

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

Jan 18, 2024 • 23min
And God Gave Us Trump
Rev. Angela Denker, author of Red State Christians, explores the impact of white evangelical Christianity on Donald Trump's presidency. Topics covered include why white evangelicals supported Trump, complexities of evangelicalism, differences between black and white evangelical Christianity, and the link between Christian nationalism and Trump's support.

Jan 17, 2024 • 27min
Is Israel Committing Genocide?
Adil Haque, Professor of international law at Rutgers University, explores the accusation of Israel committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. Topics include the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the role of the UN, the complexity of recognizing genocide, South Africa's contextualization, allegations of genocide, Israeli soldiers in Gaza justifying actions, Israel's argument of no genocidal intent, and the power of the International Court in addressing genocide in Gaza.

Jan 16, 2024 • 24min
Trump Just Won Iowa. Where’s Biden?
In this episode, Alexander Sammon, a politics writer for Slate, discusses Joe Biden's weak poll numbers among young voters, Black voters, and Latino voters. They explore the challenges of Biden's messaging strategy and the need to unlock enthusiasm for voting for him again. They also analyze Biden's approach to his campaign, including his messaging strategy and addressing topics like political violence and the threat posed by Donald Trump.

Jan 15, 2024 • 51min
One Year: 1990: Mandrake the Magician
In this podcast, learn about Henry Brown's mission against cigarette billboards in Black communities. Hear about his secret identity, encounters, and efforts to raise awareness. Explore how cigarette companies targeted youth and Black communities. Join Henry and Gwen on their risky mission to whitewash billboards. Discover how Henry becomes the mysterious figure known as Mandrake the Magician. Explore his impact on the neighborhood, from billboards to a city park named after him.

Jan 14, 2024 • 23min
TBD | Is Your Car Tracking You?
Technology and privacy reporter Kashmir Hill discusses the privacy concerns and potential risks of car tracking, including its impact on victims of domestic violence. The podcast explores the need for new laws to address these issues and highlights the challenges of disabling tracking in cars.

Jan 12, 2024 • 35min
TBD | Boeing’s Max Mess
Jon Ostrower, Editor-in-chief of The Air Current, discusses the recent incident with a blown out plug door on a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leading to an investigation revealing larger problems with Boeing's MAX planes. The podcast explores the challenges of manufacturing, outsourcing, and the FAA's concerns about safety standards. It also examines the implications of the incident, the need for repairing Boeing's reputation, and the limitations of cockpit voice recorders in investigations.

Jan 11, 2024 • 26min
2024’s Primary Season is Already Chaos
Ari Berman, voting-rights reporter for Mother Jones, talks about the chaos of the upcoming 2024 primary season, discussing the disorganized nature of the contests, the confusion of the primary calendar, and the significance of early states like Iowa. He also highlights the controversy and confusion surrounding the Nevada primaries, criticizing the parties for disenfranchising voters.

Jan 10, 2024 • 24min
The NRA’s Wayne’s World Era is Over
Dr. Matthew Lacombe, Associate Professor in American Politics at Case Western Reserve University, discusses the NRA's recent challenges and whether it's losing its political influence. Topics include the lawsuit against Wayne LaPierre, the decline of the NRA, its potential comeback, and the organization's brand tarnish versus policy success.

7 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 27min
The Anti-Defamation League at War
Mari Cohen, associate editor at Jewish Currents, discusses the Anti-Defamation League's commitment to Israel and its impact on combating antisemitism. Topics include rise in hate incidents, controversies surrounding the ADL's fight against hate, complex identity of the ADL, ADL's relationship with Elon Musk and Twitter, and the implications of their data on anti-Semitism.

Jan 8, 2024 • 19min
GOP Bets It All on the Border
Marianna Sotomayor, congressional reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the challenges faced by Congress in addressing government funding, immigration policies, and border security. The podcast explores the shifting power dynamics within the Republican Party, the ongoing negotiations, and the potential impact of conservative measures. It also examines the difficulties of overhauling the immigration system and the motivations behind Marjorie Taylor Greene's impeachment attempt against Alejandro Mayorkas.