What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future
Slate Podcasts
Every Friday and Sunday, Slate’s popular daily news podcast What Next brings you TBD, a clear-eyed look into the future. From fake news to fake meat, algorithms to augmented reality, Lizzie O’Leary is your guide to the tech industry and the world it’s creating for us to live in.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 7, 2022 • 29min
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
Oct 2, 2022 • 57min
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
Sep 30, 2022 • 26min
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
Sep 25, 2022 • 26min
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
Sep 23, 2022 • 31min
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
Sep 18, 2022 • 30min
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
Sep 16, 2022 • 26min
How Big Internet Keeps Small Communities Disconnected
A small parish in Louisiana tried to get affordable, fast internet. An incumbent ISP stopped them.Guest: Issie Lapowsky, Wanda ManningHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 11, 2022 • 34min
The Chaos That Made YouTube a Juggernaut
An inside look at the rise of YouTube into a social media behemoth.Guests: Mark Bergen and Claire StapletonHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 9, 2022 • 28min
Can A.I. Make Great Art?
Technology is transforming the creative economy and ideas about what "art" even is.Guest: Drew HarwellHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 4, 2022 • 19min
The Summer Vaccine of the Future
LYMErix, the first vaccine against Lyme, was pulled from the market amid poor sales and pressure from the public. Now, over 20 years later, a new vaccine is in late-stage trials.Guest: Cassandra WillyardHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
