What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Azeem Khan is an advisor to UNICEF’s crypto fund and a co-creator of the blockchain Morph, bringing valuable insights into the world of memecoins. He discusses the whimsical rise of memecoins, acknowledging their reliance on community engagement. The conversation dives into launching new coins like Buenwum and Wayne Worm, navigating promotional strategies and market chaos. They also candidly share lessons learned from the rollercoaster experiences of managing meme coin projects, warning about the risks and unregulated nature of the crypto landscape.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, an Air Force veteran and author of 'Renegade', dissects the leaked Signal chat of Trump administration officials contemplating a military strike. He discusses the chaos engulfing national security discussions and the alarming informality with which sensitive military plans were debated. Kinzinger highlights the internal distrust in the Trump era, accountability in official testimonies, and the urgent need for better protocols in handling classified information amidst a climate of misinformation.

Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, a higher education reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the chaotic landscape of student loans shaped by recent political shifts. She discusses the Department of Education's current challenges, such as staff cuts affecting critical services and the controversial idea of disbanding the agency. The conversation highlights anxiety surrounding income-driven repayment options and the need for improved borrower support. Additionally, Douglas-Gabriel emphasizes the impact on marginalized groups and the importance of financial planning for future college students.

David Weigel, a national political reporter at Semafor, dives into the excitement surrounding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders' 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour. He discusses the Democratic Party's struggle to craft a unifying message amid grassroots movements. The podcast highlights the differences between establishment strategies and vibrant rallies, reflecting on how these dynamics could reshape the party's future. Weigel also contrasts today's activism with the Tea Party, showcasing the urgency and concerns of activists seeking progressive change.

Lee Bollinger, President Emeritus of Columbia University and a noted First Amendment expert, dives into the pressures facing higher education today. He discusses the Trump administration's tactics of using federal funding threats to influence universities. Bollinger highlights the importance of academic freedom and the legal arguments that institutions can leverage. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating free speech, anti-Semitism, and affirmative action within the current political landscape, underscoring the critical need for collaboration among universities to protect these principles.

Dana Mattioli, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of "The Everything War," dives into the intriguing evolution of Jeff Bezos's relationship with political power. He discusses how Bezos shifted from a rival of President Trump to a more conciliatory figure. The conversation highlights Bezos's growing influence in D.C. and the strategic moves Amazon has made to ingratiate itself with the Biden administration. The episode also touches on the broader implications of big tech policies and Bezos's changing role in the political landscape.

Katherine J. Wu, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for her insightful coverage of science, dives into the Trump administration's cuts to NIH funding. She discusses how these terminations hinder vital research on aging and vaccine hesitancy, causing real challenges for scientists. The conversation highlights the troubling intersection of politics and science, emphasizing the potential stifling of innovation and public health advancements. Wu also shares personal anecdotes reflecting the emotional toll on researchers navigating this turbulent landscape.

Stephanie Ruhle, NBC business analyst and host of The 11th Hour, sheds light on the tumultuous economic landscape during Trump's presidency. She discusses the initial optimism from business leaders about deregulation and tax cuts, contrasted with the reality of tariffs and their impact. Ruhle critiques the shift from cooperative trade to aggressive tariffs, and their consequences for domestic manufacturing. The conversation also touches on government inefficiencies, economic challenges, and the interplay between immigration and economic policies in shaping the current landscape.

Mass deportations were a big part of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and now in office, he’s making good on the wide-sweeping aspects of his policy, though the numbers aren’t yet massive. Most recently, he’s justified these actions through the 1798 Alien Enemies Act which only applies during wartime. When a judge attempted to halt the deportations to evaluate this use of the rarely-utilized law, Trump called for him to be impeached. Guest: Michelle Hackman, U.S. immigration policy reporter in The Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau. Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your  other 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Educational, entertaining, and about as universally beloved as any part of American life, how did Sesame Street find itself cutting staff and searching for a new broadcasting home?Guest: David Kamp, author of Sunny Days: The Children's Television Revolution That Changed AmericaWant more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices