Slate Daily Feed

Dr. David Hill, a pediatrician and allergist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, shares groundbreaking insights on peanut allergies. He discusses how early exposure to allergens, particularly peanuts, could significantly reduce allergy rates—contradicting prior avoidance strategies. Hill highlights the success of the LEAP trial, explains parents' concerns, and reflects on the hesitancy in the medical community to adopt these new guidelines. With real-world evidence backing his claims, he presents a hopeful future for allergy prevention.

This discussion dives into the erosion of trust in government as systemic dishonesty is revealed, spotlighting the DOJ and unsettling cases of false declarations. The cordial yet strategic meeting between Trump and NYC's mayor-elect raises eyebrows about political maneuvering. Tension in MAGA circles simmers as figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene resign and controversies around antisemitism bubble to the surface. Plus, a light-hearted dig into how travel civility campaigns are trying to elevate Thanksgiving flying—where decorum might just be an outfit away!

Michael Schulman, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of Oscar Wars, explores the evolution of movie press tours in the wake of 'Wicked: For Good.' He delves into the blockbuster-era publicity tactics established post-Jaws, the rise of viral marketing with Barbenheimer, and how stars like Timothée Chalamet are reshaping promotional strategies. Schulman also discusses the tension between authenticity and performance in stardom, and how studios are grappling with getting audiences back to theaters.

Jim Matulski, a longtime pastor of Metropolitan Community Church in San Francisco, shares his powerful journey after becoming publicly HIV positive in 1995. He reflects on the community's response and the stigma surrounding AIDS. Jim discusses his emotional collapse during a sabbatical, his return to ministry, and the spiritual healing that followed. His candid sermons challenge moral judgment while emphasizing companionship over blame. The conversation underscores how treatment advancements and community support reshaped lives amid the crisis.

Emily Kirkpatrick, the witty writer behind the Substack newsletter I Heart Mess, joins the conversation to unpack the surge of celebrities launching their own newsletters. They explore why figures like Dolly Parton and Charlie XCX turn to Substack for authentic expression and direct communication with fans. Kirkpatrick highlights the challenges celebrities face in maintaining a writer's life while examining the impact of their presence on indie creators. The duo ponders whether these celebrity ventures will last or fizzle out quickly.

Join guest Dan Kois, a seasoned cultural critic, as he dives into a thrilling discussion on three captivating films. The conversation kicks off with thoughts on 'Wicked: Part Two,' exploring its unexpected dark turns and Ariana Grande's standout performance. They then shift to 'Train Dreams,' debating the challenges of adapting Denis Johnson’s novella and its striking visual style. Lastly, they reflect on 'Peter Hujar’s Day,' a deeply engaging chamber piece, highlighting Ben Whishaw’s mesmerizing performance and the film's intricate exploration of memory and portraiture.

Fred Kaplan, a contributing writer at Slate and an expert on military and foreign policy, dives into the nuances of a controversial 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine. He highlights how this plan, seemingly favorable to Russia, demands territorial concessions and military cuts from Ukraine while pushing aside European input. Kaplan also discusses the motivations behind the plan and its backwards structure, stressing Europe's crucial role in any potential settlement. He warns that a clear U.S. stance is vital, as Putin is unlikely to accept such terms.

Heather Haddon, a Restaurant reporter for The Wall Street Journal with a focus on the fast food industry, joins to unpack the dynamics of pricing and operations. She dives into the "Value Wars" among fast-food giants like McDonald's and Chili's and the strategies Starbucks is using to revive its sales. Additionally, Haddon discusses Chick-fil-A’s innovative drive-thru operations, emphasizing their efficiency improvements, and the overall impact of rising costs on fast food pricing. Her insights reveal how these trends reflect broader American culture.

Melody Warnick, a journalist and author specializing in community building, shares her journey of transforming her initial dislike for Blacksburg into a genuine love. She discusses the misconceptions about moving and how it doesn't solve personal issues. Through her 'Love Where You Live' project, she created experiments to foster community ties. Melody emphasizes the importance of engaging with your surroundings, from volunteering to exploring local hotspots, and highlights the health benefits of strong place attachment.

Lynne Gerber, a religious studies scholar and host of the podcast series 'When We All Get to Heaven,' explores the rich history of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in San Francisco. She recounts her discovery of archival tapes that document the church's role as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during the AIDS crisis. The conversation delves into MCC's founding vision, Troy Perry's charismatic leadership, and the church's unique rituals that foster belonging and resilience in a disconnected world.