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
Jan 26, 2024 • 23min
Are You Ready for the A.I. Election?
Guest: Makena Kelly, senior writer at Wired covering politics and technology. Fake robocalls impersonating Joe Biden in New Hampshire primary raise concerns about AI-generated disinformation during the upcoming election. Discussion on the challenges of identifying real and fake information, regulating AI in politics, and the use of watermarks to monitor AI content. Exploring the impact of AI on spreading fake information and manipulating audio clips.
Jan 25, 2024 • 24min
Biden Needs Abortion
Grace Panetta, political reporter at The 19th News discusses how Democrats can ride the abortion issue to a second Biden term. The chapter explores President Biden's history and evolving views on abortion, his changing stance on the Hyde Amendment, and the potential impact of his views on abortion rights. It also examines strategies to persuade voters about changing the reality on the ground and analyzes how abortion shapes the electoral landscape for the upcoming 2024 race.
Jan 24, 2024 • 20min
Trump’s Courtroom Campaign
Isaac Arnsdorf, national political reporter for The Washington Post, discusses how Donald Trump has turned his court appearances into a powerful campaign tool, rallying Republicans to his defense. They analyze the impact of the indictments on Trump's campaign and the lack of political consequences he has faced. The tension between effective legal strategies and political appeal in Trump's campaign is explored.
Jan 23, 2024 • 23min
Are We at War in the Middle East?
Josh Keating, senior correspondent at Vox, discusses the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the spillover of violence, the role of Iran's allies, the impact of Houthis' control over the Red Sea, the effectiveness of airstrikes, changing dynamics and increasing hostility, and the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Jan 22, 2024 • 20min
The Fall of Ron DeSantis
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis squandered his lead in the presidential race, while Trump secures the Republican nomination. The podcast explores DeSantis' campaign strategy, his declining popularity, and Trump's indictment. It also discusses the challenges faced by anti-Trump Republicans and the potential return of independent voters to support Biden.
Jan 21, 2024 • 33min
Have Algorithms Ruined Our Culture?
Kyle Chayka, staff writer at the New Yorker, discusses how algorithms shape our lives and culture. He explores the phenomenon of 'airspace' design, the rise of viral aesthetics on social media, and algorithmic anxiety. Chayka also discusses the transient nature of internet culture and the desire for change in digital platforms.
Jan 19, 2024 • 24min
The Great British Library Hack
Guest Sam Knight, staff writer at the New Yorker discusses the cyberattack on the British Library and its aftermath, highlighting the vulnerability of our systems and society. They explore the motives behind the attack, the library's decision not to pay ransom, and the need for organizations to be prepared for emergencies. Reflecting on the event, they emphasize the importance of understanding and learning from such attacks to prevent future incidents.
6 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 20min
And God Gave Us Trump
Rev. Angela Denker, author of Red State Christians, explores the impact of white evangelical Christianity on Donald Trump's presidency. Topics covered include why white evangelicals supported Trump, complexities of evangelicalism, differences between black and white evangelical Christianity, and the link between Christian nationalism and Trump's support.
Jan 17, 2024 • 24min
Is Israel Committing Genocide?
Adil Haque, Professor of international law at Rutgers University, explores the accusation of Israel committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. Topics include the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the role of the UN, the complexity of recognizing genocide, South Africa's contextualization, allegations of genocide, Israeli soldiers in Gaza justifying actions, Israel's argument of no genocidal intent, and the power of the International Court in addressing genocide in Gaza.
Jan 16, 2024 • 21min
Trump Just Won Iowa. Where’s Biden?
In this episode, Alexander Sammon, a politics writer for Slate, discusses Joe Biden's weak poll numbers among young voters, Black voters, and Latino voters. They explore the challenges of Biden's messaging strategy and the need to unlock enthusiasm for voting for him again. They also analyze Biden's approach to his campaign, including his messaging strategy and addressing topics like political violence and the threat posed by Donald Trump.
