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
8 snips
May 13, 2026 • 25min
The Case for Fighting Dirty
Jamelle Bouie, New York Times opinion columnist who analyzes elections and voting rights, explores how courts and rulings have undercut redistricting wins. He discusses Virginia’s overturned map, limits on Section 2 enforcement, and bold Democratic responses. The conversation centers on aggressive strategies to counter entrenchment and restore competitive representation.
9 snips
May 12, 2026 • 24min
Should I Be Freaking Out About Hantavirus?
Katherine J. Wu, a science writer at The Atlantic who covers infectious diseases, walks through the MV Hondius hantavirus story. She recounts the cruise timeline and onboard illnesses. She explains hantavirus origins, rodent links, and the Andes variant’s human transmission potential. She contrasts severity with limited spread and discusses how COVID-era fear shaped public reaction.
27 snips
May 11, 2026 • 28min
Has Trump Doomed the GOP?
Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and author of How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time, describes her voter research and the rising fractures within MAGA. She traces signs of Trump’s slipping support and how primary control can harm general electability. They explore who might inherit Trump’s movement and why figures like Marco Rubio appeal to younger Republicans.
43 snips
May 10, 2026 • 32min
Does Anyone Like A.I.?
Nilay Patel, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Verge and tech podcaster, breaks down the rise of the "software brain" and how AI reshapes products and behavior. He contrasts consumer disappointment with enterprise focus, explains why data centers and costs matter, and warns about algorithmic harms and the political tradeoffs tech companies face.
19 snips
May 8, 2026 • 21min
Buy Your Flights Now
Will Geisbond, reporter at The Air Current who covers airlines and bankruptcies. He breaks down why Spirit collapsed and how the failed JetBlue deal and rising costs mattered. Conversation covers who benefits and who loses, short-term fare chaos, and airlines’ shift toward premium customers.
8 snips
May 7, 2026 • 28min
Look Upon Trump’s Works, Ye Mighty
Michael Scherer, staff writer at The Atlantic who covers the Trump administration, unpacks Trump’s push for lasting symbols of power. He breaks down vanity projects, from contested ballrooms to grounds renovations. Short takes on public reactions, legal and security twists, and how these efforts reflect a drive for legacy.
35 snips
May 6, 2026 • 26min
Senate Dems: “So You’re Saying There’s A Chance?”
Jonathan Martin, POLITICO politics bureau chief and on-the-ground 2026 midterms reporter. He maps the uphill Senate path for Democrats. He breaks down the crucial seats and swing states to watch. He flags fundraising shifts, roster wild cards like Fetterman, and why parties should aim beyond a bare majority.
May 5, 2026 • 29min
Her Life’s Work Became a Scapegoat. Now What?
Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, law professor and civil-rights advocate who coined "intersectionality," joins to unpack how ideas about race and gender shaped law. She traces the origins of intersectionality, personal roots in law, backlash against critical race ideas, and how legal decisions have reshaped voting rights. The conversation ends with a call to speak up and her memoir Backtalker.
14 snips
May 4, 2026 • 28min
Can This Ex-Republican Win As a Democrat?
Geoff Duncan, former Georgia lieutenant governor turned Democratic gubernatorial candidate, explains why he left the GOP and how his views evolved. He recounts standing up after the 2020 results and the personal cost. He discusses fair maps, Medicaid expansion, affordability, abortion stance changes, bipartisan work, and his coalition-building campaign style.
14 snips
May 3, 2026 • 23min
Big Tech’s Climate Fight…on Pause?
Robinson Meyer, founding executive editor of Heatmap News and climate and energy reporter. He breaks down Microsoft’s massive 75 million-ton carbon removal buy and why its pause shakes a fragile market. Short takes on carbon removal basics, how policy and industrial strategy shape commercialization, and what losing a dominant buyer means for pricing, startups, and global competition.
