

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

Jun 27, 2024 • 28min
Buckling Up for the Debate
Margaret Sullivan from The Guardian discusses the upcoming Trump vs. Biden debate, exploring tactics, debate dynamics, and contrasting campaign strategies. The podcast also examines CNN's challenges and controversial relationship with Trump, highlighting the implications of hosting a presidential debate.

Jun 26, 2024 • 32min
The OB-GYN Behind the Fight to Ban Mifepristone
Dr. Christina Francis, a prominent anti-abortion OB-GYN, discusses the Supreme Court ruling on the abortion pill. She shares her journey, ethical dilemmas in pregnancy care, increase in abortion rates, safety concerns of mifepristone, and patient prioritization in abortion views.

Jun 25, 2024 • 26min
Is the Apprentice Movie Fired?
Political reporter, Jake Lahut, discusses the controversy surrounding 'The Apprentice' movie, financed by Dan Snyder and facing hurdles for a US release due to cease-and-desist letters from Trump's attorneys. The podcast explores the challenges faced by the director in securing distribution, the origin story of the film, and the complexities of releasing a movie featuring a former politician.

Jun 24, 2024 • 27min
Lauren Boebert Will Not Go Away
Paul Karolyi discusses how Lauren Boebert, despite scandals, maintains support. They explore her confrontational stance on gun rights, her rise from a gimmicky persona to a serious political figure, and her strategic approach to politics.

Jun 23, 2024 • 25min
TBD | Is Your Phone Tracking Your Driving?
Kashmir Hill, tech reporter for the New York Times, discusses how cars collect driving data to influence insurance prices without people's awareness. The podcast explores the concerns around monitoring driving habits, data privacy issues, and the impact on insurance rates.

Jun 21, 2024 • 23min
TBD | Amazon Wants Your Handprint
Freelance tech and food journalist, Emily Moore, discusses Amazon's palm readers at Whole Foods, swapping vein mapping for groceries. They dive into data security and in-person shopping implications, exploring the balance between convenience and privacy concerns in tech advancements.

Jun 20, 2024 • 33min
Homelessness Before the Supreme Court
Dr. Bruce Murray, chief medical officer of MINT, discusses the Supreme Court case on homelessness in Grants Pass. Legal battles over homeless camping bans, healthcare challenges faced by the homeless, and safety concerns for those sleeping in public parks are explored. Community support and the need for compassionate solutions are emphasized.

Jun 19, 2024 • 54min
Slow Burn: Defend Our Children
Slow Burn Season 9 dives into the controversial campaign led by John Briggs to ban gay teachers in California schools, showcasing the rise of a small-time state senator to a divisive figure in the gay rights movement. The podcast explores the historical context of LGBTQ discrimination in the US, challenges faced by gay teachers in the 1970s, and the story of a closeted gay teacher fighting against discrimination. The clash between Briggs' initiative and the reality of gay teachers is highlighted, along with Harvey Milk's efforts to combat discrimination.

Jun 18, 2024 • 28min
How IVF Became the GOP's Next Battle
Health policy reporter Megan Messerly discusses the GOP's potential battle against in-vitro fertilization post Roe v. Wade. Southern Baptist Convention debates IVF resolution, while GOP senators show support despite voting against protecting it by law. The podcast explores the ethical and legal complexities surrounding IVF as a new battleground within the party.

Jun 17, 2024 • 23min
What's Eating the Economy?
Matt Stoller, Research Director for AELP, discusses the impact of monopolies on the economy, market consolidation in grocery shopping, and the illusion of choice created by big conglomerates. He explores economic termites driving up costs and inflation, emphasizing the need for political solutions to address power dynamics and bring fairness to the marketplace.