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All this week, What Next and What Next: TBD are re-airing some of our favorite conversations from throughout the year and checking back with the people in those conversations to see how things have – or haven’t – changed. This episode is from October.In an executive order, Donald Trump declared “Antifa” a terrorist organization. As it isn’t an organization, there aren’t leaders to target, so zealous conservatives took aim at Mark Bray, a Rutgers professor who wrote a book about fighting fascism eight years ago. The clumsy attempts to get him fired didn’t bother him—but the doxxing and death threats were enough to convince him he needed to leave America.Guest: Mark Bray, assistant teaching professor at Rutgers, author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook.If you want to support more of this reporting, in 2026 and beyond, consider signing up for Slate Plus. You’ll enjoy ad-free listening across the Slate network, early access to tickets for live events, and you’ll never hit the paywall on the site. We’re on a mission to get 100 people to join Slate Plus before the new year—and we’re even offering a 50-percent-off deal to folks who join us right now. Visit Slate.com/whatnextplus and use the code WHATNEXT50 to get a year of Slate Plus for $59.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 insightful discussion, Mary Childs, a seasoned economics journalist and host of Planet Money, dives into the aftermath of USAID funding cuts on humanitarian efforts. She reveals the scramble faced by organizations like GiveWell and ALIMA to adapt to the vast funding gaps. Mary highlights the emotional toll of funding decisions, the challenges in conflict zones, and the balance between immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of effective altruism and practical ways to contribute meaningfully this holiday season.

Reflecting on a thrilling 2025 in sports, the hosts dive into the shocking Luka Doncic trade and its impact on Mavericks fans. The torpedo bats craze ignited debates around baseball fairness. Rory McIlroy's Masters win brought emotional depth to golf, while Coco Gauff's triumph highlighted gender issues in tennis. The Oklahoma City Thunder's rise hints at a new dynasty, and the Ryder Cup's political drama, featuring Trump, stole the spotlight. As the year concludes, controversies, WNBA labor disputes, and baseball's exciting playoffs leave a lasting impression.

Get ready for a festive mix of crafting and cocktails! Discover how to whip up a Gin Snowball, while learning a foolproof method for making adorable paper-bag snowflakes. The hosts dive into nostalgic holiday toys that shaped their childhoods and explore clever stocking stuffer ideas for teens. They even tackle the debate on Santa's role in Christmas magic. Join them for laughs, creativity, and plenty of holiday cheer!

All this week, What Next and What Next: TBD are re-airing some of our favorite conversations from throughout the year and checking back with the people in those conversations to see how things have – or haven’t – changed. This episode is from April.The Trump administration’s actions on immigration and firing the federal workforce have drawn condemnation from all sorts of unions—from building trades to graduate students. What happens when labor speaks as one?Guest: Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL–CIO.If you want to support more of this reporting, in 2026 and beyond, consider signing up for Slate Plus. You’ll enjoy ad-free listening across the Slate network, early access to tickets for live events, and you’ll never hit the paywall on the site. We’re on a mission to get 100 people to join Slate Plus before the new year—and we’re even offering a 50-percent-off deal to folks who join us right now. Visit Slate.com/whatnextplus and use the code WHATNEXT50 to get a year of Slate Plus for $59.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Ethan Oberman, Isabel Angell, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All this week, What Next and What Next: TBD are re-airing some of our favorite conversations from throughout the year and checking back with the people in those conversations to see how things have – or haven’t – changed. This episode originally aired in March.Memecoins are a niche type of cryptocurrency with no intrinsic value. But they remain a popular form of crypto, as seen earlier this year with President Trump’s own memecoin. And if it worked for him, then why not our little podcast? Guests: Azeem Khan, advisor to UNICEF’s crypto fund and cocreator of the blockchain Morph.Nitish Pahwa, Slate staff writer covering business and tech.If you want to support more of this reporting, in 2026 and beyond, consider signing up for Slate Plus. You’ll enjoy ad-free listening across the Slate network, early access to tickets for live events, and you’ll never hit the paywall on the site. We’re on a mission to get 100 people to join Slate Plus before the new year—and we’re even offering a 50-percent-off deal to folks who join us right now. Visit Slate.com/whatnextplus and use the code WHATNEXT50 to get a year of Slate Plus for $59. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youngmi Mayer, a writer and comedian known for her insightful essays on racial identity, brings her perspective on a viral TikTok controversy regarding white consumers in Asian grocery stores. She discusses the nuances of biracial identity and how her own mixed background shapes her understanding. Youngmi highlights the challenges of conveying complex conversations on platforms like TikTok, emphasizing the need for empathy and deeper discourse. The duo explores the reactions from various creators and reflects on the broader implications of immigrant experiences and online interactions.

David Plotz talks with Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales about his new book The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last. They discuss how Wikipedia’s culture of assuming good faith and shared purpose became a model for building trustworthy digital communities — and what lessons that holds for companies, social media, and politics today.Wales reflects on how to maintain trust in polarized times, the challenges of AI-generated information, and why genuine civility still matters online.Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Nina Porzucki. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Trudell, Bloomberg's Global Automotive Editor, dives into the unraveling of the global electric vehicle market. He discusses the challenges facing Ford, including shifts in US policy and consumer hesitancy. The conversation shifts to an unexpected merger of Trump Media with a fusion company, examining the motivations behind this surprising alliance. Lastly, the hosts explore the booming business of Hallmark movie tours, dissecting the beloved formula that makes these films wildly popular during the holiday season.

Lee Gelernt, an ACLU attorney renowned for his civil rights litigation, sheds light on the tumultuous legal battles following the Trump administration's secret renditions of migrant men to a notorious prison in El Salvador. He discusses the implications of the Alien Enemies Act and the challenges posed by the DOJ's defiance of court orders. Gelernt reveals how flawed evidence targeted Venezuelan men and the dire consequences of due process failures. The conversation highlights the importance of sustained legal efforts to combat draconian policies and uphold democracy.