What Next | Daily News and Analysis
Slate Podcasts
SummaryWhat Next is your essential daily companion for untangling the complexities of our modern world. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the stories that define our current moment, moving far beyond the surface-level headlines to investigate the systems, decisions, and cultural forces shaping our collective future. Whether it is a deep dive into the high-stakes diplomacy surrounding the Iran crisis, the bizarre administrative theater of Washington D.C., or the chilling, often overlooked intersections of artificial intelligence and public safety, this show prioritizes rigorous inquiry and expert analysis. Hosted by a rotation of insightful journalists, the podcast shines a spotlight on the contradictions of the present—from the resurgence of archaic state violence and the shifting landscape of military morale to the surreal reality of a world’s first trillionaire who cannot stop posting. What sets What Next apart is its refusal to accept simple answers. Instead, it invites listeners to think critically about foundational history, the erosion of institutional trust, and the ways in which national policies filter down to our daily lives. If you are looking for a program that balances intellectual curiosity with a keen eye for political accountability and cultural critique, What Next provides the clarity and context needed to understand the news, helping you make sense of an increasingly unpredictable landscape.
Updated Jul 1, 2026
Episodes
No One Knows the Truth About the Iran Deal
The U.S. is signaling deep uncertainty in Iran as shaky peace talks unfold amid massive sanctions concessions.
What the Pool’s Reflecting
The green algae and peeling paint at the Lincoln Memorial reflect the chaotic vanity of Trump's D.C. makeover.
The Return of the Firing Squad
States are increasingly turning to firing squads as lethal injection drugs vanish, raising tough questions about justice.
America Before 250
Journalist Rebecca Nagle explores how foundational violence against Native people shaped the U.S. government as we know it.
Elon, Please Log Off
Elon Musk is now a trillionaire, yet instead of logging off, he is fueling international political chaos online.
Can ChatGPT Be a Criminal Accomplice?
Perpetrators are increasingly using AI chatbots to fixate on and tactically plan for mass shootings.
Trump’s War Is Still Going to Cost You
The war in Iran is costing American families thousands of dollars as economic uncertainty persists despite any ceasefires.
Israel Alone
As the U.S. pursues a fragile nuclear memorandum with Iran, diverging interests have left Israel increasingly isolated.
The US Military’s Other War
Black service members are facing an existential crisis as they navigate a military increasingly hostile to diversity.
An Obsession with Backrooms
Low-budget horror hits Obsession and Backrooms are drawing young crowds back to theaters and shaking up Hollywood.
My Clip Viral, My Spencer Pratt, My Kalshi Dived, Knicks In Five??
From the Knicks playoff fever to viral internet moments and off-the-record deep dives into pop culture chaos.
IPO to the Moon
SpaceX is racing to go public amid an AI bubble while shifting its focus from rocket science to speculative data tech.
Fight House Lawn
The UFC and Donald Trump have formed a mutually beneficial political and financial alliance centered on cage fighting.
What's the Beef with Screwworm?
The reemergence of the flesh-eating screwworm in Texas threatens to disrupt the beef industry and inflate food prices.
Trump’s B-Team
Trump is replacing his traditional cabinet with loyalist outsiders who prioritize his political vendettas over duty.
Did DOGE Cause the Ebola Outbreak?
Ebola expert Dr. Craig Spencer warns that political interference and funding cuts are fueling the current outbreak.
SchadenFriday: Is the Pope Girlbossing AI?
The Pope has released a massive encyclical on AI, but is he actually helping tech companies shape the narrative?
Gradu-AI-tion Day
American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten explains why schools need a tech detox to combat AI risks.
Do the Dems Need More Graham Platners?
Why do Democratic voters seem so willing to overlook the mounting scandals surrounding Senate candidate Graham Platner?
The Hunger Strike at Delaney Hall
Inside the volatile standoff at Newark’s Delaney Hall, where detainee hunger strikes have ignited a national protest.
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