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
Oct 30, 2025 • 32min
How Will We Feed Our Neighbors?
Dr. Lindsay Allen, a health economist at Northwestern University, joins to unpack the looming SNAP funding crisis. She discusses how federal plans may leave many without food assistance starting November 1. Allen highlights the unprecedented scale of potential impacts, from empty EBT cards to local economies feeling the strain. The conversation dives into political decisions shaping this scenario and outlines what states and communities can do to help. The urgency is clear—healthcare costs and hunger are intertwined, and immediate action is needed.
14 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 28min
The Volunteers Taking on ICE
Join Alexander Sammon, a politics writer for Slate focused on immigration enforcement, as he delves into the Harbor Area Peace Patrol's grassroots efforts in Los Angeles. Discover their unique cover of a knitting club while conducting surveillance on aggressive ICE raids. Learn how they help the community by documenting vehicle movements to alert residents and training local businesses on safety during raids. Sammon discusses the implications of increased Border Patrol tactics and their potential ripple effect across the nation.
11 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 30min
Where Sports Betting Got Us
Jay Willis, editor-in-chief of Balls and Strikes, delves into the recent NBA gambling scandals that led to over 30 indictments. He explains how motivations to cheat transcend wealth, driven by thrill and peer ties. The conversation reveals how such scandals erode fan trust and discusses the political implications of betting culture. With a look at crypto's gambling-like nature, Jay emphasizes the long-term effects on youth and the urgent need for regulatory reforms amidst an ingrained gambling culture.
10 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 28min
Shutting Down and Finding Out
Jonathan V. Last, Editor at The Bulwark and political commentator, dives into the troubling dynamics of the ongoing government shutdown. He explores why past strategies for resolution are ineffective today and discusses how the president is using the situation to his advantage. Jonathan raises concerns about the implications of stifled bipartisanship and the risks of sliding toward authoritarianism. He also advocates for the Democrats to demand significant concessions to reopen negotiations, questioning the future of American democracy.
Oct 26, 2025 • 32min
TBD | Did The Trump Administration Censor Speech?
Renée DiResta, an expert on online misinformation and a research professor at Georgetown, dives deep into the controversial topic of government influence on tech platforms. She discusses the Trump administration's explicit tactics to moderate speech, contrasting it with past accusations against the Biden administration. Renée clarifies the nuance between coercion and persuasion in government outreach, especially regarding COVID misinformation. She also advocates for greater transparency to build public trust in these interactions.
Oct 24, 2025 • 7min
Bonus: The Scariest Halloween Costume
Join Luke Winkie, a Slate staff writer and Halloween correspondent, as he dives into the spirited chaos of Halloween. He discusses why this spooky holiday embraces mischievous rule-breaking and shares his own Halloween journey, including past costumes. Luke reveals how he celebrates now, detailing elaborate themed parties and costume variety. The conversation heats up with the question of whether politically topical costumes are appropriate, illustrating how Halloween allows for playful satire in tough times.
20 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 32min
TBD | The AWS Outage is Only the Beginning
In this engaging discussion, Samanth Subramanian, a journalist and author specializing in undersea cables, dives into the fragility of our internet infrastructure highlighted by the recent AWS outage. He explains how centralized cloud systems create vulnerabilities and traces the history of undersea cables from colonial times to modern investments. Samanth also discusses threats to these cables, including geopolitical risks and sabotage, and offers practical solutions for enhancing global connectivity. Should we be worried? Yes, as the internet's fragility affects us all.
18 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 26min
Is the Peanut Allergy Dead?
Dr. David Hill, an allergist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and leader of the Hill Lab, discusses groundbreaking research on peanut allergies. He reveals that early exposure, rather than avoidance, may prevent many food allergies in children. The conversation covers how peanut allergies typically develop, the implications of guideline changes in allergy management, and the ongoing resistance from some clinicians and parents. Hill emphasizes the importance of data-driven recommendations for public health and shares how he navigates uncertainty with families.
33 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 27min
Why So Many Racist Group Chats?
David A. Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic focusing on politics and culture, joins the discussion about the rise of racist group chats among GOP members. He delves into the explicit messages from Paul Ingrassia that reveal underlying toxicity. The conversation explores how such rhetoric often shapes actual policy decisions, highlighting proposed changes favoring specific demographic groups. Graham critically examines the implications of loyalty over accountability in the GOP, drawing historical parallels to the Reconstruction era.
Oct 21, 2025 • 33min
The Trump Doctrine in Latin America
Brian Winter, editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly and a seasoned expert in Latin American politics, discusses the U.S.'s aggressive military buildup near Venezuela and the ambitious $20 billion bailout for Argentina. He explains how these actions reflect Trump's strategic focus on Latin America, including countering China’s influence. Winter also addresses the potential human costs of U.S. interventions and the complex reactions from neighboring countries. The conversation offers insights into the shifting political landscape in the region and the implications for U.S. interests.
