Squawk Pod

Airbnb has announced a major slate of updates to its platform just in time for an expected surge in travel. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky discussed the update and what he expects from the post-pandemic travel surge. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau also reports airline passenger levels are inching closer to where they were before the pandemic. Moderna said its Covid-19 vaccine was effective in a study of adolescents ages 12 to 17, making it the second shot behind Pfizer’s to demonstrate high efficacy in younger age groups. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell reports on the emergency approval. Plus, Amazon nears a deal to buy MGM Studios for nearly $9 billion and Florida has become the first state to regulate how tech companies moderate speech online. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

25 Touko 202127min

Space tourism company Virgin Galactic logged a successful spaceflight test over the weekend, complete with flips in microgravity and a stock surge to match. Offices are ready to return to normal, and staffing agency Lasalle Network CEO Tom Gimbel says the “new” normal will likely look a lot like the old one. He shares his expectations for hybrid work, as well as the pros and cons of remote work for employees and managers alike. The U.S. may finally be turning a corner in the pandemic; former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses masking for kids, the Covid-19 origin story, and the likelihood of a winter resurgence. Plus, cryptocurrencies are emerging from a hell week, and Phil Mickelson has won the PGA Championship, a victory that makes him the oldest major champion in golf history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

24 Touko 202132min

Ten years and $260 million later, IAC Chairman Barry Diller and his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg have unveiled Little Island, the floating park along the west side of Manhattan. In Squawk Box’s first on location interview in over a year, Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down--outside and 6 feet away--with Barry Diller in the 2+ acres of green space now open to the public. The two discuss New York’s sunny reopening after a long, dark year. Plus, the media mogul shares his thoughts on the AT&T-Discovery deal, Amazon’s play for MGM Studios, and where media consolidation leaves Comcast, Disney, and Netflix. Ahead of the Apple vs. Epic Games courtroom drama, Diller weighs in on tech power and regulation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

21 Touko 202131min

Swedish oat milk brand Oatly makes its market debut on the Nasdaq after pricing its initial public offering at $17 per share and raising $1.4 billion, the top of the expected range. Oatly CEO Toni Petersson discusses the company’s sustainability mission and business outlook. The Federal Reserve is hinting at pulling back from its pandemic-prompted bond buys. David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-executive chairman of the Carlyle Group, discusses the resulting market whiplash, crypto's roller coaster ride, and post-Covid investor sentiment. Plus, Colonial Pipeline made a $4.4 million ransom payment to its cyber attackers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 Touko 202131min

Target CEO Brian Cornell shares the retailer’s big quarterly results; with sales up over 20% Cornell says American shoppers are finally back--and buying--in stores. Cryptocurrencies are selling off, with bitcoin hitting three month lows. Joe, Becky, and Andrew break down the bitcoin and ethereum meltdowns and consider the risks of speculative assets. Plus, website builder Squarespace went public on the New York Stock Exchange via direct listing. CEO Anthony Casalena explains building the internet, and his company’s path forward as a public, profitable company. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19 Touko 202136min

Retailers are reporting a boom in consumer demand in their quarterly results; Walmart and Home Depot impressed Wall Street with their most recent financials, and they’re betting that the shopper appetite is healthy and here to stay. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) considers the country’s post-Covid employment realities as job opportunities grow faster than hiring. Plus, CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the group pushing back on American CEOs getting involved in politics; he explains “woke capitalism” and why this cohort of conservatives is campaigning against it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18 Touko 202124min

In a surprise move, AT&T has announced a $43 billion deal to merge WarnerMedia with Discovery Inc. Joe, Becky, and Andrew digest the news and what it means for media, from Hollywood to Wall Street. Media watcher and LightShed Partners co-founder Richard Greenfield considers content and business possibilities for the new entity and explains how he sees the deal affecting HBO Max and Discovery Plus subscribers. Plus, the “new” normal is finally on its way: former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb says that by June, most Americans won’t be wearing masks, and vaccinated people have very little reason to continue wearing them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 Touko 202127min

Jet.com founder Marc Lore left his post heading Walmart’s e-commerce business for his own adventures in entrepreneurship and investing. In his first interview since his departure, Lore shares his vision for venture capital (with Alex Rodriguez) and his expectations for online shopping in a post-pandemic world. Tech stocks have had a rough month so far, but Insider CEO Henry Blodget says the tech sector may finally be settling into realistic valuations. He tracks bitcoin’s journey to 2021 and where crypto may go from here. Plus, Elon Musk is tweeting about dogecoin (again), and masks up--or down! The CDC says it’s your choice, if you’re vaccinated. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14 Touko 202128min