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
16 snips
Dec 8, 2024 • 27min
TBD | Spotify Trapped
Tiffany Ng, a culture and tech writer for MIT's Tech Review, dives deep into the world of Spotify's algorithm and its surprising impact on music. She discusses how these algorithms are shaping our listening habits, often limiting musical diversity. Ng highlights the pressures on artists to conform to platform trends, raising questions about creativity and authenticity. The episode also explores innovative ways to rediscover music beyond algorithm-driven recommendations, suggesting listeners take a more active role in their music journey.
Dec 6, 2024 • 29min
TBD | The Influencer Administration
Tech reporter Drew Harwell from The Washington Post dives into the intriguing rise of influencers in politics, spotlighting figures like RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz. He discusses the blurred lines between public service and commercialism, especially in the wake of the Trump era. The conversation also tackles ethical concerns around influencer marketing and the complexities of federal endorsements. With the digital age reshaping political branding, Harwell questions what this means for genuine engagement from elected officials in an increasingly commercial landscape.
10 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 28min
Even Trump Loyalists Are Scared Of Kash Patel
Elaina Plott Calabro, a Staff writer at The Atlantic known for her profile on Kash Patel, dives into the controversial rise of Patel within Trump's inner circle. They discuss Patel’s journey from public defender to a potential FBI director, highlighting the mixed reactions of loyalty he elicits. The conversation unveils his children’s book portraying Trump as a hero and examines the implications of Patel’s nomination against the backdrop of current political tensions. What does this mean for the FBI and Trump's legacy?
6 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 25min
Martial Law (Briefly) in South Korea
Terence Roehrig, a national security affairs professor at the U.S. Naval War College and expert on East Asian issues, discusses the alarming declaration of martial law by South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol. He highlights the immediate parliamentary pushback that swiftly overturned the decision. The conversation dives into the fraught political landscape, examining Yoon's background and the striking resilience of South Korean citizens who rallied against military restrictions. Roehrig also critiques the implications for democracy and the international response to this crisis.
Dec 3, 2024 • 24min
Did Biden Break the Presidential Pardon?
Ankush Khardori, a senior writer at POLITICO and former federal prosecutor, dives into the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden by President Joe Biden. They discuss the implications of perceived favoritism and the contradiction to Biden's previous promises. The conversation also covers the intricate legal issues surrounding Hunter's charges and the potential biases in the justice system. Khardori further explores the political ramifications of this pardon, questioning Biden's legacy and the profound impacts of presidential pardons on governance.
Dec 2, 2024 • 27min
The House’s Gift to Trump
In this discussion, Emily Tamkin, a global affairs journalist and author, unpacks the recently passed legislation regarding terrorist financing and American hostages. She highlights concerns over its potential to label nonprofits as terrorist funders, particularly in a politically charged environment with Trump potentially returning to power. Tamkin also addresses how this bill reflects broader threats to democratic freedoms and the chilling effects on civic organizations that advocate for marginalized voices.
7 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 26min
TBD | When Your Flight’s GPS Gets Spoofed
Drew FitzGerald, a telecom reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into the alarming rise of GPS spoofing in aviation. He discusses a tense incident involving an American Airlines flight that faced critical navigation warnings. FitzGerald explores how fake GPS signals pose daily risks to pilots, particularly in conflict zones, and highlights the urgency for airlines to adopt better safety measures. The conversation underscores the need for alternative navigation methods as technology evolves, keeping aviation safety a top priority.
21 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 28min
TBD | The Post-Election Social Media Wars
Will Oremus, a technology writer for the Washington Post, dives into the shifting landscape of social media post-election. He discusses the rise of Bluesky and how it’s gaining traction as users flee from X, formerly known as Twitter. Oremus examines the nostalgia for earlier social media experiences and the challenges Bluesky faces in scaling while maintaining user engagement. He also contrasts Bluesky with Threads, highlighting the competitive dynamics shaping online discourse today. Can Bluesky fill the void left by Twitter? Tune in for insights!
8 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 34min
Decoder Ring | If You Give a Mouse a Cookie…Will He Want a Welfare Check?
Explore the unexpected cultural battles sparked by a beloved children's book about a mouse and a cookie. Discover how its innocent tale became a rallying cry for conservative critiques of welfare. The discussion dives into the author's intentions versus the political narratives pinned on her work. You'll also hear about Ferdinand the Bull, a symbol of peace amidst political chaos. Plus, misconceptions about welfare are challenged, revealing deeper truths about societal values and literature's power to shape perspectives.
Nov 27, 2024 • 25min
Which Came First, the Bird Flu or the Egg?
Marcia Brown, a food and agriculture reporter at POLITICO, dives into the issues surrounding the recent spike in egg prices caused by avian flu. She explains how 'eggflation' affects both consumers and the market, especially with Thanksgiving approaching. Brown discusses the public health risks and the challenges of implementing effective biosecurity measures on farms. The conversation touches on the tensions between farmers and government policies, revealing frustrations with federal interventions during the avian flu crisis.
