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
27 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 28min
What Next TBD | The DOGE Resistance
Tech reporter Ryan Mac, co-author of “Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter,” discusses the resignation of 21 federal workers from the U.S. Digital Service in protest against DOGE management. He highlights the growing dissatisfaction and calls for transparency among staff. The conversation dives into political tensions resulting from these protests, the impact of Musk's leadership style, and the ongoing challenges faced by federal employees amid the rising conflict surrounding DOGE initiatives. Mac provides an insightful look at the intersection of innovation, loyalty, and accountability.
Feb 27, 2025 • 29min
Will Gaza’s Ceasefire Last?
Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Deep Shtetl, delves into the intricate aftermath of the Gaza ceasefire. He discusses the emotional toll on families reuniting amid trauma, the complex humanitarian implications for returning Palestinians, and the uncertain future of negotiations. Tensions rise with ongoing violence in the West Bank, making peace efforts even more challenging. Rosenberg highlights the contrasting narratives that complicate reconciliation, stressing the delicate balance required for any lasting resolution.
27 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 28min
The DOGE Backlash Begins
In this discussion, political reporter Greg Bluestein, known for his insights on Georgia politics, joins Slate's Ben Mathis-Lilley for a deep dive into public unrest. They explore heated town hall meetings across the country, where constituents are vocally opposing drastic government cuts that threaten local jobs. The conversation highlights the political struggle within the GOP, especially in Georgia, as lawmakers face backlash and are forced to moderate their stances. Amidst rising economic discontent, Trump's approval ratings are starting to take a hit.
10 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 25min
Barron Mania
Dan Adler, a staff writer for Vanity Fair specializing in celebrity culture, dives into the captivating aura surrounding Barron Trump. They discuss how Barron's quiet demeanor paradoxically fuels public fascination and speculation about his role in a shifting political landscape. The conversation touches on Barron’s evolution during his father's presidency, the scrutiny he faced as a child, and how his college experience at NYU reflects broader themes of identity and legacy. Adler also examines the dynamics of celebrity and expectations on Barron as a potential future leader.
33 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 26min
What If America Went on Strike?
The podcast dives into the historical significance of the 2011 protests in Wisconsin against anti-union policies. It examines the rise of worker frustration in today's political climate, pondering if a general strike might be on the horizon. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by labor unions and the potential ramifications of collective action. Drawing connections between past and present protests, it emphasizes the importance of organized resistance in safeguarding workers' rights amid increasing political tensions.
24 snips
Feb 23, 2025 • 25min
TBD | $Trump
David Yaffe-Bellany, a New York Times reporter specializing in cryptocurrency, dives into the intriguing intersection of Donald Trump and the crypto industry. He discusses Trump's launch of a meme coin and its mixed impacts on markets and investors. The conversation reveals the opulence of crypto events surrounding Trump’s inauguration and the backlash over potential conflicts of interest with family-linked currencies. Yaffe-Bellany also addresses the challenges of regulating crypto and the industry's struggle to regain trust post-collapse.
26 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 34min
TBD | Elon's Endgame
Max Chafkin, a tech reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek and co-host of the Elon, Inc. podcast, dives into Elon Musk's complex relationship with government funding. He raises questions about Musk's fierce stance against government spending, despite his companies benefiting from it. The conversation touches on Musk's influence over federal initiatives, the contradiction of his anti-government narrative, and ethical concerns regarding access to government data. Chafkin invites listeners to consider the broader impact of Musk's ambitions on society and national security.
Feb 20, 2025 • 28min
Why This Trump Nominee Has Union Support
Tammy Kim, a contributing writer for The New Yorker, breaks down Lori Chavez-DeRemer's unexpected union support as Trump's pick for labor secretary. They discuss Chavez-DeRemer’s unique bipartisan approach, her support of the PRO Act, and her challenging confirmation hearing amidst tough political scrutiny. Kim highlights the complexities of her labor-centric focus within a Republican administration known for workforce cuts and examines the implications of her nomination on the future of labor relations.
14 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 28min
A Measles Outbreak and Wake-Up Call
Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases, discusses the alarming measles outbreak in Texas, revealing how misinformation is fueling public health crises. He emphasizes the strong link between declining vaccination rates and rising cases. The conversation dives into the emotional impact on families dealing with vaccine-preventable illnesses and the societal consequences of hesitancy. Ratner urges the importance of education and collective action to combat misinformation and maintain herd immunity.
Feb 18, 2025 • 28min
How Eric Adams Got His Charges Dropped
Jay Willis, Editor-in-Chief of Balls & Strikes and a savvy legal analyst, dives into the controversial dismissal of charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. He discusses the unsettling resignations of federal prosecutors and the shady optics of political maneuvering that hint at a quid pro quo. Willis critiques Adams' strategic ties with the Trump administration during his legal battles and raises grave concerns about the integrity of the Justice Department, framing the current landscape as a precarious tightrope between power and justice.
