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
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.
Jul 2, 2024 • 28min
How Bad is the Trump Immunity Ruling?
Law professor Richard Hasen from UCLA discusses the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, highlighting the implications for holding Trump accountable for his actions. The episode explores the division among justices, the distinctions between absolute and presumptive immunity, and the potential impact on future legal precedents. It also reflects on the consequences of the ruling on Trump's other criminal prosecutions and the political repercussions, including the possibility of impeachment proceedings against justices.
Jul 1, 2024 • 26min
If Not Biden, Then…
David Faris, a political science professor, discusses the possibility of replacing Biden as the Democratic nominee. Topics include concerns about Biden's debate performance, cognitive abilities, and potential pathways for replacement. The conversation also touches on AI in finance, Biden's inner circle, and the controversy surrounding his political outfit.
Jun 30, 2024 • 26min
TBD | Why Are IUDs Still a Mystery?
Mia Armstrong-Lopez, managing editor at ASU Media Enterprise, discusses the enigma of IUDs, exploring their history, evolution, and controversies. The podcast delves into personal experiences with IUD insertions, the rise of IUDs driven by effectiveness and political concerns, and the impact of misinformation on women's contraceptive choices.
Jun 28, 2024 • 31min
TBD | Why Extreme Weather Keeps Surprising You
Climate scientist Daniel Swain discusses how extreme weather events are changing on a warming Earth, addressing the challenges in attributing specific weather events to climate change. The podcast explores the predictability of sudden extreme weather, the impact of climate change on weather patterns, and the importance of robust meteorological infrastructure for preparedness.
