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
Nov 20, 2023 • 21min
Moms for Liberty Tanked at the Polls. This Guy Called It.
Adam Laat, Professor of Education and History at Binghamton University, discusses the recent loss of ultra-conservative 'parental rights candidates' in school board elections. The podcast explores the historical context of the fight for conservative control of public schools, the messy state of America's school politics, and why conservative concern about public education is a recurring cycle.
Nov 19, 2023 • 23min
Bedbugs Are Back, Baby!
Benji Jones, senior environmental reporter at Vox, discusses the recent resurgence of bed bugs and their resistance to pesticides. The podcast explores the challenges in eradicating bed bugs, their attraction to human bodies, and their ability to survive without blood meals. It also explores the implications of bed bug exposure in a globalized society and the uncertain effects of climate change on their distribution.
Nov 17, 2023 • 21min
How Deepfake Porn Infected a School
Girls at a New Jersey high school were early victims of a novel and growing problem: their images were taken from social media without consent to create “deep-fake pornography.” Guest: Julie Jargon, Wall Street Journal family and tech columnist.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 16, 2023 • 21min
What If Gaza Boils Over?
Gregory Gause, specialist in Middle East politics, discusses the potential danger of more countries being pulled into the war in Gaza. Topics include Iran's support for groups like Hezbollah, the fear of missile attacks, the interests of major state actors, strategies to manage tensions, and the risks and benefits of a ceasefire.
Nov 15, 2023 • 20min
Trump’s Second Term
Susan Glasser, staff writer at The New Yorker, discusses Donald Trump's plans for a second term, including overturning Roe v. Wade and carrying out massive deportations. The podcast explores Trump's personalized power desires, his extreme plans for the Southern border, and the potential outcomes of a second term. It also highlights Project 2025, a conservative plan outlining policy goals and executive orders.
Nov 14, 2023 • 29min
How the Israel-Gaza War Rages in America
Aymann Ismail, a Muslim journalist, and Emily Tamkin, a writer and author, discuss power dynamics, tribalism, and the role of empathy in the Israel-Gaza conflict's impact on the United States. They share personal experiences, address online dialogue challenges, explore historical support for Israel among American Jews, delve into frustration and pain, discuss power imbalances and silenced voices, and debunk misnomers about the conflict.
Nov 13, 2023 • 22min
The Rise of a Red State Democrat
Guest John Nichols, national affairs correspondent for The Nation, discusses Andy Beshear's victories as a red state Democrat, highlighting his support for abortion rights and progressive governance. The podcast explores the challenges faced by Beshear and the potential implications for future elections.
Nov 12, 2023 • 18min
Will A.I. Take My Job?
Will Sommer, Washington Post media reporter, discusses the discovery of AI-generated content in online reviews and the implications of AI in newsrooms. The podcast explores the challenges and concerns surrounding AI-generated articles, media companies' experimentation with AI, and its potential negative impact on the quality of journalism.
Nov 10, 2023 • 23min
Tesla vs. the Swedes
Melissa Eddy, Berlin correspondent for the New York Times, discusses the strike by Tesla mechanics in Sweden and the involvement of the country's major unions. The podcast explores the clash between Tesla and labor unions, the challenges faced by Tesla in entering the Swedish market, and the significance of union representation in the green industry.
Nov 9, 2023 • 24min
The Real Goal of Trump's Indignant Testimony
Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney, discusses Donald Trump's strategy during his civil trial, questioning whether he was playing to his MAGA audience. They analyze his credibility, defense strategy, attacks on the judge, and potential blow to his persona and upcoming criminal trials.
