Squawk Pod

Happiness guru and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks discusses generosity, family, and gratitude this Boxing Day, and 5 New Digital founder Michael Zakkour shares insights about the holiday shopping season, including the retail winners across luxury and budget sectors. Plus, the news headlines that got us Squawking: a winter storm warning in the Northeast, U.S. military strikes in Nigeria, and one very lucky Poweball ticket holder. Michael Zakkour - 10:25 Arthur Brooks - 20:45 In this episode: Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Contessa Brewer, @contessabrewer Steve Liesman, @steveliesman 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.

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: silver and gold prices are on the move, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he plans to meet with President Trump soon, one lucky lottery player wins Powerball’s second-largest payout ever, self-driving car startup Waymo is pausing robotaxi service in San Francisco, and Snowflake is reportedly in talks to acquire artificial intelligence software developer Observe. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Thanks to Steve Liesman and Leslie Picker for sitting in today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two holiday traditions, this Christmas Eve: NORAD’s Santa Tracker and the NBA Christmas Games. First, CNBC’s Steve Liesman shares a Christmas movie ranking, according to respondents of CNBC’s All America Economic Survey. Then, longtime Kevin Durant agent Rich Kleiman chats through the five NBA matchups planned for Christmas Day. Finally, U.S. Air Force NORTHCOM Commander General Gregory Guillot explains how NORAD tracks Santa Claus along his journey around the globe on Christmas Eve. Turns out, Rudolph’s nose does help navigation. Plus, a U.S. judge rejected a challenge to President Trump’s $100K H1-B visa fee, and golfer Brooks Koepka has left Saudi-funded LIV Golf. Happy Holidays! Steve Liesman - 11:20 Rich Kleiman - 19:13 Gen. Gregory Guillot - 28:52 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: Metals are trading higher with gold and silver hitting fresh record closes, Alphabet-owned Waymo is updating its driverless fleet after cars stalled during a San Francisco blackout, Alphabet-backed firm Motive has filed for an IPO, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, and the Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.7 billion. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahead for AI and tech: commoditization and consolidation. CNBC’s Steve Kovach and former Facebook Chief Privacy Officer and General Counsel Chris Kelly map out the road ahead for tech’s most innovative companies. After a volatile year for crypto, investor Anthony Pompliano discusses asset prices and Coinbase’s latest acquisition of a prediction markets platform. Plus, Jim Beam has stopped bourbon production at its Kentucky facility for the next year, and the Kansas City Chiefs are moving. Happy Festivus! Steve Kovach - 17:54 Chris Kelly - 23:21 Anthony Pompliano - 31:45 In this episode: Anthony Pompliano, @APompliano Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

In the latest chapter of the war for Warner Brothers Discovery, Paramount Skydance has amended its offering to outbid Netflix for the legacy assets. Gerry Cardinale, founder of one of Paramount’s key investors and strategic partners RedBird Capital Partners, addresses the WBD board’s concerns about the updated offer. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly exploring a U.S. vaccine schedule closer to Denmark’s. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the potential changes to the American health care system, including recommended shots and drug prices. Plus, the U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing another ship off the coast of Venezuela, NEC Director Kevin Hassett has weighed in on the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs, and investor Bill Ackman suggested that Elon Musk take SpaceX public with a specific vehicle. Gerry Cardinale - 20:25 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 40:33 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

Waymo is back online in San Francisco after a service disruption during a city blackout, private equity firms Permira and Warburg have agreed to buy Clearwater Analytics in an $8.4B deal, the third installment of Avatar disappointed at the box office over the weekend, tonight’s Powerball jackpot is slated to be one of the biggest ever, and Softbank is working to close a $22B+ funding commitment to OpenAI before the end of the year. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After years of debate and scrutiny, TikTok has signed an agreement for a new U.S. joint venture. By January 22, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will be managed by three investors: Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX. Former TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer joins CNBC’s Beijing Bureau Chief Eunice Yoon to discuss the implications of this deal for geopolitics and data safety. Executive wine editor of Food & Wine Ray Isle brings his holiday sips to set, including recommendations at varying price points and varying ABVs. Amid tariffs and a growing nonalcoholic beverage trend, Isle says the wine industry has always been cyclical. Plus, Barack Obama’s 2025 list of favorite books includes a familiar title, and the Trump administration continues its Fed Chair interviews. Steve Liesman - 05:51 Kevin Mayer & Eunice Yoon - 15:40 Ray Isle - 24:22 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

Japan’s central bank has raised short term interest rates to their highest level in decades, data center deals have hit a record $61 billion in 2025, EU leaders will loan Ukraine $100 billion for defense, House leaders have committed to vote on an individual stock trading ban for lawmakers, and the U.S. government could be on its way to allowing Nvidia to sell its second-most powerful chip to China. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump defended his economic policies and outlined his agenda for the new year in a live address to the nation on Wednesday night. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) responds to President Trump’s comments and discusses the push to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years. Steve Schwarzman, CEO and co-founder of the world’s largest alternative asset manager Blackstone, sits down with Becky Quick as the firm celebrates forty years in business. He shares his perspective on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, AI, and the U.S. relationship with China. Plus, Trump Media announced a merger agreement with fusion power company TAE Technologies, Instacart shares are under pressure after an FTC probe into the company’s AI pricing, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries - 15:21 Steve Schwarzman - 26:28 In this episode: Hakeem Jeffries, @RepJeffries Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

The Warner Bros. Discovery board has unanimously recommended shareholders reject Paramount Skydance’s hostile bid for the company’s film and streaming assets. Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters joins CNBC’s David Faber, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin to discuss Netflix’s winning bid for Warner Bros., HBO, and HBO Max. Media watcher Rich Greenfield delves into the funding details of each offer, and Becky shares her own reporting on shareholder Mario Gabelli’s reaction to the news. Plus, it’s likely to be the biggest IPO of the year: Medline, a 58-year-old company you may have never heard of. CEO Jim Boyle explains why now was the perfect time for a public listing. Greg Peters - 15:05 Rich Greenfield - 27:14 Jim Boyle - 38:26 In this episode: Rich Greenfield, @RichLightShed David Faber, @davidfaber Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

OpenAI is talking with Amazon about a possible investment, self-driving car company Waymo is in talks to raise $15 billion in 2026, bankrupt Spirit Airlines is looking to merge with Frontier Airlines again, reports say the Trump Administration is working on an executive order to speed up defense contractors’ production, and homebuilder Lennar is feeling the pressure from a cautious housing market. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) discusses the GOP’s proposed health care bill and responds to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ comments about President Trump, published today in Vanity Fair. Ford is pulling back on electric vehicle investments, stock exchanges are exploring expanded trading hours, and prediction market Kalshi puts Kevin Warsh in the lead for President Trump’s Federal Reserve Chair pick. Plus, CNBC’s Steve Liesman reveals President Trump’s approval rating on affordability and inflation in the latest CNBC All America Survey, and a panel of experts explain the implications of November’s jobs data, out–after a government shutdown delay–from the BLS. Steve Liesman - 14:10 Rep. Steve Scalise - 22:58 Jobs Panel - 36:42 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

New York City’s outgoing Mayor Eric Adams gives an exit interview just weeks before he hands the office over to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. He reflects on decades serving New York, and shares his concerns about the city’s next chapter. Then, pollster and political strategist Frank Luntz warns that Americans are at their breaking point when it comes to affordability. Plus, SpaceX is gearing up for an IPO in 2026, police are investigating the tragic shootings in Rhode Island and Australia, and NEC Director Kevin Hassett makes his case for Fed Chair. Mayor Eric Adams - 13:15 Frank Luntz - 33:13 In this episode: Eric Adams, @NYCMayor Frank Luntz, @FrankLuntz Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

Chinese data shows the nation’s economic slowdown deepened in November, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and media mogul Jimmy Lai was convicted on all charges in a landmark national security trial, Sanofi shares are down after two setbacks for the company’s multiple sclerosis treatment, ServiceNow is reportedly in talks to buy cybersecurity startup Armis, and Zootopia 2 has hit $1 billion at the box office. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The morning after President Trump signed an executive order for a national AI regulatory standard, the White House’s senior policy advisor on AI Sriram Krishnan explains the administration’s AI agenda. Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania) discusses both AI legislation and the health care battle underway in the Senate, just weeks before ACA subsidies expire. Plus, President Trump may sign an executive order to reclassify marijuana, and AI tech stocks are sliding. Eamon Javers - 9:55 Sen. Dave McCormick - 18:19 Sriram Krishnan - 33:08 In this episode: Sriram Krishnan, @sriramk Dave McCormick, @SenMcCormickPA Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump has signed executive orders on AI, the Federal Reserve has voted to reelect 11 of its dozen federal bank presidents, Costco shares are slightly lower after that company’s quarterly report, NASCAR has settled an antitrust lawsuit brought by two of its teams, including one owned by Michael Jordan, and Elon Musk has confirmed reports that SpaceX plans to IPO next year. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Federal Reserve has announced a 25 basis point rate cut as President Trump inches closer to naming his pick for next Federal Reserve chair. CNBC’s Sharon Epperson explains the decision’s impact on consumers and personal finance. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) discusses the independence of the Fed and Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery assets. Famed “big short” investor Steve Eisman shares his perspective on the markets, including the AI thesis that he’s “paying attention to every day.” Eisman also gives a personal PSA after his breast cancer diagnosis. Plus, Oracle shares tumbled after reporting its quarterly numbers, the U.S. has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, and Cisco stock eclipsed a record set in 2000. Sharon Epperson - 16:06 Steve Eisman - 19:58 Senator Elizabeth Warren - 34:55 In this episode: Elizabeth Warren, @SenWarren Sharon Epperson, @sharon_epperson Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey) is co-leading his party’s congressional commission on AI, and he highlights bipartisan efforts to legislate AI and technology safety. Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton, now U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, discusses AI regulation and affordability and crime in the city. Plus, President Trump is inching closer to announcing his pick for Fed Chair and CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports on the Republican reactions to President Trump’s plan to allow Nvidia to sell H200 chips to China. Emily Wilkins - 6:48 Jay Clayton - 18:19 Rep. Josh Gottheimer - 44:51 In this episode: Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins Josh Gottheimer, @RepJoshG Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

The price of Warner Brothers Discovery could creep higher as both Paramount and Netflix ready to up their offers in a possible bidding war, computer memory maker and Nvidia supplier SK hynix is considering listing shares in the U.S., Disney is nominating former Apple executive Jeff Williams to join its board, Eli Lilly will spend $6 billion to build a manufacturing plant in Alabama, and European company Delivery Hero says its evaluating its strategic options after a stock slump. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.