Slate Daily Feed

Dive into the wild tale of the 'Danish Deception,' where a former Bachelor contestant gets ensnared in a web of lies by a charming scammer. Discover the shocking loans and money trails that led to heartbreak and financial ruin. The hosts dissect why TikTok's response differed from similar scandals, exploring race dynamics and the societal implications. With a critical eye on missed warnings and the allure of luxury travel, this saga unravels the real villain behind the scam. Expect a riveting discussion that balances drama and introspection!

Steve Dorman, creator of the 1980s VideoMate project, and Joe Pickett, co-creator of the Found Footage Festival, dive into the quirky world of video dating. They reminisce about Videomate: Men, a VHS tape where men auditioned as potential dates. The duo reflects on how they rediscovered and shared this nostalgic content online, sparking a viral sensation. They also discuss the cultural impact of video dating and how modern interpretations struggle with the vulnerabilities that video demands, revealing profound insights on love and self-expression.

Guest host Jamelle Bouie, an insightful opinion columnist, joins Julia and Steve to delve into Rian Johnson's new film, highlighting the compelling dynamics between Benoit Blanc and priest Josh O’Connor. They also tackle Ken Burns’ comprehensive documentary on the American Revolution, praising its intricate storytelling. The trio engages in a thought-provoking debate on whether we're witnessing a 'Great Stupidening,' exploring the nuances of educational decline and societal intelligence. Fun endorsements round out the discussion!

Steven J. Lepper, a retired Air Force major general and former deputy legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sheds light on the implications of unlawful military orders. He discusses alarming reports about a September boat strike, emphasizing how military lawyers play a critical role in preventing illegal actions. The conversation also covers the political fallout from a veterans' video reminding troops to refuse unlawful commands, and Lepper argues for the responsibility of senior officers to safeguard their subordinates from illegal orders.

Grace Chang-Nicolette, Vice President at the Center for Effective Philanthropy, shares her insights on impactful charitable giving. She discusses the importance of fair nonprofit salaries and debunks myths about recipients and low overhead costs. Grace emphasizes that lower-income households often give a higher percentage of their income and encourages personal giving strategies like the 10% rule. She also offers alternatives for those unable to give financially, highlighting the power of community engagement and thoughtful evaluation of nonprofits.

Sarah Amos, a media professional and podcaster, creates a poignant portrait of her father, Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos cookies. She shares her experiences growing up in a glamorous but financially unstable environment, where celebrity visits hid deeper struggles. Sarah discusses her father's relentless pursuit of fame and the emotional toll it took on their relationship. Through her new podcast, Tough Cookie, she confronts past hurts, embraces family dynamics, and aims to preserve Wally's legacy while recognizing his flaws.

In this discussion, college basketball expert Matt Norlander breaks down the newly launched Players' Era tournament, predicting it will transform November hoops and reveal its financial mechanics. He dives into the backstory of Seth Berger, the visionary behind this $32 million venture, and explores why universities are increasingly turning to external promoters for tournaments. The conversation also shifts to the NBA, highlighting LeBron James’ surprising performance at an advanced age and Chris Paul’s reflective journey as he nears retirement.

Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the bestselling 'How the Word Is Passed,' discusses the challenges of teaching U.S. history, particularly its uncomfortable truths about slavery and genocide. He emphasizes that excluding these topics distorts our understanding of the present. Clint reflects on his teaching experiences and compares American memory practices to Germany’s Stolpersteine memorials. He argues that confronting difficult histories can empower students to envision a more just future.

Megan Sanders, a zoo consultant, shares engaging ways to help kids get involved in animal conservation. She emphasizes the importance of local habitat projects and meaningful zoo visits, suggesting hands-on activities like scavenger hunts and creating habitat-friendly spaces. Jill Moyes, Senior Director of Animal Care at the Detroit Zoo, discusses the fascinating family structure of great apes, recounting a recent gorilla birth and the intricacies of maternal care. Together, they inspire a hopeful message about conservation and the power of empathy.

Josh Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox and an expert on foreign policy, dives into the intricate relationship between AI and nuclear weapons. He unveils the growing role of AI in military systems, from predictive maintenance to automated retaliatory frameworks. Keating highlights the clash between military leaders' skepticism and tech firms' push for automation. He warns about cyber vulnerabilities and the accelerated pace of conflict that AI introduces, ultimately reshaping nuclear policy discussions in a post-Cold War era.