Slate Daily Feed

Discover how Hollywood soundtracks have dominated the music charts, launching hits from classics like 'Mrs. Robinson' to contemporary gems like 'My Heart Will Go On.' Explore the emotional impact of film music and its role in defining careers, including the rise of iconic songs from movies like 'Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?' and 'Titanic.' From Elvis to K-pop, learn how soundtracks have evolved as a cultural phenomenon and influenced genres for nearly a century.

David Rand, a Cornell University professor specializing in misinformation and persuasion, explores the impact of AI chatbots on political beliefs. He reveals that while chatbots can effectively present factual claims, they may risk flooding conversations with inaccuracies when pushed to persuade. Rand discusses how these digital canvassers could outperform human ones in voter outreach, highlighting both the potential benefits and risks to democracy. The conversation dives into the balance between honest communication and persuasive power, calling for transparency and regulation.

Tim Wu, a law professor and former White House advisor, joins the conversation to discuss the implications of major media mergers, specifically the sale of Warner Bros. He argues that maintaining Warner Brothers' independence is essential for fostering competition and enhancing cultural diversity. The team also delves into the intricacies of antitrust processes, the potential roles of the DOJ and FTC, and how such corporate consolidations impact creators' bargaining power. Wu's insights highlight the importance of competition in the tech and media landscapes.

Tony Vara, a TikTok creator known for his engaging and candid videos, shares a deeply personal narrative about his mother's detention and deportation by ICE. He discusses the emotional toll it took on him and his siblings, candidly recounting his experiences of raising over $100,000 for legal support. Tony reflects on the challenges of growing up in a multicultural environment and how his mother’s deportation has shaped his advocacy for immigrant rights. His journey resonates with themes of family responsibility, cultural identity, and resilience.

Jessica Carrente, a certified child life specialist, joins the discussion to help navigate grief during the holidays. She emphasizes that there isn't a 'right' way to cope with loss. Children process grief differently than adults, often in bursts. Jessica advises grieving families to communicate their needs clearly to friends, and suggests comforting rituals like ornaments or river releases to honor loved ones. Her insights offer a compassionate framework for families dealing with holiday sadness.

Join Jim Matulski, former pastor of MCC San Francisco, as he reflects on his impactful 1999 sermon, 'AIDS Isn't Over.' He passionately discusses the ongoing fight against AIDS, despite medical advances, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and activism. Jim shares the emotional journey through the epidemic's past and the scars it left on the community. Highlighting the role of MCC as a sanctuary during tough times, he calls for continued vigilance against stigma and celebrates the resilience of those who've faced the crisis head-on.

Kate Lindsay hosts Amanda Mull, a Bloomberg Businessweek senior reporter, who dives into the decline of Etsy and the challenges of online shopping. Once a haven for handmade goods, Etsy now competes with mass-market platforms, inundated by AI-generated listings and the pressure for free shipping. Amanda discusses how online shopping has become chaotic and how dark patterns trick consumers into impulsive purchases. She suggests turning to craft fairs and secondhand platforms for a more authentic shopping experience.

Nitish Pahwa, a Slate staff writer specializing in business and tech, dives into the intense battle for Warner Bros. Discovery. He explains Netflix's strategic acquisition of the company amidst a hostile takeover by Paramount's David Ellison. The podcast explores the ambitions of both Ellison and Warner Bros.' CEO David Zaslav, revealing how their competing visions could reshape the entertainment landscape. Pahwa also discusses the broader implications of these megamergers on theaters, streaming services, and the future of film.

Join journalist Mark Harris, an expert in Hollywood history, as he dives into the intense bidding war for Warner Brothers Discovery. They discuss why Netflix might be the better buyer for preserving cinema and what it means for the future of movie theaters. Mark also highlights the fragility of the film industry amid consolidation and contrasts tech companies' priorities with traditional studios. Plus, insights on how an acquisition by Paramount could compromise Warner's legacy. Stay tuned for a peek into Mark's upcoming book about culture and gay rights.

In a compelling discussion with Elizabeth Spiers, Tim Wu, a Columbia Law School professor and tech policy expert, dives into the themes of his book, The Age of Extraction. He unpacks the profit-driven mindset of Big Tech and traces the roots of extractive corporate behavior to IBM and Microsoft. Wu critiques the erosion of corporate ethics and shares concerns about monopolization's threats to democracy. He also advocates for regulatory reform, decentralized capitalism, and expresses cautious optimism about the anti-monopoly movement's potential for change.