Using Github, you can watch as government websites are brought into compliance with Donald Trump’s executive orders. Out goes the word “equity;” in comes “fair.” And health and science data, once publicly available, disappears.Guest: Jason Koebler, cofounder of 404 Media.Jeremy Prokop, data science advisor in the MidwestWant more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk is supposed to be running several companies and a new government department—so why is he also spending money to pretend to be good at video games?Guest: Drew Harwell, tech reporter for the Washington Post.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next TBD—you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can’t doubt the enthusiasm of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. You can question the legality of some of their early moves. Guest: Makena Kelly, senior writer at WIRED. Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and 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 Evan Campbell and Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The artificial intelligence industry was thrown for a loop when the Chinese start-up DeepSeek rolled out a product that was more energy efficient, cheaper to produce, and open source. Where did DeepSeek come from, and are Silicon Valley and Washington right to be panicking? Guest: Zeyi Yang, senior writer at WIRED.Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and 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 Evan Campbell, Patrick Fort, and Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tapped by Trump for the role of health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presents himself as someone willing to say what other politicians won’t. But during his Senate confirmation hearings, both Democrats and Republicans questioned his previous statements about vaccines—and questioned whether he even knows what the job he’s trying to get entails. But his nomination signals that maybe it isn’t about vaccines - it’s about wanting to blow up the whole healthcare establishment. Guest: Dan Diamond, White House correspondent for The Washington PostWant more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and 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 Evan Campbell, Patrick Fort, and Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Geoffrey Fowler, a tech columnist for the Washington Post, dives into the intriguing world of AI in medicine. He discusses how AI is evolving in doctor’s offices, promising to ease administrative tasks but also raising questions about its reliability during diagnoses. The conversation highlights the risks of AI giving incorrect medical advice, emphasizing the necessity for human oversight. Fowler explores the delicate balance between embracing technological innovation and ensuring patient safety.

A recent inauguration spotlighted tech moguls, raising eyebrows over their close ties to political power. Elon Musk's provocative gestures stir debate on media narratives and public perception. The discussion digs into the tangled relationships between Silicon Valley leaders and figures like Trump, highlighting their struggle to navigate business interests while dealing with rising political extremism. This exploration reveals how tech influences today's political landscape and the implications for the future.

Teddy Schleifer, a New York Times reporter who covers billionaires, joins to discuss the quirky establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, tailored to Elon Musk's vision. He dives into the transition of the Doge meme from internet joke to governmental tool and the ethical concerns surrounding it. The conversation touches on Musk's influence on government efficiency reforms, the potential conflicts of interest due to his numerous contracts, and what the future holds for cryptocurrency in politics.

David Merritt, cofounder and CTO of Watch Duty, discusses how his app became the go-to resource for LA residents seeking real-time updates on wildfires. He shares the frustrating limitations of traditional emergency alerts and how community-driven information can empower individuals during crises. The conversation highlights the innovative balance of technology and human verification in disaster management, showcasing how Watch Duty transforms communication and safety in the face of emergencies.

Sheera Frenkel, a New York Times tech reporter and co-author of a book on Facebook, dives deep into Mark Zuckerberg's recent transformations at Meta. She discusses Zuckerberg's controversial pivot on free speech, moving away from content moderation in the face of misinformation. The conversation uncovers the tension between his libertarian views and the company's responsibility amid changing political dynamics. Frenkel also highlights the implications of Meta's evolving corporate culture and Zuckerberg's efforts to manage his public image after the Cambridge Analytica scandal.