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
Jan 2, 2026 • 5min
Bonus: What It’s Going to Take
Mary Harris shares her journey through nearly eight years of journalism amidst political fatigue. She candidly discusses the tension between neutrality and personal beliefs in reporting. Highlighting the need for honesty about values, she emphasizes that journalists should actively lean into the arc of justice. By introducing principles to guide her work, she encourages a 'look for the helpers' mindset. Harris advocates for making news feel more localized and participatory, fostering a community of engaged listeners.
Jan 2, 2026 • 28min
TBD | 2025: Dystopian Tech of the Year
Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate focused on business and technology, dives into the controversial rise of AI technologies in everyday life. He discusses the privacy issues surrounding AI-enabled sunglasses, and why companies are revisiting smart glasses despite past failures. Nitish also critiques the ethics of simulated companions and erotic chatbots, warning about their impact on social relationships. Finally, he reflects on the contrasting consumer skepticism and industry enthusiasm for AI, pondering the future of this tech bubble.
12 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 41min
2025: The Music of the Year
Julianne Escobedo-Shepard, a music writer and co-founder of Hearing Things, joins Lindsay Zoladz, a pop music critic at the New York Times, for an engaging discussion on the standout albums of 2025. They dive into the powerful themes of Cleo Reed's and Lido's knockout releases, while Lindsay defends the polarizing sound of Geese. The group explores the significance of Bad Bunny's politically charged album and reflects on K-pop's evolving landscape, asserting that rock's resurgence shows no signs of fading.
Dec 31, 2025 • 29min
2025: The Advice of the Year
This podcast explores navigating life in challenging times through practical advice. It discusses hypnosis as a tool for personal change, the importance of reconnecting with your younger self, and reclaiming agency in late-life milestones. A humorous take on a 'quiet haircut' teaches the power of clear communication. The hosts share insights on chronic pain management, transparency around student loans, and the joy of hosting gatherings. Finally, parenting with ADHD emphasizes small, achievable changes for greater success.
11 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 35min
2025: The Movie(s) of the Year
Dana Stevens, Slate's chief movie critic and co-host of Culture Gabfest, dives into the cinematic landscape of 2025. She shares her top picks, highlighting the complex narratives of 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another.' Stevens explores how 'Sinners' intertwines vampires with Jim Crow history, offering a musical meditation on cultural roots. Meanwhile, she examines 'One Battle After Another' as a prescient adaptation that melds genre and revolutionary themes. Stevens aims for big-studio risks, finding hope in ambitious storytelling.
Dec 29, 2025 • 29min
2025: The Game of the Year
Joining the discussion is Alex Kirshner, a contributing writer at Slate and co-host of multiple sports podcasts, known for his sharp sports and cultural insights. He dives into the intense sports rivalry between the U.S. and Canada in 2025, highlighting the morally complex Game 7 of the World Series. Alex reflects on the politically charged Four Nations Hockey tournament and its impact on U.S.-Canada relations. He also warns about the growing influence of gambling on sports integrity, shedding light on a magical 18-inning game that captivated fans.
8 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 26min
TBD | 2025: The Meme of the Year
In this engaging discussion, Kate Lindsay, host of Slate's ICYMI podcast and internet culture writer, explores the evolving landscape of memes. She redefines what a meme is today, highlighting examples like the Coldplay kiss-cam that rapidly went viral. Kate also dives into issues of public shaming, the impact of rapid misinformation, and why society revels in the misfortunes of the wealthy. Additionally, she examines the cultural critique behind the 'Republican makeup' meme and provides her intriguing predictions for the future of memes across platforms.
11 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 38min
TBD | Is the A.I. Bubble Bursting? | 2025 in Review
Ed Zitron, writer and podcaster known for his critical views on generative AI, dives into the current state of the AI bubble. He discusses the investor hype around AI despite its lack of profitability and cites signs of a deflating market, such as stock drops and reduced enthusiasm. Ed argues that large language models are economically unsound and emphasizes their limited real-world applications. He also predicts repercussions of a potential collapse, including higher consumer costs and a push for accountability in the industry.
Dec 25, 2025 • 35min
A Rabbi’s Plea for Peace | 2025 in Review
In this captivating discussion, Rabbi Sarah Reines of Temple Emanu-El shares her heartfelt journey advocating for peace amid the Gaza crisis. She delves into the momentous rabbis' letter against using starvation as a weapon and explains the moral weight it carries. Addressing her lifelong connection to Israel, Sarah reflects on her early doubts about its policies and emphasizes the importance of separating emotion from factual discourse. With a plea for compassion over politics, she urges meaningful local action to sustain hope.
Dec 24, 2025 • 31min
Gutting Our National Parks | 2025 in Review
Jon B. Jarvis, the former director of the National Park Service, and Kevin Heatley, a former superintendent of Crater Lake, dive into the concerning future of America's national parks. They discuss alarming staffing shortages and the operational chaos stemming from budget cuts. Jarvis recounts the proud history and evolution of the Park Service, while Heatley shares harrowing stories of vandalism and shutdowns. They also warn of potential privatization threats, drawing cautionary parallels to China's parks, emphasizing the need for proper funding and stewardship.
