Squawk Pod

OpenAI’s Eye-Popping Raise & Hair Today, Hair Forever 4/1/26

OpenAI has closed a $122 billion funding round, bringing its valuation to $852 billion. Investor Cathie Wood discusses her bets on AI and the future of tech investing. Nike reported a struggle in the Chinese market for its latest quarter, and CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest in the Middle East. Plus, shares of biopharma company Veradermics are up well over 65% since its IPO in February, all thanks to investor appetite for pattern hair loss treatments. CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Reid Waldman discusses the market, the audience, and the innovation in hair care.    Dan Murphy - 07:03 Cathie Wood - 19:14 Dr. Reid Waldman - 32:01   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Cathie Wood, @CathieDWood Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1D AGO

NYC’s “Tax the Rich” Debate & Privatizing TSA 3/30/26

After a partial government shutdown disrupted travel nationwide, TSA workers are returning to work and could be getting paid as early as today. Former TSA Administrator John Pistole and BOS Security President Nat Carmack discuss the state of the DHS shutdown, ongoing staffing shortages, and whether privatized airport security could expand across the country. Then, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on Sen. Bernie Sanders’ “tax the rich” rally, and Partnership for New York City President and CEO Steven Fulop examines whether the city’s tax policies could push Wall Streeters south. Plus, CNBC’s Dan Murphy has the latest on the war in Iran, Tiger Woods is arrested, and much more.   Dan Murphy - 03:22 Robert Frank & Steven Fulop - 13:01 John Pistole & Nat Carmack - 26:54   In this episode: Steven Fulop, @StevenFulop Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Robert Frank, @robtfrank Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fundrise CEO & “How to Lead a Meaningful Life” 3/27/26

An end to the DHS funding shutdown is in sight after the Senate passed a deal overnight. Despite the progress, US airports may take longer to get back on track. The Fundrise Innovation Fund listed on the NYSE one week ago, and in that week, the stock surged over 1500% (before sliding back down) and was halted twice for volatility. Fundrise CEO and co-founder Ben Miller discusses his goal of democratizing access to private companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. Stanford Life Design Lab co-creator Dave Evans co-authored “How to Live a Meaningful Life,” articulating design lessons from life and his careers at Apple and EA. Evans shares those lessons with Joe Kernen and Becky Quick. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on an upcoming “tax the rich” rally in New York City.   Robert Frank - 10:04 Ben Miller - 17:44 Dave Evans - 28:31   In this episode: Robert Frank, @robtfrank Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coke CEO James Quincey’s Exit Interview & Sen. John Fetterman 3/26/26

After 30 years at Coca-Cola and 9 years as the company’s CEO, James Quincey is handing the reins to his successor, Henrique Braun. Quincey discusses his legacy and the future of the “total beverage company.” As DHS funding has stalled on Capitol Hill, one Democrat is consistently breaking with his party: Senator John Fetterman (D-PA). Sen. Fetterman explains his reasoning for voting with Republicans on DHS Secretary Mullin’s confirmation, as well as the Congressional push to settle on legislation before their Easter recess. Plus, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the Iran War, Meta and YouTube were found liable in a state social media addiction trial, and CNBC’s Alex Sherman reports from Citi Field on the MLB’s opening day.    Dan Murphy          2:40 James Quincy           23:25 Sen. John Fetterman     40:44   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Alex Sherman, @sherman4949 Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Regulating Prediction Markets & Meta’s $375M Lawsuit 3/25/26

As lawmakers take aim at prediction markets, Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) discuss the bipartisan ‘Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act,’ why they support banning sports-style betting. The Senators and CNBC’s own Emily Wilkins all weigh in on the Capitol Hill negotiations on DHS funding. Then, a New Mexico jury has ordered Meta to pay nearly $400 million in a civil case over child safety on its platforms. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez explains the ruling, what it could mean for big tech and social media, and what comes next in the appeals process. Plus, OpenAI shutters its video app Sora.   Emily Wilkins - 12:04 Senators John Curtis & Adam Schiff - 17:23 Raúl Torrez - 35:56   In this episode: Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins John Curtis, @SenJohnCurtis Adam Schiff, @SenAdamSchiff Raúl Torrez, @TorrezforNM Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside Energy: Power Rations & Asia’s Supply 03/24/26

As Iran denies President Trump’s assertion that the U.S. and Iran have held talks to end the war, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from Dubai. Former deputy national security advisor for the Trump administration Victoria Coates shares her perspective on the region’s future, including support for reliable, secure internet in Iran. On the ground at CERAWeek with the world’s energy executives, Brian Sullivan reports on oil pricing and supply amid the Iran War. Plus, prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket are moving to ban insider trading, asset management giant Apollo is limiting withdrawals this quarter in the latest concerning signal in private credit, and Valley National CEO Ira Robbins shares what he’s seeing from the small and medium sized businesses that he banks.    Dan Murphy - 04:09 Brian Sullivan - 17:41 Victoria Coates - 24:44 Ira Robbins - 36:26   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Brian Sullivan, @SullyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Talks with Iran, a Call with the President, & Energy Prices 3/23/26

Energy prices are on the move after President Trump posted on Truth Social that he ordered the U.S. military to postpone strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. Shortly after the post, he spoke directly with Joe Kernen, mentioning “productive talks” with Iranian representatives and regime change. While Iranian media denied any such talks had taken place, the markets moved on each chapter of the news as it unfolded. Allianz chief economic advisor Mohamed El-Erian shares his own economic perspective, and then Richard Goldberg offers his analysis on the military operations still in play in Iran, as the former White House National Security Council Director for Countering Iranian Weapons of Mass Destruction. In Dubai, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on sentiment among the Gulf nations, including from his sources in Emirati leadership.    Mohamed El- Erian - 06:49 Richard Goldberg - 18:28 Dan Murphy - 29:21   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.