

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

Oct 31, 2023 • 25min
Can Threat Assessment Stop Mass Shootings?
Mark Follman, national affairs editor at Mother Jones, discusses the ineffectiveness of mental health interventions and red flags in preventing mass shootings. The podcast explores the limitations of a mental health evaluation and highlights the need for effective solutions, such as threat assessment teams and red flag laws. It also touches on the controversy surrounding gun control and introduces the podcast 'The Gun Machine'.

Oct 30, 2023 • 23min
What Survived in Lahaina, Maui
Experience the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Maui. Hear stories from survivors seeking shelter in a hotel and the challenges they face. Explore the controversial reopening for tourists and the emotional impact on residents. Understand the impact on hotel employees and the issue of disaster tourism. Learn about the recovery process and moving forward for those affected.

Oct 28, 2023 • 25min
TBD | SBF Takes the Stand
Special guest Nitish Pahwa, an associate business and tech writer for Slate, covers the trial of Sam Bankman Freed. The podcast discusses the defense's strategy, Sam's testimony and portrayal, jury reactions, bar lending consequences, customer deposits, and upcoming trial events.

Oct 27, 2023 • 29min
TBD | Self-Driving Cars Crash Into Reality
David Zipper, visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, discusses the recent suspension of permits for self-driving car companies in California. The podcast explores the incident of a self-driving car hitting a pedestrian and the conflicting regulations surrounding their operation. Safety concerns and the interplay between transportation policy, technology, and society are also discussed.

Oct 26, 2023 • 25min
How Extremists Won the Speaker Fight
Tim Miller, political consultant and writer, discusses the unexpected election of Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House and his alignment with Trump. It explores his pressure tactics, promotion of conspiracy theories, and the risks for the Republican party. Additionally, it delves into Johnson's background, challenges faced as a new politician, and the chaos despite selecting a speaker.

Oct 25, 2023 • 26min
The State Dept. Official Who Quit Over Israel
Former State Department official, Josh Paul, shares his decision to resign over US arms sales to Israel. He discusses the moral complexities in his role, lack of accountability and debate, and the need for a course correction in US foreign policy towards Israel.

Oct 24, 2023 • 24min
Why We Still Don’t Have a Speaker of the House
Following Kevin McCarthy's removal as Speaker of the House, Republicans are still struggling to elect a new leader. The candidate pool keeps growing, with Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan both having unsuccessful runs. The podcast discusses the current state of Congress, the challenges in electing a Speaker, and the potential make or break moments that could determine its progress. It analyzes Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan as potential replacements, exploring their records, relationships, and support within the party. The podcast also highlights the broken state of the House GOP conference and the need for someone to unify Republicans.

Oct 23, 2023 • 28min
Abortion Providers in the Line of Fire
Before the new abortion clinic even opened in Casper, Wyoming, it was set ablaze. But to the clinic’s founder, property damage and violence aren’t new. Guest: Julie Burkhart, founder of Wellspring Health AccessIf 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

Oct 21, 2023 • 27min
TBD | Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Takeover
Jason Schreier, covering the video game industry for Bloomberg, discusses Microsoft's Activision Blizzard takeover, concerns about exclusivity of popular content like Call of Duty, the troubled history of Activision Blizzard, the rivalry between PlayStation and Xbox, the impact of consolidation on the gaming industry, and the recent trend of acquisitions in the gaming industry.

Oct 20, 2023 • 28min
TBD | Inside Hamas' Social Media Strategy
Since war broke out, Hamas has been efficient in getting its message out on social media - both in providing crucial information to refugees fleeing the area, and in waging psychological warfare. How can platforms meet the need for open lines of communication without spreading propaganda? Guest: Sheera Frenkel, covering tech for the New York TimesIf 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 TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices