Best Slate Magazine Podcasts (2023)

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Slate Crime and Justice

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What Next TBD: Inside Crypto's House of Cards 31:06

40m ago31:06

31:06

The trial of Sam Bankman-Fried marks the end of an era where crypto rose to dizzying, Super-Bowl-commercial heights. Where does the industry go from here? Guest: Zeke Faux, investigative reporter for Bloomberg and author of Number Go Up: Inside Crypto’s Wild Rise and Staggering Fall. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus…

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Slate Health

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What Next TBD: Who Will Pay For A COVID Vaccine? 31:18

1h ago31:18

31:18

After years of being a rare spot of universal, American-government-funded health care, this fall’s new COVID-19 vaccine is hitting the commercial market for the first time. So far, the rollout has been mired by hiccups and confusion. Guest: Jen Kates, senior vice president at KFF If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Sl…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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Amicus: A Monumental SCOTUS Term Begins: Our Reluctant Curtain-Raiser 58:00

1h ago58:00

58:00

Refusing to play the traditional first Monday in October game, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern squint through the cloud of ethics scandals enveloping the High Court to see a docket aimed squarely at unfettering commerce from outside supervision, with a side order of second amendment extremism. What could possibly go wrong? Sign up for Slate P…

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Slate Gender and Society

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The Waves Special Episode: Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies At 90 24:06

1h ago24:06

24:06

On this special episode of The Waves, Slate’s Lizzie O’Leary and Alex Sammon talk about Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s legacy and what her death means for Senate Democrats and the whole party going forward. Further Reading: Dianne Feinstein’s Death Instantly Creates Two Big Problems to Solve If you liked this episode, check out: Why All the First Ladies W…

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The Empire Film Podcast

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#584 — John Carney, Gareth Edwards, Craig Gillespie 1:58:52

1h ago1:58:52

1:58:52

It's another jam-packed episode of the Empire Podcast this week, as Chris Hewitt chats to three very different directors, and learns a lot about them (and himself) along the way. First up is John Carney, the Irish director of ultra-charming musical comedy-dramas like Sing Street and his new movie, Flora & Son, who tells Chris all about his first gu…

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Slate Health

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Dear Prudence: Should I Donate Sperm To My Ex? Help! 38:29

15h ago38:29

38:29

In this episode, Amy Aniobi (best known for her work on HBO's Insecure) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about donating sperm to their ex, whether you should decline to be a bridesmaid because you feel ugly, and if you should be concerned that your partner is obsessed with murder stories. If you want more Dear Prud…

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Slate Gender and Society

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Dear Prudence: Should I Donate Sperm To My Ex? Help! 38:29

13h ago38:29

38:29

In this episode, Amy Aniobi (best known for her work on HBO's Insecure) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about donating sperm to their ex, whether you should decline to be a bridesmaid because you feel ugly, and if you should be concerned that your partner is obsessed with murder stories. If you want more Dear Prud…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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Political Gabfest: Donald Duck and the Seven Dwarves 58:58

1h ago58:58

58:58

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the second Republican presidential primary debate; the next federal case against Senator Bob Menendez, and the latest lawsuit of United States v. Big Tech. Join us for Political Gabfest Live in Madison, Wisconsin on October 25! Here are some notes and references from this week’s show…

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Slate Health

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One Year: 1955 - The Cutter Incident 35:28

1h ago35:28

35:28

Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine transformed America and the world in ways that seemed unimaginable. But in 1955, there was a moment when everything was in doubt. This week, Josh Levin talks with Dr. Paul Offit about the medical mystery that threatened to derail one of history’s most important scientific breakthroughs. Josh Levin is One Year’s editorial …

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Slate Gender and Society

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The Waves: The Afghan Women Left Behind - Gender And U.S. Immigration 48:09

1h ago48:09

48:09

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Host Kat Chow turns to Afghanistan, two years since the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country. She speaks with reporter Tanvi Misra, who recently published an article with Politico following a family trapped in immigration limbo at a U.S. embassy in Doha, Qatar. Tanvi also explains how the U.S. immi…

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Slate Gender and Society

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What Next: Can Marriage Fix America? 24:11

1h ago24:11

24:11

Why is everyone—on the left and the right—suddenly touting the benefits of a married two-parent family? And what is it about this institution that appeals to a certain class of politicians and pundits as means to address American poverty, even as it loses popularity? We consider the public meltdown over lower marriage rates and the renewed interest…

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How To!

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How To Say Goodbye to Your Pet 36:16

2d ago36:16

36:16

Like many pet parents, Zak Rosen and his wife lived for years in a state of denial about their beloved dog, Rumi. Then they learned that Rottweilers only tend to live about eight to 12 years, and there was no denying it: Rumi is already in her twilight years. In the not-so-distant future, they’ll have to make some truly tough decisions. On this epi…

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Slate Health

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Mom & Dad: Squeamish Feelings About a Sex-Ed Book 32:03

3d ago32:03

32:03

On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux, Zak Rosen, and Elizabeth Newcamp are joined by Slate writer, Aymann Ismail, to talk about his piece, Closed Book. He tracked down one of the most challenged books—a health and sexual education book called It’s Perfectly Normal—to see why it’s being banned. It’s “particularly blunt and graphic” yet Aymann was surpri…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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Gabfest Reads: Zadie Smith Knows You're a Fraud 29:13

5d ago29:13

29:13

Emily Bazelon talks with author Zadie Smith about her new book, The Fraud. They discuss what happens when justice comes through an unjust symbol, how much Zadie does and doesn’t know about her characters, and more. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates …

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Slate Health

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Amicus: SCOTUS Is Not Done With Guns and Abortion 1:14:13

5d ago1:14:13

1:14:13

Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Ryan Busse, a former gun-industry executive turned gun-safety advocate, who is now running for governor in his home state of Montana. As the right to bear arms for domestic abusers is set to be argued at SCOTUS this term, Dahlia and Ryan discuss how gun culture has been radicalized in order to… sell more guns. They also…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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Amicus: SCOTUS Is Not Done With Guns and Abortion 1:14:13

5d ago1:14:13

1:14:13

Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Ryan Busse, a former gun-industry executive turned gun-safety advocate, who is now running for governor in his home state of Montana. As the right to bear arms for domestic abusers is set to be argued at SCOTUS this term, Dahlia and Ryan discuss how gun culture has been radicalized in order to… sell more guns. They also…

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The Empire Film Podcast

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#583 — Mike Birbiglia, Brian Duffield 1:52:21

6d ago1:52:21

1:52:21

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees comedian, actor, writer, director and future King of England, Mike Birbiglia, drop by the podbooth to have an extended, but very funny, natter with Chris Hewitt about Birbiglia's one-man show, The Old Man And The Pool, which is on now at the Wyndham's Theatre in London. They talk about that, about Mike…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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What Next: The Case For Harm Reduction—And Beyond 32:40

7d ago32:40

32:40

Following “The Call,” our series on the opioid epidemic continues in Seattle. Harm reduction focuses on meeting people where they are, including enabling them to use drugs safely when experiencing addiction. But some advocates are asking, what happens when you think bigger? Guest: Lisa Daugaard, criminal justice reform activist and director of the …

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Slate Health

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The Waves: Incompetent Cervix - The Misogynist History Behind Naming The Female Body 43:38

8d ago43:38

43:38

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Host Kat Chow welcomes back author and science journalist Rachel E. Gross to talk about the misogynist origins of many names and diagnoses in the female reproductive system. Gross is the author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage and the New York Times column Body Language. In Slate Plus: Rachel E. Gross’s t…

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Slate Gender and Society

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The Waves: Incompetent Cervix - The Misogynist History Behind Naming The Female Body 43:38

7d ago43:38

43:38

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Host Kat Chow welcomes back author and science journalist Rachel E. Gross to talk about the misogynist origins of many names and diagnoses in the female reproductive system. Gross is the author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage and the New York Times column Body Language. In Slate Plus: Rachel E. Gross’s t…

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Slate Health

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What Next: The Case For Harm Reduction—And Beyond 32:40

7d ago32:40

32:40

Following “The Call,” our series on the opioid epidemic continues in Seattle. Harm reduction focuses on meeting people where they are, including enabling them to use drugs safely when experiencing addiction. But some advocates are asking, what happens when you think bigger? Guest: Lisa Daugaard, criminal justice reform activist and director of the …

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Slate Gender and Society

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One Year: 1955 - Siberia, USA 55:39

7d ago55:39

55:39

When Alaskans wanted their own mental-health facility, a rumor took hold all over America. This week, Evan Chung traces the origins of that far-right conspiracy theory: that the government was building a concentration camp where Americans would get imprisoned for their political beliefs. Get ready for a strange tale that involves a brainwashing man…

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Slate Gender and Society

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Outward: Mercury Stardust Helps Queer People Feel Safe and Sound at Home 1:06:58

8d ago1:06:58

1:06:58

It’s September. Are you ready to warm up your muscles as the temperatures dip and get your apartment all cozy for the cuffing season to come? If so, Outward has you covered. First, listeners Elizabeth and Peter respond to last month’s discussion of Amazon’s film adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue. Then the hosts talk with sports journalist Katie…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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What Next: How Wisconsin is a “Laboratory for Destroying Democracy” 28:53

9d ago28:53

28:53

Wisconsin has been something of a model for Republicans looking to entrench themselves in the state legislature, and one key move has always been to draw the electoral map as favorably as possible. But now, the state Supreme Court has swung to the left – for the first time in 15 years. The GOP is scrambling to keep this battleground state deeply ge…

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Slate Health

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ICYMI: Inside the MLM to Life Coach Pipeline 41:33

10d ago41:33

41:33

On today’s episode, Rachelle Hampton is joined by Jane Marie, the host of the award-winning podcast The Dream which recently released it’s highly-anticipated third season all about life coaches. The two discuss the rise of life coaching and it’s connection to the MLM universe, how the internet has accelerated the life coach boom and what exactly th…

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How To!

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How To Follow Your Small Business Dream 35:28

9d ago35:28

35:28

Sarah is a part-time pet groomer who dreams of opening up her own business. Having worked long hours for low wages, she can’t help thinking that she could earn more money and control her schedule if she starts her own pet salon. The only problem? Sarah has no idea where to start. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings in Mae Chan to gui…

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Slate Health

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Slate Money Criminals: TheraNOPE 41:58

14d ago41:58

41:58

In this episode of the Criminals series, the gang talks with Rebecca Jarvis, host of “The Dropout” about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. Who were the real victims of Holmes’ crimes? How did her lofty goals drift into scandal? And where does she sit on a scale of “one to evil”? If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate …

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Slate Health

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Mom & Dad: Talking to Kids About Climate Change 27:11

14d ago27:11

27:11

On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp talk about climate change and kids with Anya Kamenetz. Anya is a journalist who covers the intersection of the climate crisis and parenting in her newsletter, The Golden Hour. She is a former NPR education reporter and author of many books including, The Stolen Year. She has lots of…

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Slate Gender and Society

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Slate Money | Criminals: Elizabeth Holmes 41:58

10d ago41:58

41:58

In this episode of the Criminals series, the gang talks with Rebecca Jarvis, host of “The Dropout” about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. Who were the real victims of Holmes’ crimes? How did her lofty goals drift into scandal? And where does she sit on a scale of “one to evil”? If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate …

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Slate Crime and Justice

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Slate Money | Criminals: TheraNOPE 41:58

11d ago41:58

41:58

In this episode of the Criminals series, the gang talks with Rebecca Jarvis, host of “The Dropout” about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. Who were the real victims of Holmes’ crimes? How did her lofty goals drift into scandal? And where does she sit on a scale of “one to evil”? If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate …

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Slate Gender and Society

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What Next TBD: Can Politicians Keep Kids Safe Online? 30:41

12d ago30:41

30:41

The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act has noble-sounding intentions, but has been called one of the most dangerous bills in years by the digital rights group, the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Guest: Richard Blumenthal, senior United States senator from Connecticut. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus mem…

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Slate Health

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What Next TBD: Can Politicians Keep Kids Safe Online? 30:41

16d ago30:41

30:41

The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act has noble-sounding intentions, but has been called one of the most dangerous bills in years by the digital rights group, the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Guest: Richard Blumenthal, senior United States senator from Connecticut. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus mem…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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Amicus: The Supreme Court We Deserve? 55:20

13d ago55:20

55:20

Dahlia Lithwick is joined by award-winning documentarian and lawyer Dawn Porter for a conversation about two projects shining a light on the law and how we can shape it: Porter’s new Showtime documentary series Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court, and the paperback release of Dahlia’s book Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle t…

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The Empire Film Podcast

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#582 — Pablo Larraín 1:29:00

13d ago1:29:00

1:29:00

They say you should never invite a vampire into your home, because then they can come and go as they please, without even stopping to do the dishes. But what if you invite the director of a vampire movie into your podcast? Well, frankly, Pablo Larrain, the brilliant Chilean director of Jackie, No, and Spencer is welcome to drop into the podbooth an…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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What Next TBD: Google Makes Its Case 32:59

17d ago32:59

32:59

A trial a decade in the making has started, as the U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust case against Google and its unrivaled position as the top search engine begins. Is this the beginning of the government “taking on Big Tech” and the end of Google as we know it? Guest: Leah Nylen, covering antitrust for Bloomberg. If you enjoy this show, please c…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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Political Gabfest: Impeach ‘Em All, Let God Sort ‘Em Out 58:32

17d ago58:32

58:32

This week, Emily Bazelon and David Plotz are reunited with John Dickerson to discuss the Wisconsin Republicans’ effort to impeach Justice Janet Protasiewicz and protect their gerrymander; Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s decision to start an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden and prevent a government shutdown; and Biden’s age problem and Donald Tru…

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Slate Gender and Society

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The Waves: Why Joe Jonas’s ‘Bad Mommy’ Story Flopped 30:37

15d ago30:37

30:37

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Host Kat Chow dives into the public divorce of actress Sophie Turner and pop artist Joe Jonas. But we’re not so much getting into the actual divorce, more the way tabloid news is covering it and leaning into some seriously sexist tropes. As news spread about the marriage’s end, articles immediately started specu…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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What Next: The Case Against Harm Reduction 31:40

18d ago31:40

31:40

Following “The Call,” our series on the opioid epidemic continues in Harlem. Inside a safe-consumption site, addiction is destigmatized—outside, however, the neighbors feel differently. Guest: Syderia Asberry-Chresfield, co-founder of the Greater Harlem Coalition and a former Vice President for JP Morgan Chase. If you enjoy this show, please consid…

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Slate Gender and Society

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One Year: 1955 - The Weather Girls 45:34

15d ago45:34

45:34

In the early days of television, women struggled to find their place. In 1955, they got it: forecasting the weather, on stations all across the country. But as these “weather girls” transformed the airwaves, a group of powerful men hatched a plan—one that had the potential to push women weathercasters off the air forever. Josh Levin is One Year’s e…

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Slate Health

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What Next: The Case Against Harm Reduction 31:40

18d ago31:40

31:40

Following “The Call,” our series on the opioid epidemic continues in Harlem. Inside a safe-consumption site, addiction is destigmatized—outside, however, the neighbors feel differently. Guest: Syderia Asberry-Chresfield, co-founder of the Greater Harlem Coalition and a former Vice President for JP Morgan Chase. If you enjoy this show, please consid…

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Slate Health

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What Next: Fighting “Disaster Fatigue” 23:56

19d ago23:56

23:56

It feels like we live in a world of near constant environmental disasters. Whether it’s living through an emergency, or consuming coverage in the media, collective trauma takes a mental toll. What steps can we take to be ready—for ourselves, our communities, and to help the recovery? Guest: Dr. Tara Powell, associate professor, School of Social Wor…

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Slate Gender and Society

1
Big Mood, Little Mood: Trans Tipping Point 54:10

16d ago54:10

54:10

Danny Lavery welcomes poet Elisa Gonzalez, whose first book, Grand Tour, will be published this month. Lavery and Gonzalez offer advice to someone who feels responsible for complicating their friend’s life by sparking their interest in transitioning. Another letter writer is wondering at what point would it be less painful to move on from an unsupp…

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Slate Gender and Society

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Hear Me Out: It’s Time To End The Engagement Ring 32:17

20d ago32:17

32:17

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… popping the question. By The Knot’s estimates, we’re officially entering peak wedding season. And we know there are many, many controversial opinions we could tackle about weddings, but let’s start with that thing that precedes most weddings: the engagement ring. The ring – especially a diamond one – is an institu…

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How To!

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How To Learn Any Language Fast 38:52

16d ago38:52

38:52

Niky just isn’t jibing with Spanish. She’s tried courses, podcasts, apps, and even private tutors in order to make a connection with Spanish speakers around Toronto, at her job, and while traveling. But years into her language-learning journey, she’s not even close to being fluent. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace introduces Niky to Luca…

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The Empire Film Podcast

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#581 (live from the London Podcast Festival) — Celine Song, Daniel Pemberton 1:50:24

17d ago1:50:24

1:50:24

This week's Empire Podcast is a little late, folks, for which we apologise. But we have an exceptionally good excuse — we didn't actually record it until Saturday night, when Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis took to the stage of Kings Place's Hall One, in front of a crowd of around 350 loyal listeners, as part of this year's L…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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What Next: Prison for the Proud Boys. Now What? 24:53

21d ago24:53

24:53

Proud Boys leader Henry “Enrique” Tarrio was just sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in the January 6th insurrection. With much of their leadership, and that of the Oath Keepers, now behind bars, has their movement hit a dead end? Or is this just more grist for the anti-government outrage mill? Guest: Brandi Buchman, independent journalis…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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What Next/This American Life: The Call 1:01:05

21d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

As the opioid overdose crisis continues, a group of volunteers started a hotline with one mission—not to encourage people to go to rehab, not even to discourage them from using—just to keep them alive for one more day. A collaboration with This American Life. Guests: Stephen Murray, paramedic and overdose researcher at Boston Medical Center. Jessie…

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Slate Health

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What Next/This American Life: The Call 1:01:05

21d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

As the opioid overdose crisis continues, a group of volunteers started a hotline with one mission—not to encourage people to go to rehab, not even to discourage them from using—just to keep them alive for one more day. A collaboration with This American Life. Guests: Stephen Murray, paramedic and overdose researcher at Boston Medical Center. Jessie…

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Slate Health

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ICYMI: Are Green Powders a Pyramid Scheme? 52:16

23d ago52:16

52:16

On today’s episode, Rachelle and Candice field a listener question about Bloom, the green powder nutrition company that’s popping up all over TikTok. They’re joined by health and wellness writer Julia Craven to talk about Bloom’s virality and what we should know before jumping on the green powder bandwagon. But first, they break down Tinder’s lates…

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Slate Crime and Justice

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Amicus: Alabama Double-Dares SCOTUS Over Voting Maps 51:52

23d ago51:52

51:52

Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Marc Elias, who has litigated more election and voting cases than almost anyone, to talk about Alabama’s disregard for SCOTUS’ decision in the big Voting Rights Act case of last term, and why the lawlessness is the point. They also delve into the dangers of tying the disqualification of former President Donald J Trump f…

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