Slate Daily Feed

Maryanne Wolf, director of UCLA’s Center For Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice, shares her insights on reigniting a passion for reading. She discusses the reading brain and how modern distractions affect our connection to literature. Personal experiences of grief highlight the challenges in returning to books. Wolf suggests immersing oneself in engaging mysteries and prioritizing pleasure in reading. With practical strategies, she encourages rekindling joy in reading, even amidst life's chaos.

Alexandra Paul, a talented actress best remembered for her role in Baywatch, shares her chilling experience of being stalked for over a decade. She reveals how admiration turned into obsession, costing her emotionally and financially. Paul discusses the psychological impact of being a public figure and the complexities of navigating legal protections against harassment. With frank reflections, she emphasizes the importance of boundaries and coping strategies. Her story serves as a haunting reminder of the darker side of fame and the vital need for empathy towards victims.

Join Ricky O’Donnell, a basketball reporter and SB Nation editor, as he dives into the turbulent world of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. They dissect her injuries, the media scrutiny surrounding her rise, and the overall state of women's basketball. Switching gears, O’Donnell breaks down the NBA draft, focusing on the exciting prospects like Cooper Flagg and team strategies. There’s also a look at MLB teams adapting to minor league parks, revealing the quirky challenges they face. A wild ride through sports drama and future stars!

In this discussion, columnist Philip Bump from The Washington Post and former ICE Assistant Director Scott Shuchart dive into the controversial decision by ICE agents to wear masks and plainclothes during arrests. They explore how this shift endangers agents, erodes public trust, and echoes past protests. Bump highlights the normalization of such practices, while Shuchart provides insights on accountability and the implications for community safety. The conversation challenges listeners to consider the impact of concealed identities on law enforcement and immigration policies.

The discussion kicks off with a playful debate: are podcasts considered screentime? Parents share their thoughts on whether kids miss out on experiences by not following popular children's YouTubers. Triumphs and fails in the parenting journey provide relatable laughs. Then, a deep dive into balancing screen time and reading for homeschooling families reveals strategies for keeping kids engaged. Finally, hear about family adventures in Paris, where navigating the city without a stroller sparks confidence in kids and insights on prioritizing experiences.

Kate Conger, a technology reporter for the New York Times and co-author of 'Character Limit,' dives deep into the aftermath of Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter. She discusses how this ownership shift has altered advertising strategies and brand safety protocols. Conger highlights the FTC's unique approach to mergers under the current administration, exploring its implications for free speech and political biases. The conversation also touches on the complexities of navigating advertising in an evolving regulatory landscape that creates tension between brands and social media platforms.

This week, hosts dive into the political drama surrounding Zohran Mamdani's primary win for NYC mayor, unpacking business leaders' exaggerated fears of socialism. They discuss Trump's ongoing antics regarding the Fed Chair position and take a lighthearted detour into Jeff Bezos's extravagant wedding in Venice. The conversation also touches on the evolving trends in wealth display, including luxury yacht parties, and the bizarre world of collectible dolls and counterfeit markets. Expect laughs alongside serious financial insights!

Ingrid Nilsen, the original beauty and lifestyle YouTuber known as MissGlamorazzi and now a candle entrepreneur, joins to discuss the impact of her groundbreaking coming out video. As they celebrate its 10-year anniversary, she reflects on the anticipation before hitting upload and the unexpected reactions she faced. The conversation explores how coming out videos reshaped LGBTQ+ representation online, contributing to societal acceptance, while also navigating the complexities of identity and the emotional weight of public disclosure.

The podcast dives into alarming Supreme Court rulings that threaten individual rights, highlighting how courts now appear less able to protect citizens from government overreach. Discussions focus on the controversial case Trump v. CASA, which scrutinizes birthright citizenship, and Mahmoud v. Taylor, allowing parents to veto LGBTQ+ representation in schools. The erosion of district court authority is examined alongside implications for healthcare and free speech, signaling a troubling shift in democratic oversight.

Explore the vibrant history of LGBTQ representation in music, tracing the journeys of icons like Little Richard and Freddie Mercury. Delve into the struggles and triumphs faced by queer artists as they balanced public success with private identities. Celebrate milestones such as George Michael's duet with Elton John and the rise of openly queer stars like Lil Nas X. Discover how these musicians challenged societal norms and shaped the evolving narrative of queer identity in the industry, making an indelible mark on pop culture.