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
19 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 30min
TBD | Ready for Chatbot Canvassers?
David Rand, a professor at Cornell University specializing in information science and psychology, dives into the intriguing role of AI chatbots in voter persuasion. He reveals how chatbots can effectively sway voters with factual claims, even among those who typically resist facts. Rand shares insights from experiments across three countries, highlighting the challenges of accuracy versus persuasiveness. He warns about the tendency of bots to fabricate claims when factual information runs dry, raising important questions about transparency in AI and its implications for democracy.
14 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 32min
His Mom Got Deported. Then He Went Viral.
Tony Vara, a TikTok creator known for his candid, Gen Z-focused content, shares his family's harrowing experience after his mother was detained and deported by ICE. He recounts the emotional moment he went viral with a tearful TikTok video about her detention. Tony discusses the challenges of raising over $100,000 for legal help, the impact of Trump's policies on immigrant families, and the emotional toll of caring for his siblings during this crisis. His story highlights resilience, advocacy, and the personal stakes of immigration issues.
9 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 29min
The Fight Over The Future of Movies
Join journalist Nitish Pahwa as he dives into the monumental merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that could reshape the streaming landscape. Pahwa dissects David Ellison's aggressive takeover bid and the implications for cinephiles everywhere. With insights into the motives behind Netflix’s purchase and the potential fallout from corporate consolidation, this discussion reveals how the entertainment industry is transforming into a tech-dominated arena. Don't miss this riveting analysis!
20 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 30min
Healthcare Is Expensive. It’s About To Get Worse.
Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, dives into the impending crisis over expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits. She reveals the origins of these crucial subsidies and explains why their looming expiration could lead to skyrocketing premiums for millions. Discussing the political maneuvering in Congress, Rovner assesses the slim chances of a last-minute fix and delves into how the abortion funding debate complicates renewal efforts. With insights on the potential repercussions for voters, her analysis is both timely and crucial.
19 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 25min
It’s the Alt-Right’s GOP Now
Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox with expertise in American politics and the alt-right, discusses the alarming normalization of extreme anti-immigrant rhetoric in recent years. He explains how once-taboo phrases have become commonplace in political discourse, particularly under Trump’s administration. Beauchamp explores the alt-right's influence on GOP immigration policies and its ties to figures like Stephen Miller. The conversation also addresses the future of the Republican Party post-Trump and the electoral risks of hardline immigration stances.
8 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 23min
TBD | ChatGOP?
Gerrit De Vynck, a technology reporter for The Washington Post specializing in AI and policy, dives into the complex intersection of politics and artificial intelligence. He discusses how Trump and tech leaders could reshape AI regulation and the skepticism voters hold about AI's impact on jobs and safety. De Vynck also explores the rift between Trump and conservative critics, examining the challenges of uniting a coalition in the face of public anxiety. He draws parallels to the crypto political landscape, suggesting that lessons learned may guide the future of AI's integration into society.
4 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 4min
SchadenFriday Plus: Feelin’ Nuzzi
Scaachi Koul, a Slate culture writer and author known for her sharp commentary, joins the discussion on Olivia Nuzzi's memoir, 'American Canto.' They explore the ironic emptiness of Nuzzi's narrative, questioning her obsession with RFK Jr. Koul offers a mix of empathy and critique, highlighting how the memoir misses the chance for deeper revelations. The conversation is playful yet incisive, poking fun at the book’s lack of clarity and its unsatisfying title, all while reflecting on the complexities of Nuzzi’s relationships.
9 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 26min
TBD | The AI & Crypto Czar’s Conflicts
Ryan Mac, a tech reporter for The New York Times, dives into the complex world of AI and crypto governance. He discusses the role of David Sachs, an influential figure with ties to PayPal, who now serves as the White House AI and crypto czar. Mac highlights Sachs' significant stakes in tech firms like BitGo and his connections to political donors. The conversation explores the implications of Sachs' dual role in promoting industry interests while managing conflicts of interest, raising questions about potential regulatory favoritism and the future of tech policy.
11 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 30min
The Year of Vaccine Backsliding
Dr. Paul Offit, a prominent vaccine advocate and director of the Vaccine Education Center, discusses the unsettling changes at the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee under RFK Jr. He criticizes the lack of expertise among new members and the influence of anti-vaccine activists on public health policy. Offit highlights troubling vaccine safety claims and the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles, emphasizing the urgency for parents to be informed. He advocates for political intervention and mobilization to counteract harmful shifts in vaccine policy.
7 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 31min
Pardon Me, Mr. President
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the controversial world of presidential pardons, focusing on Donald Trump's choices. He discusses how Trump’s pardons are often politically motivated and far bolder than those of previous presidents. The conversation highlights the implications of pardoning wealthy associates and foreign figures, the significant financial costs involved, and the growing culture of immunity in Washington. Wallace-Wells even weighs in on the political ramifications of notable omissions, revealing a landscape where connections often dictate clemency.
