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

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

Latest episodes

undefined
Oct 21, 2022 • 34min

When An Algorithm Raises Your Rent

One company’s software is helping set prices for apartments across the country. But when does an algorithm telling landlords how much to charge—by drawing on property data—cross the line from “handy tool” to “illegal price-fixing”? Guest: Heather Vogell, reporter with ProPublicaHost: Lizzie O'LearyIf 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
undefined
Oct 16, 2022 • 33min

Are You Ready to Be Composted When You Die?

The idea of composting a human body may seem unsettling—or even gross—and it runs counter to the normal American funeral rites of embalming and internment, which preserve the body. But advocates say it’s a greener and more peaceful way to return our bodies to the Earth. Guest: Eleanor Cummins, science journalistHost: Lizzie O’LearyIf 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.Thanks Avast.com! Learn more about Avast One at Avast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Oct 14, 2022 • 31min

The Next Amazon Union Fight

Following their victory in Staten Island, the Amazon Labor Union is still facing an uphill battle. Both the company and the union are closely watching the organizing vote at a warehouse outside of Albany, NY.Guest: Noam Scheiber, labor reporter for the New York Times.Host: Lizzie O'LearyIf 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
undefined
Oct 9, 2022 • 25min

When Your Church Surveils Your Phone

Churches are using accountability apps to keep tabs on their members' behavior. But if your pastor wants to monitor your phone, can you truly consent?Guest: Dhruv MehrotraHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Oct 7, 2022 • 30min

Could the Supreme Court Kill the Internet As We Know It?

Twenty-six words defined the internet as we know it today. What happens if they’re deleted?Guest: Jeff KosseffHost: Lizzie O'LearyThe Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Oct 2, 2022 • 58min

The Philosopher With Silicon Valley's Ear

Longtermism, the idea that positively influencing the future is a key moral priority of our time, is hot in Silicon Valley. But does it miss the bigger picture?Guests: William MacAskill, Robert WrightHost: Lizzie O'LearyThanks Avast.com! Learn more about Avast One at Avast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Sep 30, 2022 • 28min

When Climate Change Makes You Sell Your House

With disaster relief funds from Hurricane Harvey, Houston's Harris County instituted a mandatory buyout program for residents in flood-prone areas. But some residents didn't want to leave.Guest: Amal Ahmed, Dolores MendozaHost: Mary C. Curtis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Sep 25, 2022 • 27min

Can Nuclear Power Be Green?

Nuclear technology has become more important than ever, thanks to a global energy crisis and climate change. But it also has a complicated history.Guest: Joshua KeatingHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Sep 23, 2022 • 33min

The Fight Over Online Speech Headed to the Supreme Court

Conservative lawmakers in Florida and Texas are taking aim at content moderation on social media, with implications that go far beyond just the platforms.Guest: Mark Joseph SternHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Sep 18, 2022 • 31min

The Hidden Abuse Behind Those Spam Texts You're Getting

Victims of a new and high tech kind of human trafficking are forced to scam people all around the world.Guest: Cezary PodkulHost: Lizzie O'LearyHuman Trafficking’s Newest Abuse: Forcing Victims Into Cyberscamming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode