Slate Daily Feed

Nicholas Kulish, a seasoned reporter at The New York Times, joins the discussion. The group delves into Netflix's monumental acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, exploring its implications for media consolidation. Kulish sheds light on the Dells’ staggering $6.25 billion donation for children’s savings accounts, unpacking its political motives and potential effects. They also tackle troubling consumer fraud issues at Dollar General and Family Dollar, revealing the disproportionate impact on low-income shoppers. A captivating blend of media analysis and philanthropy!

Mikala Jamison, a culture writer and author of the upcoming book The Forever Project, shares her journey of recovering from an eating disorder. She discusses the surge of online scrutiny regarding celebrity bodies, sparked by films like Wicked. Jamison questions whether the obsession with thinness truly faded or if it never left. They delve into celebrity reactions, like Ariana Grande's, and the potential harm of body commentary. Ultimately, Mikala advocates for shifting discussions towards systemic issues surrounding body image and the importance of diverse, real-world experiences.

Olivia Nuzzi’s book, American Canto, is out. Somehow it discloses almost nothing and also way, way too much.Guest: Scaachi Koul, Slate senior writer.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.

Ryan Mac, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, digs deep into the multifaceted role of David Sachs in the tech and political arenas. Mac highlights Sachs's significant stake in crypto firm BitGo and his influence in shaping U.S. AI and crypto policies. Their discussion uncovers potential conflicts of interest stemming from Sachs's retained business investments while advising the White House. They also explore Sachs's political evolution and the administration's push for deregulation in AI, raising questions about the implications for future tech policies.

This week, the conversation dives into the controversy surrounding a U.S. military strike that allegedly killed survivors from a drug boat, raising serious legal and moral questions about military conduct. The hosts analyze the outcomes of a special election in Tennessee and its implications for midterm dynamics. They also explore the role of self-driving cars as a public health initiative, discussing safety data and the public's willingness to accept longer travel times for increased security. A captivating discussion on free speech and academic freedom rounds out the topics.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Paul Offit, a prominent pediatrician and vaccine advocate, delves into the shocking changes within the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee. He expresses grave concerns about the decline in expertise among members and shares his experience of being removed from an FDA advisory panel. Offit critiques misleading CDC language on vaccines and autism, highlights the rise in vaccine-preventable deaths, and emphasizes the need for proactive public engagement. He urges parents to seek reliable vaccine information and discusses the broader implications of public distrust in health policies.

The hosts tackle the challenge of supporting a friend dealing with a struggling child. They discuss the importance of practical help, like meals and scheduled check-ins, while also emphasizing emotional validation through small messages. Triumphs from their own lives add humor, with one host surviving a solo trip with kids. Finally, they suggest ways to ease the emotional load by offering conversation choices and sharing relatable experiences, highlighting the importance of being there without smothering.

Dive into the wild tale of the 'Danish Deception,' where a former Bachelor contestant gets ensnared in a web of lies by a charming scammer. Discover the shocking loans and money trails that led to heartbreak and financial ruin. The hosts dissect why TikTok's response differed from similar scandals, exploring race dynamics and the societal implications. With a critical eye on missed warnings and the allure of luxury travel, this saga unravels the real villain behind the scam. Expect a riveting discussion that balances drama and introspection!

Reverend Jim Mitolsky, former Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church in San Francisco, shares stories from the AIDS crisis and its aftermath. He discusses the transformative impact of antiretroviral treatments, which shifted the community from despair to hope. Jim highlights the church's bold activism, including medical marijuana distribution and addressing homelessness. He reflects on the challenges of balancing faith and social justice amid community backlash and personal sacrifices, ultimately revealing the complex legacy of AIDS energy in activism.

Guest host Jamelle Bouie, an insightful opinion columnist, joins Julia and Steve to delve into Rian Johnson's new film, highlighting the compelling dynamics between Benoit Blanc and priest Josh O’Connor. They also tackle Ken Burns’ comprehensive documentary on the American Revolution, praising its intricate storytelling. The trio engages in a thought-provoking debate on whether we're witnessing a 'Great Stupidening,' exploring the nuances of educational decline and societal intelligence. Fun endorsements round out the discussion!