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
Sep 22, 2024 • 23min
Trump Called. Laura Loomer Answered.
Ken Bensinger, a New York Times politics reporter, delves into the puzzling rise of Laura Loomer within the Trump campaign. He discusses how she transitioned from a provocateur known for outrageous statements to an influential figure on Trump Force One. The conversation also highlights the role of memes in shaping political discourse and the complex loyalties within the GOP, particularly involving figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lindsey Graham. This exploration uncovers the dynamics of modern political strategies and their impact on election tactics.
Sep 20, 2024 • 4min
Bonus: The Surge | 45 Days from Election Day
In this discussion, Jim Newell, a senior politics writer at Slate known for his insightful takes on political trends, shares his amusing newsletter, The Surge. He highlights the unpredictable nature of the polls as election day approaches. The conversation dives into the art of ranking political figures with humor, revealing how they assess candidates gaining traction. Surprising revelations pop up as they analyze the key players in the race, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.
Sep 20, 2024 • 27min
Can Instagram Really Keep Kids Safe?
Natasha Singer, a tech reporter for the New York Times, dives into Instagram's latest privacy updates aimed at teens. She discusses the implications of default private accounts and the signals these changes send to parents and lawmakers. The conversation raises eyebrows about the effectiveness of these measures considering past failures. Singer also highlights ongoing legal battles and new initiatives like the Kids Online Safety Act aimed at improving child safety online, revealing the complex balance between engagement and well-being for young users.
Sep 19, 2024 • 26min
Inside Israel’s October 7th Tourism
Maya Rosen, an Israel/Palestine Fellow at Jewish Currents, discusses the rise of solidarity tours in Israel after the October 7th attacks. She highlights how these journeys serve as emotional witness points, but also critiques their narrow focus on Israeli suffering, sidelining the Gaza crisis. The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas of 'dark tourism' and the psychological effects on visitors. Rosen draws eerie parallels to Holocaust pilgrimages, emphasizing the complexity of identity and belonging amid ongoing trauma.
Sep 18, 2024 • 29min
The View from Springfield, Ohio
Aymann Ismail, a Slate staff writer, offers a compelling look at Springfield, Ohio, through the eyes of its diverse residents. He discusses how local narratives differ drastically from the political rhetoric. The emotional impact of controversial statements is emphasized through heartfelt interviews. Ismail highlights the significant contributions of Haitian immigrants to the local economy while addressing rising tensions and housing issues. Personal stories reveal the struggle against negative stereotypes, showcasing the complexity of community dynamics amid political challenges.
Sep 17, 2024 • 27min
When Cops Police Your Vote
Ari Berman, a national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones and author of "Minority Rule," joins the discussion on the rise of law enforcement units claiming to combat voter fraud. He questions whether these initiatives address real problems or merely intimidate targeted groups. The conversation highlights alarming cases of voter intimidation, particularly against marginalized communities in states like Texas and Florida. Berman emphasizes the troubling intersections of election integrity and racial politics, framing this as a critical civil rights issue.
Sep 16, 2024 • 27min
The Kamala Endorsement (Taylor’s Version)
In a fascinating discussion, Brian Donovan, a professor at the University of Kansas known for his course 'The Sociology of Taylor Swift,' delves into the impact of celebrity endorsements on politics. He explores Taylor Swift’s political evolution, revealing how her shift from silence to activism influences voter demographics, especially among white women. Donovan also highlights the emotional ties Swifties have with their icon and how endorsements can bond or divide fan communities, underscoring the cultural significance of celebrity influence in elections.
Sep 15, 2024 • 21min
Is Boeing Lost in Space?
Micah Maidenberg, a space business reporter for the Wall Street Journal, dives into Boeing's recent challenges with the Starliner mission. While the spacecraft has successfully landed, astronauts remain stranded on the ISS. The conversation highlights Boeing's setbacks, including labor strikes and safety concerns, leading NASA to rely more on SpaceX. Maidenberg contrasts Boeing's traditional approach with SpaceX's innovative methods, discussing the ongoing evolution of commercial spaceflight and the implications for future missions.
Sep 13, 2024 • 23min
TikTok Goes to Court
Emily Baker-White, an investigative reporter at Forbes, delves into TikTok's intense legal battles as the app faces potential bans in the U.S. She discusses the clash between free speech and national security as TikTok challenges recent legislation. The conversation highlights the importance of creators in shaping political dialogue, especially with the Democratic National Committee's outreach to TikTok influencers. Emily also sheds light on the geopolitical implications of the app's future amid rising U.S.-China tensions.
Sep 12, 2024 • 24min
The Pandemic Lessons We’ve Forgotten
Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter at the New York Times, delves into the post-pandemic public health landscape. She discusses the current public apathy towards COVID-19 vaccinations despite rising cases and emerging threats like mpox and bird flu. Mandavilli critiques the lack of proactive measures and the persistence of summertime COVID-19 surges. The conversation also highlights vaccine hesitancy fueled by political factors and the significance of addressing gaps in healthcare access to better manage infectious disease outbreaks.
