Slate Daily Feed

Today, we’re revisiting one of our early favorite episodes from August 2021 about selling bones on TikTok. In the episode, Rachelle Hampton and Madison Malone Kircher try to figure out if it’s legal to buy and sell human remains. They’re joined by  Tanya Marsh , a professor at Wake Forest who specializes in funeral and cemetery law, to find out what the legal system says about the human bone marke...

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen begin by talking about Daisy Jones & the Six. Then they discuss the new film Palm Trees and Power Lines . Finally, writer Dan Charnas joins to chat about why it is time to finally legalize sampling in music .  In Slate Plus, the panel answers a listener question about the practicalities of being a critic.  Email us at culturefest@slate.com . Endorsements:  D...

Since last summer, it’s been difficult to fill an Adderall prescription. The shortage is driving some people to try other ADHD medications—causing shortages of those medications too—while others are sourcing their medication on the “gray market.”  Why is such a common drug nowhere to be found? And why has the FDA been so mum on the subject?  Guests:  Ike Swetlitz , health journalist for Bloomberg...

The Atlanta Police Foundation’s $90 million police training facility, a mock-urban space with a nightclub, convenience store, and even homes, has drawn the ire of police reform activists, environmentalists, and even advocates for the homeless. The months-long effort by forest-dwelling protesters to prevent the construction of this facility has left an advocate dead, a state trooper shot, 35 indivi...

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, are joined by Slate’s Alex Kirshner to talk about Fairleigh Dickinson’s huge upset over Purdue and Princeton’s run to the Sweet 16. Then, ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez comes on to discuss the historic matchup between the USA and Cuba at the World Baseball Classic. Finally, author David Epstein assesses the legacy of high jumper Dick Fosbury, who invented the immortal Fosbury Flo...

This weekend, former President Trump warned supporters on Truth Social he could be arrested on Tuesday, and called for them to “TAKE OUR NATION BACK!” Although it’s unclear whether Trump is facing imminent arrest, many observers believe legal proceedings focused on Trump’s “hush money” payment to Stormy Daniels suggest an indictment is coming soon. How strong is this case, and how likely is it tha...

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak first answer a question about teaching a blunt kid to hold their tongue, for the sake of a friendship. Then they tackle a question about pets being underfoot now that there is a new baby in the house.  Recommendations:   Jamilah recommends Jared from Subway: Catching a Monster Zak recommends Have I Ever Told You? By Shani King Elizabeth recommends SQUIL...

Using just what you’ve posted to social media, generative A.I. can create a “puppet version” of your voice—one that’s close enough to scam your family into paying thousands in, say, bail money. And imitating public officials to create “deep fakes” who say whatever they’re told is even easier.  Guest: Pranshu Verma , tech reporter for the Washington Post. Host: Lizzie O’Leary If you enjoy this show...

On today’s episode, Rachelle Hampton is joined by Slate’s Madeline Ducharme to talk about the internet’s thirst for Pedro Pascal. They discuss how he started edging into the role of Internet Daddy with Game of Thrones, his recent turns in The Mandalorian , and The Last of Us , and why his own surprise as this online adoration makes people love him even more. This podcast is produced by Daniel Schr...

John Dickerson talks with author  Chris Miller  about his new book,  Chip War: The Fight for The World’s Most Critical Technology .   They discuss how semiconductor chips became so important, why everyone is so dependent on Taiwan for chips, and what lessons China can glean from what’s happening in Ukraine. Tweet us your questions  @SlateGabfest  or email us at  gabfest@slate.com . (Messages could...

This week, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers  dive into the drama in the banking world. They discuss the fallout of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and its subsequent government takeover. They also take some listener questions about SVB! Felix, Emily and Elizabeth also discuss Credit Suisse, and how government policy may change for banks that are “too big to fail”.  In the Plus...

On this bonus episode from our friends at Slate's How To! podcast—Keith prides himself on being a good dad to his three sons. But in a post-pandemic world with looming student debt and uncertain opportunities, the future can be really scary. He’s especially worried about his middle son Ben, an introvert who doesn't know what to do after he graduates high school this year. On this episode, co-host...

The economy is doing well almost every but in tech, where headlines about layoffs have been replaced with news about Silicon Valley Bank’s demise. The collapse of “the central artery for the tech industry” looks like the end of an era. Where do venture capitalists, start-ups—and the industry writ large—go now? Guest: Priya Anand , reporter at Bloomberg covering venture capital and start-ups. Host:...

David Plotz, John Dickerson, and Emily Bazelon discuss the Silicon Valley Bank bailout with David Leonhardt; Ron DeSantis coming out against aid to Ukraine; and free speech fights at elite law schools. Here are some notes and references from this week’s show: William Saletan for The Bulwark: “ The Ukraine Untruths of Disingenuous DeSantis ” Ken White for The Popehat Report: “ Hating Everyone Every...

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak help a listener who is worried her kid’s backyard birthday party won’t compete with the other kids’ extravagant parties. They come up with some budget-friendly ideas for creating an awesome birthday celebration. Then on Slate Plus, they talk about Everything Everywhere All at Once winning at the Oscars and all the love moms are getting.   If you enjoy t...

Colleges are dropping the SAT as a requirement in their admissions process, citing studies that what the test measures best is simply how well you’ve prepared for the test. But the question at the heart of the matter remains: how do you create a fair and equitable college admissions process? And can a test-optional system help foster a more equal playing field when there’s still so much inequality...

We asked you to tell us about the fears in your life that are holding you back. In this episode, we share your stories and questions with Steve-O , Laurel Braitman , and Rev. angel Kyodo williams . Each of them, in one way or another, had fear and bravery inform their work and their lives. They offer advice and insights on what’s worked for them, and what they’ve learned from navigating fear. Did...

Today, we’re bringing you an episode of the recently relaunched Dear Prudence podcast hosted by Jenée Desmond-Harris. In this episode, Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) is tackling questions about text etiquette, whether or not to allow children at a wedding, and weighing the heavy decision of surrogacy for a sibling. Slate’s own Rachelle Hampton (host of ICYMI) joins dole out some words of wisdom. Po...

This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen start by discussing the wins and losses of Oscar night. Then, they’re joined by Slate’s Sam Adams to talk about his recent piece, “ Peak TV Is Over. Welcome to Trough TV ,” and the current state of streaming television. Finally, they try out TikTok’s new “Bold Glamour” filter and discuss how they feel about it. In Slate Plus, the panel discusses the recent New Y...

This month, hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder explore two parts of the queer world heavily associated with the 1970s: PFLAG and “The Lesbian.” First, they mark the 50th anniversary of PFLAG with a discussion of how the relationship between parents, parenthood, and queer people has changed over the last five decades, how it hasn’t, and what all that means in this dan...

The downfall of Silicon Valley Bank marks the second largest bank collapse in American history.  Why and how did SVBgo under? Where were the regulators? And how do we stop this from happening again? Guest: Annie Lowery ,staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Give People Money . If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads...

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has made anti-trans legislation a trademark of her term, but singling out trans people—and those who provide them medical care—comes at a cost to the state and its residents. It left the tiny rural town of Webster with only one physician. Guest: Mayson Bedient, a family medicine and gender-affirming care specialist in Fargo, North Dakota If you enjoy this show, please...

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas talk about what went wrong for the North Carolina men’s basketball team and other NCAA Tournament matters. They also check in on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s standoff with the Baltimore Ravens. Finally, the Athletic’s Nick Miller joins to discuss why the BBC pulled soccer commentator Gary Lineker off the air, and what happened next.   NC...

On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah and Zak help a listener whose six-year-old has started telling them “f*ck you.” Swearing is allowed in their house but this feels pointed and categorically different than a casual curse. How can they curb the cursing before it gets worse?  Recommendations: Jamilah recommends giving Flaming Hot Cheetos a second chance.  Zak recommends The Nugget Elizabeth recomme...

Judy Heumann devoted her life to advocating for Americans with disabilities and was a fixture at protests, sit-ins, and activist meetings, eventually becoming a presidential advisor. After passing away at 75, her work continues through her friends and those she fought for.  Guest: Sandy Ho , founder of Disability and Intersectionality Summit and disability policy researcher. If you enjoy this show...