
What Next | Daily News and Analysis
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 14, 2024 • 26min
TBD | The New World of DIY Medical Tests
Elizabeth Dwoskin, Reporter for the Washington Post, discusses the booming industry of at-home medical testing and the implications of DIY medical tests on traditional healthcare providers. The podcast explores the rise of self-administered tests for cancer detection, empowerment through DIY tests, and the blurred line between medical and wellness tests.

Jul 12, 2024 • 28min
TBD | Boeing Pleads Guilty
Aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk discusses Boeing's guilty plea for defrauding the government and the impact on the company's reputation. Topics include safety lapses, AI in HR, MCAS software controversy, assembly practices, industry implications, and impacts on suppliers and the public.

Jul 11, 2024 • 25min
How to Survive This Heat
Adam Clark Estes, a senior technology correspondent at Vox, discusses the necessity of air-conditioning and the controversy over raising thermostats above 72 degrees. The podcast explores the impact of climate change on heat-related deaths, efficient ways to stay cool beyond AC, and misconceptions about cooling methods.

Jul 10, 2024 • 27min
This Congressman Wants Biden to Drop Out
Rep. Mike Quigley from Illinois challenges Biden as the nominee, raising concerns among Democrats. They discuss potential chaos at the convention, implications of Biden dropping out, and the impact on the election. The urgency for party decisions, activism against discrimination, and analysis of campaign challenges are also covered.

Jul 9, 2024 • 25min
France Staves Off the Far Right—This Time
Harrison Stetler, a freelance journalist based in Paris, discusses the surprising French elections where the left triumphed over the far right. The rise of the National Rally party, President Macron's position being challenged, and the uncertainties looming over France's future leadership are explored. The implications of the far-right's increase in political influence and the challenges faced by the French government in navigating the political turmoil are also highlighted.

Jul 8, 2024 • 31min
Why Gay Rights Are Under Attack – Again
Christina Cauterucci, senior writer at Slate, discusses the historical fight against the Briggs Initiative in 1978 California, showcasing the LGBTQ community's diverse strategies for victory. The chapter emphasizes the importance of visibility and coalition-building, highlighting the parallels between past struggles and current challenges for LGBTQ rights.

Jul 7, 2024 • 23min
TBD | The Blu-Ray-naissance Is Here. Sort of.
Ash Nelson, journalist and author, discusses the resurgence of physical media like Blu-Rays in the streaming era. Topics include the absence of special features on Blu-ray releases, the impact of dwindling DVD sales, the growing interest in physical movie sales, and lessons from the vinyl resurgence. Nelson explores the importance of accessibility and quality for fans and creators in the digital age.

Jul 5, 2024 • 23min
TBD | Elon Says Have More Babies
Bloomberg's reporter, Sophie Alexander, discusses Elon Musk's advocacy for higher birth rates and pronatalism. They explore Musk's influence, historical roots of pronatalism, and connections to effective altruism. The podcast also covers AI in finance, declining fertility rates, population growth debates, and the clash between pro-natalists and anti-natalists. Entertaining insights into the pronatalist movement and its implications.

Jul 4, 2024 • 33min
A Mom's Fight for a Fair Opioid Settlement
Cheryl Juaire, founder of Team Sharing, discusses the setback in the $6 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma. She shares her emotional journey as a mother who lost two sons to overdoses and advocates for fair opioid settlements. The podcast explores accountability, justice, and the ongoing battle for justice in the opioid crisis.

Jul 3, 2024 • 28min
The Supreme Court’s Abortion Punt
Maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Stacy Seyb discusses the Supreme Court's recent ruling on Idaho's abortion ban, highlighting the legal conundrums faced by doctors under restrictive laws and the implications for women's reproductive rights. The podcast explores the uncertainties and risks healthcare providers face in emergency situations, ethical dilemmas, and conservative skepticism towards federal intervention in women's healthcare.