What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Joe Perticone, a political reporter at The Bulwark, dives into the unsettling implications of potential cuts to Social Security. He discusses how recent reductions, influenced by prominent figures like Elon Musk, threaten this crucial safety net. The conversation also tackles the myths surrounding Social Security and the fear of privatization, highlighting the anxiety felt by millions who rely on these benefits. With funding challenges and political narratives shaping public perception, Perticone sheds light on the complex future of this vital program.

The Trump administration’s approach to free speech, immigration, and due process all converge in a crackdown on Columbia University. Guest: Sarah Brown, news editor at the Chronicle for Higher Education.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Ethan Oberman, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Cuomo—the hard-headed former governor of New York state —became something of a national hero in 2020 with his no-nonsense press conferences. By 2021, he was mired in a sexual misconduct scandal and the fallout from a public health disaster. How is he polling so well in the Democratic primary for New York’s mayoral race?Guest: Jimmy Vielkind, New York politics reporter for WNYC.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, Ethan Oberman and Rob Gunther.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They were three Harris-supporting women, from across the country, all married to Trump-supporting men—and they were all contemplating divorce.Guest: Scaachi Koul, Slate senior writer who wrote about women considering leaving their husbands over their support for Donald Trump and the author of Sucker Punch. Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Ethan Oberman, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Silverman, a technology reporter for ProPublica known for his investigative work on online manipulation, joins the discussion on Facebook's shift in policy. They dive into Meta's decision to drop fact-checkers, raising concerns about the prevalence of misinformation as sensational content thrives. Silverman explores the potential of crowdsourced fact-checking and its challenges, while addressing the pressing issue of child safety on social media. The conversation highlights the broader implications of prioritizing attention over accuracy in the digital age.

Elle Reeve, a CNN correspondent and author of 'Black Pill', dives deep into the internet culture shaping today's political landscape. She explores how the ideologies emerging from platforms like 4chan fuel real-world extremism, linking events from Gamergate to the Charlottesville rally. The discussion reveals how irony turned into serious belief systems among online communities and highlights the normalization of extremist rhetoric in political discourse. Reeve also examines the aftermath of these events, including their legal and cultural ramifications.

Aware of Donald Trump’s reputation as a dealmaker, Ukrainians had some hope as he took office—maybe Trump could break the stalemate with Russia and find peace. Then that Oval Office meeting happened…Guest: Romeo Kokriatski is the managing editor of New Voice of Ukraine, and co-host of the podcast Ukraine Without Hype.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Ethan Oberman, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vincent Pinti, a law and public-policy graduate student at the University of Michigan, shares his firsthand experiences with severe federal funding cuts. He discusses the ripple effects of these cuts, especially on health services and individuals with disabilities. As Vincent navigates the challenges posed by reduced government support, he highlights the stark contrast between political promises and the reality faced by those reliant on assistance. His insightful stories underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to address the growing gap in support.

Congressional Republicans are trying to extend Trump’s first-term tax cuts, appease GOP budget hawks and increase defense spending—all in a single budget. Can it be done?Guest: Jim Newell, senior politics writer at Slate.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Ethan Oberman, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Louise Snyder, a journalist and author of "No Visible Bruises," dives into the troubling realities of women incarcerated for homicide. She discusses a striking statistic: 20% of these women killed their abusive partners. Snyder highlights the failures of self-defense laws in protecting victims and advocates for much-needed reforms. Through powerful anecdotes, she reveals the harrowing journey of women trapped in cycles of violence, ultimately calling for a justice system that truly understands and defends vulnerable women.