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
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.
17 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 29min
No Really, Abolish ICE
Garrett Graff, journalist and historian who writes on national security and policing, breaks down DHS, ICE, and CBP trends. He discusses heated Capitol Hill hearings and the limits of congressional leverage. He questions militarization of immigration officers and describes how detention practices have grown punitive. He traces long patterns of CBP misconduct and highlights local resistance and risks from a hiring surge.
16 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 25min
She Led the Trial Against Uber - and Won
Sarah London, co-lead counsel in the multidistrict litigation against Uber, represents people who sued over sexual assault by drivers. She breaks down the $8.5M jury verdict and how Uber was found legally responsible. Discussions cover the bellwether case’s wider impact, gaps in incident reporting and app design, Uber’s internal risk algorithms, and proposed safety reforms.
7 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 29min
Markiplier Goes to Hollywood
Mark Fischbach (Markiplier), YouTuber-turned-filmmaker who self-financed, wrote, directed, and starred in Iron Lung. He talks about Iron Lung’s surprise box-office success. He reflects on creative identity after years on YouTube. He explains why horror and constrained projects drew him, how he navigated studios to keep control, and plans to keep making films.
29 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 28min
Trump Starts the Steal
Ari Berman, voting rights reporter and author known for deep election coverage, breaks down the Fulton County raid and its troubling implications. He outlines strange players and legal twists, explains how state laws could enable partisan takeovers, and examines risks to future elections and federal proposals that could reshape voting rules.
26 snips
Feb 8, 2026 • 31min
Escape from a Scam Compound
Andy Greenberg, WIRED senior writer known for deep cybercrime investigations, tells a tense story from inside a Laos scam compound. He shares how a whistleblower used ProtonMail and Signal to expose pig‑butchering crypto scams, the Golden Triangle’s lawless crypto economy, the compound’s panopticon work culture and an audacious escape that followed. Short, vivid scenes reveal trafficking, coercion, and the hurdles to stopping these networks.
44 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 25min
Elon 3.0
Faiz Siddiqui, Washington Post technology reporter and author of Hubris Maximus, walks through Elon Musk’s latest reinventions. They cover shifting Tesla toward humanoid robots and folding AI into SpaceX. Discussion explores SpaceX buying XAI, plans for orbital data centers, content and regulatory controversies, and recent revelations tied to Epstein files.
29 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 27min
Bad Bunny Has Already Won The Super Bowl
Dr. Vanessa Díaz, associate professor and scholar of Puerto Rican culture and music, joins to unpack Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl moment. She traces his roots in Puerto Rico, the political weight of his San Juan residency, and how his performance mixes party and protest. They explore right-wing backlash, NFL motives for booking him, and cultural symbols that spark curiosity.
37 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 27min
He Reads the Epstein Files So You Don't Have To
LaMonica McIver, U.S. Representative from New Jersey who oversees immigration detention, recounts a tense inspection of Delaney Hall. She describes dire conditions, a detainee death, clashes with ICE and local officials, and the legal battle over her actions. She argues for abolition or deep reform of immigration enforcement.
17 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 22min
Meh-lania
Heather Schwedel, Slate staff writer who reviewed the Melania documentary, joins to unpack the film’s polished, inscrutable presentation. They discuss its glossy PR feel, the baffling $75 million cost and Amazon’s risky backing. Conversation covers Brett Ratner’s controversy, the White House premiere optics, crew credit issues, and whether the film will make any lasting cultural splash.
