Slate Daily Feed

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!

Some presidents use their pardons for large groups of people. Some presidents use them for personal reasons. If you were to sum up Donald Trump’s use of the power of the pardon, the only word for it is “brazen.”  Guest: Benjamin Wallace-Wells is a staff writer at The New Yorker.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.

Sarah Amos, a media professional and podcaster, creates a poignant portrait of her father, Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos cookies. She shares her experiences growing up in a glamorous but financially unstable environment, where celebrity visits hid deeper struggles. Sarah discusses her father's relentless pursuit of fame and the emotional toll it took on their relationship. Through her new podcast, Tough Cookie, she confronts past hurts, embraces family dynamics, and aims to preserve Wally's legacy while recognizing his flaws.

Steven J. Lepper, a retired Air Force major general and former deputy legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sheds light on the implications of unlawful military orders. He discusses alarming reports about a September boat strike, emphasizing how military lawyers play a critical role in preventing illegal actions. The conversation also covers the political fallout from a veterans' video reminding troops to refuse unlawful commands, and Lepper argues for the responsibility of senior officers to safeguard their subordinates from illegal orders.

In this discussion, college basketball expert Matt Norlander breaks down the newly launched Players' Era tournament, predicting it will transform November hoops and reveal its financial mechanics. He dives into the backstory of Seth Berger, the visionary behind this $32 million venture, and explores why universities are increasingly turning to external promoters for tournaments. The conversation also shifts to the NBA, highlighting LeBron James’ surprising performance at an advanced age and Chris Paul’s reflective journey as he nears retirement.

Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the bestselling 'How the Word Is Passed,' discusses the challenges of teaching U.S. history, particularly its uncomfortable truths about slavery and genocide. He emphasizes that excluding these topics distorts our understanding of the present. Clint reflects on his teaching experiences and compares American memory practices to Germany’s Stolpersteine memorials. He argues that confronting difficult histories can empower students to envision a more just future.

Megan Sanders, a zoo consultant, shares engaging ways to help kids get involved in animal conservation. She emphasizes the importance of local habitat projects and meaningful zoo visits, suggesting hands-on activities like scavenger hunts and creating habitat-friendly spaces. Jill Moyes, Senior Director of Animal Care at the Detroit Zoo, discusses the fascinating family structure of great apes, recounting a recent gorilla birth and the intricacies of maternal care. Together, they inspire a hopeful message about conservation and the power of empathy.

Josh Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox and an expert on foreign policy, dives into the intricate relationship between AI and nuclear weapons. He unveils the growing role of AI in military systems, from predictive maintenance to automated retaliatory frameworks. Keating highlights the clash between military leaders' skepticism and tech firms' push for automation. He warns about cyber vulnerabilities and the accelerated pace of conflict that AI introduces, ultimately reshaping nuclear policy discussions in a post-Cold War era.

Jed Britton Purdy, a law professor and author, joins to dissect the complex narratives surrounding Trumpism. The discussion navigates three competing scripts: authoritarian takeover, continuity of deep-rooted democratic issues, and legitimate transformative change, likened to past eras like the New Deal. Purdy outlines the tactics of the current administration while contrasting defensive strategies against deeper reforms. The conversation also explores themes of popular constitutionalism and the importance of pluralistic reasoning in today's political climate.

Carmen Vicente, a savvy social media manager and trend analyst, dives into the nostalgia for offline hobbies. She discusses the fascinating rise of the 'analog bag,' highlighting how people are reclaiming physical media and crafts as a rebellion against our digital overload. Carmen emphasizes that, while social media isn't disappearing, platforms will evolve to promote real-world connections. Join the conversation as they explore how apps can inspire offline activities and the emotional ties we have to tangible experiences!