What Next

The podcast dives into the historical significance of the 2011 protests in Wisconsin against anti-union policies. It examines the rise of worker frustration in today's political climate, pondering if a general strike might be on the horizon. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by labor unions and the potential ramifications of collective action. Drawing connections between past and present protests, it emphasizes the importance of organized resistance in safeguarding workers' rights amid increasing political tensions.

David Yaffe-Bellany, a New York Times reporter specializing in cryptocurrency, dives into the intriguing intersection of Donald Trump and the crypto industry. He discusses Trump's launch of a meme coin and its mixed impacts on markets and investors. The conversation reveals the opulence of crypto events surrounding Trump’s inauguration and the backlash over potential conflicts of interest with family-linked currencies. Yaffe-Bellany also addresses the challenges of regulating crypto and the industry's struggle to regain trust post-collapse.

Max Chafkin, a tech reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek and co-host of the Elon, Inc. podcast, dives into Elon Musk's complex relationship with government funding. He raises questions about Musk's fierce stance against government spending, despite his companies benefiting from it. The conversation touches on Musk's influence over federal initiatives, the contradiction of his anti-government narrative, and ethical concerns regarding access to government data. Chafkin invites listeners to consider the broader impact of Musk's ambitions on society and national security.

Trump's pick for labor secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is an outlier: She has experience in federal government, where she was one of three House Republicans to support the “Protecting the Right to Organize Act” to expand employees’ rights to organize and collectively bargain and she was accompanied by the head of the Teamsters when she went to visit Mar A Lago after the election.What did her hearing tell us about how she would approach being labor secretary—while working in an administration that’s firing huge chunks of its workforce? Guest: Tammy Kim, contributing writer at the New Yorker.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other 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, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When enough people opt out of routine vaccinations for their children, diseases that have been all but eliminated can come roaring back, as is the case with a growing measles outbreak in West Texas. Guest: Dr. Adam Ratner, pediatrician of infectious disease in New York City and author of Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children’s Health.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other 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, Rob Gunther, and Ethan Oberman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay Willis, Editor-in-Chief of Balls & Strikes and a savvy legal analyst, dives into the controversial dismissal of charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. He discusses the unsettling resignations of federal prosecutors and the shady optics of political maneuvering that hint at a quid pro quo. Willis critiques Adams' strategic ties with the Trump administration during his legal battles and raises grave concerns about the integrity of the Justice Department, framing the current landscape as a precarious tightrope between power and justice.

Laurel Braitman, author of "What Looks Like Bravery," shares her personal journey of loss after her family's home was destroyed in a wildfire. She discusses the complexities of grieving and rebuilding, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging emotions like survivor guilt. Laurel and Jeff explore practical challenges faced after such tragedies, including navigating insurance claims and finding new living arrangements. Through shared experiences, they highlight glimmers of hope and the resilience required to move forward in the wake of devastation.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Hayes, MSNBC news anchor and author of "The Siren's Call," explores the complexities of attention in today’s digital age. He delves into how the 'infinite scroll' not only captures our focus but also raises questions about mental health and recognition in social media. Hayes highlights the tension between meaningful engagement and distractions, emphasizing the need for mindfulness. He also examines the implications of technological influence on journalism and society's relentless pursuit of attention.

David A. Fahrenthold, an investigative reporter for the New York Times, unpacks Elon Musk's bold $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI. He examines whether this move is a serious acquisition attempt or just a clever jab at Sam Altman. The discussion reveals the tension in Silicon Valley, highlighting Musk's criticisms of OpenAI’s shift to profit-driven motives. Fahrenthold also explores the past rivalry between Musk and Altman, posing crucial questions about the ethical implications for AI governance.

Michael Schulman, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Oscar Wars', dives into the chaotic world of Oscar contenders, focusing on the controversial film 'Emilia Perez'. He discusses its unique blend of a trans storyline and cartel narrative, sparking debate over creative risks versus negative stereotypes. The film’s surprising Oscar nominations raise questions about Hollywood's evolving identity politics. Schulman also highlights social media backlash against representation and the challenges facing films during this tumultuous award season.