Slate Technology

In this episode, Rachelle Hampton and Madison Malone Kircher speak with Dion Beary, a writer and online community builder who founded the Tumblr blog This Is White Privilege. They talk with Beary about where that blog began, its impact on online discourse, and why he stepped away.Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Derek John. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump's Truth Social network was supposed to be the right's answer to Twitter. What happens to the company if Elon takes over?Guest: Drew Harwell, reporter for the Washington PostHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The “troubled teen” industry, which refers to a network of private wilderness youth programs, therapeutic boarding schools, and residential treatment centers has recently come under scrutiny thanks to TikTok. Survivors of this industry have taken to the app to post stories of their traumatic experiences. On today’s show, Madison and Rachelle talk to Kendee and Daniel, two TikTokkers who’ve become voices of the “troubled teen” industry survivor movement. They take us through what they refer to as “legal kidnapping”, the harsh conditions and manual labor they were subjected to, what life’s been like since they got out, and how TikTok has helped them heal.Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In light of the threat to Roe v. Wade, abortion rights advocates are asking many companies –including in the tech industry– to take a stand. But many industry leaders are silent, and could be poised to profit from data that tracks abortion providers, advocates, and patients. On this week’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Bärí Williams, an expert on diversity in tech and artificial intelligence. They talk about the political, financial, and social priorities that may be keeping tech leaders quiet about the abortion issue. Guest: Bärí Williams, an expert on diversity in tech and AI. She’s also the COO of Bandwagon Fan Club, Inc., a data and identity analytics tech company focused on sports and entertainment. Podcast production by Jasmine EllisYou can skip all the ads in A Word by joining Slate Plus. Sign up now at slate.com/awordplus for just $1 for your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Companies are developing and selling A.I. products intended to tell your boss or your teacher how you're feeling.Guest: Kate Kaye, reporter for ProtocolHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Am I the asshole?” The provocative question lies at the heart of a wildly popular subreddit whose reach has spread far beyond the platform. On today’s show, Rachelle and Madison dig into the history and legacy of the 4-million-subscriber-strong advice forum that is the “Am I the Asshole” subreddit. They speak with Mallola Khalidi, a TikTokker who’s blown up on the platform after she started filming herself reading AITA posts. They discuss how she got started, how her videos have been received, and some of the wildest stories she’s ever read aloud.Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation with one of the smartest First Amendment lawyers in the country.Guest: Jameel JafferHost: Lizzie O'LearyThanks Avast.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the Supreme Court opinion dismantling Roe v. Wade was leaked earlier this week, social media has been flooded with people telling you to delete your period tracker apps. On today’s show, Rachelle and Madison talk about their own experiences using period tracking apps, the ways your personal data can be purchased and used against you, and why data privacy in this country is nothing but a joke.Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic changed the way abortion care could be provided online. So what happens now?Guest: Dr. Mai Fleming, family medicine physician and Fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health.Host: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show: Can Starlink ever fulfill its promise of connecting the world, especially places left behind by traditional internet? Or will it be just another toy for the rich? Guest: Meaghan Tobin, reporter at Rest of WorldHost: Lizzie O'Leary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices