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Elon Musk has ridden off into the sunset acrimoniously (maybe), but the Department of Government Efficiency is just getting started. Will DOGE continue wildly cutting or is something even more chaotic coming next?  Guest: Makena Kelly, senior writer at WIRED.  Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Evan Campbell and Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard professor and former homeland security advisor, as she tackles urgent political issues. The discussion covers President Trump’s controversial deployment of troops to quell protests, delving into the blurred lines between military intervention and local governance. They also analyze RFK Jr.'s impact on CDC policies amidst growing vaccine skepticism and consider the implications of a Supreme Court decision on reverse discrimination cases. Expect a thought-provoking exploration of these pressing matters!

Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, a pediatric dermatologist, shares invaluable tips on caring for delicate baby skin, shattering common myths about bathing and moisturizing. Genevieve Rudolph, a sexologist and relationship coach, discusses the intricacies of maintaining a relationship post-baby, emphasizing the need for intentional communication. Andy Meisenheimer, a parenting coach, joins her to explore the challenges new parents face, offering practical tools to strengthen their bond while navigating the joys and hurdles of parenthood.

Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his keen historical insights, discusses Trump's recent actions, including deploying troops to California. He examines the symbolism of military parades, suggesting they signal desperation. The conversation highlights the fragile nature of authority, explores the implications of military presence during protests, and calls for a stronger political opposition. Bouie also stresses the importance of understanding power dynamics and the historical context of authoritarianism in the current political landscape.

Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and author of "Mass Starvation," discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where two million are at risk of starvation. He explores how food is manipulated as a weapon in conflict and the psychological toll of famine on families. The podcast highlights personal stories from individuals coping with hunger and the urgent activism surrounding food scarcity. It also critiques the chaotic aid distribution amidst violence, revealing the erosion of trust within the local population.

Dive into the drama as a millennial CEO's TikTok rant about clock-watching employees sparks uproar. Explore how social media is reshaping workplace culture and the often chaotic dynamics between bosses and workers. Discover the absurdity of high-profile feuds and the disconnect that can arise when executives share their views online. This discussion sheds light on the blend of branding and employee morale in the age of viral moments, questioning whether CEOs should speak out or listen up.

This week, Caity Weaver, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'An Innocent Abroad in Mark Twain’s Paris', joins the hosts to dive into the new documentary 'Pee-wee as Himself'. They explore the complex legacy of Paul Reubens, revealing his dual identity beyond the iconic Pee-wee Herman. The conversation shifts to the quirky charm of 'Pee-wee’s Playhouse' and its subversive themes. Weaver also reflects on her travel piece about American experiences in Paris, linking Twain's humor to modern travel narratives.

Christina Carterucci, a writer for Slate, discusses her article on the surprising influence of conservative movements on small-town Pride celebrations. Van Knapp, co-founder of Canyon County Pride in Idaho, shares insights on fostering queer joy in unexpected places. They explore the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities facing political challenges and the importance of grassroots movements. Listeners will hear about innovative ways small towns express Pride, and how events like boat floats defy societal intimidation while celebrating community spirit.

Christina Cauterucci, a Slate senior writer and host of Outward, discusses the decline of corporate sponsorship for Pride Month. She humorously critiques the absurdity of corporate Pride marketing, questioning its authenticity. Cauterucci reflects on the tension between celebration and activism, shares her first Pride experience, and highlights the grassroots revival of local Pride events. With rising political pressures, she suggests that community-driven efforts are becoming essential for genuine LGBTQ+ representation.

Barry Lam, the host of Hi-Phi Nation and a philosopher focused on economics, joins to engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the GOP's approach to budget deficits. They delve into philosophical arguments from Hume and Descartes that inform contemporary fiscal debates. The conversation covers the intricacies of political rhetoric, the paradox of prediction, and the implications of legislative baselines. Lam also highlights how language shapes political discourse and the perils of selective skepticism in understanding economic realities.