

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

Mar 31, 2024 • 25min
TBD | The Psychological Toll of Mars
Nathaniel Rich and Kate Greene discuss the psychological toll of Mars missions, exploring the challenges of isolation, emotional landscapes, and the daunting realities of living on Mars. They question if Earthlings are mentally prepared for life on the red planet.

Mar 29, 2024 • 31min
TBD | Can Boeing Pull Out of This Tailspin?
Jon Ostrower, Editor-in-chief of the website the Air Current, discusses how supply chains, the pandemic, and Wall Street money led to a crisis at Boeing. The podcast explores leadership challenges, trust issues, and the impact on safety and quality. It delves into Boeing's document dilemma, FAA oversight, and the importance of strong leadership in rebuilding trust.

Mar 28, 2024 • 29min
Nickelodeon’s Legacy of Abuse
Guest Kate Taylor, reporter for Business Insider, discusses the culture of abuse within Nickelodeon, including underpaid women writers, harassment, and recent sexual abuse allegations. Former child actors share stories of a toxic environment. The podcast explores misconduct, abuse, and troubling history of predators at Nickelodeon, including producer Dan Schneider's inappropriate behavior towards young actors.

Mar 27, 2024 • 25min
Will Islamophobia Sink This Judicial Nomination?
Reporter Nate Raymond discusses the contentious Senate confirmation hearing of Adeel Mangi for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, where Republican lawmakers focused on Islamophobia. The episode highlights the challenges faced by judicial nominees, partisan maneuvering in confirmations, and the dilemma of filling judicial vacancies in the Biden administration.

Mar 26, 2024 • 25min
Has Trump Run Out the Clock?
Jeremy Stahl, Slate’s jurisprudence editor discusses Trump's legal tactics, delays in trials, and challenges faced by prosecutors. The podcast delves into the complexities of criminal cases, evidence disputes, and potential ramifications for Trump's political future.

Mar 25, 2024 • 27min
After the Moscow Concert Attack
A concert near Moscow was attacked by ISIS, leading to Putin seizing the crisis. There is discord on who to blame between US, Russian officials, and ISIS. Putin accuses Ukraine and the blame game escalates, impacting Putin's leadership in Russia.

Mar 24, 2024 • 21min
TBD | The Next Round of the Union Fight
Exploring the organized-labor victories at Amazon, automakers, and Hollywood, big corporations are fighting back by suing the National Labor Relations Board. The podcast discusses worker discontent, legal battles, union campaigns, the impact of AI on hiring, surge of unionization in major companies, and the ever-changing landscape of labor laws.

Mar 22, 2024 • 28min
TBD | Reddit’s IPO Gamble
Exploring Reddit's diverse communities, user skepticism towards IPO, unconventional influence, path to profitability, Steve Huffman's leadership, and future implications of going public.

Mar 21, 2024 • 25min
How Anti-Abortion Laws Trap Domestic Abuse Survivors
Experts discuss how anti-abortion laws can trap domestic abuse survivors, making it difficult for them to separate from abusive partners. The podcast explores the intersection of domestic violence, pregnancy, and reproductive rights, highlighting the manipulation tactics abusers use to exert control. It also emphasizes the importance of abortion access and telehealth services in supporting individuals in abusive relationships.

Mar 20, 2024 • 24min
Why We Still Don’t Have a Cease-Fire
Exploring the dynamics between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, strained relations in Gaza, tensions and red lines in the conflict, negotiations for a ceasefire deal, and Senate Majority Leader Schumer's call for new elections in Israel