Squawk Pod

“I’m an accidental guru.” He was irreverent, he was focused, he was one of the world’s most successful investors, and he was one of a kind. Billionaire investor Charlie Munger, the longtime right-hand man and close friend of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, died a few weeks shy of what would have been his 100th birthday. Becky Quick, Squawk Box co-host, interviewed Munger two weeks before his death in his home in Los Angeles. In this special conversation, Charlie Munger reflects on his century of life, the childhood traumas that shaped him, the investing wins and losses that made his career, and the perspective and knowledge he gained in his final years. For more, revisit our 2021 Squawk Pod series, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger: A Wealth of Wisdom. Squawk Pod is produced by Katie Kramer, Cameron Costa, Karoline Rouhotas and Zach Vallese. CNBC’s Managing Editor is Lacy O’Toole. John Lazration edited this podcast series.

Becky Quick is in Omaha, Nebraska, awaiting the tens of thousands of Berkshire Hathaway investors attending the company’s annual shareholders meeting, where Warren Buffett will hold court. This year is the first annual meeting without the late Vice Chair Charlie Munger; Berkshire Hathaway lead director Sue Decker sits down with Becky Quick to discuss Munger’s legacy and the future of Berkshire. Plus, CEOs of Berkshire’s portfolio companies join Becky, BNSF CEO Katie Farmer, who discusses the headwinds for her railway business, and Brooks Running CEO Dan Sheridan, who’s eyeing running business in China. Plus, longtime shareholder and GAMCO CEO Mario Gabelli stops by, for an extended conversation about the markets, media consolidation, and Warren Buffett’s leadership. Tune into CNBC’s TV and digital channels this weekend to catch every minute of the 2024 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage. Sue Decker 5:21 Dan Sheridan 17:16 Katie Farmer 24:48 Mario Gabelli 32:54 In this episode: Mario Gabelli, @MarioGabelli Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Approximately 300 people were arrested when the NYPD responded to protests at Columbia University and the nearby City College of New York. New York City Mayor Eric Adams discusses the city’s crackdown on college campus protests, the radicalization of youths, the immigration crisis, and more. House Select Committee on China Member Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) discusses the Biden administration’s sanctions on Chinese companies over suspected support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, as well as the fate of TikTok in the U.S. The Federal Reserve is holding rates steady; Stifel Chief Economist Lindsey Piegza breaks down the next steps in the Fed’s inflation fight. Plus, Tesla has reneged internship offers amid layoffs, and the National Labor Relations Board says Amazon CEO Andy Jassy broke federal labor law in his interviews with press. Mayor Eric Adams - 15:49 Ro Khanna - 28:24 In this episode: Eric Adams, @NYCMayor Ro Khanna, @RoKhanna Lindsey Piegza, @LindseyPiegza Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Overnight, NYPD officers entered Columbia University’s campus and made roughly 100 arrests of protesters. Lawyer Jay Edelson filed a lawsuit against the school on behalf of a Jewish student who argues that the university failed to provide a safe learning environment. Edelson discusses the case and the stakes for schools across the country. Axios and Politico co-founder Jim VandeHei looks ahead to the 2024 election and former President Donald Trump’s plans for the country, should he win another term. Plus, Starbucks stock took a spill after its latest quarterly report, and cannabis is headed for a downgrade from the FDA. Jay Edelson - 13:52 Jim VandeHei - 26:05 In this episode: Jim VandeHei, @JimVandeHei Jay Edelson, @jayedelson Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Paramount Global is replacing CEO Bob Bakish with three executives in the Office of the CEO. Puck founding partner Matthew Belloni explains the uncertain future for the media company, as well as the possible outcomes for shareholders. Actor Edward Norton has spent enough time in board meetings to know that it’s time to bring corporate governance decisions into 2024. He says his new tech company Zeck is his hope for streamlined board meetings. CNBC’s Steve Liesman says the latest Fed survey respondents are pushing their rate cut forecasts further out. On college campuses, tensions are escalating; Columbia protesters stormed and occupied a university building. Trump Media stock has been on a roller coaster, and NBCUniversal is reportedly preparing a bid for NBA rights. Plus, CNBC is your ticket to this Saturday’s Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting with Warren Buffett. If you’re a shareholder and have a question for the Oracle of Omaha or his board, submit it to berkshirequestions@cnbc.com. Our own Becky Quick will select a few of those submissions to ask during the meeting. Steve Liesman - 04:47 Matt Belloni - 12:44 Edward Norton - 18:09 In this episode: Edward Norton, @EdwardNorton Matthew Belloni, @mattbelloni Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Elon Musk took a brief surprise meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, securing tentative approval for self-driving Teslas in China. America’s college campuses are divided over the Israel-Hamas war and the U.S. involvement in it; former SEC Chairman and Ivy League educator Jay Clayton discusses the sentiment among activists and young people across the country. Retired real estate developer Bruce Ratner issues a warning for his industry. The man behind the redeveloped Times Square and Downtown Brooklyn is also on the board of Memorial Sloan Kettering, and he’s pushing for early cancer detection in his new book. Plus, regulators seized Republic First Bank in the first bank failure of 2024, and journalists are catching up on the jokes from this weekend’s White House correspondents’ dinner. Jay Clayton - 12:23 Bruce Ratner - 23:19 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Former President Donald Trump's political allies are crafting a plan to increase his influence over the Federal Reserve, potentially even making him an "acting" member of the central bank’s board, according to The Wall Street Journal. Nick Timiraos, the Journal's Chief Economics Correspondent, discusses the implications if Trump wins in November. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb weighs in on Moderna's partnership with OpenAI, the AI drug revolution, his own AI venture, and updates on the bird flu presence in America’s pasteurized milk. Plus, CNBC's Steve Kovach breaks down Alphabet and Microsoft earnings and explores the future of AI investment for the megacap tech companies. Nick Timiraos - 10:08 Steve Kovach - 17:22 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 22:12 . In this episode: Nick Timiraos, @NickTimiraos Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

The Federal Trade Commission voted for a nationwide ban against noncompete agreements, which companies use to prevent employees from taking jobs with competitors in the same industry. FTC Chair Lina Khan addresses the agency's decision for the ban, as well as the potential impacts on businesses and workers. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson and his Republican colleagues faced opposition when they appeared at Columbia University amid ongoing protests against Israel's conflict with Hamas. Robert Kraft, New England Patriots owner and founder of the Kraft Group and the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, discusses the recent protests at Columbia University and other campuses and the concerning rise of antisemitism and his efforts to combat it. Plus, the Biden administration introduces new rules for airlines, mandating automatic cash refunds and prohibiting surprise fees. Lina Khan - 04:05 Robert Kraft - 24:14 In this episode: Lina Khan, @linakhanftc Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Google has fired 50 employees over sit-in protests at the office. Yale Lecturer Joanne Lipman and The Verge’s Alex Heath discuss activism in the office, and tech’s inflection point with its employees. Jason Furman, a Democrat economist, is making his case against President Biden’s student debt relief plan, arguing that it will make inflation worse. CNBC’s Steve Liesman is breaking down U.S. productivity data and what it means for the Federal Reserve. Plus, the Federal Trade Commission has voted to ban non-competes for employee contracts, Jamie Dimon is speaking out with his concerns for the economy, and Meta’s AI glasses are getting an update. Joanne Lipman & Alex Heath - 19:35 Steve Liesman - 27:14 Jason Furman - 30:28 In this episode: Joanne Lipman, @joannelipman Alex Heath, @alexeheath Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Jason Furman, @jasonfurman Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Elite university campuses are fraught with tension as students clash with each other and college administrations over the Israel-Hamas War. Over 100 students have been arrested from pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Yale, NYU, and Columbia campuses, videos of brazen antisemitism have gone viral, and one Rabbi in Columbia’s community encouraged Jewish students to go home for their own safety. NYC Rabbi David Ingber explains the escalations and safety concerns, while donor and Columbia Business School alumnus Leon Cooperman discusses the responsibilities of higher education institutions. Plus, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz maps out the Federal Reserve’s road ahead, and Elon Musk is at odds with Australia’s Prime Minister over posts on X. Rabbi David Ingber - 12:11 Leon Cooperman - 22:44 Joseph Stiglitz - 26:26 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

At Columbia in New York, protests and antisemitism on campus have prompted a day of remote learning for student safety, as well as commentary from Mayor Eric Adams. In DC, the House has passed a series of bills securing aid funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as the divest-or-ban TikTok bill. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports on the legislation and its impact on Speaker Mike Johnson’s career. In the thick of Wall Street’s earnings season, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg discusses his company’s latest financial results and inflation’s pressures on consumers. Plus, pollster Frank Luntz is taking stock of Gen Z’s opinions on capitalism and democracy. He urges corporate America to pay attention to their grievances. Emily Wilkins - 03:16 Frank Luntz - 09:55 Hans Vestberg - 19:42 In this episode: Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After Israel’s retaliatory strike at Iran, NBC’s Raf Sanchez is on the ground in Tel Aviv, reporting that both countries are downplaying an escalation. Stateside, CNBC’s Emily Wilkins discusses the TikTok divest-or-ban bill’s road through Congress, including its vote this weekend. Former White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra explains the national security threats and TikTok’s road ahead. Plus, Meta has launched its newest AI tool, former President Trump’s criminal trial jury has been selected, and HGTV’s Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott discuss the housing market, maximizing value, and flipping for profit. Raf Sanchez - 02:49 Emily Wilkins - 13:32 Aneesh Chopra - 16:43 Drew & Jonathan Scott - 23:53 In this episode: Raf Sanchez, @rafsanchez Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Caitlin Clark will make under $77,000 a year as the WNBA’s top pick, while her counterpart in the NBA will make $10.5m. CNBC’s Jon Fortt explains the gender gap in sports salaries and in revenues. Microsoft has found that Russia’s election interference is already underway; the company’s former cyber policy head and current chief public policy officer at SentinelOne Chris Krebs says it’s a group effort, to keep global votes safe from bad actors. Plus, Google employees were laid off after protesting, President Biden is reimposing sanctions on Venezuelan oil, and The Wall Street Journal uncovered Amazon’s secret operation to gather intel on competitors like Walmart: Big River. Plus, Squawk Pod is nominated for a Webby Award! It’s your last day to vote for us, so don’t forget to show your support here. If you haven’t heard our nominated episode, check out our special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Steve Kovach - 12:54 Chris Krebs - 17:55 In this episode: Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Jon Fortt, @jonfortt Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Months after a Delaware judge voided Elon Musk’s pay package from Tesla, Tesla is asking shareholders to vote again on Musk’s $56B compensation deal. In a proxy statement, the company is also asking shareholders to approve moving Tesla’s incorporation from Delaware to Texas. Tulane Law professor Ann Lipton parses the proxy and the legal precedent for this shareholder vote. President Biden is hoping to triple the China tariff rate on steel and aluminum imports, and Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell is signaling a longer wait for rate cuts. Plus, the 2024 Paris Olympics are 100 days away! Olympians Maggie Steffens, the Team USA Women’s Water Polo Captain, her teammate Ashleigh Johnson, and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Paralympian Courtney Ryan say their training is just as intense as ever. And don’t forget to show your support for Squawk Pod! We’re up for a Webby Award, but we can’t win without your votes. Vote for Squawk Pod here, and check out our nominated special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Ann Lipton 15:08 Ashleigh Johnson, Courtney Ryan, Maggie Steffens - 26:12 In this episode: Ashleigh Johnson, @theAshJohnson Maggie Steffens, @maggiesteffens Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Days after bitcoin’s weekend plunge and days before the bitcoin halving, Galaxy Digital CEO Michael Novogratz discusses the trajectory of crypto assets amid geopolitical and monetary policy uncertainty. Shares of Trump Media are down 60% from the company’s high in March, after its debut. Semafor business and finance editor Liz Hoffman discusses Truth Social, the platform Trump Media owns, and she considers who owns the volatile stock–and why. House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to split an aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies into separate bills. Punchbowl News co-founder Jake Sherman discusses what’s at stake for Speaker Johnson (R-LA) and for the GOP. Plus, CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports on lawmakers encouraging the Nasdaq to delist Chinese companies blacklisted by the Defense Department. And don’t forget to show your support for Squawk Pod! We’re up for a Webby Award, but we can’t win without your votes. Vote for Squawk Pod here, and check out our nominated special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Jake Sherman - 02:27 Emily Wilkins - 06:33 Mike Novogratz - 12:06 Liz Hoffman - 24:02 In this episode: Liz Hoffman, @lizrhoffman Jake Sherman, @JakeSherman Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In a first-ever direct attack, Iran launched 300 drones and missiles at military targets inside Israel. The New York Times National Security Correspondent David Sanger explains the geopolitics at play in the Middle East and beyond, including the roles of China and Russia in a conflict between Iran and Israel. CNBC’s Eamon Javers discusses the US response in Washington, and CNBC’s Steve Liesman explains the impact of escalating tensions on the markets and on Fed policy. Plus, it’s tax day! IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel shares news we can all use: late filing fees, online returns, and the probability of a refund–even from 2020! And, Squawk Pod is nominated for a Webby Award! Vote for Squawk Pod here and support our special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Eamon Javers - 02:55 David Sanger - 11:00 Steve Liesman - 18:54 Daniel Werfel - 29:01 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Anti-Defamation League has released its Antisemitism Report Cards, grading U.S. universities on rates of antisemitism and administration responses to discrimination against Jewish students. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt explains why institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Princeton got failing grades, and what it means for prospective students. As food inflation rises, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discusses rising costs, dwindling farmland, and encouraging entrepreneurship among American farmers. Amazon stock has hit an all-time-high, nearing a $2T market capitalization; head of internet research at Evercore ISI Mark Mahaney explains his stock picks for the tech sector. CNBC’s Julia Boorstin reports that the divest-or-ban TikTok bill is hitting snags in the Senate. Plus, what do Taylor Swift and Squawk Pod have in common? We’re both nominated for a Webby Award! Vote for Squawk Pod here and support our special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Mark Mahaney Julia Boorstin 13:37 Tom Vilsack 16:34 Jonathan Greenblatt 24:48 In this episode: Jonathan Greenblatt, @JGreenblattADL Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy sits down with Andrew Ross Sorkin at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, the morning Jassy published his annual letter to shareholders. In an extended, wide-ranging conversation with Andrew, Andy Jassy discusses AI-enabled transformations (like delivery drones!), building out technology for every part of the tech stack, and streaming sports on Amazon Prime. Plus, Jassy weighs in on regulator scrutiny on the tech industry, as well as in-office work. Plus, Squawk Pod is up for a Webby Award! Vote for us here and support Squawk Pod’s special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Andy Jassy - 10:48 In this episode: Andy Jassy, @ajassy Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Consumer Price Index came in hotter than expected, rising 3.5% from a year ago and 0.4% on the month. CNBC’s Rick Santelli and Steve Liesman break down the report and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy with former Labor Department Chief Economist Betsey Stevenson. A Boeing engineer has turned whistleblower, alleging issues on the Boeing aircraft assembly line. Former FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt discusses the workplace culture across the airline industry, taking stock of the toll manufacturing culture takes on aircraft safety. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo is urging Congress to approve regulatory tools to crack down on cybercriminals using cryptocurrencies. Adeyemo explains his concerns with crypto crime, including the Treasury's recommended reforms. Plus, Intel has unveiled a new AI chip, the USPS is raising the price of stamps, and Scrabble is making board changes to encourage teamwork. Wally Adeyemo - 12:55 Randy Babbitt - 19:00 In this episode: Wally Adeyemo, @wallyadeyemo Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

President Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the first White House visit from Japan’s PM since 2015. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel discusses geopolitics in Asia and managing a “frenemy” relationship with China. YouTuber group Dude Perfect has secured over $100m from investor Jason Illian, the general partner at Highmount Capital. They discuss the group's expansion beyond YouTube and the many trickshots in their 15 years of content creation. Plus, the UConn Huskies triumphed in the men's March Madness tournament, Google is making adjustments to its employee message board, and Elon Musk's predicts AI will be outsmarting humans by the end of next year. Rahm Emanuel - 10:27 Dude Perfect - 23:35 In this episode: Rahm Emanuel, @USAmbJapan Dude Perfect, @DudePerfect Jason Illian, @JasonIllian Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese