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
10 snips
Feb 22, 2026 • 21min
The Future of Retail is A.I.
Mia Sato, reporter at The Verge who covers tech companies and AI in retail. She outlines generative AI, chatbots, and machine-learning tools in stores. She shares quirky examples from grocery aisles to pizza chains. She explains why companies rush to add AI, how Google is pushing retail features, and the privacy tradeoffs of in-store tracking.
24 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 25min
The A.I. Disruption Is Here
Emily Peck, national correspondent at Axios and Slate Money co-host, explains how AI hype is roiling markets and stirring job anxiety. She traces the 'AI scare trade', big tech spending, and whether this feels like the dot‑com era. Short takes cover which industries face disruption first, why some firms will adapt, and how CEO incentives clash with workers' concerns.
6 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 4min
Preview: Epstein, the Ex-Prince, and Consequences
Imogen West-Knights, London-based journalist and Slate writer covering British public figures. She walks through Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s fall from favor. Short takes cover alleged trade envoy misconduct, newly released DOJ files tying him to Epstein, and the royal family’s punitive moves. The conversation focuses on unfolding legal and reputational consequences.
8 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 29min
Stephen Colbert Vs. CBS
Oliver Darcy, media reporter and founder of the Status newsletter, explains how the Colbert–CBS clash reflects shifting incentives in legacy media. He covers ownership ties, staffing upheavals like Anderson Cooper’s exit, controversial hirings, and how attempts to curb content can backfire. Short, sharp takes on why newsroom independence is under pressure.
27 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 23min
What Even Is Trump’s “Board of Peace”?
Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent who reports from Gaza, walks through the origins and evolution of Trump’s so-called Board of Peace. He outlines which countries signed on and why, probes the billion-dollar pay-to-play setup, and describes life in Gaza now. He also breaks down debates over Gaza’s civil service, failed aid models, and contentious reconstruction plans.
7 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 27min
Is She New Jersey’s AOC?
Analelia Mejía, an Afro-Latina organizer and former Bernie Sanders political director now running for Congress, tells how she built a late grassroots campaign. She describes town halls that doubled as civic trainings. She connects her background to her politics. She discusses pressing priorities like court ethics, immigration protections, and working across the aisle while pushing for progressive change.
19 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 20min
Kids Sports Are Now Adult Driven—And Incredibly Expensive
Anna North, senior correspondent at Vox who writes the Kids Today newsletter, examines how youth sports have become a $40B industry. She traces the shift from casual rec leagues to privatized, parent-driven competition. The conversation covers escalating costs, time burdens, specialty sports like hockey, injury and mental-health risks, and what a less pressurized, more playful future might look like.
8 snips
Feb 15, 2026 • 25min
Trump Can’t Ruin These Olympics
Justin Peters, Slate correspondent covering the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics and author of The Idealist. He talks about why he still loves the Games despite their flaws. They debate whether Donald Trump can dominate the Olympics narrative. Conversation covers athletes speaking on U.S. politics, IOC rules on protests, crowd reactions, and what a politicized 2028 U.S. Games might look like.
10 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 5min
SchadenFriday: The Week MAGA Turned Cringe
Brian Beutler, founder of Off-Message and Politics Podcast host, offers sharp political analysis. He breaks down a week that felt like Trumpism losing cultural grip. Short takes on social media’s power shift, backlash to attacks on entertainers, and moments like Bad Bunny that signaled a turning point.
9 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 25min
The Senator Going After Data Centers
Senator Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat focused on federal policy and energy, discusses how data centers strain grids and raise consumer electricity costs. He outlines a bill to make companies pay for power connections and prevent cost-shifting. He also talks about DHS/ICE oversight, proposed reforms, and how Congress should use appropriations to enforce accountability.
