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
10 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 29min
TBD | Will the Supreme Court Save TikTok?
Emily Baker White, a Forbes tech reporter and TikTok expert, dives into the heated debate over the app's future in the U.S. She discusses the Supreme Court's consideration of TikTok's national security implications and the challenges surrounding free speech rights. Emily highlights the political dynamics at play, including the intricate relationship between government regulation and social media influence. As she navigates potential outcomes like a TikTok ban or sale, she underscores the platform's immense popularity and the stakes for millions of users.
11 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 26min
Greenland’s a Distraction
Chris Murphy, a U.S. Senator from Connecticut known for his commitment to democracy, delves into the challenges facing American political discourse. He discusses the alarming trend of appointing loyalists to key positions and the implications for civil liberties. The conversation highlights media influence on politics, including social media's role in fact-checking. Murphy also emphasizes the importance of scientific expertise in public health amidst controversial appointments, underscoring the pressing need for Democrats to confront these issues directly.
Jan 8, 2025 • 29min
Blake Lively Vs. Hollywood
Heather Schwedel, a culture staff writer at Slate, dives into the tangled web of Blake Lively's public image and her latest legal issues with Justin Baldoni regarding the film 'It Ends With Us.' The discussion covers the controversies surrounding their promotional tactics and the shifting narrative of domestic violence in cinema. Schwedel also illuminates Baldoni's evolution as a feminist advocate and critiques the dark side of public relations tactics in celebrity culture. The conversation sheds light on how these dynamics shape perceptions in Hollywood.
Jan 7, 2025 • 29min
Justin Trudeau Steps Down
Jesse Brown, editor and publisher of Canadaland, dives into the implications of Justin Trudeau's surprising resignation after nine years as Prime Minister. He discusses how this move reflects a shift in global political trends and contrasts Trudeau's legacy with that of other leaders like Obama and Trump. Brown highlights the challenges Trudeau faced, including declining popularity due to scandals and the pandemic. He also examines the political landscape's evolution, particularly the impact of Chrystia Freeland's departure and rising conservative sentiments.
Jan 6, 2025 • 29min
Is ISIS Back? Or Did It Never Leave?
Colin P. Clarke, Director of Research at The Soufan Group and author of "After the Caliphate," delves into the evolving threat of ISIS. He discusses how ISIS has maintained influence even without a physical caliphate, using decentralized tactics to inspire attacks worldwide. Clarke highlights the complexities of counteracting these threats, exploring a recent ISIS-linked attack in New Orleans and the connections to personal struggles within radical ideologies. The conversation also touches on the importance of U.S. military presence in Syria for intelligence gathering.
Jan 5, 2025 • 24min
TBD | Bitcoin Takes the White House
In this discussion, David Yaffe-Bellany, a tech reporter for the New York Times specializing in crypto, dives into the burgeoning relationship between cryptocurrency and politics. He explores how the election cycle saw significant financial backing from the crypto industry, leading to pro-crypto candidates gaining ground. The conversation also touches on regulatory changes, the impact of Bitcoin's rise post-FX collapse, and the complex ties between political figures and crypto investments. Yaffe-Bellany highlights the industry’s evolving power dynamics amid shifting political landscapes.
Jan 3, 2025 • 26min
TBD | Musk vs. MAGA
Ryan Mac, tech reporter for The New York Times and co-author of "Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter," dives into the rift between Elon Musk and the MAGA movement sparked by Musk's support for H-1B visas. He details how this moment illuminated tensions within the MAGA coalition, revealing conflicting loyalties and the impact of social media on political alliances. Mac also explores the role of immigration in tech, the dynamics of big tech's influence on politics, and the irony surrounding free speech on platforms like Twitter.
Jan 2, 2025 • 31min
The Struggle to Get Aid to Gaza
Hani Almadhoun, Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA, shares his heart-wrenching journey as both a humanitarian and a brother—a loss that hits close to home. He discusses the increasing challenges of delivering aid in Gaza, especially as UNRWA faces potential operational bans by 2025. Hani also reflects on his childhood memories, the pivotal role of UNRWA for the community, and how grassroots efforts, like soup kitchens, are vital amid the chaos. It's a poignant look at resilience in the face of relentless adversity.
20 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 42min
How To Exorcise Your Fitness Demons
In this discussion featuring Danielle Friedman, an esteemed fitness author and New York Times contributor, listeners dive into the emotional complexities of maintaining a fitness routine, especially for busy individuals. Danielle emphasizes embracing joyful movement rather than just performance metrics. She explores the significance of personal fulfillment in exercise, particularly for parents balancing fitness and family life. This conversation also highlights overcoming barriers in the gym environment and the power of community support in developing sustainable fitness habits.
Dec 31, 2024 • 24min
The Trump Restoration
Jim Newell, a senior politics reporter at Slate and author of the newsletter "The Surge," dives into the chaotic political landscape dominated by Trump and Musk. He discusses the implications of Trump's narrow electoral win on cabinet choices and health policies. The conversation highlights the Democratic Party's current feeling of exhaustion and the strategic dilemmas as the 2024 elections approach. Newell also critiques the influence of major industries on political narratives, urging for deeper investigative journalism to expose corruption.
