Slate Daily Feed

Join pop music critic Lindsay Zoladz from The New York Times and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, co-founder of Hearing Things, as they dive into the exciting music landscape of 2025. They explore Bad Bunny's cultural impact and debate whether we've hit peak fandom. The panel also discusses genre-bending innovations from Rosalía and K-pop hybrids, alongside the rising presence of Gen Z rock with bands like Geese. Tune in to hear their takes on hip-hop's future beyond giants Kendrick and Drake, and the emergence of fresh voices in the scene!

Explore the evolution of movie soundtracks and their striking impact on pop culture. Discover how films like *The Graduate* and *Saturday Night Fever* shifted soundtracks towards rock and disco. Examine the MTV era's influence and the iconic hits from *Footloose*, *Purple Rain*, and *Dirty Dancing*. Learn why later films still resonate, from the nostalgic vibes of *The Big Chill* to the modern hits of *A Star Is Born*. Uncover how soundtracks create lasting cultural memories, with a glimpse at future trends in music and film.

Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'How the Word Is Passed', dives deep into the complexities of teaching American history, particularly surrounding slavery and systemic oppression. He reflects on his formative years as a high school English teacher, emphasizing the importance of confronting difficult histories to foster understanding. Smith discusses the political pushback against honest history education and contrasts America’s struggle with historical reckoning to Germany’s approach, advocating for a balanced view of the nation’s past.

In this insightful discussion, Slate staff writer Aymann Ismail analyzes the viral Jubilee video featuring Mehdi Hasan debating 20 far-right Republicans. He argues that as political disagreements increasingly become sensationalized content, it leads to issues like platforming extremists. Aymann critiques Jubilee’s shift towards attention-seeking formats that prioritize spectacle over meaningful discussion. They also explore the consequences of viral controversies and how participants benefit from notoriety, raising questions about the responsibility of platforms in shaping discourse.

The hosts dive into intriguing aspects of language, exploring vocabulary, conversation, and voice. They debate the pitfalls of polysyllabic words and discuss the fine line between distinctiveness and self-parody. Fun anecdotes reveal how to transform dull conversations, with tips on asking quirky questions and embracing surprise. The discussion meanders into the impact of editing on clarity and writerly style. Plus, they share personal endorsements including a beloved Christmas album and a clever playlist trick for rediscovering musical gems.

In this insightful discussion, Mary Childs, a seasoned economics journalist and host of Planet Money, dives into the aftermath of USAID funding cuts on humanitarian efforts. She reveals the scramble faced by organizations like GiveWell and ALIMA to adapt to the vast funding gaps. Mary highlights the emotional toll of funding decisions, the challenges in conflict zones, and the balance between immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of effective altruism and practical ways to contribute meaningfully this holiday season.

Jackie Kelley, a social media creator and marriage rule expert, shares her practical communication tools aimed at couples, especially those navigating neurodivergence. She unpacks the challenges of cohabitation through Bonnie and Vince's differing approaches to household tasks. Jackie introduces her 'marriage rules,' emphasizing the importance of assigning tasks based on who cares most, setting concrete deadlines, and finding creative compromises. Her insights help couples enhance communication and foster positive relationships.

In this engaging conversation, screenwriter Russell Hainline shares his journey from crafting thrillers to creating heartwarming holiday rom-coms. He discusses the allure of his breakout Netflix hit, 'Hot Frosty,' and the unique challenges of working within Hallmark’s constraints. Russell reveals the art of building chaste yet steamy romantic tension and explains why sincerity rather than irony is crucial for emotional resonance. With reflections on small-town charm and themes of aspiration, he captures what makes these films so beloved.

Reflecting on a thrilling 2025 in sports, the hosts dive into the shocking Luka Doncic trade and its impact on Mavericks fans. The torpedo bats craze ignited debates around baseball fairness. Rory McIlroy's Masters win brought emotional depth to golf, while Coco Gauff's triumph highlighted gender issues in tennis. The Oklahoma City Thunder's rise hints at a new dynasty, and the Ryder Cup's political drama, featuring Trump, stole the spotlight. As the year concludes, controversies, WNBA labor disputes, and baseball's exciting playoffs leave a lasting impression.

Get ready for a festive mix of crafting and cocktails! Discover how to whip up a Gin Snowball, while learning a foolproof method for making adorable paper-bag snowflakes. The hosts dive into nostalgic holiday toys that shaped their childhoods and explore clever stocking stuffer ideas for teens. They even tackle the debate on Santa's role in Christmas magic. Join them for laughs, creativity, and plenty of holiday cheer!