Podcast Summary: Squawk Pod

Episode: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 8/11/2025
Date: August 11, 2025
Hosts: Andrew Ross Sorkin, Joe Kernen
Podcast: CNBC’s Squawk Pod

Episode Overview

In this brisk, news-dense episode, hosts Andrew Ross Sorkin and Joe Kernen run through the top business, political, and cultural headlines that investors and listeners need to know before the markets open on August 11, 2025. The show provides quick, insightful context on White House activity, U.S.–China trade tensions, shocks in the mining sector, box office winners, and the symbolic end of an internet era.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Security in D.C. as President Trump Contemplates Military Deployment

• [01:07] Sorkin cites unnamed officials reporting that President Trump may deploy up to 1,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. for security reinforcement.
• The president is set to address D.C. crime at a news conference scheduled for 10:00am Eastern.

2. U.S.-China Agricultural Trade

• [01:25] Overnight, President Trump uses Truth Social to urge China to purchase more American soybeans—specifically hoping China will "quickly quadruple its soybean orders."
• The move aims to address both a reported soybean shortage in China and the broader U.S. trade deficit.

“The president saying he hopes China, quote, will quickly quadruple its soybean orders, which Trump suggested would help with a shortage in the country as well as reduce the trade deficit.”
—Andrew Sorkin [01:25]

3. Lithium Market Moves: Impact of CATL Shutdown

• [01:38] Shares of lithium mining companies jump in Asian markets after Chinese battery giant CATL halts operations at a major mine.
• The development highlights both supply chain vulnerabilities in battery manufacturing and broader excitement over green industry stocks.

4. Box Office Standouts: 'Warner Brothers Weapons' and 'Freakier Friday'

• [01:54] "Warner Brothers Weapons" surprises the industry, earning $42.5 million and marking the studio’s sixth consecutive hit after a series of flops.
• Disney’s "Freakier Friday" brings in $29 million, making it "one of the best opening weekends for a mid-budget comedy in years."

“Warner Brothers weapons taking the top spot of the weekend box office... the sixth hit in a row now for Warner Brothers after a long slump of box office duds.”
—Andrew Sorkin [01:54]

5. The End of AOL Dial-Up

• [02:12] In a full-circle moment for internet culture, AOL (now part of Yahoo) announces the shutdown of its legendary dial-up internet service, effective September 30, 2025.

“AOL... saying goodbye to dial up... the dial ups are last day will be September 30th.”
—Andrew Sorkin [02:12]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:56] On cramming in the news, Sorkin jokes: “That was six things—I think I only did five.”
• [02:30] Joe Kernen quickly notices the count: “You did six.”
• [02:32] Light banter follows as Sorkin and Kernen debate the math, with Kernen teasing that doing two movies counts as two news items, capping the segment with good-natured accuracy:
  “You did six things and that's a bonus… 20% to 15%.”
• [02:55] Sorkin wraps up with a plug for Squawk Pod: “We're gonna be back later today with an all new Squawk Pod, our daily podcast featuring the best of Squawkbox. Check it out wherever you get your podcast and listen anytime.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:02] – Trump considers National Guard for D.C. security
• [01:25] – Trump’s Truth Social message to China on soybeans
• [01:38] – CATL lithium mine shutdown spike in lithium stocks
• [01:54] – Box office report: Warner Brothers "Weapons," Disney's "Freakier Friday"
• [02:12] – AOL announces end of dial-up internet
• [02:30–02:45] – Sorkin & Kernen’s playful banter over the Five (or Six) Things

Tone and Style

The segment maintains the fast-paced, slightly irreverent tone for which Squawk Box is known, keeping the focus on market-moving news and memorable headlines while delivering quick context and a dash of humor.

For listeners who want a snapshot of the day's market and cultural movers, this episode delivers business television’s signature urgency, straight talk, and a touch of nostalgia.