

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

Feb 9, 2024 • 30min
TBD | The NFL’s Concussion Settlement Farce
Will Hobson, sports reporter for the Washington Post, discusses the NFL's controversial concussion settlement. The podcast highlights the struggles of players denied help, differences between settlement and medical definitions of dementia, misleading promises, and proposed changes to improve fairness and expedite care.

5 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 23min
How Trump Gets Kicked off the Ballot
Jamelle Bouie, New York Times opinion columnist, discusses the Supreme Court case on whether the 14th amendment keeps Donald Trump off the ballot. They explore the legal arguments, analyze Trump's potential disqualification, and debate if a former president can be removed from the ballot. They also discuss the aftermath of the Civil War, the issue of Confederate leaders in government, and question presidential immunity from prosecution.

Feb 7, 2024 • 24min
A Mass Shooter’s Mom Found Guilty
Yesterday, a jury found Jennifer Crumbley guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the mass-shooting carried out by her son Ethan at his high school in Oxford, Michigan. How will this conviction change the way school shootings are prosecuted? Can future violence be prevented by holding the parents accountable?Guest: Quinn Klinefelter, host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET in Detroit.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 6, 2024 • 28min
Inside a Gaza Hospital
Dr. Seema Jilani, a pediatrician with experience in conflict zones, discusses her time working in a Gaza hospital. She highlights the dire conditions, lack of resources, and low standards of care. The podcast explores the chaotic atmosphere, treating urgent cases with limited means, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. It emphasizes the need for a sustained ceasefire to prevent a complete collapse of the healthcare system.

Feb 5, 2024 • 26min
The Media Is Missing the Trump Bump
Guest Max Tani, media reporter at Semafor, discusses the impact of Donald Trump's entry into the presidential race on the journalism industry. They explore the 'Trump bump' phenomenon and its temporary benefits, but also raise concerns about its effects on democracy and the challenges faced by news organizations.

8 snips
Feb 4, 2024 • 31min
TBD | Streaming Is Cable Now
Alex Cranz, managing editor at the Verge, discusses the increasing number of streaming services and their impact on ad options, rising costs, and the types of shows being made. The podcast explores the challenges faced by streaming services, including content bloat and the impact of ads on show production. It also discusses the potential for collaboration among streaming services and the future of the industry.

Feb 2, 2024 • 27min
TBD | The Taylor Swift Deepfake Saga
Guest Emanuel Maiberg, journalist and co-founder of 404 Media, discusses the disturbing trends surrounding non-consensual A.I. generated pornographic images of Taylor Swift. They explore the challenges faced by victims, the seedy world of AI-generated abuse, and the urgent need for more guardrails on AI technology.

Feb 1, 2024 • 28min
Vince McMahon: Full-Time Heel
Dave Scherer, founder of PWinsider.com, talks about Vince McMahon's departure from professional wrestling and the controversies surrounding WWE. They discuss McMahon's rise to power, the changed landscape of WWE, the allegations against McMahon, and the response from sponsors and executives. The podcast also touches on the enduring popularity of professional wrestling and the recent billion-dollar deal between WWE and Netflix.

Jan 31, 2024 • 24min
Has Trump Already Beaten Fani Willis?
Ankush Khardori, former federal prosecutor, joins to discuss the allegations surrounding Fulton County DA Fani Willis and the implications for the Trump election interference case. They delve into the unusual filing, Willis' admissions, and potential political interference in the messy case.

Jan 30, 2024 • 28min
Inside America’s First Execution By Nitrogen
Rev. Jeff Hood, an anti-death penalty activist, discusses the controversial execution of Kenneth Smith using nitrogen gas in Alabama and shares his experiences supporting inmates during executions. The episode explores the physical reactions of the inmate, concerns raised by the United Nations, and the public debate surrounding the execution. It also emphasizes the importance of compassion and love towards all individuals involved in the process.