What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future
Technology
About
Every Friday and Sunday, Slate’s popular daily news podcast What Next brings you TBD, a clear-eyed look into the future. From fake news to fake meat, algorithms to augmented reality, Lizzie O’Leary is your guide to the tech industry and the world it’s creating for us to live in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Does Anyone Like A.I.?
This episode explores the current sentiment surrounding artificial intelligence, featuring Nilay Patel, co-founder and editor in chief of The Verge. It discusses the perceived lack of upside despite significant investment in AI.
- Buy Your Flights Now
Spirit Airlines has stopped flying. This episode explores what this means for the airline industry and for summer travel plans, featuring insights from Will Guisbond, senior reporter for The Air Current.
- Big Tech’s Climate Fight…on Pause?
Microsoft, a major player in the carbon removal market, recently paused its initiative to purchase 75 million tons of carbon removal. This decision impacts a significant portion of the entire carbon removal market.
- Musk v. Altman
This episode covers the jury trial between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, examining its implications for the AI industry. The discussion explores the core question of public sentiment towards the two figures.
- How Mark Zuckerberg Finds Your Perfect Pair of Shoes
This episode of What Next: TBD discusses the future of online advertising and tracking beyond the use of cookies, featuring Sara Fisher, an Axios media correspondent.
- MAGA's A.I. Schism
This episode discusses the divergence of views within the MAGA movement concerning artificial intelligence, examining the debate between AI as beneficial or detrimental. It features Kiera Butler, a national correspondent for Mother Jones.
- Iran's Memes Are Winning
This episode examines how the administration is encountering online opposition from Iran through memes, AI-generated content, and mockery. Ali Breland, a staff writer for The Atlantic, joins the program to discuss these digital challenges.
- Everyone Is Lying to You For Money
Actor Ben McKenzie discusses his research into the cryptocurrency industry, which led to the creation of his book and documentary. He explains his perspective on the legitimacy of the crypto market.
- Who is Sam Altman Anyway?
New Yorker staff writer Andrew Marantz joins the program to explore the background and personality of Sam Altman. They discuss Altman's role in the push toward the artificial intelligence revolution.
- Why OpenAI Bought a Talk Show
Mike Isaac discusses OpenAI's decision to purchase a tech talk show as the company prepares for an IPO. The episode explores the reasoning behind the investment and the motivations of leaders like Sam Altman.
- TBD Tries... Vibe Coding
This episode explores the hype surrounding AI's ability to write computer code, and features host tests alongside guests Greg Lavalee and Clive Thompson.
- Why Everyone Is Freaking Out About Private Credit
This episode of What Next: TBD explores the rise of private credit, also known as shadow banking, and examines the potential risks if a financial crisis were to affect this unregulated sector. Tracy Alloway joins the show to discuss the im…
- How to Rein in ICE and A.I.
U.S. Representative Summer Lee discusses the implementation of guardrails for artificial intelligence in immigration and law enforcement. The conversation addresses the potential for algorithmic bias and the influence of industry spending…
- Social Media’s Big Tobacco Moment
This episode discusses the implications of YouTube and Meta's recent loss in the social media addiction trial. Ryan Mac, a New York Times reporter, joins the show to examine how this legal outcome might impact user feeds.
- War Dot Com
Journalist Jacob Silverman discusses Palantir CEO Alex Karp's perspective on the company's collaboration with Western militaries. This episode explores the motivations behind Palantir's defense partnerships.
- Hank Green Still Believes
Hank Green discusses his decision to transition his education platform, Complexly, into a nonprofit organization. He shares his perspective on creating content that explores the complexity of the world despite the prevalence of online outr…
- Why He Sued Roblox
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers discusses the lawsuit filed by multiple state attorneys general against Roblox following investigations into child safety concerns on the platform.
- Are We Ready for A.I. Warfare?
This episode of What Next: TBD explores the evolution of drone warfare and the implementation of artificial intelligence in combat, featuring insights from political scientist Steven Feldstein.
- Why Hollywood Is Afraid of the Paramount-WBD Deal
Guest Julia Alexander discusses how a potential merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. could impact the media landscape, cable television, and news. This episode of What Next: TBD explores what this deal means for the industry.
- War in Iran, Shockwaves in Markets
This episode explores the intersection of military action in Iran and its potential influence on financial markets. Economics professor Justin Wolfers joins the show to discuss the timing of administration decisions regarding the stock mar…
- TBD Tries… Wearables
This episode examines the impact of quantified biometrics on health and the regulatory changes surrounding wearable devices. The hosts speak with Slate, Stat News, and medical experts to discuss the implications of these tools.
- Anthropic vs. the Pentagon
This episode examines the tension between Anthropic and the Pentagon regarding the use of AI technology. New York Times reporter Sheera Frenkel joins the show to discuss the potential use of the Defense Production Act and which side holds…
- The Future of Retail is A.I.
Mia Sato from The Verge joins the show to discuss the implementation of artificial intelligence in retail environments and why companies are pursuing this technology.
- The A.I. Disruption Is Here
Emily Peck joins What Next: TBD to discuss the economic impact of the artificial intelligence revolution and its influence on the stock market and workforce. The conversation explores how the broader market is reacting to the rapid changes…
- The Senator Going After Data Centers
Senator Chris Van Hollen discusses his plans to address the energy costs associated with data centers and provides his perspective on ICE and the future of the Democratic Party.
- Markiplier Goes to Hollywood
YouTube creator Mark Fischbach, known as Markiplier, discusses his self-financed film Iron Lung and what its success implies for the relationship between online content creators and the Hollywood industry.
- Escape from a Scam Compound
WIRED senior writer Andy Greenberg joins What Next: TBD to discuss the emergence of a special economic zone in Laos as a hub for cryptocurrency scams and human trafficking. The episode explores how victims are coerced into participating in…
- Elon 3.0
Technology reporter Faiz Siddiqui joins the podcast to discuss Elon Musk's future direction, including changes at Tesla, SpaceX, and his focus on AI and robotics. The episode also features a segment on Musk's mention in the Epstein files.
- Why Dictators Take Out the Internet
Political scientist Steve Feldstein discusses why authoritarian governments use internet blackouts to suppress protests, and why these measures do not always achieve the intended results.
- Can Cell Phones Stop ICE?
This episode examines how eyewitness cellphone footage impacted the investigation into the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Researchers and journalists discuss whether multiple video perspectives helped clarify the events…
- David Ellison, Eldest Boy
This episode explores David Ellison’s expansion within the film industry, including his involvement with Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. Guest Reeves Widemann discusses whether Ellison’s professional motivations are influenced by his…
- The Right’s Minneapolis Outrage Machine
This episode of What Next: TBD examines the role of right-wing influencers in shaping the administration's actions in Minneapolis. Journalist Will Sommer joins the show to discuss this cycle of political influence and its potential impact…
- ChatGPT, MD
This episode of What Next: TBD explores the use of artificial intelligence in medical settings, specifically whether large language models are prepared to consult with patients. Guest Brittany Trang, a health tech reporter for Stat News, j…
- How and Why to Vaccinate Now
Pediatrician and author Dr. Lauren Hughes discusses how to approach vaccination recommendations for children and adults when trust in government guidance is in question.
- How Grok Filled X With Deepfake Porn
This episode examines the creation of non-consensual deepfake imagery using Grok on X. Guest Jason Koebler of 404 Media discusses how this tool is being used to generate illicit content and the response from X leadership.
- Betting on Venezuela
This episode explores prediction market bets on the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and discusses updates to the CDC vaccine schedule with Dr. Lauren Hughes. Alex Kirshner joins the show to examine the implications of betting…
- Are We Over the Moon?
Journalist and author Joel Achenbach discusses the feasibility of the Trump administration's goal to land astronauts on the moon by 2027 amidst budget cuts and conflicting priorities. The episode explores the challenges facing NASA's lunar…
- 2025: Dystopian Tech of the Year
In this episode of What Next: TBD, guest Nitish Pahwa discusses the integration of artificial intelligence into daily life throughout 2025, specifically focusing on a product that brought AI into physical spaces.
- 2025: The Meme of the Year
Host Kate Lindsay discusses how a standout meme from 2025 captured widespread attention and challenged the definition of what constitutes a meme.
- Is the A.I. Bubble Bursting? | 2025 in Review
This episode re-examines the profitability of the artificial intelligence sector, featuring a discussion from September with guest Ed Zitron on the economic impact of AI investments.
- We Made a Memecoin | 2025 in Review
This episode reflects on a previous conversation about memecoins, exploring their nature, market popularity, and the show's own experiment with creating one. Guests Azeem Khan and Nitish Pahwa join the discussion to provide insights on thi…
- Data Center Space Race
This episode explores the intersection of the AI and data center boom with SpaceX’s potential role in extraterrestrial computing as it approaches an IPO. Eric Berger, space reporter at Ars Technica, joins to discuss the prospects of this d…
- Whole Shopping List
Staff reporter Peyton Bigora discusses Amazon's strategy to integrate conventional household products into Whole Foods stores while maintaining the brand's quality standards.
- Ready for Chatbot Canvassers?
Professor David Rand discusses the potential impact of AI chatbots in political campaigning. The episode examines voter persuasion and the risks of chatbots continuing to provide misinformation once they run out of factual data.
- ChatGOP?
Tech reporter Gerrit De Vynck discusses the potential approach of the Trump administration toward artificial intelligence regulation and the conflicting views among Republican lawmakers.
- The AI & Crypto Czar’s Conflicts
Ryan Mac of the New York Times joins the program to discuss a tech mogul’s business history, relationships with politicians, and potential conflicts of interest.
- If You Give A.I. a Nuke
This episode explores the integration of artificial intelligence into U.S. defense and military systems, focusing on the extent of machine decision-making. Josh Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox and fellow at the Outrider Foundation,…
- Rebroadcast: Dupes!
In this rebroadcast, reporter Mia Sato joins the show to discuss the economy surrounding budget-friendly alternatives to popular trending products. The segment explores the prevalence of dupes for items ranging from skincare to travel dest…
- The Surveillance Interstate
This episode of What Next: TBD explores the implications of widespread license plate tracking technology. Joseph Cox of 404 Media joins the show to discuss the privacy concerns and potential constitutional issues surrounding warrantless ve…
- Crypto Keeps Criming
This episode of What Next: TBD examines the impact of Donald Trump's gestures toward the cryptocurrency industry, including pardoning Changpeng Zhao and halting SEC investigations. Tech reporter David Yaffe-Bellany discusses the consequenc…