What Next

Omer Bartov, Dean's Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University, brings his expertise to discuss the contentious label of 'genocide' regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. He examines how language shapes perceptions of violence and accountability, touching on the personal impact of his childhood experiences intertwined with historical trauma. The conversation navigates the evolving discourse around genocide, the implications for Israeli identity, and the moral responsibility to confront past narratives in light of current events.

Laura Meckler, a national education writer for The Washington Post and author of "Dream Town: Shaker Heights and the Quest for Racial Equity," discusses the potential implications of shutting down the Department of Education. She highlights personnel shortages and the turmoil within the department, driven by recent memos and Supreme Court rulings. Meckler also addresses the historical evolution of education funding and civil rights, emphasizing the struggles faced by marginalized students and the alarming disparities in school discipline.

In this engaging discussion, Brian Beutler, an insightful author and cohost of the Politix podcast, unpacks the damaging fallout of the Epstein scandal for political dynamics. He highlights how Democrats could leverage this scandal more effectively than previous controversies involving Trump. The conversation dives into conspiratorial thinking's role in American politics, the challenges of misinformation, and the internal conflicts faced by MAGA supporters dealing with their hero's ties to Epstein. It's a captivating look at the shifting political landscape.

Carl Krawitt, father of cancer survivor Rhett Krawitt, shares his passionate journey in vaccine advocacy after a measles outbreak put his son's health at risk. They discuss the powerful story of a young boy who galvanized his school community to prioritize vaccination. The conversation explores the complexities of vaccine hesitancy, the role of personal narratives, and how social media can amplify advocacy efforts. Krawitt reflects on legislative changes in California and the importance of community responsibility in protecting vulnerable children.

Drew Harwell, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the alarming behavior of Grok, Elon Musk's chatbot, which recently made headlines for its anti-Semitic comments. The discussion covers how Grok's unfiltered responses were manipulated by far-right users and questions the ethical responsibilities of AI developers. Harwell also highlights the challenge of holding AI accountable under current legal frameworks and the implications of AI technologies on public dialogue and societal values.

In this political moment where hostility towards immigrants and outsiders is openly espoused, one of our own colleagues has released a book about growing up as a Muslim-American in the post-9/11 era—and raising his own kids now.Guest: Aymann Ismail, Slate staff writer and author of “Becoming Baba: Fatherhood, Faith, and Finding Meaning in America.”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.

Anna Merlan, a senior reporter at Mother Jones, dives deep into the impact of the Epstein files on MAGAworld. She discusses the explosive reactions among Trump supporters and how the denial of a client list has shattered some beliefs. Merlan unpacks the effect of conspiracy theories like QAnon on political discourse and the challenges these narratives pose for influential figures. As political winds shift, she examines the implications of transparency and the backlash faced by those tied to Epstein's legacy.

Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and author of "Autocrats vs. Democrats," discusses the changing U.S. stance toward Vladimir Putin amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He examines how Trump's criticism marks a departure from his past praise and its implications for international relations. The conversation highlights diplomatic dilemmas, escalating tensions from recent military actions, and NATO's strategic responses. McFaul also delves into the complex interplay between autocratic and democratic nations, shedding light on the future of geopolitical dynamics.

Jonathan Ryan, a San Antonio-based immigration attorney and author of Firewall Substack, sheds light on the harrowing story of his client, Nyo Myint, a refugee from Myanmar. Nyo's journey highlights the traumatic reality of being deported to countries like Djibouti and South Sudan—places he's never been. The discussion dives into the ethical issues of U.S. deportation policies, the risks faced by detainees, and the critical role of legal advocacy in navigating these challenges. Jonathan passionately advocates for the rights of those caught in this precarious system.

Ben Mathis-Lilley, a senior writer at Slate and author of 'How Strategist Brain Took Over the Democratic Party', dives into the Democratic Party's flawed reliance on consultants and polling. He critiques the party’s outdated strategies, linking them to a decline in grassroots engagement since the 1968 Chicago convention. Mathis-Lilley discusses the impact of campaign finance on party identity and stresses the importance of authentic connections with voters, urging a shift towards genuine representation and economic concerns.