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On today’s episode, host Kate Lindsay is joined by The Atlantic staff writer and host of the Galaxy Brain podcast, Charlie Warzel. Charlie has been following the demise of Twitter, now called X, since Elon Musk took over in 2022. While many of Musk’s decisions have prompted people to declare the end of the app, the introduction of a new location feature undermines almost all of what was left of its relevance. Can we finally call it? Is this Twitter’s official time of death?This podcast is produced by Daisy Rosario, Vic Whitley-Berry, and Kate Lindsay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 brought striking stock gains, yet investors felt strangely unsatisfied. The hosts debated AI's influence on market performance, pinpointing NVIDIA as a key player. Amid Trump's trade policies, Mexico emerged surprisingly strong. A record-breaking $2.4 trillion in global mergers and acquisitions dominated the scene, while Warren Buffett's retirement raised questions about Berkshire Hathaway's future direction. The discussion wrapped up with reflections on investment strategies and the quirky world of finance.

Kim Lane-Scheppele, a law and sociology scholar from Princeton, sheds light on the rapid shift toward autocracy in the U.S. after recent elections. She explores how democratically elected leaders can undermine democratic norms through legal maneuvers, referencing tactics used in nations like Hungary. The conversation highlights the chilling parallels between current events and global autocratic strategies, emphasizing the role of legalism and the importance of civil society in resisting authoritarianism. Expect insights on maintaining hope and solidarity in challenging times.

Host Mary Harris appeared on stage a few weeks back to speak in response to a night of “Resistance Theater,” considering how she, as a journalist, is preparing to meet this political moment. This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next —you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate covering business and technology, dives into the unsettling world of 2025's most dystopian tech. He highlights AI sunglasses, discussing their features and privacy risks. The conversation explores why companies are reviving smart glasses, despite past failures, and the troubling implications of personalized AI avatars. Nitish cites the clash between public skepticism and industry momentum, predicting a bumpy road ahead for AI regulation and consumer acceptance.

2025 might not have been a great year —but the music sure was stellar.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Ash Brandin, a middle school teacher and author of 'Power On,' provides insightful strategies for managing screen time without guilt. They emphasize that screen time doesn't determine parenting quality and advocate for reframing the narrative around tech use. Ash explores how to raise independent, tech-savvy kids and discusses the importance of understanding different types of screen activities. Plus, they offer tips for effective communication with schools to navigate tech mandates, making the world of screens more manageable for families.

Join the hosts as they reflect on 20 years of insightful debates! A riveting conversation unfolds about when and whether to call the police, featuring a gripping case of child safety. They humorously dissect Bill Clinton's notable apology missteps during his book tour. An intriguing study reveals who interrupts the most, with surprising dynamics linked to gender perceptions. Plus, discover the concept of 'stroads' and their impact on road safety. It’s a lively mix of politics, apologies, and social dynamics!

With rising authoritarianism, terrifying speech crackdowns, and violence in the streets, this year we found ourselves turning to our friends over at How To for advice on  finding peace and excitement in our lives.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can’t make this show without you, our listeners. Today, you can help support Decoder Ring – and get a really good deal. To join Slate Plus for just $59/year, visit slate.com/decoderplus on December 31st and type in the promo code DECODER50 at checkout. Slate Plus members get to listen to episodes of Decoder Ring (and all your favorite Slate podcasts!) with no ads, and get access to exclusive bonus episodes.You can join Slate Plus at any time from the Decoder Ring show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, but the discount code DECODER50 will only work through the end of 2025. Subscribe today at slate.com/decoderplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.