What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future

Tech editor Sarah Frier discusses the shifting perception of LinkedIn, its transformation into a storytelling platform, the rise of LinkedIn influencers, and its expansion into different content formats.

Chloe Sorvino, Forbes writer and author of Raw Deal, discusses the rise of sustainable pet food and lab-grown meat. The podcast explores the environmental impact of pet food, the conundrum of high-end pet food brands, and the potential market for lab-grown pet food. It also discusses challenges and solutions for sustainable pet food, such as locally sourced scraps and alternative feed ingredients.

Tech reporter and senior policy analyst Emily Baker-White joins the show to discuss TikTok's negotiations with the US government, concerns about its links to China, and the creation of a third-party executive security committee. They also explore the potential implications of TikTok's recommendation algorithm and the future of free speech on the platform.

Kate Lindsay, author of the internet culture newsletter Embedded, discusses the challenges of managing a deceased person's digital footprint, the complex issue of digital ownership after death, and the grieving process for the digital self. It explores the emotional implications of keeping someone alive in the digital sphere, the difficulties of accessing and managing digital assets, and the importance of planning and record-keeping to avoid complications.

At first, cryptocurrency seemed like the solution to the problems sex workers have had with traditional banks. But as the US moves to regulate the crypto industry, many are finding it hasn’t worked out like they hoped. Guests:Joel Khalili, reporter at WiredLiara Roux, sex worker, organizer, and writerYou can check out Joel’s reporting in Wired here. 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 TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When conservative writer Richard Hanania’s old posts, originally published under a pseudonym, came to light, people were shocked at just how racist and reactionary they were. Perhaps less shocking were the tech moguls who were revealed to be supporting him. Guest: Anil Dash, technologist and writer, and the head of GlitchIf 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

A “smart gun” is designed to only work in the hands of the gun’s proper owner. With the first smart gun potentially coming to market later this year, can the tech deliver on its promise?Guests: Champe Barton, reporter at The TraceKai Kloepfer, founder and CEO of BiofireIf 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

After a quiet spring, COVID is surging back for the fourth consecutive summer. So, is this just life now? Guest: Katherine Wu, staff writer at the AtlanticIf 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

Author Edward Niedermeyer exposes Tesla's misleading battery swap system and manipulation of battery performance. Discussion on Tesla's unique customer complaint handling and market influence. Challenges with range estimates and battery technology in electric vehicles. Shift towards practical mobility solutions beyond traditional car ownership.

It’s 2023 – and less than half of all Americans have returned to the office full time. That means U.S. downtowns from San Francisco to New York are emptier than they’ve been in decades. Offices are actually trending away from policies that mandate returning five days a week. So, how can cities get creative – and develop some new ways to boost the local economy?Guest: Henry Grabar, Slate staff writerIf 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 Amicus—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