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
9 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 30min
TBD | Here Comes the A.I. Music Slop
In this engaging discussion, Kate Knibbs, a Senior Writer at Wired, delves into the fascinating world of AI-generated music. She highlights how AI is transforming the music industry, allowing for a flood of so-called 'original' songs that challenge traditional artistry. Kate tackles the ethical dilemmas arising from this evolution, including a notable fraud case tied to inflated streaming numbers. The episode prompts listeners to consider the future of genuine creativity in an AI-dominated landscape and consumer attitudes toward this shift.
9 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 29min
TBD | What Happened After Meta Fired Its Fact-Checkers
Jeffrey Fowler, tech columnist with The Washington Post, dives into the fallout after Meta replaced professional fact-checkers with user-generated content. He shares his personal experiences tackling misinformation as a volunteer in Meta's Community Notes. The conversation highlights the challenges of correcting false narratives and the implications of shifting to community-driven fact-checking, especially in a polarized landscape. Fowler critiques the effectiveness of these new initiatives and reveals the ongoing struggle for accurate information in the digital age.
7 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 27min
Donald Trump Vs. Reality Itself
David A. Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Project,' discusses the alarming trend of political manipulation under Trump. He delves into the implications of controversial judicial appointments and the alarming dismissal of a labor statistics commissioner. The conversation critiques how economic data is reported and manipulated for political gain, exploring the broader consequences of misinformation. Graham highlights the growing distrust in institutions and the escalating disregard for truth in politics, raising crucial questions about the future of factual accuracy.
7 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 31min
A Rabbi’s Plea for Peace
Sarah Reines is a rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan and a signatory of a significant letter urging Israel to end starvation as a weapon of war. In this discussion, she shares her emotional journey connected to Israel, addressing the moral complexities within biblical narratives and their implications on modern conflicts. She reflects on the delicate balance of loyalty and critique towards Israeli policies, navigating the grief in her community while advocating for hope and humanitarian aid amidst the ongoing struggles in Gaza.
14 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 28min
Don’t Mess With Texas’s Election Maps
Ari Berman, a voting rights correspondent at Mother Jones and an expert on gerrymandering, delves into Texas's recent election map redraws that may spark a nationwide gerrymandering arms race. He discusses the historical context of Texas politics, revealing tactics used to manipulate electoral boundaries. Berman raises alarms over how these strategies undermine democratic integrity, highlighting an ongoing power struggle that threatens fair representation as Republican dominance grows in a diverse state.
5 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 26min
Was Democracy Voted Out?
Osita Nwanevu, contributing editor at The New Republic and columnist at The Guardian, explores the evolving nature of democracy in America. He addresses the alarming rise of far-right support and the cynicism undermining democratic trust. Nwanevu emphasizes that citizens must play an active role beyond voting and redefines democracy as a dynamic process. He also discusses the significance of grassroots movements in overcoming challenges faced by progressive politics, advocating for policies that uplift workers' rights and strengthen community engagement.
30 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 28min
TBD | The A.I. Data Center Push That Wasn't
In this engaging discussion, Berber Jin, a reporter specializing in AI for The Wall Street Journal, delves into the troubled $500 billion Stargate initiative initially announced by tech leaders. The ambitious plans to build data centers across the U.S. hit significant hurdles, condensing down to a lone facility in Ohio. Jin addresses financing challenges and regulatory obstacles that thwarted the grand vision. The fallout from Sam Altman’s ousting at OpenAI adds intrigue, revealing the complexities of partnerships and competition in the AI landscape.
Aug 2, 2025 • 5min
Bonus: When the French Bombed Greenpeace
The podcast dives into the dramatic history of Greenpeace, particularly through the lens of the infamous Rainbow Warrior. It details the bold activism and confrontations that characterized the group's early days. The conversation touches on the morally complex narratives in activism, especially with terms like 'Operation Satanique' highlighting the dark side of corporate interests. Anecdotes about a cherished team member add a personal touch, celebrating community spirit within the newsroom.
13 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 29min
TBD | The Death of an Online Whisper Network
In this discussion, Kate Lindsay, a co-host of Slate’s ICYMI and a writer for the newsletter Embedded, dives into the fallout from a dating app’s data breach. She highlights the tension between women's empowerment and safety in online spaces. Lindsay explores the rise of digital whisper networks that offer community support but also raise issues of trust and accountability. The conversation touches on the evolving dynamics of dating in a tech-dominated world, illustrating the struggle between safety and the dangers of unverified accusations.
24 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 32min
How Elon Musk Colonized NASA
In this engaging discussion, Franklin Foer, Staff writer at The Atlantic and author, explores how Obama-era policies fostered Elon Musk's dominance in space exploration. He dives into Musk's grand vision for Mars colonization, revealing how his childhood inspirations shaped these ambitions. Foer also critiques the shift in NASA's focus from scientific exploration to engineering, raising concerns about over-reliance on SpaceX. The conversation highlights the complex interplay of power, politics, and the privatization of space in today's world.
