What Next
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 13, 2024 • 23min
23andMe...And a Looming Data Disaster
Kristen V. Brown, a staff writer for The Atlantic specializing in health and genetic data, dives into the tumultuous journey of 23andMe. The conversation reveals the looming risks of genetic data privacy and the implications of possible data breaches. Kristen discusses the company’s drastic decline from its promising start, the waning interest in DNA testing, and the urgent need for clearer consumer protections. She also highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding data ownership and the future challenges posed by genetic technology.
Oct 11, 2024 • 20min
Trump’s Crypto Gurus
The crypto project “World Liberty Financial,” which was announced on X by Donald Trump, isn’t a cryptocurrency, nor a crypto-exchange, nor is it actually run by any Trumps. The truth is even stranger. Guest: David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times reporterWant more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 11, 2024 • 20min
TBD | Trump’s Crypto Gurus
The crypto project “World Liberty Financial,” which was announced on X by Donald Trump, isn’t a cryptocurrency, nor a crypto-exchange, nor is it actually run by any Trumps. The truth is even stranger. Guest: David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times reporterWant more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 10, 2024 • 27min
Getting Out Of Lebanon
Amy Fallas, a PhD candidate studying history in Beirut, shares her gripping experience of evacuating from a war zone, reflecting on the emotional turmoil of leaving home behind. Meanwhile, Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat discusses the war's impact on his Arab-American constituents, shedding light on community concerns and the government's response. The conversation dives deep into the frustrations of inadequate support during crises and the need for better evacuation strategies, all while emphasizing the political significance of these humanitarian issues.
Oct 9, 2024 • 24min
Diddy Was Indicted. Conspiracies Ran Wild.
Nadira Goffe, an associate culture writer at Slate, dives into the troubling legal situation surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs. She discusses the serious allegations of abuse and exploitation that have surfaced, marking a potential turning point for the music industry. The conversation unpacks the complexities of celebrity power dynamics, the chilling effect of the Me Too movement, and the broader implications for artists. Goffe also explores how these revelations could influence accountability and change within the industry.
Oct 8, 2024 • 25min
The Supreme Court’s Back. Uh Oh.
Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate specializing in courts and the law, dives into the impact of the Supreme Court's new term. He discusses pivotal cases that could reshape American life, from voting rights to environmental advocacy. The conversation highlights the tension between judicial independence and media influence, explores legal battles over capital punishment, and examines the implications of bans on gender-affirming care for minors. Stern also raises alarms on how upcoming Court decisions may affect the electoral landscape and public opinion.
Oct 7, 2024 • 33min
October 7th, One Year Later
Mohammed R. Mhawish, a Palestinian journalist evacuated from Rafah, shares his harrowing escape and the turmoil of fleeing violence. Peter Beinart, Editor-at-Large at Jewish Currents, provides a historical framework for understanding the ongoing conflict. They discuss the emotional scars left by the October 7th attacks, delving into personal losses and the longing for home amid chaos. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy and nuanced dialogue as they reflect on trauma, hope, and the complexities of identity in the face of war.
Oct 6, 2024 • 24min
A.I. Goes Nuclear
In this engaging discussion, Matt Reynolds, a senior writer at Wired covering climate and energy, reveals why Microsoft is investing over a billion dollars to reopen the notorious Three Mile Island nuclear plant. The conversation explores AI's escalating energy demands and Microsoft's innovative solutions to meet them. Reynolds delves into the historical significance of past nuclear incidents and the evolving perception of nuclear power in the age of artificial intelligence, highlighting the balance between sustainable energy and public safety concerns.
Oct 4, 2024 • 21min
Helene Proves Nowhere is Safe
In this discussion, climate reporter Sarah Kaplan and managing editor Keith Campbell unpack the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, revealing shocking truths about climate vulnerability. They explore the myth of climate havens, as families fleeing disasters often find themselves in equally high-risk areas. The conversation highlights how extreme weather events are intensifying and affecting even previously safe locations. Emphasizing the need for resilient communities, they call for informed housing choices and robust infrastructure to prepare for future disasters.
Oct 3, 2024 • 26min
Experts Feared a Wider War. It's Finally Here
Shane Harris, an intelligence and national security reporter for the Washington Post, dives into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He examines recent missile attacks and airstrikes, raising concerns about a wider regional war. The discussion touches on Iran's involvement and the humanitarian crises unfolding in Lebanon and northern Israel. Harris also unpacks the complexities of U.S. support for Israel amid rising tensions and the shifting political landscape in Lebanon, highlighting the potential fallout from these developments.
