Slate Daily Feed

Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark specializing in right-wing politics, dives into the unsettling implications of the newly released Epstein files on the MAGA coalition. He discusses how these emails disrupt the usual alignment between Trump and his base, revealing deep fractures within the GOP. Sommer also analyzes Marjorie Taylor Greene's pivot from Trump ally to critic, the influence of Epstein's network on elite connections, and the electoral risks for Republicans embracing extremism, questioning how all this might reshape future elections.

Tig Notaro, a comedian and filmmaker, discusses her award-winning documentary about her friend Andrea Gibson, who tragically passed from cancer. She shares how their initial creative spark blossomed into a profound friendship. Tig reflects on the complexities of grief while promoting the film and the emotional balance between laughter and sadness it captures. They delve into memorable moments from Andrea's final performances and the close-knit group that supported each other through this journey, emphasizing the importance of community in facing loss.

Joining the show are Dan Devine, a Yahoo Sports writer known for his insights on the Dallas Mavericks, Nitish Pahwa from Slate who specializes in sports streaming issues, and Danny Chow from The Ringer, an NBA expert. They dive into the chaos surrounding Nico Harrison's firing, dissecting how it affects the Mavericks' roster. Pahwa explains the contentious Disney-YouTube TV disputes and its impact on sports streaming. Chow analyzes Victor Wembanyama's phenomenal season and the Spurs' playoff chances as they face strategies aimed at minimizing his dominance.

Kat Lonsdorf, a news reporter at NPR, sheds light on the complexities faced by National Guard members during domestic deployments. She discusses their discomfort over vague missions, the reluctance to speak publicly due to community backlash, and the blurred lines between military and local law enforcement. Kat also explores the legal implications of these activations, the impact on Guard resources, and the considerations surrounding potential political ramifications as these tactics could affect future elections.

Danielle Lerner, a journalist and advocate for perinatal mental health, shares her personal journey with postpartum depression. She unveils the often-hidden symptoms and discusses how shame can hinder seeking help. Danielle emphasizes the importance of preparing ahead of time and finding support, like postpartum doulas and peer networks. She offers practical tips for both those experiencing postpartum challenges and their loved ones, highlighting that mental health struggles are temporary and there’s hope through community and treatment.

Rev. Jim Matulski, a longtime minister, reflects on the toll of the AIDS crisis through his poignant 1991 sermon. He explores his exhaustion and grief over the countless losses, connecting the congregation's avoidance of church services to communal sorrow. Matulski highlights Magic Johnson's HIV announcement and its impact on societal awareness of AIDS. The conversation culminates in a discussion on how shared grief can transform into collective action, emphasizing the need for empathy, support, and resilience in the face of loss.

Jeff Horwitz, a tech reporter for Reuters, dives into how Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, profits from scam ads, which make up 10% of its revenue. He reveals that Meta platforms are involved in a third of all successful scams in the U.S. The conversation explores Meta's internal estimates, their lax enforcement of ad policies, and the challenges they face balancing revenue with user safety. Horwitz also discusses the implications for scam victims and the company's future amidst growing scrutiny and legal risks.

In a new, very special Death, Sex & Money and Slate Money crossover, Felix Salmon and Anna Sale are once again joined by Felix’s financial advisor Adrianna Adams from Domain Money to talk about…parents. They dig into the emotions of trying to take care of your aging parents while also growing your own wealth, the importance of setting goals, and how to deal with aging children AND aging parents at the same time. For a visual experience, you can watch this episode on YouTube.Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Video production by Micah Phillips.Get more Death, Sex & Money with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of DSM and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Death, Sex & Money show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/dsmplus to get access wherever you listen.If you’re new to the show, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna’s newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retired federal judge Mark L. Wolf discusses his decision to leave the bench, citing alarming threats to the rule of law. He emphasizes the need for judges to uphold integrity amidst political pressure. California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins to reveal his state's proactive legal strategies against federal overreach, particularly concerning SNAP benefits and election integrity. Together, they highlight the crucial role of state litigation in defending democracy and the urgency for citizens to engage in the fight for justice.

This week, a Trump-backed proposal for 50-year mortgages ignites outrage among conservatives. The hosts debate whether these long-term loans truly solve housing affordability or just inflate prices. They also discuss the potential influence of billionaires if the White House limits proxy advisers in shareholder voting. Lastly, Robinhood's new cash delivery service raises questions about its practicality and safety. Expect lively banter filled with insights into these timely financial issues!