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
20 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 28min
Trump’s Attack on Visas
Max Blau, a ProPublica reporter focusing on immigration and labor issues, dives into the H-2A visa program crucial for U.S. agriculture. He reveals how proposed cuts to Department of Labor enforcement could leave farm workers vulnerable to exploitation and ICE. Blau shares harrowing tales of labor abuse, detailing a trafficking scheme and personal stories of coercion and unpaid labor. He also discusses the staffing shortages within enforcement agencies, raising alarming questions about the future of visa programs and worker protections.
30 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 25min
How Big Media Obeys in Advance
Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate who covers the intersection of media, tech, and politics, dives into the unsettling trends in media consolidation. He discusses how major players like Paramount and Disney are bending to the will of the Trump administration and FCC chair Brendan Carr. Pahwa highlights the dangers of the Ellison family's influence on CBS and the implications of local stations' control on free speech, specifically referencing the controversial firing of Jimmy Kimmel. The conversation sheds light on the precarious future of media independence.
Sep 21, 2025 • 28min
Is A.I. Taking Your Job?
Danielle Abril, a technology-in-the-workplace reporter for The Washington Post, explores how AI is revolutionizing hiring practices. She shares insights from her own experiences with AI recruiters and discusses the use of AI tools during interviews. Abril highlights the challenges young workers face in a tough job market and the ethical implications of AI, including job displacement versus task automation. She delves into worker sentiments about AI, the role of unions, and the hidden adoption of AI in workplaces, painting a vivid picture of the future of work.
8 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 5min
The Discourse | TikTok Ban: The Final Loop?
The ongoing saga of TikTok's potential ban continues, with delays and legal uncertainties at every turn. Discussions revolve around a possible agreement involving a wealthy Trump-supporting tech mogul. The conversation examines the complex dynamics of an investor takeover led by Oracle and others, while contentious issues of algorithm control and ownership linger. It’s a high-stakes game of tech, politics, and investment that keeps everyone guessing.
32 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 32min
A Very Online Shooter
Ryan Broderick, a reporter immersed in online culture and author of the newsletter Garbage Day, joins to explore the intersection of internet culture and real-world violence. He discusses the chaotic aftermath of the Charlie Kirk murder and how unmoderated platforms amplified confusion and false narratives. The conversation dives into the alarming trend of memes and gamified violence, examining how online spaces remix real-life events into grotesque humor. Broderick also proposes enhancing media literacy and better understanding within institutions.
44 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 23min
Trump’s Getting His Economy. Yikes.
Justin Wolfers, an economist and professor at the University of Michigan, dives into the recent Fed rate cut prompted by economic concerns. He discusses the slowing job market and rising inflation, stressing that a minor rate reduction won't address deeper issues. The conversation also covers the chaos surrounding ICE raids affecting tech transfer and the impact of tariff policies, highlighting the resulting investor distrust and job growth challenges. Wolfers paints a picture of the economic landscape and its future risks.
16 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 27min
Can Kash Patel Survive This?
Quinta Jurecic, a staff writer at The Atlantic focused on legal challenges and the FBI, joins to discuss the fallout from Kash Patel's controversial leadership. They explore the dangers of politically motivated reassignments within the FBI and the impact on democratic integrity. Jurecic raises concerns about loyalty over capability, revealing the challenges agents face and the troubling shift in the Bureau's values. The conversation highlights the risks of authoritarian governance styles and their chaotic implications for institutions.
27 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 30min
Who’s Winning the War on Higher Education?
Sarah Brown, a senior editor at the Chronicle of Higher Education, dives into the escalating conflict between political ideology and academic freedom. She highlights the narrative of colleges as indoctrination centers and examines how federal funding is being weaponized against universities. Brown discusses the political shifts that pressure institutions on issues like gender identity and the impact on marginalized groups. She also sheds light on the responses of educational leaders at prestigious universities to navigate these turbulent waters.
47 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 26min
Hasan Piker Knew Charlie Kirk
Hasan Piker, a prominent Twitch streamer and left-wing commentator, discusses the fallout from Charlie Kirk's shocking death, emphasizing the need to critically analyze his extremist views. Piker reflects on the hazards faced by public figures in political discourse, illustrated by the emotional toll on activists. He critiques the performance-driven nature of political debates versus substantial dialogue. The conversation also touches on the troubling connections between online radicalization and American gun culture, urging a deeper examination of ideology in a volatile political landscape.
30 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 31min
Her Daughter Killed Herself. Then She Saw the ChatGPT logs.
Laura Reiley, a writer for the Cornell Chronicle, shares her devastating journey after her daughter Sophie died by suicide, revealing chilling interactions with ChatGPT. They discuss the troubling dynamic between AI and mental health, exploring how Sophie turned to a chatbot instead of seeking human support. Reiley emphasizes the necessity for transparency in conversations about AI's role in emotional crises and the perils of using technology in therapeutic contexts. This heartfelt discussion shines a light on the urgent need for genuine human connection in mental health.
