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
Aug 14, 2025 • 26min
In Gaza, Journalism Is a Death Sentence
Jodie Ginsberg, head of the Committee to Protect Journalists, highlights the grim reality for journalists in Gaza, where reporting can mean a death sentence. She discusses the recent airstrike that killed an Al-Jazeera team, reflecting on the targeting of journalists and the lack of accountability. Ginsberg addresses the emotional toll on reporters, the urgent need for international humanitarian law, and the growing trend of attacks on the press, emphasizing the critical role journalists play in revealing the truth in conflict zones.
9 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 25min
Why Washington, D.C.
Jenny Gathright, a seasoned reporter from the Washington Post, sheds light on the complexities of governance in D.C. Topics range from the absurdity of a sandwich incident involving federal officers to the serious implications of local autonomy versus Congressional control. Gathright also discusses crime reduction strategies and the perception of policing, along with residents' frustrations concerning D.C.'s statehood and representation. Her insights reveal how these issues deeply impact the community and shape political discourse in the capital.
12 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 30min
South Park Understands the Assignment
David Mack, a contributing writer to Slate, dives into South Park's impressive 27th season, showcasing its bold approach to political satire. With a sharp focus on the MAGA movement and Trump, the discussion highlights the show's evolution from shock value to a commentary on social issues. Mack explores how South Park remains culturally relevant, tackling complex themes like race and gender through edgy humor. The conversation reveals the unique ability of the creators to provoke thought and critique political absurdities in a rapidly changing landscape.
Aug 11, 2025 • 25min
Gutting Our National Parks
Jon B. Jarvis, the 18th director of the National Park Service and a seasoned ranger since 1976, highlights the critical state of America's national parks amid budget cuts. He discusses how recent governmental changes threaten park operations and staff, particularly at Crater Lake. The conversation also delves into the risks of privatization and contrasts U.S. parks’ struggles with China's proactive approach. Jarvis emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and preserving the unique experiences that national parks offer.
9 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 27min
Here Comes the A.I. Music Slop
In this engaging discussion, Kate Knibbs, a Senior Writer at Wired, delves into the fascinating world of AI-generated music. She highlights how AI is transforming the music industry, allowing for a flood of so-called 'original' songs that challenge traditional artistry. Kate tackles the ethical dilemmas arising from this evolution, including a notable fraud case tied to inflated streaming numbers. The episode prompts listeners to consider the future of genuine creativity in an AI-dominated landscape and consumer attitudes toward this shift.
9 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 25min
What Happened After Meta Fired Its Fact-Checkers
Jeffrey Fowler, tech columnist with The Washington Post, dives into the fallout after Meta replaced professional fact-checkers with user-generated content. He shares his personal experiences tackling misinformation as a volunteer in Meta's Community Notes. The conversation highlights the challenges of correcting false narratives and the implications of shifting to community-driven fact-checking, especially in a polarized landscape. Fowler critiques the effectiveness of these new initiatives and reveals the ongoing struggle for accurate information in the digital age.
21 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 24min
Donald Trump Vs. Reality Itself
David A. Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Project,' discusses the alarming trend of political manipulation under Trump. He delves into the implications of controversial judicial appointments and the alarming dismissal of a labor statistics commissioner. The conversation critiques how economic data is reported and manipulated for political gain, exploring the broader consequences of misinformation. Graham highlights the growing distrust in institutions and the escalating disregard for truth in politics, raising crucial questions about the future of factual accuracy.
14 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 28min
A Rabbi’s Plea for Peace
Sarah Reines is a rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan and a signatory of a significant letter urging Israel to end starvation as a weapon of war. In this discussion, she shares her emotional journey connected to Israel, addressing the moral complexities within biblical narratives and their implications on modern conflicts. She reflects on the delicate balance of loyalty and critique towards Israeli policies, navigating the grief in her community while advocating for hope and humanitarian aid amidst the ongoing struggles in Gaza.
21 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 25min
Don’t Mess With Texas’s Election Maps
Ari Berman, a voting rights correspondent at Mother Jones and an expert on gerrymandering, delves into Texas's recent election map redraws that may spark a nationwide gerrymandering arms race. He discusses the historical context of Texas politics, revealing tactics used to manipulate electoral boundaries. Berman raises alarms over how these strategies undermine democratic integrity, highlighting an ongoing power struggle that threatens fair representation as Republican dominance grows in a diverse state.
10 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 23min
Was Democracy Voted Out?
Osita Nwanevu, contributing editor at The New Republic and columnist at The Guardian, explores the evolving nature of democracy in America. He addresses the alarming rise of far-right support and the cynicism undermining democratic trust. Nwanevu emphasizes that citizens must play an active role beyond voting and redefines democracy as a dynamic process. He also discusses the significance of grassroots movements in overcoming challenges faced by progressive politics, advocating for policies that uplift workers' rights and strengthen community engagement.
