What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Barry Hertz, Deputy Arts Editor and Film Editor for The Globe and Mail, discusses Hollywood's surprising shift towards right-leaning content, highlighted by the success of the provocative documentary "Am I Racist?". He delves into the rise of conservative streaming platforms like Daily Wire Plus, emphasizing the demand for entertainment that aligns with conservative values. The conversation also critiques how major studios are responding to political pressures and navigates the creative stagnation in blockbuster filmmaking, particularly with Pixar's latest projects.

Ronan Farrow, an investigative reporter for The New Yorker renowned for his work on Harvey Weinstein, discusses the alarming rise of surveillance technology. He highlights how tools like Pegasus threaten personal privacy, often targeting political dissenters. The podcast dives into the chilling implications of government surveillance on civil liberties and free expression, citing examples from Spain and Greece. Farrow emphasizes the urgent need for bipartisan action to protect data privacy in our increasingly monitored world.

Teddy Schleifer, a politics and wealth reporter for The New York Times, dives into the intriguing intersection of Silicon Valley and the Trump administration. He discusses how figures like Elon Musk and Larry Ellison influence political transitions, even without formal roles. Schleifer highlights the unconventional dynamics of these tech leaders shaping policy and appointments. He also explores the implications of wealthy donors navigating power in government and the evolving relationship between Trump and the tech industry amidst his populist approach.

Gabriel Debenedetti, a national correspondent at New York Magazine and author of 'The Long Alliance,' dives into the critical race for the new chair of the Democratic National Committee. He discusses the internal tensions and diverse ideologies that could shape the party's future. Debenedetti also explores the role of leadership in navigating electoral strategies, fundraising, and messaging. The conversation highlights the shifting political landscape in Wisconsin and how new candidates could potentially reconnect the Democrats with working-class and Latino voters.

In this discussion, Katie Way, a writer-editor at Hell Gate, offers expert analysis on the Daniel Penny trial concerning the death of Jordan Neely. The conversation delves into the trial's implications on public safety and societal perceptions of justice. Way explores the intense debate around Penny's actions, highlighting conflicting views on vigilantism and self-defense. They discuss the broader issues of mental health and homelessness that underlie this tragic event, shedding light on how urban fears influence our justice system.

Dan Diamond, a national health reporter for The Washington Post, explores the public outrage following the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO. He delves into the company's controversial role in America’s healthcare system, highlighting patient frustrations over claim denials and a recent cybersecurity breach. Diamond emphasizes the systemic flaws and disparities in access within healthcare, while discussing how the CEO's death may influence insurance policies and accountability measures going forward.

Josh Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox specializing in foreign policy, discusses the stunning recent downfall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. He delves into how rebels managed to capture key cities like Aleppo and Damascus, reflecting on the regime's violent strategies and declining popularity. The conversation explores shifting alliances, the role of international supporters, and the implications for Syria's future governance under new factions. Keating also highlights the geopolitical significance of Syria, especially concerning Iran, Russia, and the U.S.

Tiffany Ng, a culture and tech writer for MIT's Tech Review, dives deep into the world of Spotify's algorithm and its surprising impact on music. She discusses how these algorithms are shaping our listening habits, often limiting musical diversity. Ng highlights the pressures on artists to conform to platform trends, raising questions about creativity and authenticity. The episode also explores innovative ways to rediscover music beyond algorithm-driven recommendations, suggesting listeners take a more active role in their music journey.

Tech reporter Drew Harwell from The Washington Post dives into the intriguing rise of influencers in politics, spotlighting figures like RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz. He discusses the blurred lines between public service and commercialism, especially in the wake of the Trump era. The conversation also tackles ethical concerns around influencer marketing and the complexities of federal endorsements. With the digital age reshaping political branding, Harwell questions what this means for genuine engagement from elected officials in an increasingly commercial landscape.

Elaina Plott Calabro, a Staff writer at The Atlantic known for her profile on Kash Patel, dives into the controversial rise of Patel within Trump's inner circle. They discuss Patel’s journey from public defender to a potential FBI director, highlighting the mixed reactions of loyalty he elicits. The conversation unveils his children’s book portraying Trump as a hero and examines the implications of Patel’s nomination against the backdrop of current political tensions. What does this mean for the FBI and Trump's legacy?