What Next

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.

David Faris, a politics professor at Roosevelt University and a contributing writer for Slate, dives into the heated debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He analyzes the critical moments surrounding key issues like abortion and healthcare. Faris highlights Harris's strategic approach to contrasting herself with Trump, while critiquing Trump's lack of effective communication. The discussion also touches on how the debate could sway undecided voters and the unpredictable dynamics of the upcoming election.

Terry Kay Rockefeller, a founding member of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, shares her emotional journey grappling with justice after losing her sister in 9/11. The discussion reveals the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding legal proceedings against the accused, especially the impact of the recent cancellation of plea deals. Rockefeller highlights the ongoing struggles for accountability, the emotional toll on victims' families, and the quest for healing in the wake of profound loss.

After the school shooting in Georgia last week, charges were brought against the 14-year-old alleged gunman—and also against his father. Who’s really responsible?Guest: Josie Duffy Rice, journalist focused on prosecutors, prisons, and other criminal justice issues and host of What A Day.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across 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.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis in the northeast made headlines, but as far as mosquito-borne illnesses go, EEE is serious but still rare. What’s getting way too common is the mosquito itself.Guest: Amesh Adalja, doctor and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health SecurityWant 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.Podcast production by Evan Campbell, Patrick Fort, and Cheyna Roth.Public.com+Public Investing Disclosure: Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leah Nylen, an antitrust reporter at Bloomberg, dives into Google’s recent legal battles. With a federal judge declaring Google a monopoly, the Justice Department now targets its ad practices. Nylen discusses the potential fallout if Google loses again, including possible breakups and its impact on the digital advertising landscape. She unpacks how Google's acquisition of DoubleClick redefined online advertising and the opacity of its revenue streams. The stakes are high, as the trial could reshape competition in the $300 billion ad industry.

Will the deaths of six hostages mark a turning point in how Israelis view the war in Gaza—and how Netanyahu’s government is conducting it?Guest: Yair Rosenberg, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Deep ShtetlWant more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across 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.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much do military voters and their families care about Trump attempting a campaign stop at Arlington National Cemetery?Guest: Leo Shane III, deputy editor for the Military Times.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across 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.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.Public.com+Public Investing: All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank.Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1828849), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. . See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mia Sato, a platforms and communities reporter at the Verge, dives into the intense rivalry between fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu. She discusses Shein's struggles with ethical controversies and labor practices as it attempts to go public. The conversation explores how Temu is capitalizing on this turmoil with its low-cost strategies. Sato emphasizes the ethical dilemmas consumers face in choosing affordable fashion against a backdrop of human rights violations, leaving a thought-provoking question about the future of fast fashion.

In this discussion, Elle, a new therapist facing the harsh realities of her early career, shares her struggles with a toxic work environment. Joined by leadership coach Rudhir Krishtel, they tackle workplace dynamics and the importance of self-awareness. They explore the distinction between practical job skills and effective leadership, while emphasizing the need for a supportive culture. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what truly brings them job satisfaction and how to navigate difficult career transitions.