What Next

Tom Bowman, a seasoned Pentagon reporter for NPR with 28 years of military coverage, delves into the controversial tenure of Pete Hegseth. He discusses Hegseth's inexperience, the chaos unfolding at the Pentagon, and how he prioritizes 'fighting wokeness' over military effectiveness. The conversation highlights issues like contentious firings of military leaders, biases in decision-making, and concerns over Hegseth's handling of sensitive information. Bowman's insights reveal the profound implications of Hegseth's leadership on military readiness and policy.

Amanda Hess, a critic at The New York Times and author of 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age,' delves into the complexities of pregnancy in the digital era. She shares her personal experiences with anxiety, isolation, and the overwhelming amount of contradictory online advice. The conversation highlights how technology influences personal health milestones, including the emotional nuances of using apps designed primarily by men. Hess also addresses the impact of eugenics on prenatal testing and advocates for a more inclusive approach to maternal healthcare.

As we head into Mother’s Day weekend (there’s still time to get to the florist if you hurry!), we dive into “motherhood in the moment”—where “pro-natalism”, the rising cost of childcare, and, um, Chapelle Roan are making the “Tiger Mom” era of a decade ago seem quaint. Guest: Jenée Desmond-Harris, staff writer for Slate and host of Dear Prudence.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next —you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your 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, Isabel Angell, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerrit De Vynck, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the fascinating world of AI and chatbots. He discusses how consumer demand isn't driving the rapid evolution of AI technology. The conversation highlights the surprising preference of younger users for chatbots over traditional search engines. De Vynck also explores the balance businesses must strike between advanced AI systems and the risks of misinformation. Plus, he touches on the competitive tech landscape and the implications for both users and companies navigating these changes.

Christopher Mims, a Wall Street Journal tech reporter and author of 'Arriving Today', dives into the looming crisis in U.S. supply chains. He discusses how Trump's tariffs could lead to empty shelves, skyrocketing prices, and even layoffs. Mims explores the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced by small businesses amidst these economic shifts. He also unpacks the ripple effects of tariffs on consumer behavior and the emotional toll of rising costs this holiday season.

In this discussion, Alisa Solomon, Director of Arts and Culture at Columbia Journalism School, and Katy Waldman, New Yorker staff writer, dive into how Donald Trump is reshaping the arts scene. They explore Trump's controversial role at the Kennedy Center and the chaos surrounding grant cancellations at the National Endowment for the Arts. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by artists, particularly regarding diversity and funding under shifting political landscapes, and emphasizes the resilience of the artistic community amidst these pressures.

Justin Peters, a Slate correspondent and author, takes a deep dive into Marco Rubio's evolving political landscape. He discusses Rubio's swift rise to power, including his new roles like National Security Advisor and his dynamic relationship with Trump. The conversation highlights the challenges Rubio faces as he juggles multiple positions, the shifting loyalties in politics, and his nuanced stance on immigration in a polarized environment. Peters thoughtfully critiques the authenticity of politicians in today's political arena.

In this discussion, Jeremy Fogel, a retired federal judge and executive director for the Berkeley Judicial Institute, delves into the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary. He explores potential political motives behind recent judicial arrests and Trump’s views of judges as obstacles. Fogel emphasizes the risks of politicizing judicial independence, discusses the historical context of judicial challenges, and highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law in a democracy facing increasing threats.

Faiz Siddiqui, Washington Post tech reporter and author of 'Hubris Maximus,' delves into the complexities of Elon Musk's power. He discusses the tragic implications of Tesla's autopilot technology following a fatal accident. The conversation highlights Musk's unconventional leadership during the pandemic, showcasing his detachment and controversial decisions. Siddiqui also examines Musk's surprising political alignment and how his actions influence public perception, raising questions about corporate responsibility and the weight of influence in tech.

Zoe Schiffer, Director of Business and Industry at Wired Magazine, dives into Marc Andreessen's transformation into a significant political influencer in Silicon Valley. She discusses how Andreessen's role in pivotal group chats reshapes mainstream tech discourse and highlights the changing power dynamics in venture capitalism amid government scrutiny. The conversation also touches on the industry's ideological shift, contrasting figures like Andreessen and Elon Musk, and examines the interplay between innovation, ambition, and historical accountability.