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
13 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 29min
The Gaza Flotilla That’s Under Attack
Zue Jernstedt, a veteran and member of About Face: Veterans Against the War, discusses her compelling journey on the Veterans Boat of the Global Samud Flotilla. She shares the mission to deliver vital aid to Gaza amidst an Israeli blockade, the intense military harassment they faced at sea, and her disillusionment with political leaders following her father's death. Zue also highlights the importance of solidarity and raising awareness, while distinguishing between Zionism and Judaism in the quest for equality.
27 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 28min
TBD | Trapped in a Tesla
Dana Hull, a Bloomberg senior reporter focused on Tesla and Elon Musk, shines a light on critical safety issues with Tesla door handles. She shares harrowing stories of passengers trapped in crashes due to the unintuitive design. Multiple incidents reveal how rescuers struggle to open doors during emergencies. Hull discusses the risks associated with Tesla’s flush handles and regulatory gaps in safety testing. She emphasizes the need for better awareness among owners and first responders, while hinting at Tesla's plans for redesigning these problematic features.
18 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 4min
Bonus: The Senator Calling Trump’s Bluff
As the government faces a funding deadline, Senator Chris Van Hollen shares his strategy against giving Trump a blank check. He highlights the potential fallout of a shutdown on Maryland's federal employees and essential services nationwide. Van Hollen also discusses the Democrats' plan for a one-month continuing resolution aimed at restoring health care. Additionally, he emphasizes the need for safeguards to prevent illegal withholding of funds, advocating for higher vote thresholds to protect appropriated budgets.
24 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 32min
TBD | How Trump Got Obsessed with Autism
Dan Diamond, White House correspondent for The Washington Post, discusses the alarming announcement linking Tylenol to autism. He examines the public health community's shocked reaction and clarifies the lack of evidence supporting the claim. Diamond reveals the political motivations behind the announcement and the historical context of Trump and RFK Jr.'s fixation on autism. The conversation also highlights the dangers of oversimplifying complex medical issues and advises families on navigating conflicting medical messages.
12 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 27min
Jimmy Kimmel Got His Job Back. She Didn’t.
Karen Attiah, a former Washington Post columnist known for her advocacy on press freedom, shares her insights on the precarious state of journalism. She discusses the chilling effects of recent firings and the growing threats to media professionals, spotlighting her own dismissal. Karen recounts her experience working with Jamal Khashoggi and the moral dilemmas faced in editorial decisions under Jeff Bezos. She also critiques the observed double standards in permissible rhetoric, highlighting the disconnect between conservative speech and the consequences faced by dissenters.
9 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 33min
A Surgeon in Gaza’s “End Game”
Dr. Mohammed 'Adeel' Khaleel, a skilled spinal surgeon from Texas, shares his harrowing experiences volunteering in Gaza. He discusses the worsening conditions in hospitals overwhelmed by war casualties, including countless children with severe injuries. Dr. Khaleel details the chaos of delivering medical supplies, living in hospitals, and the emotional toll of leaving behind patients and colleagues. He highlights the stark realities of malnutrition affecting recovery and reflects on the grim prospects for the future of healthcare in Gaza.
9 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 31min
Trump’s Attack on Visas
Max Blau, a ProPublica reporter focusing on immigration and labor issues, dives into the H-2A visa program crucial for U.S. agriculture. He reveals how proposed cuts to Department of Labor enforcement could leave farm workers vulnerable to exploitation and ICE. Blau shares harrowing tales of labor abuse, detailing a trafficking scheme and personal stories of coercion and unpaid labor. He also discusses the staffing shortages within enforcement agencies, raising alarming questions about the future of visa programs and worker protections.
20 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 29min
How Big Media Obeys in Advance
Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate who covers the intersection of media, tech, and politics, dives into the unsettling trends in media consolidation. He discusses how major players like Paramount and Disney are bending to the will of the Trump administration and FCC chair Brendan Carr. Pahwa highlights the dangers of the Ellison family's influence on CBS and the implications of local stations' control on free speech, specifically referencing the controversial firing of Jimmy Kimmel. The conversation sheds light on the precarious future of media independence.
Sep 21, 2025 • 31min
TBD | Is A.I. Taking Your Job?
Danielle Abril, a technology-in-the-workplace reporter for The Washington Post, explores how AI is revolutionizing hiring practices. She shares insights from her own experiences with AI recruiters and discusses the use of AI tools during interviews. Abril highlights the challenges young workers face in a tough job market and the ethical implications of AI, including job displacement versus task automation. She delves into worker sentiments about AI, the role of unions, and the hidden adoption of AI in workplaces, painting a vivid picture of the future of work.
4 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 5min
The Discourse | TikTok Ban: The Final Loop?
The ongoing saga of TikTok's potential ban continues, with delays and legal uncertainties at every turn. Discussions revolve around a possible agreement involving a wealthy Trump-supporting tech mogul. The conversation examines the complex dynamics of an investor takeover led by Oracle and others, while contentious issues of algorithm control and ownership linger. It’s a high-stakes game of tech, politics, and investment that keeps everyone guessing.
