What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Jesse Brown, editor and publisher of Canadaland, dives into the implications of Justin Trudeau's surprising resignation after nine years as Prime Minister. He discusses how this move reflects a shift in global political trends and contrasts Trudeau's legacy with that of other leaders like Obama and Trump. Brown highlights the challenges Trudeau faced, including declining popularity due to scandals and the pandemic. He also examines the political landscape's evolution, particularly the impact of Chrystia Freeland's departure and rising conservative sentiments.

Colin P. Clarke, Director of Research at The Soufan Group and author of "After the Caliphate," delves into the evolving threat of ISIS. He discusses how ISIS has maintained influence even without a physical caliphate, using decentralized tactics to inspire attacks worldwide. Clarke highlights the complexities of counteracting these threats, exploring a recent ISIS-linked attack in New Orleans and the connections to personal struggles within radical ideologies. The conversation also touches on the importance of U.S. military presence in Syria for intelligence gathering.

In this discussion, David Yaffe-Bellany, a tech reporter for the New York Times specializing in crypto, dives into the burgeoning relationship between cryptocurrency and politics. He explores how the election cycle saw significant financial backing from the crypto industry, leading to pro-crypto candidates gaining ground. The conversation also touches on regulatory changes, the impact of Bitcoin's rise post-FX collapse, and the complex ties between political figures and crypto investments. Yaffe-Bellany highlights the industry’s evolving power dynamics amid shifting political landscapes.

Ryan Mac, tech reporter for The New York Times and co-author of "Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter," dives into the rift between Elon Musk and the MAGA movement sparked by Musk's support for H-1B visas. He details how this moment illuminated tensions within the MAGA coalition, revealing conflicting loyalties and the impact of social media on political alliances. Mac also explores the role of immigration in tech, the dynamics of big tech's influence on politics, and the irony surrounding free speech on platforms like Twitter.

Hani Almadhoun, Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA, shares his heart-wrenching journey as both a humanitarian and a brother—a loss that hits close to home. He discusses the increasing challenges of delivering aid in Gaza, especially as UNRWA faces potential operational bans by 2025. Hani also reflects on his childhood memories, the pivotal role of UNRWA for the community, and how grassroots efforts, like soup kitchens, are vital amid the chaos. It's a poignant look at resilience in the face of relentless adversity.

In this discussion featuring Danielle Friedman, an esteemed fitness author and New York Times contributor, listeners dive into the emotional complexities of maintaining a fitness routine, especially for busy individuals. Danielle emphasizes embracing joyful movement rather than just performance metrics. She explores the significance of personal fulfillment in exercise, particularly for parents balancing fitness and family life. This conversation also highlights overcoming barriers in the gym environment and the power of community support in developing sustainable fitness habits.

Jim Newell, a senior politics reporter at Slate and author of the newsletter "The Surge," dives into the chaotic political landscape dominated by Trump and Musk. He discusses the implications of Trump's narrow electoral win on cabinet choices and health policies. The conversation highlights the Democratic Party's current feeling of exhaustion and the strategic dilemmas as the 2024 elections approach. Newell also critiques the influence of major industries on political narratives, urging for deeper investigative journalism to expose corruption.

Jim Wallis, a theologian and spiritual seeker who leads the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice, discusses Jimmy Carter's legacy following his recent passing. Wallis delves into how Carter shaped American views on faith and race, highlighting the complexities of his presidency amidst the rise of evangelical politics. The conversation explores the tension between faith and political power, the shift in evangelical identity, and the enduring need for moral leadership in a changing political landscape.

Ellen Barry, a mental health reporter for the New York Times, takes a critical look at mental health monitoring software in American schools. She discusses the prevalence of these programs and their unintended consequences, like false positives and privacy breaches. Barry highlights the emotional impacts on students, illustrated through personal stories and police interventions. The conversation raises important questions about trust, ethics, and the need for supportive mental health services in education.

Dive into the wild world of fecal microbiota transplants, where some individuals turn to unconventional treatments for gut issues. Discover the unusual online marketplace for buying human feces, fueled by personal stories and desperate health journeys. Get a glimpse of the risks and benefits of self-administered transplants, along with the legal challenges they face. This episode blends humor with the serious implications of DIY health interventions, raising questions about what lengths people will go to for relief.