What Next

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.

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.

Some disputes resist an easy “good vs. evil” dynamic, but when one side calls their plans “Operation Satanique,” it’s not too hard to figure who “the baddies” are.Guest: Dan Kois, Slate writer.Articles mentioned in this piece: The Last Days of the Rainbow Warrior Why We Keep Putting Up With Martin Short Who Killed the Segway  This Is the Correct Way to Divide Public Bathrooms Who Won the World Cup of Arm Folding? Also mentioned: What Next: The Lawsuit Scaring Protesters. 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 Madeline Ducharme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

As Trump came back to the presidency, one of the first warnings liberals began repeating was “Do not obey in advance.” But from government-agency heads to university presidents to news organizations, people are opting to simply leave their jobs, rather than do the uncomfortable work of standing up to authoritarianism. Guest:  Jonathan Last, editor of The Bulwark.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 Ethan Oberman, Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grace Byron, a reporter for The New Yorker specializing in trans rights, dives deep into the alarming trends in trans healthcare nationwide. She discusses recent protests against the suspension of hormone therapy for trans youth and the chilling effects of new policies on clinics. Byron also highlights the evolution of anti-trans legislation and its emotional impact, as well as the growing challenges families face in navigating these restrictions. Her insights shed light on the crucial intersection of healthcare access and the ongoing fight for trans rights in an increasingly hostile landscape.

Justin Wolfers, a Professor of Economics at the University of Michigan, dives into the unexpected resilience of store shelves despite recent tariffs. He explores the complexities of trade agreements, particularly between the U.S. and Japan, while unpacking the disconnect between stock market reactions and public perceptions. Wolfers emphasizes the importance of hard data in understanding economic indicators and discusses the interplay between tariffs, interest rates, and political tensions on financial stability.

Mia Sato, a tech reporter for The Verge, dives into the booming world of fashion 'dupes'—the affordable imitations of trendy products. She discusses how social media and algorithms make these knock-offs more accessible than ever. The conversation touches on the impact of dupe culture on consumer behavior and the challenges of patent protection in fashion. Mia also reflects on the psychological allure of finding budget-friendly alternatives while navigating the legal gray areas of design and originality. A fun exploration of style and commerce!

Eric Deggans, NPR TV critic and media analyst, dives into the complexities of late-night television's political landscape. He discusses whether Stephen Colbert's cancellation signals the end of an era, examining the shift from traditional formats to digital consumption. Deggans analyzes the impact of media mergers on diversity and integrity, and how audience behavior is reshaping strategies among hosts. With a humor-infused exploration of the evolving industry, he highlights the tug-of-war between politics and entertainment in today's media climate.