What Next

Reverend Doctor William J. Barber II, a passionate pastor and professor, dives deep into the intersection of faith and politics. He contests Republican budget decisions through moral arguments and highlights the urgency of advocating for vulnerable populations. The discussion showcases the resilience of the Moral Mondays movement, the pain of redistricting in North Carolina, and the role of empathy in religious leadership. Barber calls for collective action and a reevaluation of healthcare as a moral imperative, challenging listeners to unite against injustice.

Thomas Frank, editor for E&E News’ climate finance team, dives into alarming proposals targeting FEMA under the Trump administration. He discusses the chilling implications of cuts to disaster relief and how these changes could affect victims of tornadoes and severe weather. The conversation touches on the complexities of federal aid, state preparedness, and the evolving challenges of climate-related disasters. Frank shares insights into the controversial relationship between FEMA and politics, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable disaster response in an unpredictable climate.

Leo Cuello, a research professor at Georgetown's McCourt School and healthcare policy expert, discusses the GOP's push to impose work requirements on Medicaid. He argues that these requirements, based on flawed data, primarily benefit financial interests rather than those in need. Cuello highlights the failures of similar policies from the 1990s, illustrating how they lead to significant insurance losses for individuals, including working citizens. He critiques the costly bureaucratic hurdles and societal implications of such measures, revealing the precarious situation for millions accessing healthcare.

Adrian Carrasquillo, author of the Huddled Masses newsletter from The Bulwark, dives into the shifting dynamics of immigration as a pivotal political issue. He discusses the alarming surge in detentions affecting families, especially among farm workers, and the anxiety rippling through immigrant communities. The conversation also highlights Latino voters' disappointments with Trump's policies and their focus on economic concerns. Furthermore, Adrian reflects on the complexities of immigration policy and the need for strategic responses from the Democrats in this charged climate.

What do you do when your likeness has been turned into A.I.-generated pornography?—it’s a problem people are already facing. But legislation moving through Congress may cause more problems than it would solve.Guests:Joanne Chew, actress and visual artist based in LA.Samantha Cole, cofounder of 404 media and author of “How Sex Changed the Internet and How the Internet Changed Sex.”Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Evan Campbell and Patrick Fort. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when your likeness has been turned into A.I.-generated pornography?—it’s a problem people are already facing. But legislation moving through Congress may cause more problems than it would solve.Guests:Joanne Chew, actress and visual artist based in LA.Samantha Cole, cofounder of 404 media and author of “How Sex Changed the Internet and How the Internet Changed Sex.”Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Evan Campbell and Patrick Fort. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Guisbond, a staff reporter for The Air Current, dives into the chaotic world of Newark's Liberty International Airport, where aging tech and staffing shortages create travel nightmares. He highlights how these local problems reflect a national crisis in air traffic control. The podcast discusses the Trump administration's strategies for modernization and the urgent need for reform amid growing air traffic demands. Guisbond also touches on the unique challenges Newark faces, including troubling training failure rates among controllers.

Andrea Bernstein, an investigative journalist and host of Trump Inc, delves into the extravagant world of Donald Trump's business dealings. She discusses the controversial $400 million deal for a Qatari Boeing 747, raising questions about political integrity and foreign influence. Bernstein highlights the Trump family's shift from traditional real estate to cryptocurrency ventures, revealing a new strategy amid ongoing corruption issues. The podcast also emphasizes the crucial role of investigative journalism in uncovering truths amidst political chaos.

Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives into the complexities of Trump’s Middle East policies. He discusses Trump's surprising moves like negotiating directly with Hamas and lifting sanctions on Syria. The conversation touches on the U.S. prioritizing financial deals over diplomatic traditions, and the implications of Saudi Arabia potentially joining the Abraham Accords. Carlstrom also analyzes how these developments could impact U.S.-Israel relations and the broader stability of the region.

David Hogg, Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee and co-founder of Leaders We Deserve, passionately argues for a shake-up in the Democratic Party. He believes that the party's core issues stem from complacency and a lack of accountability among incumbents. Hogg suggests a grassroots strategy akin to the Tea Party's, pressing for younger, diverse candidates to invigorate the party. He emphasizes the need for effective messaging on critical issues like gun control, urging elected officials to actively listen to their constituents.