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In the waning moments of 2025, Julia, Dana, and Steve say goodbye to the year that was with a beloved annual end-of-year tradition… our listener call-in show! And you delivered some great queries, dear listeners. The hosts tackle questions about everything ranging from under-dramatized historical eras to Wuthering Heights to wedding registry etiquette. They also zoom out to grapple with a fundamental philosophical question underlying this whole show’s existence and take a cue from Las Culturistas Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers for some Schimpfen und Toben.No endorsements this week. But for listeners in the New York area, don’t miss Steve when he joins Booker Prize-finalist Ben Markovitz for a conversation about his new novel The Rest of Our Lives on January 5, 2026 at the Upper West Side Barnes & Noble.For Slate Plus subscribers, the hosts delight in answering an additional listener question in an exclusive bonus episode. They share their ideal cultural outings with their co-hosts.---Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com. Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your stories about inheritance: Gwynn wrestles with her mother's will that would cut out her sister; Trevor inherited money from his father and questions about whether his death was planned; and Anna talks to two young people giving away their inherited wealth despite some family opposition.Podcast production by Zoe AzulaySign up for a full year of Slate Plus for 50% off by using the code DSM50 at checkout: slate.com/dsmplus (offer available until Jan 1). My Father is Worth $70 Million. I Disinherited Myself.Anna and Husband Arthur Play the Not-So-Newlywed Game Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you were to sum up 2025 in a film, which would you pick? The question that nearly wrecked the brain of Slate’s chief movie critic.Guest: Dana Stevens, Slate’s movie critic.Dana’s ten best movies of 2025.Her review of Sinners.And her review of One Battle After Another.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.

Alex Kirshner, a contributing writer at Slate and co-host of popular sports podcasts, dives into the intense sports rivalry between Canada and the U.S. in 2025. He debates the moral complexities of World Series Game 7 and the chaos of the Four Nations hockey tournament. The discussion highlights Conor McDavid's thrilling gold medal goal and the impact of gambling on sports integrity, challenging the financial ties between sports media and sportsbooks. Kirshner weaves in politics, showcasing how it reshaped fans' engagement with major sporting events.

Three hosts reflect on their parenting wins and challenges of 2025 while looking forward to 2026. Lucy shares insights on travel and patience, Elizabeth discusses family flexibility amidst anxiety, and Zach celebrates sibling independence. The highlight? A heartwarming poetry night where they exchange original poems that blend humor and heartfelt sentiments about parenting and friendship, including a rap tribute and a limerick. It's a mix of laughter, tears, and a celebration of their parenting journeys.

The hosts dive into bold sports predictions for 2026, speculating on everything from Chris Paul's potential playoff move to the NFL tweaking field goal rules. They discuss the impact of Saudi investments in sports and express concerns about integrity amidst rising prediction markets. In an interview, discussions shift to memorable moments, including an epic World Series Game 7 and a thrilling hockey rivalry. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the future of sports media and the influence of gambling.

Kate Lindsay, host of Slate’s ICYMI podcast and expert in digital culture, dives into the evolution of memes in the digital age. She discusses the significance of this year's standout meme, the Coldplay kiss-cam, and how it reshaped the concept of viral moments. Lindsay explores how internet sleuthing rapidly uncovered identities involved and reflects on the darker side of online shaming. She also touches on how memes like 'six, seven' serve as cultural snapshots, indicating that memes are shifting toward audio and niche communities for the future.

In a deep dive into 2025's internet landscape, Kat Tenbarge, an internet-culture writer known for her insights on viral trends, joins host Kate Lindsay. They tackle the themes of brain rot, surveillance, and big tech dystopia. From the confusing 6-7 Gen Alpha meme to the fallout of the Astronomer CEO's kiss-cam moment, the conversation explores the dark side of viral fame. They also debate the TikTok ban saga and reflect on the cultural implications of radicalized online movements, emphasizing the urgent need to reclaim attention and prioritize offline life.

Dive into a sizzling debate as hosts analyze this year's hottest takes! They tackle Elon Musk's bold prediction about poverty, explore generational dress trends with suits making a NYC comeback, and laugh at Travis Kalanick's wild claims about AI and physics. Discussions on Europe's geopolitical future and the real impact of Trump's tariffs add spice. Plus, reflections on extraordinary life expectancy changes and AI hijinks at the Wall Street Journal keep things lively. Get ready for sharp insights and plenty of humor!

Over the past calendar year, the Supreme Court’s center has shifted to the right and then more to the right, and the justices’ decisions have time and again facilitated Trump’s agenda. But the Roberts majority is not simply focused on what the current president wants; it has its sights set on a larger project: voting. Suppressing and constraining and problematizing the core function of democratic rule. In this episode, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern reflect on the significant developments at  the Supreme Court over the past year with an eye toward the implications of the court's decisions on democracy, voting rights, and the erosion of checks and balances. Looking back at the past year at One First Street, Dahlia and Mark trace the cases that reveal the court’s long game, with elections coming quickly, and discuss the forces for and against democracy being exerted within and without the high court. Then, they turn to the urgent matter of what you and I can do about it.If you want to access that special 50% discount for Slate Plus membership, go to slate.com/amicusplus and enter promo code AMICUS 50.  This offer expires on Dec 31st 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.