal Dynamics

• Professor Peter Turchin discusses his book “End Times” and the science of cliodynamics, which uses math and data to anticipate the future of societies
• Turchin highlights factors that drive societies to crisis, such as declining living standards and competition between elite aspirants
• He emphasizes the importance of prosocial elites and upward mobility in solving crises without violence
• Turchin’s predictions are based on scientific analysis, not prophecies

Summary

Electric Vehicles: The Future of Transportation

Electric vehicles are gaining popularity, but high costs remain a barrier for both manufacturers and consumers. Joanna Stern shares her insights on EVs and her personal experience in purchasing an electric vehicle. The hosts discuss the different options available in the market and the advantages of Tesla’s charging network. However, they also highlight the need for Tesla to innovate more in terms of car design. The increasing competition in the EV market provides consumers with more choices and encourages further advancements in the industry.

The iPhone’s Evolution and Challenges

The upcoming iPhone 15 release sparks discussions about price hikes, upgrades in wireless charging and cameras, and the controversial change to the USB-C charging port. While the EU legislation plays a role in this decision, it causes frustration for users who have invested in previous chargers and cables. Battery life issues for iPhone 14 Pro users raise concerns, potentially due to thermal problems and increased charging. Despite some challenges, iPhones continue to be popular among young people due to their solid design and resale value.

Tech Giant Land Grab and Societal Dynamics

Flannery Associates’ massive land acquisition in Northern California for a new city raises curiosity and speculation. The project’s scale and limited information surrounding its purpose create intrigue. Concerns about its proximity to the Travis Air Force base and ongoing legal disputes add further complexity. Professor Peter Turchin’s research on cliodynamics sheds light on societal dynamics and the factors that drive societies to crisis. He emphasizes the importance of prosocial elites and upward mobility in resolving crises without violence.

Conclusion

The “Pivot” podcast episode featuring guest co-host Joanna Stern covers a wide range of topics, including electric vehicles, tech giant land grab, and societal dynamics. Listeners gain insights into the current state and future of the EV market, the challenges and innovations in the smartphone industry, and the complexities of societal dynamics. With their expertise and analysis, the hosts provide a thought-provoking discussion that explores the intersection of technology, business, and society.