Slate Daily Feed

This discussion features Bethel Habte, a personal finance coach dedicated to helping people achieve financial goals, alongside Mark Blythe, a political economist who tackles large economic trends, and Rebecca Auman, a practical witch merging intuition with advice. They delve into managing finances during inflationary times, the emotional toll of pet ownership's costs, and navigating the complexities of financial decisions tied to love and loss. Listeners gain insights on adapting to economic changes while finding humor in financial struggles.

Kim Ng, a trailblazer in softball and former MLB executive, discusses the promising future of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League and its potential to transform women's sports. Neil Longley, an expert on hockey economics, offers insights into Canada’s frustrating Stanley Cup drought, examining the historical and competitive challenges faced by teams like the Maple Leafs. The conversation touches on the evolving dynamics of women’s sports and the impact of recent legal changes on college athletes’ endorsements, highlighting pivotal moments in sports history.

Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, sheds light on the recent federalization of California's National Guard amid immigration raids and protests. The conversation dives into the legal complexities of deploying troops for civil unrest, examining the implications of the Insurrection Act. Goitein discusses public safety risks associated with military intervention and the broader concerns about federal overreach and citizens' rights in the face of such actions.

Diana Lind, a writer and urban policy specialist, joins the conversation to explore how cities can better support parents. She discusses the challenges of car-dependent environments and emphasizes the importance of creating family-friendly spaces that cater to both children's activities and parents' needs. The talk highlights innovative urban planning in cities like Tokyo and compares the family dynamics across urban areas like Philadelphia and Miami. Lind also shares insights on fostering children's independence and the pivotal role of community in creating supportive environments.

Nancy Scola, a reporter at POLITICO covering technology and society, dives into the dynamic world of antitrust law as it relates to Google. She highlights Gail Slater's critical role as Assistant Attorney General, detailing her unique bipartisan support and the complexities of navigating the current legal landscape. They discuss the potential ramifications of the antitrust case on consumer choice and competition, along with the evolving power dynamics of tech within U.S. politics, especially under different administrations.

Inflation worries are on the rise, but the accuracy of economic data is in jeopardy due to staffing cuts at The Bureau of Labor Statistics. The hosts dive into how a quirky finance term related to TACO has sparked outrage from Trump. Plus, they tackle whether Gen Z really hates reading or if it’s a misinterpretation of their modern habits. The conversation also touches on the resilience of the stock market against political chaos and the implications of evolving trade policies and reading trends among younger generations.

The podcast dissects the rise of TikTok influencers as modern-day relationship experts. It highlights the ironic fallout from TheWizardLiz, whose viral advice faltered after a breakup. The hosts question the validity of social media dating tips and their impact on real-life relationships. They explore the toxicity of simplistic advice that often reinforces outdated gender roles. Amidst this, they advocate for authenticity in an era dominated by curated online personas.

Michael Podhorzer, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former political director of the AFL-CIO, dives into the intersection of wealth and judicial power. He discusses how figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are reshaping the Supreme Court's decisions, influencing democracy. The conversation highlights recent judicial shifts favoring the wealthy, the implications for labor movements, and the need for collective action. Podhorzer also advocates for a deeper understanding of these dynamics as essential for preserving democratic values.

Lonnae O'Neal, a senior writer for ESPN/Andscape and author of "Bibb Country," joins for a lively discussion on navigating personal dilemmas. They tackle everything from how to address a friend's husband's awkward comments to the emotional fallout of attending a high school reunion. Boundaries in friendships are a hot topic, especially when one friend needs space. The episode also delves into sensitive family dynamics, including a listener's concerns about a father’s new friend during a mother's illness. Insightful and compassionate advice abounds!

Sheera Frenkel, a tech reporter for the New York Times, dives into the controversial role of Palantir in government data management. They discuss the troubling implications of consolidating sensitive information, juxtaposing the U.S. system with those in Russia and China. Frenkel highlights employee concerns about privacy and data ethics, especially regarding the company's connections to the Trump administration. The conversation raises essential questions about national security versus individual rights in the era of big data.