What Next | Daily News and Analysis
Slate Podcasts
The problem with the news right now? It’s everywhere. And each day, it can feel like we’re all just mindlessly scrolling. It’s why we created What Next. This short daily show is here to help you make sense of things. When the news feels overwhelming, we’re here to help you answer: What next? Look for new episodes every weekday morning. Get more of What Next with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of What Next and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/whatnextplus for access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 29, 2026 • 31min
How to Rein in ICE and A.I.
Summer Lee, a progressive U.S. representative from Pennsylvania focused on civil rights and tech policy, talks about the need for AI guardrails. She highlights facial recognition risks for Black women and how algorithms embed bias. She explains proposed legal limits on algorithmic discrimination, the politics and money blocking reform, and concerns about ICE and biometric surveillance.
24 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 24min
Social Media’s Big Tobacco Moment
Ryan Mac, a New York Times business and tech reporter who covered the Los Angeles courthouse, walks through the social media addiction trial. He describes the courtroom atmosphere and key testimony. He breaks down why lawyers targeted platform design, the verdict’s limited damages, and how this win could spark more lawsuits and political pressure on big tech.
28 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 25min
The Iran War Hits Your Pocket
Justin Wolfers, economist and Michigan professor known for applied macro analysis. He breaks down why turmoil around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz rattles markets. He explains which industries and households will feel the shock. He lays out policy options and how long recovery could take.
15 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 21min
Meanwhile in Cuba with Hasan Piker
Hasan Piker, left-leaning political commentator and Twitch streamer who joined the Nuestra América convoy to Havana. He recounts why he went to document U.S. sanctions and their effects. He discusses the convoy’s aims and criticism, shares human stories of healthcare and blocked medical supplies, and outlines his noninterventionist perspective on regime change.
18 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 28min
How ICE Landed At Your Airport
Nick Miroff, staff writer for The Atlantic who covers immigration, breaks down DHS turmoil and enforcement tactics. He discusses how the shutdown and TSA attrition affect airport operations. He traces a tactical shift after Minneapolis, profiles enforcement players like Tom Homan, and examines Markwayne Mullin’s combative reputation and Stephen Miller’s influence.
9 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 25min
You Mailed in Your Ballot. Will It Count?
Jay Willis, attorney and Supreme Court writer, breaks down Watson v. RNC and the fight over what counts as election day. He explores state mail-in grace periods, why late-arriving ballots often lean Democratic, and how historical originalist arguments shape current voting rules. The conversation also covers possible Supreme Court outcomes and practical effects on future elections.
35 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 28min
War Dot Com
Jacob Silverman, reporter and author known for exploring tech and politics, offers a brisk take on Palantir and the rise of “Palantirism.” He breaks down Palantir’s military roots, its role organizing government data, and how involvement in Ukraine reshaped the company. He also parses Alex Karp’s eccentric persona, political stances, and why parts of tech are pivoting toward defense work.
20 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 31min
Hank Green Still Believes
Hank Green, YouTuber and founder of Crash Course, SciShow, VidCon, and Complexly, explains why he made Complexly a nonprofit. He discusses how platforms reward simple, sensational stories and the risks of AI-driven recommendation systems. He argues for making nuanced, educational content and shares thoughts on teaching critical thinking and alternatives to dominant platforms.
9 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 26min
Trump Says We Won. This Former Rep Says We’re Trapped.
Adam Kinzinger, former Republican congressman and Air National Guard lieutenant colonel who served on the Jan 6 Committee, breaks down the Iran conflict and U.S. vulnerabilities. He discusses allies balking at helping open the Strait of Hormuz. He warns about depleted munitions, drone-swarm threats, and Russia’s role supplying Iran. He debates Congress’s funding options and the risks of a premature victory claim.
17 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 27min
Thousands Are Fleeing War in Lebanon. She Flew There.
Joshua Keating, Vox foreign policy reporter, explains how Hezbollah, Israel, and regional dynamics pulled Lebanon into wider fighting. Basma Alloush, IRC deputy director and field responder, shares on-the-ground scenes of displacement, flooded tents, and schools turned into shelters. They discuss airstrikes, ceasefires, buffer-zone aims, overcrowded shelters, disrupted schooling, and the uncertainty facing displaced families.
