What Next | Daily News and Analysis
Slate Podcasts
The problem with the news right now? It’s everywhere. And each day, it can feel like we’re all just mindlessly scrolling. It’s why we created What Next. This short daily show is here to help you make sense of things. When the news feels overwhelming, we’re here to help you answer: What next? Look for new episodes every weekday morning.Get more of What Next with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of What Next and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/whatnextplus for access wherever you listen.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 20, 2025 • 33min
Are Democrats Already Fumbling a Win?
Eva McKend, a CNN correspondent focused on national politics, dives into the complexities of off-year elections, particularly in Virginia. She discusses how the recent scandal involving AG candidate Jay Jones and his inflammatory texts could jeopardize Democratic chances. McKend also explores voter awareness and the implications of potential split-ticket outcomes, alongside the impacts of Virginia's races on broader national trends. Finally, she offers insights into the challenges of party unity amidst diverse political strategies.
Oct 19, 2025 • 21min
TBD | Why Bands Are Leaving Spotify
Jamie Stewart, the talented musician from the avant-garde band Xiu Xiu, discusses why his band decided to pull their music from Spotify. He argues that streaming services pay artists almost nothing, effectively deeming it theft. The tipping point came when Spotify's owner, Daniel Ek, invested in a German defense contractor, which struck a moral chord with Stewart. He urges musicians to consider the impact of their distribution choices and promotes a deeper engagement with music, signaling a growing movement among artists to resist streaming platforms.
9 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 27min
TBD | Inside the MAGA Content Mill
Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED specializing in technology and politics, dives into how right-wing influencers are reshaping media narratives under the Trump administration. She discusses the striking contrast between influencers and journalists, revealing how figures like Benny Johnson gain privileged access to promote agendas. The conversation highlights a self-reinforcing content loop on social media, questions the impact of viral propaganda on public opinion, and addresses the risks of content simplification in shaping political discourse.
16 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 35min
He Wrote About Anti-Fascism—Then Fled the Country
Mark Bray, a historian and author of "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook," discusses his experiences with doxxing and death threats that ultimately forced him to leave the U.S. He reflects on the rise of far-right movements and the necessity of documenting anti-fascist resistance. Bray shares insights on how violence is viewed within anti-fascist circles and explores the implications of Trump's executive order labeling 'Antifa' a terrorist organization, raising concerns about academic freedom and safety in today's political climate.
22 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 26min
Time for a Blue-State “Soft Secession”?
David Faris, an associate professor of political science at Roosevelt University and author of "It's Time to Fight Dirty," dives into the impacts of the federal shutdown on blue states. He discusses how crucial infrastructure projects in places that voted for Kamala Harris have been halted. Faris introduces the concept of 'soft secession' as a potential response, talks about the economic power of blue states, and explores strategies like targeted tolls and tax strikes as leverage against the federal government.
24 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 29min
Everything’s Coming Up Bari
Joining the conversation is David Klion, a columnist for The Nation and contributing editor to Jewish Currents, who dives into Bari Weiss's controversial rise in media. They explore how Weiss’s lavish backing by billionaires shapes her influence at CBS News. Klion shares his concerns about her editorial choices and the implications of her anti-woke stance. The discussion also covers her journey through key media outlets and the challenges facing traditional news as Weiss assumes her new role.
27 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 49min
Amicus | Dear Justice Kavanaugh, “I’m American, Bro”
Ahilan Arulanantham, a human rights lawyer and UCLA law professor, joins to discuss a controversial Supreme Court ruling that has been interpreted as legalizing racial profiling by ICE. He elaborates on the implications for both immigrants and U.S. citizens, detailing how the ruling could usher in a new era of scrutiny for communities of color. Arulanantham also critiques Justice Kavanaugh's reliance on unsupported claims and the broader lawless trends in immigration enforcement, urging for local resistance and highlighting the ruling's potential to infringe on civil liberties.
20 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 28min
TBD | A.I. for Cops
Gerrit De Vynck, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the complex world of AI in policing. He explains how tools like LongEye help detectives manage overwhelming amounts of digital evidence. The conversation raises crucial civil rights concerns, discussing data access, surveillance tools, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining human oversight in AI use. Gerrit also touches on public sentiment regarding privacy versus convenience, revealing the broader implications of AI on society and law enforcement.
Oct 10, 2025 • 6min
Bonus: SchadenFriday: Portland Puts A Frog On It
Dive into the absurdity of current events with a lighthearted twist! Discover how playful protests in Portland turned grim narratives upside down with inflatable costumes. Enjoy a guessing game as audio clips reveal unexpected moments of joy amid chaos. Tune in as humor meets political theatrics, showcasing the power of levity in dark times. This unique take on serious news will leave you chuckling at the unexpected, proving that laughter is a powerful tool for coping.
30 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 25min
TBD | The People Suing ICE
Joseph Cox, cofounder of 404 Media and an investigative journalist, dives into the challenges of obtaining information from ICE and DHS. He discusses the significance of FOIA requests and the controversies surrounding a data-sharing agreement between CMS and ICE, which could expose how Medicaid data is utilized for enforcement. Cox also reveals troubling insights about ICE's spyware contracts, emphasizing the potential implications for privacy and immigrant rights. His pursuit of transparency highlights the broader issues of government secrecy and public accountability.
