What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Danielle Kurtzleben, a political correspondent at NPR, dives into the provocative narrative suggesting women have 'ruined' the workplace. She discusses the backlash against feminism, connecting it to historical patterns and cultural shifts. Kurtzleben critiques how movements like MeToo are mischaracterized and tied to the rise of a feminine economy. The conversation highlights the tension between evolving gender roles and political identities, exploring the implications for both men and women in a changing workforce.

Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times opinion columnist and political analyst, delves into the recent government shutdown and the Democratic strategy behind it. He explains why shutdowns typically backfire on the minority party and critiques Democrats for their ineffective goals. Bouie analyzes Chuck Schumer's leadership role, discusses generational divides within the party, and highlights the political costs of the shutdown. He also examines Trump's declining popularity and predicts how he might react to political setbacks.

In this insightful discussion, Pepper Stetler, an author and professor at Miami University, delves into the intricate history and current landscape of special education. She highlights the crucial changes brought about by the 1975 law and the challenges of implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Pepper also addresses recent policy shifts, federal oversight issues, and the looming threats to funding and support. The implications for the inclusion and civil rights of children with disabilities raise urgent questions about the future of education for this vulnerable population.

Faiz Siddiqui, a technology reporter at The Washington Post and author of "Hubris Maximus," dives into the recent approval of a staggering $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk. They discuss Musk's volatile relationship with government officials, the implications of his public feuds, and how he keeps navigating controversies. Siddiqui also highlights challenges faced by Tesla and SpaceX, including regulatory hurdles and missed milestones. The conversation wraps up with insights on Musk’s ambitious plans and the risks tied to his impulsive decisions.

Well well well. Looks like being a truculent, aging sex pest who clearly hates the constituency he aspires to rule only works in national elections. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani overcame the longshot odds that came from being charismatic, energetic, and actually interested in government.Guest: Aymann Ismail, Slate staff writer and author of “Mamdani’s Win Is a Reminder of What’s Possible.”This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next —you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Breland, a staff writer at The Atlantic covering politics and technology, dives into the controversial figure Nick Fuentes and his unexpected interview with Tucker Carlson. They discuss how this meeting shattered conservative boundaries, Fuentes' rise from obscurity to influence, and the disturbing appeal of his rhetoric. Breland also explores the Groypers' tactics and the evolving dynamics within GOP youth movements, revealing a growing acceptance of extremist ideas among mainstream conservatives.

Trump’s tariffs went before the Supreme Court this week and even the extremely accommodating Roberts court was having trouble seeing how the president’s vast and capricious application of tariffs is constitutional. But that doesn’t mean they’re going away.Guest: Justin Wolfers, economist and professor at the University of Michigan.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Virginia Giuffre’s accusations of a decade ago finally brought His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York, down to simply Andrew.Guest: Imogen West-Knights, Slate contributing writer.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adelita Grijalva, the newly elected Representative for Arizona's 7th Congressional District, discusses her unexpected delay in being sworn into the House. Despite winning a special election, she's caught in a stalled political landscape amidst a government shutdown. Grijalva delves into her motivations for running after her father’s legacy, Speaker Mike Johnson's shifting reasons for her unseating, and the challenges she faces in D.C. She highlights the urgent issues at stake, including the impact of the shutdown on crucial services.

Ari Berman, a voting rights reporter at Mother Jones, dives into the intense redistricting battle sparked by Trump’s demand for GOP seats. He reveals how California is now on a quest for Democratic seats in response. The discussion highlights the intricate political dynamics, including California's Proposition 50 and the rare Republican resistance to gerrymandering. Berman emphasizes the long-term risks of normalizing mid-decade redistricting, which could undermine democracy by reducing competitive districts.