What Next

Luke Broadwater, a White House reporter for The New York Times, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's increasing control over federal agencies and Congress. He discusses the hurdles Congress faces as it returns to a volatile political landscape, including potential government shutdowns. The conversation also touches on tensions between the President and the Federal Reserve, as well as concerns over political integrity within key institutions. Broadwater's insights shed light on the urgent power struggles shaping today's political environment.

David Kirkpatrick, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the shocking financial dealings of the Trump family during his presidency. He reveals how Trump generated billions through various ventures, from overseas golfing deals to cryptocurrency investments. The conversation touches on the blurred lines between business and politics, and the ethical questions that arise from such financial maneuvers. Kirkpatrick challenges listeners to consider whether these activities are distasteful or potentially illegal, provoking a deep reflection on presidential accountability.

Scaachi Koul, a senior writer at Slate known for her sharp cultural commentary, joins the conversation about the girlboss phenomenon. They explore the controversial return of former girlbosses and whether they can redeem themselves in today’s climate. The discussion dives into the tension around past scandals, a waning fascination with scammer narratives, and new female figures navigating comebacks. Furthermore, they unpack the complexities of the girlboss culture, reflecting on its implications for women’s empowerment and the commercialization of femininity.

Alex Barasch, culture editor at The New Yorker, discusses A24's rise from indie studio to cinematic powerhouse. They explore the company's unique approach to filmmaking and the challenges that come with integrating AI into creative processes. Barasch highlights A24's commitment to auteur-driven projects while navigating the complexities of maintaining artistic integrity in a changing industry. The conversation touches on how A24 addresses the balance between technological advancements and creative freedom, showing their potential risks and innovative strategies.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, presumably as a precursor to a run for the presidency, has been getting attention for a very Trump-influenced style of, uh, fighting back against Donald Trump. Is this where American politics is headed? Does it have to be?Guest: Ben Mathis-Lilley, Slate senior writer.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next —you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Ethan Oberman, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this chat, Mike Isaac, a tech reporter from the New York Times specializing in data privacy, dives into the unexpected world of the Panama Playlists. He humorously reveals how musical tastes of celebrities and government officials became public, sparking debates about privacy and data scraping. The conversation touches on the implications of sharing personal preferences online and the ongoing tension between transparency and data exposure. Tune in to explore the cultural acceptance of diverse musical tastes in a tech-savvy world!

Nicky Twilley, a reporter at The New Yorker and host of the Gastropod podcast, dives into the fascinating world of artificial blood. She discusses the dire need for blood alternatives due to its short shelf life, especially in emergencies. The podcast highlights breakthroughs like erythrimer, a promising synthetic blood substitute showing remarkable recovery in animal tests. Twilley also explores the cultural significance of blood and the historical journey of blood transfusions, shedding light on the relationship between culinary advancements and medical innovation.

John Bolton isn’t exactly beloved by the right or the left. But sending the FBI to raid his house fits a pattern: Either tell the president what he wants to hear, or face the consequences. Guest: Shane Harris, staff writer covering national security and intelligence for The Atlantic.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Siegel, a Washington Post reporter specializing in real estate economics, dives into the controversial leadership of Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte. With a background reminiscent of Trump’s, Pulte leverages social media and confrontational tactics to combat mortgage fraud allegations against political figures. Siegel discusses how Pulte’s approach influences the mortgage market and the implications of data management for housing policies, raising important questions about governance and the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Emma Goldberg, a business features writer at The New York Times, dives into Katie Miller's new podcast geared toward conservative women. She discusses the surge of similar content and its potential impact. The conversation touches on traditional family values versus career ambitions and how recent movements shape women's roles. They explore the intersection of wellness and political beliefs, highlighting a cultural shift in the attention economy as more conservative voices rise, creating a unique space for female listeners.