Best Slate Magazine Podcasts (2024)

1
What Next TBD: Can Instagram Really Keep Kids Safe? 33:37

3h ago33:37

33:37

Instagram’s new default privacy settings for teenagers are designed to keep kids safe from strangers online. It’s a worthy endeavor, but are privacy settings enough? And what about all the other hazards teenagers face on social media? Guest: Natasha Singer, New York Times tech reporter, focused on how technology is affecting childhood and schooling…

1
A Word: Yvette Nicole Brown: Caring and Community 36:08

2h ago36:08

36:08

Yvette Nicole Brown spent years working in Hollywood before she got her big break. Then she rose to fame with her comedic turns in Community and Drake & Josh. But her latest –and perhaps most important– role is as caregiver to her father. That experience is at the heart of her storytelling as host of the new podcast Squeezed, focused on the million…

1
How To!: Rethink Screen Time 47:05

3h ago47:05

47:05

Ben has two sons in the fourth grade. Like a lot of kids, they love YouTube videos, gaming, movies, and other online entertainment. Before his sons begin using social media, Ben wants to ensure they develop a good relationship with tech—and he’s ready to recruit other families at their school to agree upon some rules of engagement. On this episode …

1
How To Rethink Screen Time 47:05

15h ago47:05

47:05

Ben has two sons in the fourth grade. Like a lot of kids, they love YouTube videos, gaming, movies, and other online entertainment. Before his sons begin using social media, Ben wants to ensure they develop a good relationship with tech—and he’s ready to recruit other families at their school to agree upon some rules of engagement. On this episode …

1
Death, Sex & Money: Martha Wainwright on Post-Divorce Confidence and ‘Folk Tits’ 55:10

1d ago55:10

55:10

Martha Wainwright was born into a world of music and folk fame, with songwriter parents Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle and brother Rufus. In this episode, Martha opens up about love and jealousy, the profound impact of losing her mother to cancer, and how she discovered new sexiness following her divorce. Martha Wainwright’s memoir is ca…

1
Hang Up: The U.S. Wins Solheim! 1:11:46

4h ago1:11:46

1:11:46

Split Zone Duo’s Alex Kirshner, Power Plays’ Lindsay Gibbs, and the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh reunite to talk about the U.S. women’s first victory at the Solheim Cup in eight years. They also discuss the Oakland Athletics’ move to Sacramento, and Tua Tagovailoa’s latest frightening concussion. On the bonus episode, Slate Plus members can hear chat abo…

1
Amicus: Why Ron DeSantis Hates Direct Democracy 52:32

1h ago52:32

52:32

Republicans from Ohio to Arkansas, from South Dakota to Florida and from Nebraska to Missouri have been throwing everything at trying to keep abortion ballot measures from actually reaching voters. In this week’s Amicus - a deep look at efforts to stifle and chill direct democracy in the states, post Dobbs. Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Jessica Vale…

1
Amicus: Why Ron DeSantis Hates Direct Democracy 52:32

1h ago52:32

52:32

Republicans from Ohio to Arkansas, from South Dakota to Florida and from Nebraska to Missouri have been throwing everything at trying to keep abortion ballot measures from actually reaching voters. In this week’s Amicus - a deep look at efforts to stifle and chill direct democracy in the states, post Dobbs. Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Jessica Vale…

1
What Next: The Pandemic Lessons We’ve Forgotten 29:39

4d ago29:39

29:39

Rather than coming out of the pandemic with a new toolkit of public health measures or even personal habits, the response to this summer’s long wave of COVID infections has mostly been to continue with business as usual. But business as usual seems inadequate with mpox and bird flu crises on the horizon. Guest: Apoorva Mandavilli, science and globa…

1
Well, Now: How to Prepare for Back-to-School Season 44:01

2d ago44:01

44:01

Summer is ending and school is officially back in session. For many, a new school year is the perfect time to create new goals and establish a routine. On this week’s episode of Well, Now, we are joined by primary care pediatrician, Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez. She discusses the importance of navigating the back-to-school season as a family, highlight…

1
Outward: Kamala Harris’ Record on Trans Rights wit S.I. Rosenbaum and Josie Reisman 35:16

8d ago35:16

35:16

This week Christina speaks to journalists S.I. Rosenbaum and Josie Reisman about their Slate article Kamala Harris’ Surprising Record on Trans Rights. From the national conference she convened to counter the “gay panic” and “trans panic” defense, to her denial of gender-affirming surgery for an incarcerated trans person, a look back on key moments …

1
How To!: Survive a Disaster 45:24

6d ago45:24

45:24

After a tree destroyed Tucker’s roof during a tornado, he felt lucky to be alive—and underprepared for the next disaster his family might face. On this episode, Courtney Martin welcomes back author and former How To! host Amanda Ripley to discuss emergency preparedness and how regular citizens can react smarter during a devastating event. Amanda’s …

1
What Next: Her Sister Died in 9-11. She Almost Got Justice. 34:37

3d ago34:37

34:37

After 12 years of “pretrial proceedings,” and 23 years after the crime in question, prosecutors announced that a plea deal had been reached with Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and two of his accomplices, who were accused of planning the Sept. 11 attacks. When Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin canceled the deal, some relatives of those who died on 9/11 were…

1
How To Survive a Disaster 45:24

8d ago45:24

45:24

After a tree destroyed Tucker’s roof during a tornado, he felt lucky to be alive—and underprepared for the next disaster his family might face. On this episode, Courtney Martin welcomes back author and former How To! host Amanda Ripley to discuss emergency preparedness and how regular citizens can react smarter during a devastating event. Amanda’s …

1
What Next: Should Parents Face Charges for Kids’ Crimes? 31:40

4d ago31:40

31:40

After the school shooting in Georgia last week, charges were brought against the 14-year-old alleged gunman—and also against his father. Who’s really responsible? Guest: Josie Duffy Rice, journalist focused on prosecutors, prisons, and other criminal justice issues and host of What A Day. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-fr…

1
What Next TBD: The Misguided Buzz About Mosquitoes 27:29

5d ago27:29

27:29

An outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis in the northeast made headlines, but as far as mosquito-borne illnesses go, EEE is serious but still rare. What’s getting way too common is the mosquito itself. Guest: Amesh Adalja, doctor and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to…

1
Amicus: Subvert the Election, But Make It Legal 1:01:01

6d ago1:01:01

1:01:01

The 2024 election is already underway, with some states already sending out ballots for mail-in voting. But as democrats are basking in the waning glow of their brat summer, the republican party spent the summer on a “protect the vote” tour, spearheaded by RNC co-chair and DJT daughter-in-law Lara Trump. It’s a pretty clever step — from “Stop the S…

1
A Word: The Dark Side of the Force 39:19

16d ago39:19

39:19

The New York Police Department is perhaps the most famous—or notorious—police force in America, depending on who you talk to. Some see it as a group of thousands of dedicated civil servants, devoted to public safety. Others say the department is rife with corruption, tangled in politics, and—at best—indifferent to the racist brutality its officers …

1
What Next TBD: US v. Google… Again 26:47

8d ago26:47

26:47

A month after a federal judge declared that Google was operating as a monopoly because of its search engine, the Justice Department has alleged that Google’s ad business was breaking antitrust law as well. What if Google loses again? Guest: Leah Nylen, Bloomberg antitrust reporter. Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free …

1
Well, Now | What Drag Queens Can Teach Us About Healthcare 47:39

9d ago47:39

47:39

Drag is one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment, and has been making its way into the mainstream in recent years. On this week’s episode of Well, Now, we are joined by drag queen, actress, and trans activist, Miss Peppermint. She provides insight on self-advocacy, and how to navigate the healthcare system despite society’s tendencies to o…

1
Well, Now: What Drag Queens Can Teach Us About Healthcare 47:39

10d ago47:39

47:39

Drag is one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment, and has been making its way into the mainstream in recent years. On this week’s episode of Well, Now, we are joined by drag queen, actress, and trans activist, Miss Peppermint. She provides insight on self-advocacy, and how to navigate the healthcare system despite society’s tendencies to o…

1
Death, Sex & Money: The Weight of Love 54:02

11d ago54:02

54:02

Your stories about how navigating weight and body size inside a relationship has sometimes made your partnerships stronger…and sometimes broken them apart. Since we originally recorded this episode in 2021, the way we talk about weight loss has changed with drugs like Ozempic. We want to hear more of your stories about weight and love especially if…

1
Death, Sex & Money: The Weight of Love 54:02

10d ago54:02

54:02

Your stories about how navigating weight and body size inside a relationship has sometimes made your partnerships stronger…and sometimes broken them apart. Since we originally recorded this episode in 2021, the way we talk about weight loss has changed with drugs like Ozempic. We want to hear more of your stories about weight and love especially if…

1
How To Cook at Home Like Sohla El-Waylly 46:53

15d ago46:53

46:53

With takeout prices on the rise, Josh wants to sharpen his home-cooking chops so he can whip up delicious dinners for himself and his wife. But this empty nester doesn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. On this episode of How To!, co-host Courtney Martin consults award-winning chef, food writer, and New York Times Cooking pro Sohla El-Waylly f…

1
Working: An Artist’s Guide to ADHD and Getting Stuff Done 51:36

13d ago51:36

51:36

This week, host Ronald Young Jr. talks to Andy J. Pizza, an illustrator and creator of children’s books who’s also the host of the Creative Pep Talk podcast. In the interview, Andy explains what it’s like to be a working artist with ADHD, and he shares some strategies that have helped him channel his attention, accomplish tasks, and evolve in his c…

1
What Next TBD: Telegram's CEO Just Got Arrested. Huh? 31:30

13d ago31:30

31:30

Telegram was supposed to be the platform with the freest of free speech, which meant it was also rife with the worst the internet has to offer—"criminal activity” puts it lightly. But are French authorities setting a dangerous precedent with the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov? Guest: Joseph Menn, tech reporter for the Washington Post covering p…

1
Amicus: The Legal Fallout of Trump’s Immunity (Preview) 6:25

14d ago6:25

6:25

In the last episode of our series The Law According to Trump, we try to figure out what it all means. In the months since SCOTUS gave Trump even more immunity than he asked for, the people prosecuting the former president are finding themselves in uncharted waters. How are they doing? Slate’s Jurisprudence editor Jeremy Stahl talks with host Andrea…

1
Dear Prudence | I Found My Happily Married Mom’s Profile on a BDSM Dating Site. Help! 51:18

20d ago51:18

51:18

In this episode, Nadira Goffe (Slate culture writer) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about what to do when your girlfriend refuses to return library books in the name of self-love, whether it’s worth admitting to your partner that you sometimes break your not-so-strict vegan diet for convenience sake, if you need …

1
What Next TBD: Back To School… Without Phones 33:22

15d ago33:22

33:22

Since the pandemic, schools have been reporting that their students are more anxious and having trouble learning. How much does simply removing cell phones from the classroom address these problems? Guests: Laura Meckler, national education writer for the Washington Post Russell Shaw, head of Georgetown Day School and author of “Why We’re Banning P…

1
Well, Now: Eating for Health 44:46

17d ago44:46

44:46

Health at Every Size is an approach that shifts the focus from dieting and weight loss and instead promotes healthy eating and exercise patterns, regardless of body size and weight. On this week’s episode of Well, Now, Shana Spence, registered dietitian and nutritionist, provides insight on how to foster a healthy relationship with food. If you lik…

1
How To Fall Out of Love (Encore) 36:33

22d ago36:33

36:33

Several months ago, Sarah told her best friend John she’s in love with him—but he doesn’t love her back. Now Sarah can’t get John out of her head, especially because they still talk all the time. How can Sarah move on from John? On this episode of How To!, we bring on Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and the author of Anatomy of Love, to h…

1
Amicus: The Forgotten Jan 6th Case Against Trump 48:27

21d ago48:27

48:27

Former President Donald J Trump keeps figuring out ways to escape criminal liability. The Supreme Court has thrown a wrench into the insurrection case and delayed sentencing in the campaign finance hush money case, while a Florida judge helped him slip out from under charges of recklessly mishandling classified documents… at least, for now. But Tru…

1
ICYMI | Is Ballerina Farm A Victim? 39:31

20d ago39:31

39:31

Candice Lim is joined by internet culture reporter and Embedded writer Kate Lindsay to explain Hannah Neeleman, better known as Ballerina Farm — the Mormon, Julliard-trained dancer who married a JetBlue nepo baby and became one of this year’s most intriguing, yet controversial influencers. They’ll check in on the state of tradwives, trace how Neele…

1
Well, Now: How to Reclaim Your Life After a Health Crisis 50:15

24d ago50:15

50:15

Every year, millions of Americans experience a stroke. Though the focus is often on prevention and immediate care, many patients are left with long-term effects for years –or even a lifetime– afterward. On this week’s episode of Well, Now, we dive into new approaches to overcome the cognitive and physical disabilities that often follow a stroke. Dr…

1
How To Be a Family (and Still Be You) 44:00

29d ago44:00

44:00

Kate’s entire family loves to go on intense, day-long hikes. Kate does not. It’s just one of many differences that makes her feel like a black sheep. But Kate desperately wants to be close to her family—without disregarding her own desires or compromising on parts of her life. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Dr. Lucy Blake, au…

1
Death, Sex & Money: Life and Death Inside the Playboy Mansion 53:31

25d ago53:31

53:31

Crystal met Hugh Hefner when she was 21 and he was 81. They spent 10 years together at the Playboy mansion before he died and she became a widow. In this episode she reflects on their marriage, and how she’s changed since. Crystal Hefner’s memoir is called Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself. Podcast production by Zoe Azulay …

1
What Next: The Gender War Election 33:05

26d ago33:05

33:05

Voters, especially young voters, increasingly split parties along gender lines. Can an “all-disaffected-men” strategy propel the Republicans back to the White House, or is the Democrats’ “freedom” messaging broad enough to win the election? Guest: Jill Filipovic, journalist, lawyer, and author of OK Boomer, Let’s Talk: How My Generation Got Left Be…

1
What Next TBD: The Rise of Off-Brand Ozempic 25:31

27d ago25:31

25:31

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are in high demand and short supply. The internet makes it easy for you to have a compounding pharmacy whip you up a batch—but should you? Guest: Kate Knibbs, senior writer at Wired. Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Sl…

1
ICYMI: Unladylike’s Cristen Conger on Conspiracy Theories and White Women 32:53

27d ago32:53

32:53

Candice Lim is joined by Unladylike’s Cristen Conger, whose new podcast Conspiracy, She Wrote unravels women’s overlooked roles in today’s conspiracy culture. On today’s episode, they’re diving into Conger’s internet diaries, from her golden rules for engaging online to the conspiracy theory she secretly believes in. This podcast is produced by Se’…

1
Amicus: Don’t Pardon Trump’s Pardons 47:30

28d ago47:30

47:30

The power of the presidential pardon is a holdover from America’s colonial roots. But no one had used it like former President Trump. Over and over he kept pardoning his allies, and then, he’d welcome them back into the fold. . It seemed like he was rewarding these criminals for their loyalty, and belittling whole categories of crime, like fraud, c…

1
Well, Now: Food Is More Than Fuel 57:02

1M ago57:02

57:02

We all know the food we eat directly impacts our physical health. But that’s just the start of the story. Food fuels our emotional well-being, connects us with one another, and fosters a key source of identity. On this week’s episode of Well, Now we speak with award-winning food journalist Mary Beth Albright on her new book Eat & Flourish: How Food…

1
Decoder Ring: The Hysteria Over Mass Hysteria 39:42

1M ago39:42

39:42

“Hysteria” is an ancient word carrying thousands of years of baggage. Though the terminology has changed, hysteria has not gone away, and in its most baffling instances it can even be contagious. The idea of a mass psychogenic illness can be hard to wrap your head around. A group of people begins experiencing physical symptoms, because of something…

1
Death, Sex & Money: Miranda July’s Perimenopausal Thriller 57:55

1M ago57:55

57:55

When Miranda July entered her early forties, she noticed a grim feeling emerge. “It wasn't coming from me,” she said, “I guess it came from this lack of imagery, or stories, or even just basic medical information about what was going to happen next with my body.” The dearth of information and near absence of cultural mythology about perimenopause a…

1
Death, Sex & Money: Miranda July’s Perimenopausal Thriller 57:55

1M ago57:55

57:55

When Miranda July entered her early forties, she noticed a grim feeling emerge. “It wasn't coming from me,” she said, “I guess it came from this lack of imagery, or stories, or even just basic medical information about what was going to happen next with my body.” The dearth of information and near absence of cultural mythology about perimenopause a…

1
How To Do Housework (and Not Hate It) 41:03

1M ago41:03

41:03

Cooper feels like they’re constantly falling behind on their to-do list. Life is busy and household chores are the last thing they want to do. Cooper tracks everything in a detailed spreadsheet—but that spreadsheet isn’t going to take care of the dirty dishes in the sink. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Dale Aucoin of Clean & …

1
Amicus: Michael Cohen and the Trump Lawyers Who Get Burned 51:30

1M ago51:30

51:30

Even before he was president, Donald Trump was known for stiffing his lawyers. But considering how the stakes changed once he took the Oval Office, not getting paid seemed like a pleasant option. During and after his presidency, lawyers who represented Trump have pleaded guilty in election fraud cases, campaign finance cases and more. So why do the…

1
Care & Feeding: Why Is My Friend Body Shaming Toddlers? 45:12

1M ago45:12

45:12

On this episode: Jamilah, Elizabeth and Zak help a listener who’s wondering why her friend is bodyshaming her own toddler so intensely — not to mention our listener’s kid, too — and what to do about it. These kids are still little enough to avoid lifelong damage to their relationships with food, and their bodies… but where’s the line when it comes …

1
What Next: The Olympics Meet the Culture Wars 31:06

1M ago31:06

31:06

How Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting—two women boxers fighting in the gender category they were assigned at birth—became the targets of trans panic and subject to another round of “but is she woman enough?” at the Olympics. Guest: Rose Eveleth, reporter and host of the podcast Tested, from NPR and CBC. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to ac…

1
What Next: The Olympics Meet the Culture Wars 31:06

1M ago31:06

31:06

How Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting—two women boxers fighting in the gender category they were assigned at birth—became the targets of trans panic and subject to another round of “but is she woman enough?” at the Olympics. Guest: Rose Eveleth, reporter and host of the podcast Tested, from NPR and CBC. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to ac…

1
Outward: Is Telehealth the Answer for Gender Affirming Care? with Sohini Desai 41:42

1M ago41:42

41:42

This week Jules speaks with journalist Sohini Desai about their latest article for Slate ‘Trans Health Care Is Under Attack. But Are Concierge Providers Really the Solution?’ Together they break down what these services offer and whether they can make a meaningful difference for trans people accessing healthcare across the country. Produced by Pala…

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