Slate Gender and Society

Slate Gender and Society

Slate Podcasts

A feed drawing from Slate’s podcast network, including The Waves and Outward, featuring episodes that take a critical eye to the world around us, how we define ourselves, and how gender itself is defined.

Outward | Chase Strangio on Trump’s Anti-Trans Policies

Outward | Chase Strangio on Trump’s Anti-Trans Policies

In this episode, Bryan Lowder and Christina Cauterucci sit down with ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio to unpack the strategy behind the latest legal fights over trans healthcare, passports, and military service. They explore how the language of Trump’s executive orders are more overtly cruel than his last administration, what this progression signals policy-wise, and how we can think about the road ahead for caring and protecting each other.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi

Feb 19, • 49:43

Death, Sex & Money | Manhood: It’s Complicated

Death, Sex & Money | Manhood: It’s Complicated

Six and a half years ago, in the wake of the #MeToo movement, we asked our listeners how they think about manhood–how to be, what’s hard, where they feel lost. Fast forward to 2025, and the norms and trends around manhood are even more varied and complicated. So we thought it would be a good time to revisit the stories from 2018 and provide updates on some of the men we heard from.If you are a man, or are raising a man, or love a man, and want to share more about what you’re noticing about mixed

Feb 18, • 50:05

What Next | Why Women Kill

What Next | Why Women Kill

A survey of people incarcerated in California found that 20 percent of women in for homicide had killed their abusive partners. How have self-defense laws failed women in abusive relationships—and how can they be reformed to save lives?Guest: Rachel Louise Snyder, journalist, author of No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us, and professor at American University.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other

Feb 18, • 31:16

Outward | A Trans Military Member Speaks Out

Outward | A Trans Military Member Speaks Out

In this episode, Christina Cauterucci speaks with Sasha Buchert, Counsel and Nonbinary and Transgender Rights Project Director at Lambda Legal, and Geirid Morgan, a trans Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, about the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people serving in the military. Sasha walks us through Lambda Legal’s case challenging the ban and the broader constitutional implications, while Geirid shares her personal experience navigating shifting policies, coming out while in service,

Feb 12, • 34:56

Culture Gabfest: Noah Wyle Lures Us Into The Pitt

Culture Gabfest: Noah Wyle Lures Us Into The Pitt

On this week’s show, the hosts discuss Max’s new medical drama The Pitt – a show that we legally can’t call an ER reboot but does have Noah Wyle donning scrubs and handling the next bodily emergency yet again. Our regular hosts also discuss an article from the Intelligencer, The Cruel Kids’ Table about how young Republicans now feel empowered to bring cruelty back into public discourse. Finally, we welcome LA Film Critic Amy Nicholson to discuss the Oscar-nominated film September 5 about the hos

Feb 5, • 1:07:52

Outward | Creating A Home for Trans Surgery Recovery

Outward | Creating A Home for Trans Surgery Recovery

This week, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with Owen Dempsey, the founder of Quest Healing House, a post-op recovery home providing safe, affordable lodging and wraparound support for transmasculine people. They discuss how Quest House, began, the urgent need for trans-led recovery spaces, and how the project has grown to meet community needs. Dempsey shares their vision for a future where no trans person has to heal alone—and why it’s so critical to talk about transition as an ongoing, years-long

Feb 5, • 45:45

What Next | Trump’s Anti-Trans Agenda

What Next | Trump’s Anti-Trans Agenda

Trump and his allies in the House’s flurry of anti-trans legislation and executive orders will soon run into both the law and the reality that our institutions like the military really rely on trans people.Guests:Major Alivia Stehlik, Director of Holistic Health and Fitness for the 101st Airborne Division.Kate Sosin, LGBTQ+ reporter at The 19th.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your other favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly f

Feb 3, • 35:11

Culture Gabfest: One of Them Movies About Women That Stuns Hollywood by Being a Hit

Culture Gabfest: One of Them Movies About Women That Stuns Hollywood by Being a Hit

On this week’s show, Dan Kois sits in for Dana Stevens. First, the hosts discuss One of Them Days, a new buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA that’s quickly becoming a critical darling — and a box office success. Then, they dive into Asura, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Netflix show that’s about the dynamics between three sisters and is “totally uninterested in the rhythms of a TV show.” Finally, it’s time to explore the “manosphere.” The trio dissected a deftly reported package fro

Jan 29, • 1:07:20

Bryan Lowder, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Christina Cauterucci  take on the trans queenpin musical of our nightmares

Bryan Lowder, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Christina Cauterucci take on the trans queenpin musical of our nightmares

Bryan, Jules, and Christina take on the troubling transphobia in Emilia Pérez, the movie that has received 13 Oscar nominations this awards season. They explore why it’s heavily nominated in this political climate. They also unpack the backlash to the film and the backlash to that backlash, exploring why some defend Emilia Pérez despite its flaws. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 29, • 43:46

Death, Sex & Money | The Kind of Man a Bullied Boy Becomes

Death, Sex & Money | The Kind of Man a Bullied Boy Becomes

Comedian Gary Gulman is used to dealing with bullies. He grew up with older brothers, who he describes as "aggressive" and “unenlightened,” and he’s witnessed plenty of unkind behavior from his peers in the New York City comedy scene. This is all despite being, in his words, “very, very sensitive.” This week, Gary talks about managing that sensitivity, standing up for his principles, and becoming more secure in who he is as a comedian and a man. Podcast production by Andrew Dunn.Death, Sex & Mon

Jan 28, • 51:10

Outward | Meta’s New Rules: Embracing Homophobic and Transphobic Hate Speech

Outward | Meta’s New Rules: Embracing Homophobic and Transphobic Hate Speech

Host Christina Cauterucci sits down with WIRED senior writer Kate Knibbs to unpack Meta’s alarming internal shifts, including its embrace of right-wing ideologies, the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and the policy changes that permit hate speech against gay and trans people. Together, they discuss why these changes are happening, how they align with broader political trends, and what it all signals about the future of tech, media, and LGBTQ+ rights Learn more abo

Jan 22, • 35:26

How To! | Harness Your Citizen Superpowers

How To! | Harness Your Citizen Superpowers

Connie is feeling compelled to get involved in her local community, but she’s never even attended a PTA meeting. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin enlists Eric Liu of Citizen University to explain how busy parents, introverts, and first-timers like Connie can test the waters of civic engagement in the Trump 2.0 era—without getting sucked under. Eric is the author of You’re More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen's Guide to Making Change Happen.If you liked this episode, check out our c

Jan 21, • 48:20

Death, Sex & Money | ‘Babygirl’ Director Wants Women Not to Suppress Their Beast

Death, Sex & Money | ‘Babygirl’ Director Wants Women Not to Suppress Their Beast

Babygirl, the new erotic thriller starring Nicole Kidman, features an age-gap romance and a power imbalance. But according to the filmmaker Halina Reijn, it’s more about “what part of us is civilized…and what part of us is still driven by primal forces.” It’s also extremely entertaining, sexy, and dryly hilarious. This week, Halina Reijn talks about why she wrote the movie, her decision to move away from a very successful and decades-long acting career, and her mission to get us all talking more

Jan 21, • 58:05

Culture Gabfest: Babygirls and Nickel Boys

Culture Gabfest: Babygirls and Nickel Boys

On this week’s show, Slate staff writer Nadira Goffe sits in for Stephen. First, the panel explores Babygirl and its kinks. The latest feature from Dutch writer-director Halina Reijn stars Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, and is fascinated by sex (mostly, as a concept.) Then, the three puzzle over Nickel Boys and the film’s audacious use of first-person point-of-view in filmmaker RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Nickel Boys. Finally, what does a

Jan 15, • 1:17:54

Decoder Ring | I am Tupperware, I Contain Multitudes

Decoder Ring | I am Tupperware, I Contain Multitudes

The storage container is a stealthy star of the modern home. It’s something we use to organize more of our stuff than ever before, and also something other people use to organize their stuff for our viewing pleasure. Its role as a source of soothing, satisfying, potentially viral clicks is new, but storage container innovations are not – something we had occasion to remember when Tupperware, the company, recently filed for bankruptcy. Tupperware was the original container craze. In today’s episo

Jan 15, • 46:09

Dear Prudence | My Mom’s Freaking Out Over My Gender Identity

Dear Prudence | My Mom’s Freaking Out Over My Gender Identity

Guest Prudie Anna Sale – host of Slate’s Death, Sex & Money – is joined by illustrator and author JP Brammer. Together, they answer letters about a mom who can’t understand her kid’s gender identity, a painting causing unexpected jealousy, setting the record straight after a bad break up, and how to make things work at a job after it took a long time to find one. Want more Dear Prudence? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free

Jan 10, • 46:14

Outward: Conversion Therapy and Survival with Lucas Wilson

Outward: Conversion Therapy and Survival with Lucas Wilson

Bryan Lowder talks with writer and scholar Lucas Wilson about his new book, Shame Sex: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy. They chat about Wilson’s experience navigating same-sex attraction while on an evangelical path, experiencing conversion therapy, and the complicated relationships he experienced along the way. He also shares powerful stories from other survivors and explores the enduring harm of these practices, offering a poignant look at resilience, shame, and healing. Lear

Jan 8, • 45:20

How To! | Become an Expat

How To! | Become an Expat

Before the 2024 election, Maureen and Jayna had hoped to attend a historic inauguration for Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. But when Donald Trump won the presidency, the lesbian couple scrapped their trip—and booked a fact-finding mission to Portugal instead. On this episode of How To!, they talk with co-host Carvell Wallace about their plans to leave the U.S.—and start a new life somewhere they’ll feel safer. And, Jen Barnett of Expatsi offers up advice about Portugal and other LGBTQ+ friendl

Jan 7, • 46:18

Encore: Parenting Fearlessly, Onstage and Off

Encore: Parenting Fearlessly, Onstage and Off

On this episode: Lucy sits down with actress and author Mandy Gonzalez for a wide-ranging conversation about parenting, building a creative mom group, and enduring cancer treatment with your head held high. Mandy also answers questions from our own budding Broadway stars.Lucy also shares a quick update about her mom's cancer journey - and Care & Feeding's production schedule in the new year.Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you

Jan 6, • 33:43

Outward: ‘Queer’ on Screen: Luca Guadagnino’s Take on Desire, Loneliness, and Sex

Outward: ‘Queer’ on Screen: Luca Guadagnino’s Take on Desire, Loneliness, and Sex

This week, Christina Cauterucci and Bryan Lowder are joined by guest host Jeff Bloomer to discuss the new film Queer from director Luca Guadagnino based on William S. Burroughs’ groundbreaking novel of the same name. They explore the themes of desire, alienation, and the director’s approach to queer intimacy- and most importantly whether the sex scenes deliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 2024 • 42:35

Outward: How Lesbian Artists Turned Renaissance Ruins Into Queer Spaces with Kate Thomas

Outward: How Lesbian Artists Turned Renaissance Ruins Into Queer Spaces with Kate Thomas

This week, Christina Cauterucci explores the intimate connections between queer identity and the natural world with Bryn Mawr professor Kate Thomas. In this episode, we journey through the lives of Florence Blood and Princess Ghika, two enigmatic lesbians who found self-expression, love, and freedom renovating their Italian Renaissance estate at the turn of the 20th century- creating an enchanting landscape to host lesbian artists and thinkers of the time. Thomas unpacks how their lands

Dec 11, 2024 • 35:09

ICYMI | The Internet’s Favorite Moments in Women’s Sports

ICYMI | The Internet’s Favorite Moments in Women’s Sports

On today’s episode, Candice Lim is joined by Impersonal Foul writer Madeline Hill and Power Plays journalist Lindsay Gibbs to cover the biggest moments of sports that happened online this year. From witnessing historic moments at the Paris Olympics, to the phenomenon that was women’s basketball, the internet has a way of picking up the little moments you don’t see in a stadium and making major waves about them. Today, they’ll take a look back at the harrowing, nail-biting and historic s

Dec 7, 2024 • 49:41

Outward: Masculinity and Muscles with Michael Andor Brodeur

Outward: Masculinity and Muscles with Michael Andor Brodeur

This week, Bryan Lowder chats with Michael Andor Brodeur, author of Swole: The Making of Men and the Meaning of Muscle, to unpack the complex intersections of fitness, masculinity, and queer identity. From the sweaty intimacy of the gym to the charged symbolism of muscle, Brodeur examines how bodies become sites of desire, power, and transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2024 • 42:27

Death, Sex & Money | From Social Work to Improv to the Best Show on HBO

Death, Sex & Money | From Social Work to Improv to the Best Show on HBO

When actor and performer Jeff Hiller first tried improv comedy, he was instantly amazing at it. Jeff is an excellent listener. He’s also accommodating, flexible, and undeniably hilarious. This week on the show, Jeff discusses his role on the critically acclaimed HBO series Somebody, Somewhere and the personal quirks and qualities that have made him such a funny and talented performer. Mentioned in the episode:-Jeff’s conversation with his husband Neil on the podcast She’s a Talker. -Anna’s inter

Dec 3, 2024 • 58:15

Amicus | The Right’s About-Turn on Parental Rights

Amicus | The Right’s About-Turn on Parental Rights

When it comes to gender affirming care for teenagers, parents’ rights no longer matter. Doctors’ opinions no longer matter. Next week, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in United States. v Skrmetti, challenging Tennessee’s ban on healthcare for trans kids, and upending half a century of gender protection doctrine. Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Chase Strangio, co-director of the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project, who will also be the first openly trans lawyer to argue at SCOTUS when he ar

Nov 30, 2024 • 53:00

Well, Now | More Than Hot Flashes: Breaking the Silence on Menopause

Well, Now | More Than Hot Flashes: Breaking the Silence on Menopause

More than half the population will experience menopause if they’re fortunate enough to age. Yet so much of this full-body transformation remains a mystery.Journalist and filmmaker Tamsen Fadal is out to change that. Her new documentary The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause premiered on PBS earlier this year. In it, her team interviews patients and health experts worldwide about the lack of research into this important stage of life.On this week’s episode of Well, Now Kavita a

Nov 27, 2024 • 38:32

Outward: Sarah McBride’s Win and the Rise of Anti-Trans Politics

Outward: Sarah McBride’s Win and the Rise of Anti-Trans Politics

This week, the hosts come together to unpack Sarah McBride’s groundbreaking win as the first openly transgender member of Congress. While the win is historic, Bryan, Jules, and Christina dig in to unpack the limits of representational politics and what it means for this win to exist alongside the emergence of anti-trans politics, which hit their all time high during this election cycle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27, 2024 • 42:42

What Next | A New Strategy for Banning Abortion

What Next | A New Strategy for Banning Abortion

The Supreme Court threw out the last attempt to ban mifepristone, the “abortion pill,” because they couldn’t figure out who in the case was being injured. Now three states are claiming they are being harmed, because abortion access is preventing population growth for them Guest: Linda Greenhouse, Supreme Court reporter for the New York Times from 1978 to 2008, author and winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize. Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next a

Nov 26, 2024 • 26:25

A Word | A Mother of a Crisis

A Word | A Mother of a Crisis

A sizable number of pregnancies end in a loss, whether to miscarriage, still-birth or abortion. But until very recently, discussions of these losses were kept out of public—and policy—conversations. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Colleen Long and Rebecca Little, co-authors of the book, “I’m Sorry for My Loss: An Urgent Examination of Reproductive Care in America.” They share their own stories of pregnancy loss, and what they learned about the range of experienc

Nov 22, 2024 • 49:01

Well, Now: Creating an Exercise Routine That’s Right for You

Well, Now: Creating an Exercise Routine That’s Right for You

Regular movement is crucial for lifelong health, but finding a routine that fits well in your life can be challenging and overwhelming.On this week’s episode of Well, Now we speak to retired volleyball player Gabby Reece on transitioning out of professional sports and talk about ways to realistically bring performance-level fitness to every kind of exercise routine.If you liked this episode, check out: Breaking Up With Diet Culture Well, Now is hosted by registered dietitian nutritionist Maya Fe

Nov 20, 2024 • 37:43

ICYMI | Princess Treatment, the 4B Movement, and "Women in Male Fields"

ICYMI | Princess Treatment, the 4B Movement, and "Women in Male Fields"

Candice Lim is joined by Vox senior correspondent Rebecca Jennings to discuss what their timelines have looked like since the U.S. presidential election was called. From TikToks accusing men of entering their feminine era, to a surge of Americans posting about the 4B movement, they discuss how the dynamic between men and women has become increasingly regressive online, and what battles are yet to come. But first, Rebecca pitches the Netflix Christmas movie that’s even better than Hot Fr

Nov 20, 2024 • 45:54

Outward | What Southern LGBTQ History Can Teach Us

Outward | What Southern LGBTQ History Can Teach Us

In this episode, host Jules Gill-Peterson speaks with the co-founders of Invisible Histories about their groundbreaking work preserving the rich, often overlooked history of queer life in the American South. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities face growing threats, safeguarding these stories is more urgent than ever. Together, they discuss how archiving resilience, joy, and everyday lives challenges erasure and ensures these vital narratives inspire future generations. Learn more about yo

Nov 20, 2024 • 46:36

Gabfest Reads: How Two Rivals Shaped Birth Control in America

Gabfest Reads: How Two Rivals Shaped Birth Control in America

Political Gabfest host Emily Bazelon talks with author Stephanie Gorton about her new book, The Icon & The Idealist.They discuss racism and prudishness in the early suffragist movement, how eugenics played a role in the birth control movement, and how two different women fought each other, despite wanting the same things. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast productio

Nov 16, 2024 • 33:42

Well, Now: Being a “Likeable Badass” Could Improve Your Health

Well, Now: Being a “Likeable Badass” Could Improve Your Health

How do women gain social influence? Understanding this is crucial because research shows they often face unique challenges in having their voices heard and their expertise recognized, even in highly qualified fields like medicine. The consequences of this could be dire, both for female patients and their healthcare providers.On this week’s episode of Well, Now, Kavita and Maya talk with psychologist Alison Fragale about the science behind effective social influence. Her new book is Like

Nov 13, 2024 • 52:19

 Outward: Now What Do We Do? Mark Joseph Stern Answers Our Post-Election Questions

Outward: Now What Do We Do? Mark Joseph Stern Answers Our Post-Election Questions

This week, Christina Cauterucci sits down with Slate’s own Mark Joseph Stern to tackle the mounting concerns facing the LGBTQ+ community as the Trump administration takes shape. In a candid conversation, they delve into the ripple effects this shift could have on issues like abortion rights, trans healthcare, and marriage equality, reflecting on the potential setbacks that may lie ahead- and what we can do to prepare ourselves and our community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m

Nov 13, 2024 • 42:14

What Next: Protecting Abortion, Electing Trump

What Next: Protecting Abortion, Electing Trump

Donald Trump’s position on abortion was opaque enough that even states that passed protections for abortion rights still voted for him by a large margin. But even if a national abortion ban—something JD Vance has spoken in favor of—is probably untenable politically, how else could the incoming administration restrict access to abortion across the country? Guest: Caroline Kitchener, national reporter covering abortion for the Washington Post. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access

Nov 12, 2024 • 29:51

Well, Now: Getting to the Heart of Hormonal Health

Well, Now: Getting to the Heart of Hormonal Health

Hormones influence everything from mood and energy levels to fertility and long-term health. Yet for many, hormonal health remains shrouded in mystery.When women do seek guidance from their OBGYNs, they’re often told birth control is the only option for treating hormone-related issues like PCOS and endometriosis.But that wasn’t going to cut it for Alisa Vitti.On this week’s episode of Well, Now Kavita and Maya tackle hormonal health with the FLO Living CEO and see what other options are

Nov 6, 2024 • 50:06

Outward: Gays in the Woods: History and Identity with Ben Miller

Outward: Gays in the Woods: History and Identity with Ben Miller

In this episode, historian Ben Miller chats with Bryan Lowder about the surprising ways white gay men have romanticized the idea of the 'primitive' in their search for utopia. Ben shares stories about key figures like Harry Hay and the radical gay activism of the 70s that centered a 'back to the land' fantasy that relied on racialized fantasies of the past. Together, they explore how these fantasies shaped identities and political movements, revealing the strange allure of these ideas a

Nov 6, 2024 • 39:21

Outward: Building Movements with Gender Liberation March Organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz

Outward: Building Movements with Gender Liberation March Organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.  Learn mor

Oct 30, 2024 • 44:18

Death, Sex & Money: The Making and Unmaking of a Productivity Perfectionist

Death, Sex & Money: The Making and Unmaking of a Productivity Perfectionist

This week, author and podcaster Kendra Adachi explains how she took perfectionism and strict time-management way too far and was forced to radically change her ways. Her new book is called The Plan: How to Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius, and it aims to be what most time-management books aren’t: flexible, kind, and applicable to people with busy schedules and loved ones to care for. To learn more about Kendra’s 13 Lazy Genius principles, check out this episode of her podcast: 13 Pri

Oct 29, 2024 • 51:18

What Next: Abortion Is on the Ballot. Republicans Have a Plan.

What Next: Abortion Is on the Ballot. Republicans Have a Plan.

When put to the voters, abortion rights have been winning over stricter restrictions even in places like deeply red Kansas. But Florida Republicans are working hard to defeat a ballot measure that would roll back the state’s six-week abortion ban—and they might have found a formula to win.Guest: Grace Panetta, political reporter at The 19th. We want to hear from you! Submit your answers to our What Next listener survey at slate.com/WhatNextSurvey.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate

Oct 24, 2024 • 30:23

Well, Now: Puberty is Starting Earlier and Lasting Longer. Why?

Well, Now: Puberty is Starting Earlier and Lasting Longer. Why?

Puberty is changing, and we’re not talking about developing Adam’s apples and growing hair in new places.It starts earlier and lasts longer.Regardless of when this necessary stage of life starts, youth and their adults need support going through it.On this week’s episode of Well, Now puberty expert Vanessa Kroll Bennett discusses the biggest ways puberty has changed for today’s youth and how best to navigate it. She’s co-host of the podcast This Is So Awkward with Dr. Cara Natterson and

Oct 23, 2024 • 51:41

Outward | The Supreme Court Takes on Trans Rights...Again

Outward | The Supreme Court Takes on Trans Rights...Again

On December 4th, the Supreme Court will hear arguments for U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case that could decide the fate of gender-affirming care for trans people across the country. Outward’s own Jules Gill Peterson contributed to an amicus brief for the case, a document that provides expertise and historical context to assist the court in making it’s decision. In this episode, Bryan and Christina reunite with Jules to break down her contributions to the document and dive into the history of tra

Oct 23, 2024 • 43:00

Well, Now: Can Kids Be Healthy at Any Size?

Well, Now: Can Kids Be Healthy at Any Size?

We live in a weight-obsessed world, and children are not immune.From the moment a child is born, their weight and height are tracked and recorded. Then throughout their development, these metrics are used as one of the main factors to determine their health.But as the Health at Every Size (HAES) philosophy continues to gain traction for some adults, is there use for it as a part of growing children’s well-being, too?On this week’s episode of Well, Now Maya and Kavita speak with pediatri

Oct 16, 2024 • 49:17

How To!: Be Less Judgy

How To!: Be Less Judgy

Erica judges other people by default. Whether they are acquaintances, co-workers, or new arrivals in a club, her first impression is often negative. “I would like to learn how to quash that part of myself,” she says, because those judgments might be ruling out potential friendships. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Dr. Terri Apter, psychologist and author of Passing Judgment: The Power of Praise & Blame in Everyday Life. Terri explains that Erica’s initial react

Oct 15, 2024 • 43:26

Well, Now: Are Supplements Actually Worth It?

Well, Now: Are Supplements Actually Worth It?

Go to the supplement aisle at the grocery store, and the options are endless. Scroll through any Instagram or TikTok feed, and you’re bound to see videos of people claiming their latest supplement is life-changing. Supplements can be used for health and wellness, but it’s important to know the facts before buying the next trendy capsule, pill, tincture, or gummy.On this week’s episode of Well, Now Maya and Kavita give you helpful tools to decide what supplements are worth the hype and w

Oct 9, 2024 • 39:54

Care & Feeding: Abby Wambach Is Parenting the Wolfpack Way

Care & Feeding: Abby Wambach Is Parenting the Wolfpack Way

On this episode: Elizabeth, Lucy and Zak are joined by author, speaker, and soccer superstar Abby Wambach. We’ll talk about her new book, The Wolfpack Way, and what it means to raise a little leader.We also slip in a quick conversation about what it’s like to blend families and become a “bonus mom.” And then, if you’re joining us for the Plus Playground — out now in your podcast feed — Abby answers the hosts’ kids’ questions, and it is precious.Join us on Facebook and email us at carean

Oct 7, 2024 • 44:14

Outward: Surviving Hate and Finding Joy as a Trans Teen with Nico Lang

Outward: Surviving Hate and Finding Joy as a Trans Teen with Nico Lang

Outward hosts Bryan Lowder and Christina Cauterucci sit down with reporter and author Nico Lang to chat about their new book ‘American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era’. Nico’s book is a vivid and moving portrait of eight trans and nonbinary teenagers across the country, following their daily triumphs, struggles, and all that encompasses growing up trans in America today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 2, 2024 • 46:28

A Word: Tech’s Race Reckoning

A Word: Tech’s Race Reckoning

Silicon Valley is a place where big ideas are transformed into thriving businesses and multi-billion dollar fortunes. But it has also built a reputation for being a boys club, with limited opportunities, harassment, and sometimes open hostility to women in its workforce. Women of color remain severely underrepresented in the world of Big Tech, with just an estimated 3% of industry jobs held by Black women. So what’s the path ahead for African Americans in Big Tech, and is the prize wort

Sep 27, 2024 • 34:21

Outward: Fighting for Non-Binary Inclusivity in Athletics with Cal Calamia

Outward: Fighting for Non-Binary Inclusivity in Athletics with Cal Calamia

In this episode, Outward hosts Jules Gill-Peterson, Bryan Lowder, and Christina Cauterucci sit down with non-binary marathoner Cal Calamia to talk about their journey into competitive racing. Cal shares how they first got into running and how their experiences as a non-binary, trans-masculine athlete have shaped their advocacy. From battling outdated USADA regulations on hormone therapy to pushing for non-binary categories in major marathons, Cal gives insight into the work they do to m

Sep 25, 2024 • 44:00

Well, Now: The Truth About IUDs

Well, Now: The Truth About IUDs

Modern IUDs have been used for decades to prevent unwanted pregnancy and have been extremely effective at doing so.But they’re not without side effects. With few places to turn, many patients have resorted to TikTok to describe their experiences of painful insertion and removal as well as cramping, changes in menstruation, and mood shifts.But patients don’t have to be left in the dark. If there was more research into how different bodies react to IUDs, there’s a chance patients can get

Sep 25, 2024 • 36:48

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

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

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 called Stories I Might Regret Telling You. You can listen to a playlist of songs featured in the episode on Apple Music or Spotify.Podcast produ

Sep 17, 2024 • 55:10

Hang Up: The U.S. Wins Solheim!

Hang Up: The U.S. Wins Solheim!

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 about A’ja Wilson’s historic WNBA season.LPGA (2:12): The U.S. beats Europe at the Solheim Cup.Oakland A’s (28:07): The Athletics are on to Sacr

Sep 16, 2024 • 1:11:46

Amicus: Why Ron DeSantis Hates Direct Democracy

Amicus: Why Ron DeSantis Hates Direct Democracy

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 Valenti, the author of Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win, and Lauren Brenzel, the campaign director for Yes on 4 in

Sep 14, 2024 • 52:32

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

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

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 in Kamala Harris’ career reveal a complicated political track record on trans rights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 11, 2024 • 35:16

Well, Now | What Drag Queens Can Teach Us About Healthcare

Well, Now | What Drag Queens Can Teach Us About Healthcare

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 overlook transgender health. If you liked this episode, check out: Ending Racism in Healthcare Well, Now is hosted by registered dietitian nutritioni

Sep 4, 2024 • 47:39

Death, Sex & Money: The Weight of Love

Death, Sex & Money: The Weight of Love

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 you’ve taken new weight loss medications. How has the experience impacted your close relationships? Record a voice memo or write us an email

Sep 3, 2024 • 54:02

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

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

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 to tell your dad that you caught your mom on a BDSM dating site, and how to prepare for a visit from parents you are sure will body-shame you. Want mo

Aug 30, 2024 • 51:18

ICYMI | Is Ballerina Farm A Victim?

ICYMI | Is Ballerina Farm A Victim?

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 Neeleman got here, and ask whether Ballerina Farm is a victim or a victor. This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Li

Aug 24, 2024 • 39:31

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

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

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 AzulayDeath, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus! Membe

Aug 20, 2024 • 53:31

What Next: The Gender War Election

What Next: The Gender War Election

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 Behind and The H-Spot: The Feminist Pursuit of Happiness.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole

Aug 19, 2024 • 33:05

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

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

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’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 17, 2024 • 32:53

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

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

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 and menopause became the catalyst for her novel All Fours, which came out in May and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. In this episo

Aug 13, 2024 • 57:55

What Next: The Olympics Meet the Culture Wars

What Next: The Olympics Meet the Culture Wars

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 access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clickin

Aug 8, 2024 • 31:06

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

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

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 Palace Shaw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7, 2024 • 41:42

What Next: How Trump Got Ice Cube

What Next: How Trump Got Ice Cube

Once one of the most politically confrontational artists in music, Ice Cube has become a surprising asset to Donald Trump.Guest: Joel Anderson, staff writer for Slate and the host of Seasons 3, 6, and 8 of Slow Burn.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to

Aug 6, 2024 • 30:40

What Next: The DEI Smear Against Kamala Harris

What Next: The DEI Smear Against Kamala Harris

Calling Kamala Harris a “DEI hire” is both sexist and racist, and despite the GOP leadership’s pleading, it has quickly emerged as a favored line of attack from the right.  Guest: Dr. Brittney Cooper, professor of gender studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our sho

Jul 29, 2024 • 29:40

ICYMI: The Boys Are Not All Right

ICYMI: The Boys Are Not All Right

Candice Lim is joined by Slate writer Luke Winkie to break down the curiously indefinable “Zynternet.” Substack writer Max Read coined and defined the term as “a broad community of fratty, horndog, boorishly provocative” (mostly) men in their 20s and 30s who obsess over college sports, light domestic beers and Zyn nicotine pouches. On today’s episode, ICYMI asks who the “Zynternet” is performing for and whether its rise is a backlash against brat summer.This podcast is produced by Se’er

Jul 27, 2024 • 41:30

Outward: “Bathroom Bills” Return with Nico Lang

Outward: “Bathroom Bills” Return with Nico Lang

This week Bryan sits down with reporter Nico Lang to break down their recent Slate article ‘Anti-Trans “Bathroom Bills” Are Making a Major Comeback. Where’s the Outrage?.They delve into the concerning return of ‘Bathroom Bills’ and unpack what’s different this time around, why it’s taking root, and the larger strategy of this legislation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 24, 2024 • 39:24

How To!: Date With a Disability

How To!: Date With a Disability

Todd is looking for love, but he’s unsure about disclosing something in dating profiles: his multiple sclerosis. With symptoms that are increasingly visible, Todd feels compelled to be upfront about his disability with potential dates—but he doesn’t know when or how to discuss it. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, authors of Dateable: Swiping Right, Hooking Up, and Settling Down While Chronically Ill and Disabled. They give Todd guida

Jul 23, 2024 • 46:24

Well, Now: How Nick Cannon Got Celebrities to Open Up About Their Mental Health

Well, Now: How Nick Cannon Got Celebrities to Open Up About Their Mental Health

We all know about the mental health crisis wreaking havoc throughout the nation and world.  On this week’s episode of Well, Now we’re continuing our ongoing discussions of mental health, and this time we’re tackling men’s mental health as a whole.  Prime’s new show Counsel Culture, hosted by Nick Cannon and medical professionals across the spectrum, invites men to open up about their histories with anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, and more. Dr. Mike Dow is the resident psychotherapist for

Jul 17, 2024 • 57:39

Outward: What's A Gender Doula?

Outward: What's A Gender Doula?

In this episode, Jules talks to Gender Doula Eli Lawliet. They break down what it means to offer non-medical support to people during transition, the long history of trans support networks, and the value of ritual and spirituality during transition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 10, 2024 • 42:12

Money Talks: What Does “Making It” Really Mean?

Money Talks: What Does “Making It” Really Mean?

For this Money Talks, former Teen Vogue executive editor Samhita Mukhopadhyay speaks with host Emily Peck about the false promise of the “girl boss” myth. In her book “The Myth of Making It,” Samhita recounts her own grueling climb to the top — a road paved with double standards and toxicity for women — and why she left it all behind. In her conversation with Emily, she discusses enduring hurdles facing career-driven and how we can begin to fix work culture for everyone. If you enjoy this show,

Jul 9, 2024 • 33:22

Death, Sex & Money: Sex Parties and Shakespeare With Carvell Wallace

Death, Sex & Money: Sex Parties and Shakespeare With Carvell Wallace

Carvell Wallace’s brilliant new memoir Another Word for Love has been rightfully praised for its passages about childhood trauma, about apologies and forgiveness, and about the healing power of love. But the book also features some important lessons about sex, consent, and the ways popular culture can send the wrong messages about both of those things. This week on the show, Carvell digs into those lessons and the experiences that changed him forever, including his first encounters with Shakespe

Jul 9, 2024 • 52:12

What Next: Why Gay Rights Are Under Attack – Again

What Next: Why Gay Rights Are Under Attack – Again

What the fight against the “Briggs Initiative” in 1970s California tells us about the fight for gay rights—and the fight to keep those victories in place. Guest: Christina Cauterucci, senior writer at Slate and host of Slow Burn Season 9: Gays Against Briggs. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign

Jul 8, 2024 • 30:42

Well, Now: Michelle Obama Gets Health Advice from This Gyno. Now You Can, Too.

Well, Now: Michelle Obama Gets Health Advice from This Gyno. Now You Can, Too.

Women, girls, and people assigned female at birth make up more than half of the world’s population. Yet, many of them say they don’t feel supported, heard, or cared for in the doctor’s office — even in spaces designed specifically for their care like obstetrics and gynecology.Dr. Sharon Malone, veteran OB/GYN, is on a mission to change that.On this week’s episode of Well, Now, we speak with Dr. Malone on how to advocate for the care you deserve at every stage of life. It’s the subject o

Jul 3, 2024 • 54:40

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep 7: Turn Around. Fight Back.

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep 7: Turn Around. Fight Back.

For the two years leading up to May 21, 1979, gay activists followed the rules. They engaged in civil debates. They sought justice at the ballot box. They peacefully mourned the assassination of Harvey Milk. But the verdict in Dan White’s murder trial changed everything.(If you—or anyone you know—are in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, anytime: Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.)Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock all episodes of Slow Burn: Gays Agains

Jul 3, 2024 • 51:56

What Next: The Supreme Court’s Abortion Punt

What Next: The Supreme Court’s Abortion Punt

When Roe v. Wade was overturned, a near-total abortion ban was triggered in Idaho, allowing for health exceptions only when “necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman.” But a case that found the ban in conflict with a federal law known as “EMTALA” went all the way to the Supreme Court, before being sent back to lower courts—neither overturning nor upholding Idaho’s ban. Guest: Dr. Stacy Seyb, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Boise, Idaho. Want more What Next? Subscribe

Jul 3, 2024 • 28:21

Outward: Can Animals Be Queer?

Outward: Can Animals Be Queer?

This week Bryan, Christina, and Jules reunite for a classic Outward episode! They share their prides and provocations, set the gay agenda for July, and take on the recent spate of queer animal documentaries that beg the question: Can animals really be queer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 3, 2024 • 49:45

Care & Feeding: Does My Toddler Need Shorts Under Her Dress?

Care & Feeding: Does My Toddler Need Shorts Under Her Dress?

On this episode: Zak, Lucy and Elizabeth help a listener whose daycare has requested that her toddler daughter wear shorts underneath skirts and dresses. The listener’s knee-jerk reaction is that it’s unnecessary… but we’ll offer some suggestions about what she could be missing, and why how we dress our kids is important.We also dole out a round of recommendations, and share some stuff you listeners have been loving — and, for our Slate Plus listeners, we’ll talk about the way we choose

Jul 1, 2024 • 41:30

What Next TBD: Why Are IUDs Still a Mystery?

What Next TBD: Why Are IUDs Still a Mystery?

The story of IUDs is a story of technology, reproductive rights, shortcomings in communication about women’s health, and politics.  Guest: Mia Armstrong-Lopez, managing editor at ASU Media Enterprise and author of a recent piece on IUDs for Slate.  Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at sla

Jun 30, 2024 • 25:52

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep 6: The Murders at City Hall

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep 6: The Murders at City Hall

On election night in 1978, gays and lesbians in California braced themselves for the statewide vote on Proposition 6. Less than a month after the results came in, a pair of killings shocked San Francisco and the nation.Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock all episodes of Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs. Your subscription also gets you ad-free access to all your favorite Slate podcasts, plus other member exclusive content. Join now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Subscribe” at the

Jun 26, 2024 • 56:13

Outward: A History of Lesbian Fashion with Eleanor Medhurst

Outward: A History of Lesbian Fashion with Eleanor Medhurst

This week Christina chats with Eleanor Medhurst, author of “Unsuitable: A History of Lesbian Fashion,” and the blog ‘Dressing Dykes’ to chat about lesbian style from around the world and across time. They dig into the gender-bending styles of the Harlem Renaissance, monocles, and how queer women used their fashions to find each other. Click HERE to support Human Rights Campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26, 2024 • 35:53

ICYMI: Finding Queer Friendship Online

ICYMI: Finding Queer Friendship Online

On today’s special Pride Month episode, Rachelle and Candice hear from two listeners about finding queer friendship and community online. From a group for late bloomers to an Instagram account for personal ads, their online life rafts became offline friendships that played a big part in their identities and internet histories today. This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26, 2024 • 30:42

What Next: The OB-GYN Behind the Fight to Ban Mifepristone

What Next: The OB-GYN Behind the Fight to Ban Mifepristone

The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold access to mifepristone left the door open for another case to be brought to ban the abortion pill. This physician is eager for another chance.  Guest: Dr. Christina Francis, CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG), associate scholar with the Charlotte Lozier Institute, a board member of Indiana Right to Life, physician member of the Abortion Pill Reversal Network.  Want more What Next? Subscribe to S

Jun 26, 2024 • 31:30

What Next: Lauren Boebert Will Not Go Away

What Next: Lauren Boebert Will Not Go Away

Lauren Boebert barely won re-election to the House in 2022. Now the gun-loving Freedom Caucus firebrand is running for Congress in a new Colorado district.. Even after a lewd theater scandal threatened to tank her career, how is Boebert still leading in the polls? Guest: Paul Karolyi, Senior Executive Producer of City Cast Denver Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on A

Jun 24, 2024 • 27:23

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 5: Strange Bedfellows

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 5: Strange Bedfellows

As Election Day approached, the campaign to defeat Proposition 6 faced formidable odds. John Briggs’ fundraising juggernaut was churning out cash, and public opinion polls were solidly in his favor. To turn the tide, gay rights activists unveiled a powerful symbol and gambled on the support of an improbable ally: Ronald Reagan.(If you—or anyone you know—are in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, anytime: Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.)Subscribe to Slate Plus to

Jun 19, 2024 • 55:25

Hear Me Out: Pride Is For Everyone (Except Cops and Politicians)

Hear Me Out: Pride Is For Everyone (Except Cops and Politicians)

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out: all aren’t welcome. Pride Month festivities have a complicated legacy. On the one hand, being out, proud and supportive in public has been a game-changing force for the LGBTQ+ community; on the other hand, pride began as a protest, and the movement has been, and is, at odds with the status quo and acceptability politics. So, should uniformed cops be welcome at Pride? Should politicians like Jill Biden be invited, or encouraged, to make Pride a campaign stop?

Jun 18, 2024 • 39:14

What Next; How IVF Became the GOP's Next Battle

What Next; How IVF Became the GOP's Next Battle

Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, the Christian right seems to be setting its sights on banning in-vitro fertilization. But even though the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution against IVF, it’s a very popular and widely accepted procedure, which is why Senate Republicans signed a statement in favor of access to IVF, the same day almost all voted against protecting it by law.Guest: Megan Messerly, health policy reporter at Politico.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Sl

Jun 18, 2024 • 28:17

Gabfest Reads: When a Sex Robot Catches Feelings

Gabfest Reads: When a Sex Robot Catches Feelings

David Plotz talks with author Sierra Greer about her new book, Annie Bot. They discuss how much discomfort Annie (a “Cuddle Bunny” type of robot) can feel, how the story of a robot is really about the right to control a body, and more.  Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 15, 2024 • 21:14

Care & Feeding: Dads Can Suffer From Postpartum Depression, Too

Care & Feeding: Dads Can Suffer From Postpartum Depression, Too

On this episode: Lucy sits down with researcher and friend of the show Tova Walsh to talk about her work on dads who experience postpartum depression. Paternal mental health is a topic we don’t talk about nearly enough, so we wanted to give you some advice — and some resources to learn more and get help.  Tova wants to share the following: A conversation she hosted about understanding fathers’ mental health Help for dads via Postpartum Support International A training on paternal perinatal m

Jun 13, 2024 • 40:27

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 4: You Must Come Out

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 4: You Must Come Out

In the early days of the anti-Briggs campaign, a Richard Pryor comedy set turned into a public fiasco and laid bare longstanding divisions in the gay community. With the movement low on cash and running out of time, thousands of gay Californians decided their only option was to tell the world who they really were. (If you—or anyone you know—are in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, anytime: Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.)Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately

Jun 12, 2024 • 57:48

Working: A Master Class in Queer Character Description

Working: A Master Class in Queer Character Description

This week, host Ronald Young Jr. talks to writer Emma Copley Eisenberg about her new novel Housemates, which features a burgeoning friendship between two artists who decide to road trip across Pennsylvania together. In the interview, Emma explains how her nonfiction writing and her interest in history influenced this new work of fiction. She also talks about her “feast or famine” approach to productivity, her desire to document her community, and her belief that physical descriptions of people a

Jun 9, 2024 • 49:42

A Word: The WNBA’s Great White Hype

A Word: The WNBA’s Great White Hype

“Petty.” “Jealous.” That’s what many male sportscasters are saying about the women competing against WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark. The former Iowa star is bringing a new level of attention to women’s basketball, but many men who ignored the league for years are now leading the coverage. So how is sexism and racism fueling the way they’re talking about Clark and the rest of the WNBA? On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by veteran sports journalist Jemele Hill to discuss the way th

Jun 7, 2024 • 34:57

Well, Now: The Isolation of a Life-Threatening Diagnosis

Well, Now: The Isolation of a Life-Threatening Diagnosis

Each week, we’ve explored wellness from different perspectives, but we haven’t talked about what it means to live a full life while grappling with the real possibility of death. Most of us hope for a full, long life with “good” health. But a serious, possibly fatal diagnosis changes everything: Our relationships with work, loved ones, and even the way we see ourselves.On this week’s episode of Well, Now we speak with author, journalist, and artist Suleika Jaouad. Many learned about her

Jun 5, 2024 • 43:34

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 3: Harvey Milk vs. the Machine

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 3: Harvey Milk vs. the Machine

After decades of wandering and job-hopping, Harvey Milk found his purpose as a gay community leader with growing political ambitions. But his historic election was just the beginning. As John Briggs’ gay teacher ban gained momentum, it was up to Supervisor Milk and his allies to figure out how to stop him.  Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock all episodes of Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs. Your subscription also gets you ad-free access to all your favorite Slate podcasts, plus other m

Jun 5, 2024 • 57:14

Death, Sex & Money: I Was Afraid of Losing Myself to Motherhood. I Found Myself Instead.

Death, Sex & Money: I Was Afraid of Losing Myself to Motherhood. I Found Myself Instead.

Elissa Strauss always knew she wanted to be a mother, but she also knew she didn’t want motherhood to take over her personality. After all, she had spent years as a blogger making fun of anyone who took motherhood too seriously. She bemoaned the natural birth movement and people who made “mom friends.”Then Elissa had a son, and her view of caretaking started to shift. “I had put so much energy into figuring out how not to lose myself to caregiving,” Elissa writes in her new book, “that

Jun 4, 2024 • 47:57

What Next: It’s Supreme Court Blockbuster Season

What Next: It’s Supreme Court Blockbuster Season

It will be another chaotic June at the Supreme Court, as the nine justices race to deliver decisions impacting gun rights, abortion, presidential immunity, and more—all before summer vacation.Guest: Mark Joseph Stern, Slate senior writer covering law and the courts.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our sh

Jun 4, 2024 • 29:15

Care & Feeding: How Moms Became Our Social Safety Net

Care & Feeding: How Moms Became Our Social Safety Net

On this episode: Zak sits down with Jessica Calarco, whose new book – Holding It Together – is out tomorrow. The two walk through the ways in which women, and especially mothers, replace a social safety net in the United States… and, more importantly, why it doesn’t have to be this way.We also dole out a round of recommendations – and for our Slate Plus listeners, we continue Zak and Jessica’s conversation and ask Jamilah and Elizabeth what they think their unpaid labor is holding toget

Jun 3, 2024 • 35:09

Well, Now: How Doulas Make Childbirth Safer For Everyone

Well, Now: How Doulas Make Childbirth Safer For Everyone

Everyone has a different birth experience. Obstetricians and midwives are well-known members of the birth team. Along with the pregnant person, they are central to labor and delivery.Doulas are lesser known, but they can provide essential support for pregnant women and their loved ones. On this week’s episode of Well, Now: What to expect when working with a doula with Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow.If you liked this episode, check out: Overcoming a Complicated PregnancyWell, Now is

May 29, 2024 • 46:31

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 2: Defend Our Children

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 2: Defend Our Children

In 1977, John Briggs was a small-time state senator with big dreams. But Briggs’ plan to ban gay and lesbian teachers from California schools changed the arc of his life and career. Suddenly, he was a right-wing hero, and a villain of the gay rights movement. And his message seemed to be catching on all over the country.Season 9 of Slow Burn was written and produced by Christina Cauterucci. Slow Burn is produced by Kelly Jones, Joel Meyer, and Sophie Summergrad. Josh Levin is the editor

May 29, 2024 • 53:16

Money Talks: Business is Bad for Lesbians

Money Talks: Business is Bad for Lesbians

Lesbian businesses are great for the queer women’s community, but making them profitable is a different matter. For this Money Talks, Felix Salmon chats with June Thomas, author of A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Shaped Queer Women's Culture, to discuss a unique mix of cultural and economic challenges facing the queer economy. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and an additional segment of our reg

May 28, 2024 • 33:16

Death, Sex & Money: Why You’re Not Having Sex

Death, Sex & Money: Why You’re Not Having Sex

The dating app Bumble recently declared in advertisements that “a vow of celibacy is not the answer.” The ad campaign, which was met with a swift backlash, seemed to be responding to a prevailing notion that people are having less sex than they used to. Back in 2015, we asked our listeners why they weren’t having sex, and their reasons varied. Disability, religious beliefs, S.T.I.s, and differing libidos were all cited as factors. This week, we revisit those stories and reflect on sex a

May 28, 2024 • 36:29

What Next: Diddy’s Reckoning

What Next: Diddy’s Reckoning

Allegations about Sean “Diddy” Combs had been circulating, but it wasn’t until surveillance footage of the mogul assaulting his then-partner Cassie began circulating on social media, that his response changed from defensive to apologetic. Guest: Sidney Madden, reporter for NPR Music and co-host of Louder Than a Riot.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple

May 23, 2024 • 30:37

Outward: Behind the Scenes of ‘Gays Against Briggs’ with Christina Cauterucci

Outward: Behind the Scenes of ‘Gays Against Briggs’ with Christina Cauterucci

This week Christina Cauterucci returns to Outward to talk with Bryan about her experience making ‘Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs’ and diving into one of the most consequential civil rights battles in American history: the first-ever statewide vote on gay rights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 22, 2024 • 41:50

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 1: A Hotbed of Homosexuality

Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs - Ep. 1: A Hotbed of Homosexuality

In the 1970s, San Francisco became a welcoming home for tens of thousands of new gay residents—and a modern-day Sodom for the American right. With a moral panic sweeping across the United States, a Florida orange juice spokeswoman inspired an ambitious California politician to launch his own campaign against lesbians and gays—one that would change the course of U.S. history.  (If you—or anyone you know—are in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, anytime: Dial 988 or visit 9

May 22, 2024 • 50:44

Working: A Much-Needed History of Queer Women’s Spaces

Working: A Much-Needed History of Queer Women’s Spaces

This week, host Ronald Young Jr. talks to June Thomas about her new book A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Shaped Queer Women’s Culture. In the interview, June explains what it was like to bring journalistic rigor to a world that’s close to her heart. She also discusses her pivot to full-time book writing, the importance of passing history to future generations, and her use of the phrase “queer women” to describe a group that goes well beyond that label. After the interview, Ronald an

May 19, 2024 • 47:09

Care & Feeding: Why I’m Choosing Single Motherhood

Care & Feeding: Why I’m Choosing Single Motherhood

On this episode: Jamilah sits down with author Ruby Russell to talk about her new book, Doing It All: The Social Power of Single Motherhood. They talk about the ways that single mothers upend the patriarchy — and why that’s a good thing.Lucy, Elizabeth, and Zak also circle up for a round of triumphs and fails — including an epic saga involving a hospital in the Philippines.Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought o

May 16, 2024 • 41:30

What Next: Why Miss USA is Imploding

What Next: Why Miss USA is Imploding

When Miss USA abdicated her throne, people noticed that the first letters of each sentence of her resignation letter spell out “I am silenced.” Shortly thereafter, Miss Teen USA stepped down with a letter that opens with a quote from Nietzsche. What’s going on at the Miss USA organization? Has the idea of a national pageant outlived its usefulness?Guest: Constance Grady, senior Culture correspondent for Vox. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the

May 16, 2024 • 28:53

Dear Prudence: I’m Queer and Here—Just Not to My Parents. Help!

Dear Prudence: I’m Queer and Here—Just Not to My Parents. Help!

In this episode, Dan Savage (of the Savage Love sex advice column and Savage Lovecast) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about how to approach a serious relationship with someone who lets her pre-teens sleep in her bed, how to share with your parents you’re omnisexual, and how to tell your sibling you think they’re in an emotionally abusive marriage.If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra questi

May 10, 2024 • 32:44

Care & Feeding: Mom Guilt Is Real, but So Is Healing

Care & Feeding: Mom Guilt Is Real, but So Is Healing

On this episode: we present two very special segments celebrating the lifelong journey of being a mom.  First up: Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh is back for mini therapy sessions with Jamilah, Lucy and Elizabeth — who each share a nagging guilt they have about being a mom (and a daughter).  Then: Zak, our resident dad, sit down with Luisa, mother of our very own Lucy Lopez. The two talk about maternal instincts, growing up in Cuba, and having faith in the competence of your kids… and yourself.  Join us

May 9, 2024 • 41:38

Well, Now: Overcoming a Complicated Pregnancy

Well, Now: Overcoming a Complicated Pregnancy

For many, pregnancy is a time of heightened and joyful anticipation. There are doctor’s appointments, tests, preparation…All with a focus on bringing home a healthy baby.  The other side of pregnancy–the complications–is not readily discussed.  On this week’s episode of Well, Now we discuss all of these potential roadblocks with economist Emily Oster. In her latest book The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications, she arms patients with the data they need to advocate for

May 8, 2024 • 41:25

How To!: Flirt With Confidence

How To!: Flirt With Confidence

When Allen’s gym crush asked him—point blank—if he liked someone, he panicked. Should he tell her? What should he do if she wasn’t actually flirting with him? On this episode of How To!: Courtney Martin finds out what happened and brings in Jeff Guenther, therapist and author of the new book Big Dating Energy. (You might know him as TherapyJeff from TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.) Jeff gives Allen the tools to flirt more authentically, stick to his non-negotiables, and lean into his self-confide

May 7, 2024 • 40:12

AMICUS PREVIEW: Abortion Gaslighting is Back at SCOTUS

AMICUS PREVIEW: Abortion Gaslighting is Back at SCOTUS

Listen to a preview of this urgent extra episode of Amicus. The full episode is available to our Slate Plus members. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes of Amicus, but you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever yo

Apr 24, 2024 • 7:54

Well, Now: Living and Loving With OCD (feat. Allison Raskin)

Well, Now: Living and Loving With OCD (feat. Allison Raskin)

A vital component of wellness is taking care of our mental health. But mental wellness is more than just drinking water, doing yoga, and going for a walk. Author and podcaster Allison Raskin has lived most of her life with diagnosed mental illness.  By navigating her mental health journey over the years, she’s been able to find community and humor through her diagnoses, particularly by writing about her experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. On this week’s episode of Well, Now – navigati

Apr 24, 2024 • 40:05

Death, Sex & Money: A Tarot Reader Explains Why Intuition is So Tricky

Death, Sex & Money: A Tarot Reader Explains Why Intuition is So Tricky

Earlier this year, when the future of Death, Sex & Money was up in the air, Anna Sale consulted Rebecca Auman, a tarot reader and self-described witch based in North Carolina. Anna felt lost, but Rebecca encouraged her to relax and to pay close attention to what her body and mind were telling her about that moment.  After the reading, Anna wondered how Rebecca became so good at reading people–and at helping them to navigate tough situations. But when the two of them spoke a second time, Rebecca

Apr 23, 2024 • 42:47

What Next: What the WNBA Salary Debate Misses

What Next: What the WNBA Salary Debate Misses

With all eyes on the WNBA as Caitlin Clark was drafted, many were surprised at the star player’s new salary, and how it paled in comparison to that of an NBA rookie. What would it take to address this disparity?  Guest: Lindsay Gibbs, author and founder of Power Plays, “a no-BS newsletter about women’s sports” and co-host of the Burn It All Down podcast. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate pod

Apr 22, 2024 • 28:29

What Next: Will Abortion in Florida and Arizona Decide the Election?

What Next: Will Abortion in Florida and Arizona Decide the Election?

How will impending abortion restrictions in Florida and Arizona impact votes this fall? Guests:  Anna Hochkammer, executive director of the Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition. Grace Panetta, political reporter for The 19th.  Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to

Apr 17, 2024 • 28:20

Care & Feeding: Parenting While Polyamorous

Care & Feeding: Parenting While Polyamorous

On this episode: Elizabeth sits down with Jess Daylover and her metamour, Ash, of the Remodeled Love podcast, to talk all things polyamory and parenting. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what polyamory is and isn’t — so we think you’ll love hearing about how it works as a parenting co-op.We’ll also share a round of recommendations — and then, for Slate Plus, Jess and Ash stick around for a round of parenting yeas and nays.Elizabeth recommends: Reusable Water Balloons  Z

Apr 15, 2024 • 46:29

Amicus: The Jurisprudence of Bleeding Out

Amicus: The Jurisprudence of Bleeding Out

Get your tickets for Amicus Live in Washington DC on May 14th here. We shouldn’t be surprised that we have to keep saying it, but here we are: the Supreme Court (notably trained as lawyers) will soon make decisions about how doctors (notably trained as doctors) can treat pregnant patients in the emergency room. Moyle v. United States - consolidated with Idaho v. United States - is the result of an Idaho lawsuit challenging EMTALA, a federal law requiring hospitals to do whatever they can to sta

Apr 13, 2024 • 1:08:55

Political Gabfest: Arizona Territory’s 1864 Abortion Law

Political Gabfest: Arizona Territory’s 1864 Abortion Law

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the revival of Arizona’s 1864 abortion ban; the end of No Labels; and the past and future of presidential debates.  Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:Mary Jo Pitzl and Reagan Priest for The Arizona Republic: Arizona House GOP halt Democrats’ effort to overturn Civil War era law in chaotic sessionDan Balz for The Washington Post: The Arizona Supreme Court just upended Trump’s gambit on abortionJamell

Apr 11, 2024 • 58:50

Hear Me Out: Interracial Marriages Can Still Be Racist

Hear Me Out: Interracial Marriages Can Still Be Racist

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out: amore, but make it anti-racist.Honoring interracial marriage has only been the law of the land for a few decades in this country; there are couples alive today whose relationships were illegal within their lifetimes. There are now more mixed-race couples – and children – in the U.S. than ever before, and interracial love is overwhelmingly supported by all Americans. But is that an indication that we’ve actually made progress toward racial equality? Jam

Apr 9, 2024 • 36:58

What Next: How a Democrat Flipped a Seat in Alabama

What Next: How a Democrat Flipped a Seat in Alabama

Democrat Marilyn Lands will be sworn in to the Alabama House of Representatives this week, having won a special election in the deep-red state by 25 points. How did Lands do it—and what can the national Democrats learn from her victory?Guest: Marilyn Lands, Alabama lawmaker who won a special election for the state’s House of Representatives.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts.

Apr 2, 2024 • 24:54

Outward: Trace Lysette on the Hollywood Rollercoaster

Outward: Trace Lysette on the Hollywood Rollercoaster

In this episode, Trace Lysette (Transparent, Hustlers) talks about her critically acclaimed film Monica, with Jules. The film tells the story of a trans woman returning home after decades of estrangement from her dying mother, and was the first-ever film led by an out trans actor to debut at the Venice Film Festival. Jules talks to Trace about the layers of her performance and the rollercoaster experience of making and campaigning the film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph

Mar 27, 2024 • 37:26

Well, Now: Eating Disorders Are Rising Among Boys. Why?

Well, Now: Eating Disorders Are Rising Among Boys. Why?

Eating disorders are one of the most deadly psychiatric disorders.But for decades, much of the criteria to diagnose one applied only to cisgender girls and those assigned female at birth – like a loss of menstruation. This meant that many cisgender boys and those assigned male at birth fell through the cracks. On this week’s episode of Well, Now: The rise in eating disorders among boys and men with Dr. Jason Nagata, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California San F

Mar 27, 2024 • 39:09

ICYMI: Is Nara Smith Actually a Tradwife?

ICYMI: Is Nara Smith Actually a Tradwife?

On today’s show, Rachelle is joined by writer and reporter Gaby Del Valle to discuss the rapid, contested rise of model-turned-influencer Nara Smith. Described by Rolling Stone as the “hot, young tradwife making everyone on the internet mad”, Nara’s elaborate homemade meals, hot husband and two young children are sending spectators into a tizzy as they debate whether or not she’s trying to convert them to Mormonism.This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candic

Mar 27, 2024 • 42:13

Hear Me Out: Anti-Vaxers Aren’t Just Extremists

Hear Me Out: Anti-Vaxers Aren’t Just Extremists

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out: getting the jab. Vaccine hesitancy is not a new phenomenon in the United States, but it is a growing one… particularly in conservative Evangelical circles.  At the same time, there’s a lot for all of us to dislike, and distrust, about the American healthcare system. So, for those of us who have a hard time working up any sympathy for the vaccine-skeptical crowd, it’s worth asking: what if this is a symptom of the problems we’re all experiencing? Johanna Rich

Mar 26, 2024 • 35:48

Death, Sex & Money: The Very Hot Marriage of Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts

Death, Sex & Money: The Very Hot Marriage of Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts

This week, we’re revisiting our conversation with (now Emmy-winning) actor Niecy Nash and her wife, singer-songwriter Jessica Betts. They discuss their initial friendship, their steamy first date, the process of going public with their relationship, and much more. Death, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus. Members get ad-free podcasts, bonus content on lots of Slate shows, and full access to a

Mar 26, 2024 • 40:52

Amicus: How The Mifepristone Case Reached SCOTUS

Amicus: How The Mifepristone Case Reached SCOTUS

Well, it happened again. The hIgHeSt CoUrT will hear arguments Tuesday in a case based on made up facts! This time it’s mifepristone, the abortion drug at the center of Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v FDA.  The claim was that the FDA approval process (three decades ago), for mifepristone, one of two medication abortion drugs, was haphazard and slapdash.. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine also argued that the FDA’s 2021 decision to allow telemedicine abortion and mailing of abortion pills vio

Mar 23, 2024 • 57:31

What Next: How Anti-Abortion Laws Trap Domestic Abuse Survivors

What Next: How Anti-Abortion Laws Trap Domestic Abuse Survivors

Experts say domestic violence tends to start or intensify during pregnancy. But since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, terminating a pregnancy—or even advising or helping someone to terminate a pregnancy—has been criminalized in several states which can leave survivors of domestic violence unable to separate from an abusive partner. Guest: Julianne McShane, writer at Mother Jones covering the intersection of gender and inequity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 21, 2024 • 25:06

Outward: Chase Strangio, Continued. Trans Visibility and Community

Outward: Chase Strangio, Continued. Trans Visibility and Community

This week, we’re sharing more of our interview with Trans rights activist and ACLU Lawyer Chase Strangio. In this episode, Bryand and Jules ask Chase about his recent New York Times op-ed Trans Visibility Is Nice. Safety Is Even Better. They also talk about how hyper-visibility does not equate safety, and what we all risk losing when we lose trans rights. Email us at outwardpod@slate.comPodcast production by Palace Shaw.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20, 2024 • 21:06

A Word: Black Country Renaissance

A Word: Black Country Renaissance

Beyoncé has announced that the second act of Renaissance will be a country album. “Cowboy Carter” is set for release at the end of March, Women’s History Month. Beyoncé has already made history as the first Black woman to top the country charts with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and recently received Dolly Parton’s blessing to cover her classic song, Jolene. While Beyoncé may seem to be breaking new ground, much of country music has always been rooted in African American culture, and Black women ha

Mar 15, 2024 • 40:34

Outward: Chase Strangio on the Anti-Trans Legislation Landscape

Outward: Chase Strangio on the Anti-Trans Legislation Landscape

2023 was a record-breaking year for anti-trans legislation and with over 500 bills introduced in 2024 it’s shaping up to be another critical year for statutory rights for trans people. This week, Bryan and Jules review the damage done in 2023 and look at the implications for anti-trans legislation this year with Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice with the ACLU's LGBT & HIV Project. Email us at outwardpod@slate.com Podcast production by Palace Shaw. Learn more about your ad c

Mar 13, 2024 • 57:06

Slate Money: Her Boyfriends Couldn’t Handle Her Success

Slate Money: Her Boyfriends Couldn’t Handle Her Success

In a special episode of Money Talks, Emily Peck chats with writer/director Chloe Domont, whose feminist thriller Fair Play explores what happens when an ambitious woman outshines her well-meaning but insecure partner. It was inspired by Chloe’s experience surpassing the men in her own life. (But there is a happy ending!)If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and an additional segment of our regul

Mar 12, 2024 • 30:13

A Word: Freedom Fight Like a Woman

A Word: Freedom Fight Like a Woman

March is Women’s History Month, and for centuries, the roles of Black women in key moments of American history have been diminished. One book that takes a unique approach to exploring their stories is Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts. The book combines historical narrative with illustrations depicting African and African American women rising up against their enslavers, often at the cost of their own lives. On today’s episode of A Word, host Jason Johnson is joined by

Mar 8, 2024 • 27:30

Amicus: The IVF Decision We Should Have Seen Coming

Amicus: The IVF Decision We Should Have Seen Coming

It was a wild week at the High Court (another seven days crammed with a year’s worth of news). SCOTUS heard cases about bump stocks, and how Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito would do as Facebook content moderators. The Supreme Court also finally found the time to put a thumb on the scale for serially indicted alleged insurrector-in-chief former President Donald J Trump. We’ll talk about all those things with Slate’s very own Mark Joseph Stern.But what we’re really focused on this week i

Mar 2, 2024 • 1:01:39

What Next: What Happened to Nex Benedict?

What Next: What Happened to Nex Benedict?

Sixteen-year-old Nex Benedict died one day after being beaten in an Oklahoma high school bathroom. His death has drawn attention to the more-than 50 bills that have been introduced in the state legislature targeting queer and trans people. Guest: Jo Yurcaba, reporter for NBC Out.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the

Feb 28, 2024 • 27:48

Outward: Polyamory and Other Non-monogamous Advice

Outward: Polyamory and Other Non-monogamous Advice

From 52 first dates to 8 boyfriends at once, Ashley Ray is a poly expert here to answer your relationship questions and demystify some poly terms. Today, Bryan and Ashley dive into the perils of unicorn hunters, metamour drama, and what to do with jealous feelings.  Email us at outwardpod@slate.com Podcast production by Palace Shaw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 28, 2024 • 39:30

What Next: The Basketball Phenom Shaking Up the NCAA

What Next: The Basketball Phenom Shaking Up the NCAA

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark has scored more points than any other NCAA women’s basketball player in history, but her impact extends even further than her substantial range on the court.Guest: Hayley McGoldrick, associate editor at Sportsnet.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.co

Feb 22, 2024 • 21:10

Outward: True Detective: Night Country’s Lesbian Subtext

Outward: True Detective: Night Country’s Lesbian Subtext

This week, Bryan is joined by Slate’s Madeline Ducharme to solve the mystery of True Detective: Night Country’s queer undertones. Together, they whip out the detective corkboard and read between the lines of Jodie Foster’s ‘mommie’-like character and Kali Reis’ cheek piercings and come up with some interesting theories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21, 2024 • 36:04

ICYMI: The Turbulence of Air Force Taylor

ICYMI: The Turbulence of Air Force Taylor

Rachelle Hampton and Candice Lim catch up on the latest stories churning the Taylor Swift media machine, from her lawyers sending a cease and desist letter to a college student, to her possibly leading a groundbreaking case against AI deepfakes. Then, they break down the backlash surrounding Emily Mariko, who was criticized by her followers for selling out — and shelling out — a tote bag. This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Learn mo

Feb 17, 2024 • 46:57

Care & Feeding (After Dark): Couples’ Therapy

Care & Feeding (After Dark): Couples’ Therapy

On our second C&F After Dark episode: we know that Valentine’s has come and gone. But we’re not done talking about grownup stuff!  Elizabeth, Zak and Lucy each sit down with their spouses — Jeff, Shira and Geno — to talk through a problem they’ve had as a co-parenting couple. The hosts chime in on each others’ problems, too. It’s an advice extravaganza… and, dare we say, a love-fest? Then, we’ll wrap up by testing how in-sync our hosts are with their spouses. It’s time for a round of the Newly

Feb 15, 2024 • 33:06

Well, Now: What We Get Wrong About Love

Well, Now: What We Get Wrong About Love

On this week’s episode of Well, Now’s ditching the flowers and grand romantic gestures we often see on Valentine’s Day. There’s tons of research about how loving relationships contribute to wellness, as well as how lacking those relationships can play a part in adverse health outcomes. But what if our entire understanding of love is misguided?  Kavita and Maya talk with relationship expert Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh about what she says are the six components for creating real, long-lasting intimate re

Feb 14, 2024 • 35:03

Outward: A Short History of Transmisogyny with Jules Gill-Peterson

Outward: A Short History of Transmisogyny with Jules Gill-Peterson

Outward’s own Jules Gill-Peterson has a new book, A Short History of Transmisogyny, that gives insight into a fascinating queer history that stretches across time and around the world. In this episode, Bryan and Jules dig deep into the origins of transmisogyny and the liberatory beauty of trans femininity Podcast production by Palace Shaw.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 7, 2024 • 48:54

Hear Me Out: Campus Assault Hearings Are A Disaster

Hear Me Out: Campus Assault Hearings Are A Disaster

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… dear colleague. The way universities and colleges handle sexual assault cases has changed a lot in the last 13 years. Part of that is because of the sheer vastness of the higher education system; everyone does everything differently.But federal guidance has also shifted with each of the last three administrations… and our guest today argues that none of those systems have worked. In fact, they’ve all been unmitigated failures.Lara Bazelon of the Univer

Feb 6, 2024 • 36:56

Political Gabfest: Will The Carroll Verdict Hurt Trump?

Political Gabfest: Will The Carroll Verdict Hurt Trump?

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss E. Jean Carroll’s $83.3 million win against Donald J. Trump; the events of 1920-1948 that shaped the current relationship of Israel and Palestine; and the tech-bro billionaires of techno-authoritarianism with Adrienne LaFrance of The Atlantic.  Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:Eric Lach for The New Yorker: Nine Regular People Tell Donald Trump to Shut Up and Pay UpMonica Hesse for The Washington Po

Feb 1, 2024 • 1:06:30

Care & Feeding: My Son Doesn’t “Play Like A Boy”

Care & Feeding: My Son Doesn’t “Play Like A Boy”

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak and Jamilah help a member of our Facebook group who’s worried that her son isn’t making friends… because the kids at school separate into gender cliques, and he’s not into roughhousing “boy stuff.” We’ll discuss how to help this kid feel more comfortable joining games — and whether the teacher needs to be looped in. We’ll also debrief on our week in parenting with a round of triumphs and fails, and then revisit a conversation we had about a toddler with separatio

Feb 1, 2024 • 31:23

Outward: All of Us Strangers’ Ghosts and Gays

Outward: All of Us Strangers’ Ghosts and Gays

This week, Jules and Bryan join Slate Editor Jeffrey Bloomer to take on the spooky and surreal of All Of Us Strangers, a new film from director Andrew Haigh. Plus, prides, provocations, and delicious new additions to the gay agenda.Podcast production by Palace Shaw.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 31, 2024 • 44:23

ICYMI: Nicki Minaj’s 72-Hour Spiral

ICYMI: Nicki Minaj’s 72-Hour Spiral

Candice Lim is joined by Slate writer Nadira Goffe to break down the latest developments surrounding Nicki Minaj’s beef with rapper Megan Thee Stallion. On January 26, Megan Thee Stallion released “Hiss,” which takes aim at several unnamed parties. Fellow rapper Minaj took offense to certain lyrics, leading her to post about Megan for 72 hours on social media and ultimately, release a diss track titled “Big Foot.” While Minaj is notorious for her fraught relationships with female emcees

Jan 31, 2024 • 39:35

Amicus: Donald Trump and the Apex of MAGA Misogyny

Amicus: Donald Trump and the Apex of MAGA Misogyny

Despite Donald Trump’s efforts, there will be a significant cost for his continued defamation of E. Jean Carroll (And it’s $83.3 million!!). For much of the proceedings he sat behind Carroll muttering under his breath and posting three-dozen times on Truth Social in one night about the unfairness of the judge and the court. But zoom out, and Trump’s actions at the trial and toward women generally have far bigger implications than the size of the check he’ll have to write. This week, Van

Jan 27, 2024 • 36:24

What Next: Biden Needs Abortion

What Next: Biden Needs Abortion

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Democrats have found wins after standing up for abortion. But can they ride this issue to a second Biden term, when the administration isn’t offering a clear plan for reproductive rights—and Joe Biden has a history of ambivalence about the issue?  Guest: Grace Panetta, political reporter at The 19th News. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of sho

Jan 25, 2024 • 27:48

Well, Now: Breaking Up With Diet Culture

Well, Now: Breaking Up With Diet Culture

On this week’s episode of Well, Now, Maya and Kavita talk about practical ways to break up with diet culture with fitness instructor, speaker and educator Chrissy King.  She’s the author of The Body Liberation Project: How Understanding Racism and Diet Culture Helps Cultivate Joy and Build Collective Freedom. Chrissy also ties in how breaking up with diet culture is a piece of a larger conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the wellness industry. If you liked this episode, check o

Jan 24, 2024 • 32:42

Outward: Your Queer Queries, Answered!

Outward: Your Queer Queries, Answered!

Danny Lavery and Madeline Ducharme join Bryan in taking on your uniquely queer queries, like- what to do when your facial piercing helps everyone remember your name- but you can’t remember theirs. White lies about homophobia, queer kids coming out, philosophical questions, and more in this latest round of Outward advice. Podcast production by Palace Shaw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 24, 2024 • 44:22

Hear Me Out: Feminism Is Dying (But It Can Be Saved)

Hear Me Out: Feminism Is Dying (But It Can Be Saved)

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… which wave is this, anyway? There’s no denying that the feminist movement looks different now than it did 50 years ago — and in some ways, that’s a good thing. But there’s an argument to be made that the modern movement skews politically progressive… so much so that it’s leaving some women, and some issues, behind.  Phyllis Chesler, author and second-wave feminist, joins us. If you have thoughts you want to share, or an idea for a topic we should tackle, you

Jan 23, 2024 • 35:40

Outward: The Outing of Bubba Copeland

Outward: The Outing of Bubba Copeland

This week Bryan Lowder sits down with Evan Urquhart of Assigned Media, a news site dedicated to daily coverage of anti-trans propaganda and its effects to discuss his latest article ‘The Outing of Bubba Copeland’ for Slate. Bubba Copeland was the Mayor of Smiths Station who was outed for having an online trans-identity by a conservative news website and later that week committed suicide. Bryan and Evan discuss how this outing reflects the wave of anti-trans legislation.Podcast productio

Jan 17, 2024 • 34:01

Well, Now: What “Wellness” Is and Isn’t

Well, Now: What “Wellness” Is and Isn’t

On this week’s episode of Well, Now we get to the heart of what “wellness” actually means. Depending on who you ask, you get a lot of different answers. So Maya and Kavita sit down with veteran journalist Isabel Burton to define the term. Burton was the executive editor of renowned health-and-wellness magazines Shape and Self.If you liked this episode, check out: A Toast to Dry JanuaryPodcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Alicia Montgomery.Send your comment

Jan 17, 2024 • 30:02

Hear Me Out: George Santos and Gypsy-Rose Aren’t Your Icons

Hear Me Out: George Santos and Gypsy-Rose Aren’t Your Icons

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… yas, queen? It’s been hard to avoid an onslaught of memes about bad people lately. People like Gypsy-Rose Blanchard and George Santos have been punished for their misdeeds in one way… but now, it seems, they’re being rewarded by the attention economy. The question is: is it our fault? Rachel Greenspan, writer and social strategist, joins us once again to argue for discretion in memeing. If you have thoughts you want to share, or an idea for a topic we should

Jan 16, 2024 • 43:56

What Next TBD: Is Your Car Tracking You?

What Next TBD: Is Your Car Tracking You?

Covered in cameras, full of microphones, and always eager to use location data, our vehicles are “smartphones on wheels”—and privacy nightmares.Guest: Kashmir Hill, technology and privacy reporter for the New York Times.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at s

Jan 14, 2024 • 22:49

ICYMI: Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s Influencer Era

ICYMI: Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s Influencer Era

Candice Lim is joined by Vox culture reporter Aja Romano to explain the rapid social media rise of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. On December 28, 2023, Blanchard was released from prison after serving eight years following the brutal murder of her mother. Almost immediately, Blanchard became a social media celebrity who currently has more than 8 million followers on Instagram and 9 million followers on TikTok. But Blanchard’s internet presence raises questions about the way social media treats p

Jan 13, 2024 • 39:21

Outward: Raquel Willis is in Bloom

Outward: Raquel Willis is in Bloom

This week Jules sits down with Raquel Willis, an award-winning activist and journalist whose work is dedicated Black trans liberation. Raquel’s new memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom chronicles her political and personal awakenings as a Black trans woman growing up in the south. Jules and Raquel talk grief, gender, and collective liberation. Podcast production by Palace Shaw.Email us at: outwardpodcast@slate.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 10, 2024 • 43:24

Introducing: Well, Now

Introducing: Well, Now

We all want wellness, but what does that mean exactly?  Is it achieving diet and exercise goals, or finally reaching a place where you’re happy with your body as it is? Is wellness the thing that will keep you out of the doctor’s office, or give you information you need to advocate for yourself when you get there? No matter what you define as living a life of wellness, our expert hosts want to help you get there. Every week, Dr. Kavita Patel and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Maya Feller talk

Jan 4, 2024 • 1:35

ICYMI: Should We Quit Romance Novels?

ICYMI: Should We Quit Romance Novels?

Candice Lim is joined by Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion to talk about their love of romance novels. The romance genre grew rapidly this past year, becoming the fastest-growing category of fiction and generating over $1.4 billion in sales revenue. Partly thanks to Goodreads and BookTok, romance novels are getting into the hands of younger, more outspoken and vocal readers. But recent scandals, including last year’s Hockey BookTok disaster, question the limits of literary thirsting and ask whet

Jan 3, 2024 • 31:40

ICYMI: Outward: PragerU’s Transphobic Twitter Takeover

ICYMI: Outward: PragerU’s Transphobic Twitter Takeover

On this episode, The Outward hosts break down the million dollar takeover ad on X for Prager University’s documentary Detrans: The Dangers of Gender Affirming Care. NBC reporter Jo Yurcaba joins Bryan, Christina, and Jules to tackle the misdirections and anti-trans agenda of the documentary and take a look at the transphobic shifts on the social media platform.Email us at: outwardpodcast@slate.comPodcast production by Palace Shaw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc

Dec 30, 2023 • 31:51

Dear Prudence: Outward: We’re Here, We’re Queer, Here’s Some Advice!

Dear Prudence: Outward: We’re Here, We’re Queer, Here’s Some Advice!

On today’s episode brought to us Slate’s Outward, hosts Jules Gill-Peterson and Bryan Lowder, are joined by advice expert Danny Lavery to talk through some relationship issues. They share their thoughts on expectations around divorce as queer people, low self-esteem, and why shaming someone over hygiene might not be a bad idea. If you have a question or need some advice, email us: outwardpodcast@slate.com Podcast production by Palace Shaw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch

Dec 29, 2023 • 39:53

The Waves: The Year in Celebrity Memoirs

The Waves: The Year in Celebrity Memoirs

In this episode, Rachelle Hampton and Candice Lim are joined by writer, comedian and Glamorous Trash host Chelsea Devantez to break down this watershed year of celebrity memoirs. The trio crowns the best and the worst titles, dissect what separates a good memoir from a great one, and reveal the shocking figure who has appeared in way more memoirs than you’d expect. This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Learn more about your ad choices

Dec 28, 2023 • 47:13

Political Gabfest Reads: A Woman’s Life in Museum Wall Labels

Political Gabfest Reads: A Woman’s Life in Museum Wall Labels

John Dickerson talks with author Christine Coulson about her new book, “One Woman Show.” They discuss the moment that inspired Coulson to tell a story in museum wall labels, her 25-years working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and why restraint can be an artist’s best friend. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Learn more about y

Dec 23, 2023 • 44:57

One Year: 1990 - The Angry Death of Kimberly Bergalis

One Year: 1990 - The Angry Death of Kimberly Bergalis

Before 1990, there had never been a documented case of a patient getting HIV from a health care worker. Kimberly Bergalis changed that. Her claim that she’d been infected by her dentist would captivate and terrify the country. And the dentist, David Acer, would be made into a villain without America ever knowing who he really was. This episode was written by Kelly Jones and Josh Levin, One Year’s editorial director. One Year’s senior producer is Evan Chung. This episode was produced by Kelly J

Dec 21, 2023 • 56:03

The Waves: What is a Feminist, Really?

The Waves: What is a Feminist, Really?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we say goodbye by contemplating a key word of the podcast - feminism. Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth and original Waves host June Thomas discuss what feminism means, the historical problems with the word, who should get to call themselves feminist, and so much more.  Endorsements and Discussed in Episode: A Place of Our Own by June Thomas Between Two Wars by Cheyna Roth In Defense of Lean In Feminism on The Waves We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian

Dec 21, 2023 • 39:38

What Next: When a Miscarriage Becomes a Crime

What Next: When a Miscarriage Becomes a Crime

In September, Brittany Watts had a miscarriage at her home in Ohio. Prosecutors are now charging her with “abuse of a corpse,” a felony that could result in up to a year in prison. When does a miscarriage become a felony? And could the anti-abortion movement be using this case as a step towards achieving “fetal personhood”?Guest: Mary Ziegler, law professor at UC Davis and author of Roe: The History of a National Obsession.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plu

Dec 20, 2023 • 23:55

Outward: Prides, Provocations, and Political Scandals

Outward: Prides, Provocations, and Political Scandals

Jules, Bryan, and Outward regular Danny Lavery share year end Prides and Provocations. The hosts cover everything from risk-taking bottoms in government and infamous grifters to powerful organizers who are giving us hope for 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 2023 • 42:15

Amicus: Texas Abortion Laws’ Cruel Outcomes

Amicus: Texas Abortion Laws’ Cruel Outcomes

Earlier this week, the Texas Supreme Court said Kate Cox couldn’t have an abortion.Cox’s doctors had diagnosed the fetus with Trisomy 18, an almost certainly fatal genetic condition. On top of that, there were concerns about whether or not Cox would be able to have children again in the future if she continued with this pregnancy. None of this was enough for nine judges in Texas to allow Cox to have an abortion. Cox’s story isn’t unique. Amanda Zurawski almost died after a Texas court said she c

Dec 16, 2023 • 1:00:49

A Word: “Good” Hair; Bad Health

A Word: “Good” Hair; Bad Health

In recent years, several states and localities have passed “crown” laws, statutes that keep employers from discriminating against African Amercans for wearing their hair in natural styles. That’s because, historically, having straight hair has often been a requirement for professional advancement for Black women in particular. But there is more science emerging that connects chemical relaxers with cancer. In today’s episode of A Word, reporter and cancer survivor Victoria St. Martin spe

Dec 15, 2023 • 29:07

The Waves: In Defense of Lean In Feminism

The Waves: In Defense of Lean In Feminism

On this week’s episode of The Waves, why can’t the feminists all get along? Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR political correspondent and author of the Substack, This F**king Job. They dig into what went wrong with Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In, why it wasn’t all completely wrong, and how to stop giving anti-feminists the ammo they need to attack.   In Slate Plus: We’re talking May December! If you liked this episode, check out: We See Dead Girls P

Dec 14, 2023 • 30:14

What Next: What Texas Abortion Laws Leave Unsaid

What Next: What Texas Abortion Laws Leave Unsaid

Kate Cox’s fight to abort her pregnancy and save her fertility in Texas says a lot about America’s post-Roe, fractured approach to reproductive rights. Guest: Selena Simmons-Duffin, health policy correspondent at NPR. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/what

Dec 14, 2023 • 28:35

The Waves: We See Dead Girls

The Waves: We See Dead Girls

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re bringing out the dead girls. Everywhere you look in popular culture there seems to be a new movie, TV show or true crime documentary detailing the mystery of yet another woman’s death. At least, that was how author and guest Alice Bolin saw things when she wrote her book Dead Girls in 2018. She sits down with Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth to unpack what has - and hasn’t - changed in dead girl culture (from Twin Peak’s Laura Palmer to our persistent

Dec 7, 2023 • 35:47

Outward: Gay Sex is Back! (On TV)

Outward: Gay Sex is Back! (On TV)

This week, the Outward hosts discuss Fellow Travelers, a new historical drama from SHOWTIME that takes us into gay D.C during the Lavender Scare of the 1950’s. Bryan, Christina, and Jules dive into the sex and the sexual politics of the show and answer the most important question, were people really that hot in the 1950s? Pride and Provocations: All the Only Ones Your Kid is Trans. You Live in Texas. There Are No Good Options LaundryTok with Melissa Pateras Gay Agenda The Risk it Takes to Bloo

Dec 6, 2023 • 46:32

How To!: Carve Out Creative Time

How To!: Carve Out Creative Time

Allison is on the hunt for her next hobby. One that’s satisfying. One that she can stick with. One that will fit into her family’s very busy schedule. Except…maybe she’s thinking about that last part all wrong. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space. Eve argues that drawing—and defending—boundaries for individual, creative pursuits is necessary for living a fulfilled life. She’ll share how to balance domestic lab

Dec 5, 2023 • 43:18

What Next: Nikki Haley’s Surge to Second

What Next: Nikki Haley’s Surge to Second

Last week, former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley scored a coveted endorsement from Charles Koch’s political advocacy group. She’s passed Ron DeSantis in the polls—and now, she’s the top, non-Trump Republican candidate for president. But is there any hope of winning over Trump voters—or is this a race to be the candidate who steps in if the former president goes to jail?Guest: Alexandra Ulmer, reporter at Reuters covering the 2024 U.S. presidential race, with a foc

Dec 5, 2023 • 25:56

Amicus:  Remembering Sandra Day O’Connor

Amicus: Remembering Sandra Day O’Connor

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor died Friday at the age of 93. Amicus host Dahlia Lithwick is joined by former O’Connor clerk and renowned First Amendment scholar RonNell Andersen Jones to talk about the Justice’s trailblazing career, her judicial philosophy, and the combination of humility and strength that marked her time on the court, and away from it.  Later in the show, Dahlia celebrates the joyous return of Mark Joseph Stern to share some big announcements AND to discuss SE

Dec 2, 2023 • 1:02:23

The Waves: Why Anime is for Women

The Waves: Why Anime is for Women

On this week’s episode of The Waves, with the emergence of streaming more Americans are becoming fans of Japanese anime. Within that media, viewers can see wide ranges of LGTBQ+ representation and gender presentation that often isn’t found in American animation. But like American media, not all of these representations are as nuanced as they should be. Host Vic Whitley-Berry is an avid anime fan, and they sit down with journalist Princess Weekes on femme representation in Japanese anime

Nov 30, 2023 • 35:07

Praeger U’s Transphobic Twitter Takeover

Praeger U’s Transphobic Twitter Takeover

On this episode, The Outward hosts break down the million-dollar takeover ad on X for Praeger University’s documentary Detrans: The Dangers of Gender Affirming Care. NBC reporter Jo Yurcaba joins Bryan, Christina, and Jules to tackle the misdirections and anti-trans agenda of the documentary and take a look at the transphobic shifts on the social media platform. Read Molly Olmstead's piece for Slate on Praeger University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 2023 • 30:49

Working: Reality TV That Helps People Feel Seen

Working: Reality TV That Helps People Feel Seen

This week, host June Thomas talks to casting director and producer Logan Clark, whose credits include reality TV series like American Idol, The Masked Singer, and the excellent HBO reality series Legendary. In the interview, Logan explains how and why he got into reality show casting and what the job entails. Then he talks about the casting process for Legendary and the importance of featuring members of underrepresented groups on reality TV. After the interview, June and co-host Isaac

Nov 26, 2023 • 42:33

ICYMI: The Waves: The Bravo Cinematic Universe

ICYMI: The Waves: The Bravo Cinematic Universe

On today’s episode brought to us by Slate’s The Waves, we’re digging into the Bravo network. From Below Deck to Selling Sunset to Vanderpump Rules, the Bravo TV network is a reality television behemoth that has made millions on the backs of its female cast members. But is it actually good for women? ICYMI founding host Rachelle Hampton and culture writer Shamira Ibrahim discuss the current Bravo era, how much of Bravo belongs to famous producer Andy Cohen, why cast members can’t rely on

Nov 25, 2023 • 40:18

The Waves: How To Get Through Menopause

The Waves: How To Get Through Menopause

Hot flashes, fatigue, and vaginal dryness were some of Katie’s first clues that her body was changing. Half the population will experience menopause, yet misinformation still abounds—with doctors ill-prepared to talk to patients about this major life transition. On this episode of How To!, journalist Susan Dominus joins us to share the knowledge she gained from working on her viral magazine piece, “Women Have Been Misled About Menopause.” She explains why women’s pain has been ignored f

Nov 23, 2023 • 48:40

Hear Me Out: Be The Holiday A--hole

Hear Me Out: Be The Holiday A--hole

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… thanks, but no thanks.Americans are anxiously awaiting their Thanksgiving celebrations this week – for many, with some trepidation. Polls suggest we all know we don’t want to talk about politics around the table… but that most of us will anyway. With keeping the peace at the front of many minds — and civility always at the front of ours — our guest this week proposes an alternative: be a little bit of a jerk, if you need to. And, if you can… it’s okay

Nov 21, 2023 • 42:20

The Waves | The Golden Bachelor Recap: Fantasy Suite Edition

The Waves | The Golden Bachelor Recap: Fantasy Suite Edition

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Gerry’s down to two women and two potential fantasy suites. How sweet do things actually get?Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry and Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many sh

Nov 17, 2023 • 39:26

The Waves: The Bravo Cinematic Universe

The Waves: The Bravo Cinematic Universe

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re digging into the Bravo network. From Below Deck to Selling Sunset to Vanderpump Rules, the Bravo TV network is a reality television behemoth that has made millions on the backs of its female cast members. But is it actually good for women? ICYMI founding host Rachelle Hampton and culture writer Shamira Ibrahim discuss the current Bravo era, how much of Bravo belongs to famous producer Andy Cohen, why cast members can’t rely on a reunion to tell

Nov 16, 2023 • 39:40

Outward: Taylor Swift's Queer Fans Want to Liberate Her

Outward: Taylor Swift's Queer Fans Want to Liberate Her

This week, guest host Danny Lavery talks with self-appointed lesbian pop culture expert Kira Deshler to dive into the lively queer subculture within the Taylor Swift fandom, and their quest to liberate her. From there they explore the relationship between queer fans and their often straight pop icons. Songs mentioned: Tim I Wish You Were Born a Girl by Of Montreal Pink Triangle by Weezer  Johnny Are You Queer? By Josie Cotton Email us at: outwardpodcast@slate.com Podcast production by Palace Sh

Nov 15, 2023 • 39:28

How To!: Get Through Menopause

How To!: Get Through Menopause

Hot flashes, fatigue, and vaginal dryness were some of Katie’s first clues that her body was changing. Half the population will experience menopause, yet misinformation still abounds—with doctors ill-prepared to talk to patients about this major life transition. On this episode of How To!, journalist Susan Dominus joins us to share the knowledge she gained from working on her viral magazine piece, “Women Have Been Misled About Menopause.” She explains why women’s pain has been ignored f

Nov 14, 2023 • 48:03

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - The Women Tell All and Mince No Words

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - The Women Tell All and Mince No Words

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we get the first Women Tell All episode of The Golden Bachelor. Waves recap co-hosts Cheyna Roth and Laura Stassi have some thoughts for Gerry. Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry and Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery. Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across

Nov 10, 2023 • 43:29

The Waves: How to Be a Woman in Music

The Waves: How to Be a Woman in Music

On this week’s episode of The Waves, what’s it like to be an indie musician? Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by singer and songwriter Dessa. They dig into her newest album and how she has benefited from and been hurt by being a woman in the music industry. Later in the show they explore the breakup song - and all the gendered expectations that go along with writing one. In Slate Plus: What do a dentist, neuroscientists, and puppeteers all have in common? They’ve worked with

Nov 9, 2023 • 38:41

Decoder Ring: The Dating Manual Unlike Any Other

Decoder Ring: The Dating Manual Unlike Any Other

From the moment it was released in 1995, The Rules was controversial.. Some people loved it—and swore that the dating manual’s throwback advice helped them land a husband. Others thought it was retrograde hogwash that flew in the face of decades of feminist progress. The resulting brouhaha turned the book into a cultural phenomenon. In this episode, Slate’s Heather Schwedel explores where The Rules came from, how it became so popular, and why its list of 35 commandments continue to be s

Nov 8, 2023 • 37:35

Outward: Amy Schneider is a Champion

Outward: Amy Schneider is a Champion

This week, Christina, Bryan, and Jules talk with Jeopardy! winner and trans trailblazer Amy Schneider about her bold new memoir In The Form of a Question. Amy won $1.3 million after a 40 day winning streak in 2021, the longest streak for a woman in the show’s history. In this episode, Amy talks about the decision to be herself on her historical Jeopardy! run and why it felt important to not skip the tarot, drugs, and ‘messiness’ in her new memoir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

Nov 8, 2023 • 38:37

Hear Me Out: Nerds are a Menace to Society

Hear Me Out: Nerds are a Menace to Society

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… lovable underdogs? For a long time, we’ve been sold — and we’ve bought — the idea of the nerd hero; usually a man, usually brilliant, and usually a social outcast who, inevitably, gets the girl. That was the happy ending. But now, we’re surrounded by powerful, self-styled nerds who have it all and still want more. And, to some, it’s increasingly hard to root for these guys. Ian Bogost, a writer and video game designer, joins us.  If you have thoughts you w

Nov 7, 2023 • 42:15

How To!: Build a Marriage That Lasts

How To!: Build a Marriage That Lasts

To celebrate their third wedding anniversary, Anjali and Rahul are each selecting a surprise activity to do together. This happy couple loves spontaneity, so they’re concerned about someday growing bored in their relationship. They’re also feeling pressure to mark the traditional milestones of marriage, including having kids. On this episode of How To!, authors Caryl and Jay Casbon join us to share the wisdom they gained from interviewing other married couples for their book Side by Sid

Nov 7, 2023 • 45:24

What Next: Abortion on a Red-State Ballot

What Next: Abortion on a Red-State Ballot

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights have remained popular among voters—even in red states like Ohio. As the state votes today on whether to add the right to an abortion to the state constitution, the Ohio GOP has been trying to reframe the issue.Guest: Carter Sherman, reproductive health and justice reporter at The Guardian.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episo

Nov 7, 2023 • 22:38

Amicus: The Right to Bear Arms and Terrorize Your Partner

Amicus: The Right to Bear Arms and Terrorize Your Partner

Next week, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in one of the most significant—and potentially deadly—cases of the term - United States v Rahimi. The case, a follow on from New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, has the potential to weaponize the court’s Second Amendment extremism against victims of domestic abuse and protect adjudicated abusers. Dahlia Lithwick is joined by gun safety advocate Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, to find out the potentia

Nov 4, 2023 • 46:29

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - Hometowns Will Always Be Cringey

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - Hometowns Will Always Be Cringey

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Gerry visits the hometowns of the last 3 women standing on The Golden Bachelor.  Unlike hometown dates in the past, Gerry isn’t meeting the parents. Instead, he’s getting to know the women’s kids and their grandkids. But it doesn’t make the hometown dates any less cringe. Slate Senior Producer Cheyna Roth and Dating While Gray host Laura Stassi recap the episode. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario

Nov 3, 2023 • 33:20

Mom & Dad: Is My Son’s Play Becoming Toxic Masculinity?

Mom & Dad: Is My Son’s Play Becoming Toxic Masculinity?

Note: This episode contains discussions of murder and grief. Listener discretion is advised between 6:30 and 12:00 of this episode. You can read more about Sam Woll, a close friend of Zak’s family, here. On this episode: Jamilah Lemieux, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen help a listener who’s worried that her son’s play is skewing a little too much toward good guys, bad guys, and violence. What’s the difference between normal play and a red flag – and how can we make sure boys want to include gi

Nov 2, 2023 • 32:46

The Waves: Penis Politics

The Waves: Penis Politics

On this week’s episode of The Waves, the next presidential election is one year away and we are entering a storm of macho man politics. Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by NPR politics reporter Danielle Kurtzleben to talk about why men keep talking about their manly-men bonafides, how that affects women trying to be in politics, and more. More From Danielle and Mentioned in the Episode:  All the Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Gave Birth by Danielle Kurtzleben  T

Nov 2, 2023 • 43:26

Outward: Bob the Drag Queen's Gay Barz

Outward: Bob the Drag Queen's Gay Barz

Slate’s Daisy Rosario takes the reins this week for a conversation with Bob the Drag Queen, aka non-binary actor and comedian Caldwell Tidicue. They talk about Bob’s foray into hip-hop, touring with Madonna, and why Bob so often collaborates with other queer artists.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 1, 2023 • 35:54

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - WTH, Gerry?!

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - WTH, Gerry?!

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Golden Bachelor Gerry is rapidly approaching hometown dates and needs to narrow the pool down to three. To get there, we have a passionate one-on-one date and a high-stakes group date. Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth and Dating While Gray host Laura Stassi give their thoughts.Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover

Oct 27, 2023 • 38:01

The Waves: Get on the WNBA Train Already!

The Waves: Get on the WNBA Train Already!

On this week’s episode of The Waves, the Las Vegas Aces beat the New York Liberty to win their second WNBA championship in a row. But more impressive is that they played in front of one of the biggest crowds to ever attend a WNBA game. Slate senior supervising producer Daisy Rosario is joined by sports journalist and founder of the Power Plays newsletter Lindsay Gibbs to unpack the recent surge in popularity for women’s sports, why you should make an effort to support women’s basketball

Oct 26, 2023 • 47:48

Big Mood, Little Mood: Clear the Manosphere

Big Mood, Little Mood: Clear the Manosphere

Danny Lavery welcomes back Carmen Rita Wong, the author of Why Didn't You Tell Me?: A Memoir. Wong has also written Never Too Real and Never Too Late, and she heads up Malecon Productions, a company focusing on women-led content. Lavery and Wong give advice to someone who wonders if there is hope to deradicalize their cousin who is sliding far-right. Another letter writer is considering not taking a job, as they are questioning her about wearing a mask.Need advice? Send Danny a question

Oct 24, 2023 • 52:36

What Next: Abortion Providers in the Line of Fire

What Next: Abortion Providers in the Line of Fire

Before the new abortion clinic even opened in Casper, Wyoming, it was set ablaze. But to the clinic’s founder, property damage and violence aren’t new. Guest: Julie Burkhart, founder of Wellspring Health AccessIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatn

Oct 23, 2023 • 28:11

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - The ‘D Word’

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - The ‘D Word’

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Gerry says the D Word: Divorce. Laura Stassi, host of Dating While Gray, and Slate Senior Supervising Producer Daisy Rosario recap the fourth episode of The Golden Bachelor. Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery. Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free expe

Oct 20, 2023 • 51:59

The Waves: On The Golden Bachelor, Reality Dating Matures…But Does It Really?

The Waves: On The Golden Bachelor, Reality Dating Matures…But Does It Really?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Laura Stassi is back in the host seat. Laura, host of the podcast Dating While Gray, still can’t get over what the heck is going on in 72-year-old Gerry Turner’s love life. Gerry is the first lead for The Bachelor spinoff The Golden Bachelor. While Gerry and the group of women vying for his heart are seniors over 65 years old, many of the age-old Bachelor franchise tropes are still being put to use. What is it about reality TV dating that forces the

Oct 19, 2023 • 39:18

Decoder Ring: The Fast Decline of the Slow Dance

Decoder Ring: The Fast Decline of the Slow Dance

Judging from teen dramas on Netflix, the slow dance seems to be alive and well. But when you talk to actual teens, it’s clear this time-honored tradition is on life support. In this episode, we trace the history of slow dancing from its origins in partner dances like the waltz to the modern “zombie sway” seen at middle-school dances and high-school proms. Plus, former slow dancers offer up stiff-armed, nostalgia-soaked stories about a rite of passage that’s fading fast.Decoder Ring is p

Oct 18, 2023 • 45:43

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - Gerry’s Crying Again!

The Waves: The Golden Bachelor Recap - Gerry’s Crying Again!

On this week’s episode of The Waves recapping The Golden Bachelor, we find Gerry in his feelings…again. Slate Senior Supervising Producer Daisy Rosario and Dating While Grey Host Laura Stassi give their thoughts on the third episode of Gerry’s journey to finding love and all the tears that go along with it.Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.I

Oct 13, 2023 • 50:18

The Waves: The Case For Taking A Sabbatical

The Waves: The Case For Taking A Sabbatical

On this week’s episode of The Waves: the case for taking a sabbatical. Host TK Dutes speaks with author and former television writer Patty Lin on her latest book End Credits: How I Broke Up With Hollywood. Lin worked in some of the most notable writers' rooms like Friends, Freaks and Geeks, Desperate Housewives and Breaking Bad. But when she hit a breaking point, she made a big change and stopped working for an entire year. After that? Her relationship with work–and everything else–tran

Oct 12, 2023 • 39:35

How To!: Find Love Where You Least Expect It

How To!: Find Love Where You Least Expect It

Camila is torn. She wants a partner. Someone who is ambitious. Someone who is financially secure. Someone who checks in with her at the end of the day. But most of her dates have turned out to be duds and she’s starting to think she’ll never find real romance. Should she keep searching for ‘the one,’ or should she focus on being happy on her own? On this episode of How To!, new co-host Courtney Martin brings in Samhita Mukhopadhyay to guide Camila. Samhita is an author and feminist. She

Oct 10, 2023 • 40:55

Slate Money | Movies: Barbie

Slate Money | Movies: Barbie

In this episode of the Movies series, the gang talks with Slate’s Cheyna Roth about Barbie. Is Barbie an anti-capitalist movie? Does Ryan Gosling steal too much of the show? And what message does Barbie’s success send to Hollywood?  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and an additional segment of our show every week. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Slate Money. Sign up now at slate.com

Oct 9, 2023 • 40:18

The Waves The Golden Bachelor Recap: Dead Spouse Rises

The Waves The Golden Bachelor Recap: Dead Spouse Rises

Join Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth and Laura Stassi, host of the Dating While Grey podcast as they unpack Gerry Turner’s journey to find love. It’s episode two and the remaining women are moving into the mansion…complete with bunk beds. Cheyna and Laura talk about Gerry’s bland one-on-one date, the cringe-inducing group date, whether Gerry could get serious with a divorcee, and much more. Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry and Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and A

Oct 6, 2023 • 35:49

One Year: 1955 - The Hiroshima Maidens

One Year: 1955 - The Hiroshima Maidens

Ten years after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, 25 women who’d been disfigured by the blast came to the United States. Those Japanese survivors would go to the White House and end up on a bizarre proto reality TV show. They’d also put their lives in the hands of American doctors, hoping that risky, cutting-edge surgeries might repair their injuries and give them a chance for a fresh start.Josh Levin is One Year’s editorial director. One Year’s senior producer is Evan Chung.This episode

Oct 6, 2023 • 54:56

The Waves: Female CEOs Can’t Save Us

The Waves: Female CEOs Can’t Save Us

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate Senior Supervising Producer of Audio, Daisy Rosario can’t get toxic female bosses out of her head. She’s joined by Noelle Crooks, author of the new book, Under the Influence and former employee of one Rachel Hollis, so she knows a lot about bad workplaces. They discuss the insidious nature of saying your workplace is “like a family,” why an office dance party is a BAD thing, and how some powerful women leverage their minority status for ill.In

Oct 5, 2023 • 34:36

The Waves Special Episode: Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies At 90

The Waves Special Episode: Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies At 90

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 SolveIf you liked this episode, check out: Why All the First Ladies Want to Be Jackie O.Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry and Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Alicia Montgomery and Daisy Rosario.Send

Sep 29, 2023 • 24:06

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

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

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 Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to

Sep 29, 2023 • 38:29

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

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

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. immigration process singles out women and marginalized genders.Further reading: They Thought Their Sick Little Girl Would Be Safe in America. The

Sep 28, 2023 • 48:09

What Next: Can Marriage Fix America?

What Next: Can Marriage Fix America?

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 in ending no-fault divorce.  Guest: Rebecca Traister, author of All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation and wr

Sep 28, 2023 • 24:11

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

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

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 thoughts on the documentary Every Body about intersex peopleIf you liked this episode, check out: The Vagina et Al., an interview with Rachel E

Sep 21, 2023 • 43:38

One Year: 1955 - Siberia, USA

One Year: 1955 - Siberia, USA

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 manual, Scientology, and a vast network of Communist-hunting housewives. Josh Levin is One Year’s editorial director. One Year’s senior producer is Evan

Sep 21, 2023 • 55:39

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

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

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 Barnes about their new book Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates, which tells the remarkable story of how sports have been gendered long be

Sep 20, 2023 • 1:06:58

Slate Money | Criminals: Elizabeth Holmes

Slate Money | Criminals: Elizabeth Holmes

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 Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and an additional segment of our show every week. You’ll also be supporting the wor

Sep 18, 2023 • 41:58

What Next TBD: Can Politicians Keep Kids Safe Online?

What Next TBD: Can Politicians Keep Kids Safe Online?

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 members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the wo

Sep 16, 2023 • 30:41

One Year: 1955 - The Weather Girls

One Year: 1955 - The Weather Girls

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 editorial director. One Year’s senior producer is Evan Chung. This episode was produced by Kelly Jones and Evan Chung, with additional production by

Sep 14, 2023 • 45:34

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

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

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 speculating as to who was at fault, and tabloids reported using anonymous sources saying Turner was more focused on partying and going out, leavin

Sep 14, 2023 • 30:37

Big Mood, Little Mood: Trans Tipping Point

Big Mood, Little Mood: Trans Tipping Point

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 unsupportive dad. Plus a listener writes in to comment on the episode “Time to Move On”. Need advice? Send Danny a question here. Email: mood@slate.com If y

Sep 12, 2023 • 54:10

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

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

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 institution that feels like a foregone conclusion for couples taking the next step in their relationship. But does it need to be? Belinda Luscombe, a

Sep 12, 2023 • 32:17

The Waves: The Bama Rush to Trad Wife Pipeline

The Waves: The Bama Rush to Trad Wife Pipeline

On this week’s episode of The Waves, it’s rush time! Host Kat Chow is diving deep into the #BamaRush phenomenon that has taken over the internet recently. She’s joined by professor and New York Times columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom to talk about her recent article, “In Alabama, White Tide Rushes On” They dig into the very specific “type” of college student that joins the Alabama sorority, the race and gender implications of the Greek “Machine” and the cuteness of it all.  Fighter Reading: Our

Sep 7, 2023 • 41:17

ICYMI: The Waves: How Drake Betrayed Megan Thee Stallion

ICYMI: The Waves: How Drake Betrayed Megan Thee Stallion

On this week’s episode brought to us by Slate’s The Waves, Tory Lanez has been sentenced for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, and we have THOUGHTS. Scamfluencers co-host and former BuzzFeed reporter Scaachi Koul is joined by Refinery29 deputy director Kathleen Newman-Bremang to unpack why so many people turned against Megan despite Tory Lanez being a wasteman. They explain what exactly is a “Toronto Mans” and why this dangerous subsection of man is crossing American borders in the forms of

Sep 6, 2023 • 48:24

How To!: Find Your People

How To!: Find Your People

Katie was ready to graduate from college when the pandemic interrupted everything. Unceremoniously cut-off from her group of friends, she’s now in a new chapter of her life but struggling more than ever to find her people. Katie’s friendships at work feel surface-level and she’s anxious about opening up too much for fear of rejection. On this episode of How To!, host Carvell Wallace brings in friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson. Don’t worry about finding your next BFF, Jackson says. Instead

Sep 5, 2023 • 41:46

Dear Prudence: Relationship Podcasts Are Ruining My Friend's Life. Help!

Dear Prudence: Relationship Podcasts Are Ruining My Friend's Life. Help!

In this episode, Dr. Orna Guralnik (host of Showtime's Couples Therapy) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about what to do when a friend is obsessed with misogynistic love and relationship podcasts, when your husband just can’t figure out birthday gifts, and when you’re wondering “Does therapy just not work for me?” If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members.  Go to Sla

Sep 1, 2023 • 40:57

The Waves: The Forced Kiss Seen Round the World

The Waves: The Forced Kiss Seen Round the World

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re talking about The Kiss. Scaachi Koul is joined by Women’s World Cup reporter for The Athletic and freelance sports reporter, Tamerra Griffin to talk about Spanish Soccer President, Luis Rubiales forcibly kissing player Jennifer Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup final win. They dig into the internal strife that was already going on within the Spanish team, Rubiales’s history of alleged misconduct, where the sport can go from here, and more. In Sla

Aug 31, 2023 • 37:22

ICYMI: BookTok’s Horny Hockey Drama and the End of Internet Thirst

ICYMI: BookTok’s Horny Hockey Drama and the End of Internet Thirst

As an end of summer treat, Rachelle Hampton and Candice Lim dive deep into the drama that engulfed BookTok earlier this August. Over the spring and early summer, hockey-themed romance novels enjoyed a rise in the BookTok charts, a rise that led to an influx of new fans into the hockey community. One team in particular, the Seattle Krakens, became the unofficial team of BookTok, with Swedish player Alex Wennberg receiving special attention. Sexualized commentary by content creators like Kierra Le

Aug 30, 2023 • 37:22

Best of What Next | What Texas' Attacks on Trans Healthcare Did to One Family

Best of What Next | What Texas' Attacks on Trans Healthcare Did to One Family

As the What Next team catches its breath at the end of summer, we’re revisiting some of the biggest stories of the year. This story originally ran on Nov. 9, 2022. What Next will resume regular programming next week.As Texas laws have become more discriminatory against trans individuals and their families, many wonder if they can even stay in the Lone Star State, especially when parents could be investigated as child abusers for providing healthcare to their children. This family made t

Aug 30, 2023 • 28:50

How To!: Navigate Adult Autism

How To!: Navigate Adult Autism

It’s a family joke that Dave and his 13 year-old son are the same person. So when his son found out he is autistic, Dave realized that he, too, is on the autism spectrum. The label is a comfort—a reassurance that his personality “quirks” have an explanation. But, at the same time, it’s led to all of these questions like should he tell people? What does this change, if anything? And how does he learn to navigate a neurotypical world? On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings in journalis

Aug 29, 2023 • 43:15

Best of What Next | The Diagnosis Was Fatal. She Couldn't Get an Abortion.

Best of What Next | The Diagnosis Was Fatal. She Couldn't Get an Abortion.

As the What Next team catches its breath at the end of summer, we’re revisiting some of the biggest stories of the year. This story originally ran on March 30. What Next will resume regular programming next week. Two weeks after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Lauren Hall found out the baby she was carrying had a fatal condition: her head and skull weren’t properly developing. Texas’s three overlapping bans on abortion forced her to fly to Washington to terminate the unviable pregnancy. Wit

Aug 28, 2023 • 31:30

The Waves: America’s Dangerous Obsession with Trans Women

The Waves: America’s Dangerous Obsession with Trans Women

On this week’s episode of The Waves, why can’t celebrities and sports organizations leave trans people alone? On the heels of the International Chess Federation excluding trans women from competing, and some terrible statements from singer Ne-Yo (remember Ne-Yo?) Waves host Scaachi Koul wants to know why everyone is so obsessed with trans people. She talks with cartoonist and author of the graphic novel, Boys Weekend, Mattie Lubchansky about why celebrities can’t help but get involved,

Aug 24, 2023 • 34:28

How To!: Fill an Empty Nest (Encore)

How To!: Fill an Empty Nest (Encore)

Susan never really got over saying goodbye to her eldest daughter, who left for college four years ago. She knew it would be sad, but she didn’t expect to be nauseous. Now her youngest is applying to college, and she’s already dreading drop-off next fall which makes her feel like a "pathetic loser." What can Susan do to prep herself for more heartbreak and a completely empty nest? On this episode of How To!, Amanda Ripley brings on Kelly Corrigan, best-selling author and host of the podcast Kell

Aug 22, 2023 • 32:51

What Next TBD: How Crypto Fails Sex Workers

What Next TBD: How Crypto Fails Sex Workers

At first, cryptocurrency seemed like the solution to the problems sex workers have had with traditional banks. But as the US moves to regulate the crypto industry, many are finding it hasn’t worked out like they hoped. Guests:Joel Khalili, reporter at WiredLiara Roux, sex worker, organizer, and writerYou can check out Joel’s reporting in Wired here. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonu

Aug 18, 2023 • 25:59

The Waves: How Drake Betrayed Megan Thee Stallion

The Waves: How Drake Betrayed Megan Thee Stallion

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Tory Lanez has been sentenced for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, and we have THOUGHTS. Scamfluencers co-host and former BuzzFeed reporter Scaachi Koul is joined by Refinery29 reporter Kathleen Newman-Bremang to unpack why so many people turned against Megan despite Tory Lanez being a wasteman. They explain what exactly is a “Toronto Mans” and why this dangerous subsection of man is crossing American borders in the forms of Drake, the Weeknd, and more.  In Sla

Aug 17, 2023 • 47:26

Outward: Red, White & Really Bad

Outward: Red, White & Really Bad

This month, hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder discuss Amazon Prime’s adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s best-selling queer rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue. They also speak with intersex activist and educator Pidgeon Pagonis about their memoir Nobody Needs to Know and the campaign to end nonconsensual surgeries on intersex kids. The hosts end the show, as always, with some new additions to the Gay Agenda. Items discussed in the show: Red, White, & Royal Blue, by Case

Aug 16, 2023 • 1:05:56

How To!: Live Anywhere in the World

How To!: Live Anywhere in the World

Have you ever wanted to move to a new country? Picking up and starting over internationally can be rewarding, but also nerve-wracking. Our listener Sara has lived overseas for more than a decade, but she recently moved to Switzerland and is struggling to fit in. On this episode of How To!, founding host Charles Duhigg brings in Dr. Nassim Assefi who, amongst all of her interesting professional accomplishments, is a self-identified “global nomad.” She’s lived in over 10 countries and draws on her

Aug 15, 2023 • 33:10

Amicus: The Family Roe

Amicus: The Family Roe

In Amicus’ summer series of conversations about books that expanded our thinking about justice and the courts, beyond the churn of headlines, Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Joshua Prager to discuss his book The Family Roe: An American Story, about the unknown lives at the heart of Roe v Wade.  Sign up for Slate Plus now to support our show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12, 2023 • 54:51

Political Gabfest: Abortion Rights Win at the Polls

Political Gabfest: Abortion Rights Win at the Polls

This week, Emily Bazelon and David Plotz are joined by Juliette Kayyem to discuss the Ohio vote not to make it harder to change the state constitution; Republican views on Donald Trump’s offenses; and emergency preparedness or the lack thereof.    Here are some notes and references from this week’s show: Jack Goldsmith for The New York Times: “The Prosecution of Trump May Have Terrible Consequences” The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters by Juliette Kayyem Charles M. Blo

Aug 10, 2023 • 56:34

The Waves: Why All The First Ladies Want to Be Jackie O.

The Waves: Why All The First Ladies Want to Be Jackie O.

On this week’s episode of The Waves, former Buzzfeed reporter and current Scamfluencers host, Scaachi Koul is taking over hosting The Waves for the next few weeks. This week she’s digging deep into the life of First Lady hopeful, Casey DeSantis. Scaachi is joined by Washington Post reporter, Ruby Cramer. Ruby wrote a masterpiece on Casey DeSantis, “Tracing the power of Casey DeSantis.” They get into why Casey DeSantis scares Scaachi, how to properly make fun of Ron’s wife, and why the R

Aug 10, 2023 • 36:58

Working: A Radical Comic Strip, Reimagined for Audio

Working: A Radical Comic Strip, Reimagined for Audio

This week, host June Thomas talks to writer Madeleine George, who recently adapted the classic Alison Bechdel comic Dykes to Watch Out For into an audio drama that stars Jane Lynch, Carrie Brownstein, Roberta Colindrez, and Roxane Gay. In the interview, Madeleine discusses the challenges of turning a piece of visual art into an audio-only narrative. She also talks about the 1980’s setting of the story and the continued relevance of the characters’ personal and political lives. After the

Aug 6, 2023 • 42:12

A Word: Golden Lady Ballers

A Word: Golden Lady Ballers

More people are watching women’s sports than ever before, and the U.S. has high hopes for the Women’s World Cup. Still, there’s a lag in media coverage and resources for women athletes, particularly women of color. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Subria Whitaker, the chief of the non-profit organization Grow the Game. They discuss why the growth of women’s sports still isn’t matched by media coverage and economic resources, and how that impacts audiences and ath

Aug 4, 2023 • 29:00

The Waves: Hollywood is On Strike. Let’s Burn it Down.

The Waves: Hollywood is On Strike. Let’s Burn it Down.

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re talking the Hollywood strikes. Slate senior supervising producer Daisy Rosario is joined by longtime journalist and author of Burn It Down, Maureen Ryan to unpack the systematic oppression that has taken place behind the scenes of your favorite movies and television shows for decades. They dig into the structures in place to keep women and marginalized voices from getting to the top of the ladder, and how none of these stories are examples of one bad ap

Aug 3, 2023 • 42:23

Hear Me Out: Less Porn, More Sex Tapes

Hear Me Out: Less Porn, More Sex Tapes

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… let’s get it on. Whether you watch porn or not — admit it, or not — adult entertainment shapes the way we think about sex, gender, and power. Our guest today argues that porn is an industry, but it’s also a genre, and it’s much closer to fantasy than it is to reality. But if we abandoned porn and replaced it with watching real people have real sex, we might not just shake off taboos; we might also become better lovers, and better people, too. Cindy Gal

Aug 1, 2023 • 28:03

ICYMI: The Girls Are Not All Right

ICYMI: The Girls Are Not All Right

On today’s episode, Rachelle and Candice reach into the ICYMI mailbag to answer why TikTokers are pretending to be video game characters, how a city girl became an anti-feminist prairie wife, and why snacktime is getting an obnoxious rebrand.This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 29, 2023 • 47:08

The Waves: How a Drag Queen Recreated the American Dream

The Waves: How a Drag Queen Recreated the American Dream

On this week’s episode of The Waves, drag queens are under attack and being labeled bad for families and kids. But RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drag Race All Stars contestant Mrs. Kasha Davis is making people rethink the American Dream. She sits down with Slate senior supervising producer, Daisy Rosario to talk about the real life inspiration for the character of Mrs. Kasha Davis, her new music video showcasing the importance of Drag Story Hour, and why more people need to see happy queer families lik

Jul 27, 2023 • 41:17

What Next TBD: Why Tech Lays Women Off First

What Next TBD: Why Tech Lays Women Off First

When the tech industry started rounds of layoffs this year, almost half of the people let go were women—even though they make up a much smaller percentage of the workforce. What does this say about women in tech, and efforts to diversify the industry overall? Guest: Emma Goldberg, a reporter who covers the future of work for the New York Times. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes o

Jul 23, 2023 • 30:18

ICYMI: The Day AO3 Went Down

ICYMI: The Day AO3 Went Down

On today’s episode, Rachelle and Candice meet in person for the first time! They recap the July 10 attack on fanfiction site AO3 — Archive of Our Own — which caused a site outage and a state of panic for many writers, readers and their fandoms. The site was created in 2008 as an online fanfiction archive that soon became a safe haven for women and the queer community. So what happens when that safe haven is threatened by malicious hackers?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Rick

Jul 22, 2023 • 38:15

Dear Prudence: How Do I Disclose to My Kids That I've Had an Abortion–Twice? Help!

Dear Prudence: How Do I Disclose to My Kids That I've Had an Abortion–Twice? Help!

In this episode, Jessica Valenti (a feminist columnist and author) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer readers’ letters about whether it’s okay to ghost friends who don’t respect your reproductive choices, how to deal with a spouse who is a slob, and when to tell your kids you’ve had an abortion. If you want more Dear Prudence, join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. This week she answers a question about what

Jul 21, 2023 • 48:37

The Waves: Why Barbie Lives On

The Waves: Why Barbie Lives On

On this week’s episode of The Waves, it’s all about Barbie. Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth sits down with M.G. Lord, author of Forever Barbie and co-host of “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes” from LAist and So Cal Public Radio. They discuss the history of the Barbie doll and how she’s managed to endure, how Barbie might actually be feminist, and what the new Greta Gerwig movie gets right about Barbie.  In Slate Plus: Episode 6 of our And Just Like That…recap.If you liked this episode check

Jul 20, 2023 • 32:48

Outward: The Pleasures and Politics of Cruising

Outward: The Pleasures and Politics of Cruising

This month, taking a cue from the sultry, sensual heat of summer, Outward examines the venerable queer practice of cruising—for sex and sex work—in public space. First, hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder make eyes at Park Cruising, a new essay collection on cruising in parks, which explores the pleasures, politics, and complexities of that gay pastime. Author Marcus McCann joins the hosts to discuss those themes. Then they head down to Christopher Street w

Jul 19, 2023 • 1:06:10

How To!: Make Aging Easier for Everyone

How To!: Make Aging Easier for Everyone

Caregivers provide an estimated 600 billion dollars in free labor each year, according to the AARP. This week’s listener, Dani is one such caregiver. She and her partner found themselves navigating the confusing world of Medicare and Medicaid, estate planning, powers of attorney, etc. All in the hope of helping their loved ones stay healthy and comfortable until they need an end-of-life plan. This experience has her worried—who is going to look after her when the time comes? On this epi

Jul 18, 2023 • 39:14

A Word: Black Dolls Matter

A Word: Black Dolls Matter

Barbie is more than a toy. She’s an icon, and now the focus of a blockbuster film. For generations, Barbie has helped define all-American beauty, often leaving girls who weren’t blonde, thin, and white feeling invisible. But that began to change in the 1980’s with the introduction of Black Barbies. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Lagueria Davis, the producer of Black Barbie: A Documentary. The film tells the stories of the African American women who helped bring

Jul 14, 2023 • 28:26

Mom & Dad: My Son Wears Skirts. My Mom Doesn’t Like It.

Mom & Dad: My Son Wears Skirts. My Mom Doesn’t Like It.

On this episode: Elizabeth, Zak and Jamilah help a listener decide how to support her skirt-loving eight-year-old-son — and how to get his hesitant grandmother to come around. We also go over some ‘triumphs and fails’ from the past week — and then, if you’re sticking around for Slate Plus, we explore the history of the comic strip Goofus and Gallant… and what 80 years can tell us about the evolution of parenthood. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus me

Jul 13, 2023 • 27:30

The Waves: Watch The Women’s World Cup, Damn It!

The Waves: Watch The Women’s World Cup, Damn It!

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re talking about the Women’s World Cup and why you should be watching it (even if sometimes it’s a little tricky to find). Slate senior supervising producer Daisy Rosario is joined by investigative sports journalist Jessica Luther with a Waves guide to the cup. They discuss what players to look for, why nationalism can sometimes trump misogyny, Megan Rapinoe’s retirement, and why the US women’s soccer team is so good.In Slate Plus: Episode 5 of ou

Jul 13, 2023 • 39:15

ICYMI: Has Black Twitter Found A New Home?

ICYMI: Has Black Twitter Found A New Home?

On today’s episode, Candice Lim is joined by Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe to dive into her piece about Spill, the latest Twitter alternative to hit the streets. But first, they parse out the chaos surrounding Keke Palmer and Jonah Hill, whose respective relationship drama entered public discourse over the past week. This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 12, 2023 • 51:17

Hear Me Out: You Need To Care About Meghan Markle

Hear Me Out: You Need To Care About Meghan Markle

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… royal pains.The British Royals are far from the imperial power they once were. Whether you love the institution, hate it, or simply don’t care, it’s hard to deny that it feels like an artifact of another time.Which is perhaps why Meghan Markle’s arrival on the scene – and subsequent departure, with Prince Harry at her side – threw so many people for a loop. Meghan continues to receive racist, sexist, and downright fabricated harassment from the public,

Jul 11, 2023 • 43:04

The Waves: Is the Wedding Dress Dead?

The Waves: Is the Wedding Dress Dead?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth does a deep dive on wedding dresses. From the oldest family-run bridal shop in the United States, to a warehouse in New York, she explores what the modern wedding dress looks like. Along with brides-to-be Shannon Palus and Susan Matthews, Cheyna talks with Marteal Mayer, the owner of Loulette Bride in Brooklyn, and mother-daughter duo Shelly Mueller and Alyssa Pung, co-owners of Becker’s Bridal in Fowler, Michigan.  In Slate

Jul 6, 2023 • 34:42

A Word: The Rise of Miss Ross

A Word: The Rise of Miss Ross

As this year’s LGBTQ Pride Month ends, transgender Americans find themselves under political attack. At the same time, a number of transgender creatives are thriving, building bright careers and awareness of their community. Actress and activist Angelica Ross is one of those artists. She joins journalist Aisha Mills, who is filling in as host, on today’s episode of A Word. Ross talks about her own journey from struggling teen, to military service, to groundbreaking performer and entrepr

Jun 30, 2023 • 35:36

The Waves: Can Fairy Tales Be Feminist?

The Waves: Can Fairy Tales Be Feminist?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re diving into fairy tales. Slate book critic Laura Miller talks with author Kelly Link about her collection of fairy tale inspired short stories, White Cat, Black Dog. They discuss how fairy tales have influenced Kelly’s work, the allure of the “searching for a beloved” story, finding a community of female writers. In Slate Plus: Cheyna Roth and Luke Winkie discuss episode three of Max’s And Just Like That…Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with e

Jun 29, 2023 • 31:39

Outward: Despair Is a Rational Response to Anti-Trans Activism

Outward: Despair Is a Rational Response to Anti-Trans Activism

In the last of our Pride month mini-episodes, host Jules Gill-Peterson is joined by Evan Urquhart, the community manager for Slate's comments section who also covers anti-trans propaganda on assignedmedia.org. They discuss Evan’s piece “Don’t Look Away From Queer Despair,” which was part of Slate’s “Not Quite Pride” package. In a galvanizing conversation, they discuss the need to resist putting on a happy face in these genuinely challenging times; the compulsion to create work that will

Jun 28, 2023 • 24:41

ICYMI: Finding Queer Love Online

ICYMI: Finding Queer Love Online

On today’s special Pride Month episode, Rachelle and Candice hear from their queer listeners about finding love online. Stories come from digital spaces as far flung as Buffy the Vampire Slayer fandom boards to Craigslist missed connections, from Minecraft rose gardens to couch surfing websites. This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 28, 2023 • 36:25

Hear Me Out: Patriarchy Hurts All Of Us — Including Men

Hear Me Out: Patriarchy Hurts All Of Us — Including Men

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… gendering, everywhere, all at once. In the final days of Pride Month, we wanted to turn our attention to another complicated and contentious facet of the LGBT+ dialogue: gender identity. If gender isn’t a binary, but a fluid spectrum, what do we do with our notions of sexism, misogyny, and toxic masculinity? As it turns out, we do very much live in a patriarchal society — but the truth of how that society operates, and who it advantages, might be more complic

Jun 27, 2023 • 36:01

A Word: Black and Proud

A Word: Black and Proud

During this LGBTQ Pride month, many members of the community are reflecting on a year of unprecedented political and legal attacks. One of the biggest battlefields has been in public schools and libraries, where books featuring LGBTQ stories have been the targets of censors. On today’s episode of A Word, guest host journalist Aisha Mills is joined by George M. Johnson, author of one of the most banned books, All Boys Aren’t Blue. They talk about the intersection of race and gender ident

Jun 23, 2023 • 28:53

What Next: Is Planned Parenthood Stepping Up?

What Next: Is Planned Parenthood Stepping Up?

Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of the end of Roe – a historic decision that’s led to long lines, clinic closures, and a flood of abortion bans across the country. Planned Parenthood has always been in the political crosshairs… but now, their role is arguably more important than ever. What does America’s largest abortion provider look like in the post-Roe era? We sit down with its CEO to find out. Guest: Alexis McGill Johnson, CEO of Planned ParenthoodIf you enjoy this show, ple

Jun 22, 2023 • 24:18

The Waves: A Year Without Roe

The Waves: A Year Without Roe

On this week’s episode of The Waves, one year after the Supreme Court decision that set off a national crisis in reproductive health care, we’re taking a look at what the end of Roe has wrought. Countless lives have been affected: There's the people who've traveled across the country to get their lives back, the people who've been forced against their will into pregnancy and childbirth, and those who've been denied life saving medical care because their doctors are afraid of the law. There's als

Jun 22, 2023 • 55:24

Outward: What Was Corporate Pride?

Outward: What Was Corporate Pride?

This Pride month, many LGBTQ people are grappling with complicated feelings. Anti-gay and anti-trans political attacks are becoming all too common, Pride celebrations are being banned or canceled in some parts of the United States, and many of us are wondering how to put this in perspective. Hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder wrestle with some of that complexity as they work through their feelings about corporate Pride. If rainbow capitalism never mattered in the f

Jun 21, 2023 • 56:59

What Next: They Pledged to Stop Sex Abuse. Instead, They Targeted Women.

What Next: They Pledged to Stop Sex Abuse. Instead, They Targeted Women.

Last week, the Southern Baptist Convention held its annual meeting in New Orleans – and its main order of business was to tighten the reins on what women can, and can’t, do in the church. It’s the result of a years-long push from the SBC’s ultraconservative wing to reverse what it calls a “liberal drift.” As the nation’s largest Protestant denomination prepares to crack down on gender roles, what does that mean for American evangelicals – and for the rest of us?  Guest: Beth Allison Barr is a h

Jun 20, 2023 • 29:17

How To!: Quit Your Calling

How To!: Quit Your Calling

Amy and Sarah are high school English teachers who both want to quit the classroom, but for very different reasons. Amy has over 200 students, and tensions between teachers and parents are on the rise so she’s “beyond burned out.” Whereas Sarah has been teaching for over a decade and is itching for a change. On this episode of How To!, the second in a two-part series, co-host Amanda Ripley is joined by Daphne Gomez, a former teacher who’s now CEO of Teacher Career Coach. (She also hosts the Teac

Jun 15, 2023 • 39:52

The Waves: Your Period Deserves Respect

The Waves: Your Period Deserves Respect

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re talking about menstruation. Period. Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by author and anthropologist Dr. Kate Clancy. Kate recently published her extensive study on menstruation, Period and they dig into why Western culture has constantly looked at menstruating bodies with shame, how this impacts scientific studies and healthcare for women and gender minorities, and how we can overcome the embarrassment. In Slate Plus: Why language matt

Jun 15, 2023 • 35:17

What Next: After They Testified: The Rabbi Leading an Interfaith Fight for Trans Rights

What Next: After They Testified: The Rabbi Leading an Interfaith Fight for Trans Rights

Red-state resident, religious, and proud of his trans son, a Missouri rabbi has testified more times than he can count in front of the state government over the years, and is both dispirited and confused by the changes he’s seeing in his state lawmakers—from attitudes towards anti-Semitism, to the disappearance of business-focused Republicans who care if anti-trans legislation is going to cost the state millions. This is the third installment in What Next’s Pride Month series. “After Th

Jun 15, 2023 • 29:15

Outward: Lesbian Bars: A Love Story

Outward: Lesbian Bars: A Love Story

In celebration of Pride month, we’re bringing you some extra episodes of the Outward podcast. This week, host Christina Cauterucci talks to two people who recently visited every lesbian bar in the United States: Krista Burton, author of the newly published book Moby Dyke: An Obsessive Quest to Track Down the Last Remaining Lesbian Bars in America, and Naomi Gordon-Loebl, a writer and sommelier. They discuss the purpose of lesbian bars, trends in dyke-bar decor, and whether lesbian bars are still

Jun 14, 2023 • 31:55

ICYMI: Why “The Ultimatum: Queer Love” Ultimately Fails

ICYMI: Why “The Ultimatum: Queer Love” Ultimately Fails

On today’s show, Candice and Rachelle are joined by Lindsay Lee Wallace, a culture writer who recently reviewed the second season of Netflix’s reality dating show The Ultimatum for TIME. The three discuss how the show’s unhinged conceit fares when all the contestants are queer and how the season’s reception on the internet. They dive deep into the chaos subsumed The Ultimatum subreddit, where one of the contestant’s name was briefly banned because so many critical threads were being pos

Jun 10, 2023 • 45:17

The Waves: Finding Love Without Romance

The Waves: Finding Love Without Romance

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we talk about living a life alone, but without loneliness. Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion talks with author Amy Key about her new book, Arrangements in Blue, and how Key has found fulfillment without romantic love.In Slate Plus: The influence of Joni Mitchell’s album, Blue. If you like this episode, check out: Why Medical Mysteries Plague Women Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.Send y

Jun 8, 2023 • 34:36

What Next: After They Testified: The Drag King Who Loves Performing for Kids

What Next: After They Testified: The Drag King Who Loves Performing for Kids

Deep in the heart of Texas, they performed in drag, for kids and enthusiastic crowds. But as state legislation moved to ban drag performances, they stopped lip syncing and spoke for themself—and the queer people who depend on them at their day job.   This is the second installment in What Next’s Pride Month series. “After They Testified” is about the Americans who’ve shown up in the last year to speak out against anti-queer legislation, how it felt to do so, and what came next. Guest: Jay Thom

Jun 8, 2023 • 27:11

Outward Pride Special: Is “I Do” Best for You?

Outward Pride Special: Is “I Do” Best for You?

In celebration of Pride month, we’re bringing you some extra episodes of the Outward podcast. This week, host Bryan Lowder talks to Slate contributor John Culhane about his new book More Than Marriage: Forming Families After Marriage Equality. In the book, Culhane explores legal arrangements other than marriage that could protect people’s relationships and finances. While we might once have decried these options as consolation prizes, contracts such as designated beneficiary agreements

Jun 7, 2023 • 36:37

Hear Me Out: Corporate Pride is Tacky, Pointless and Counterproductive

Hear Me Out: Corporate Pride is Tacky, Pointless and Counterproductive

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… these gays are trying to murder my neutral palate. Pride Month festivities come at a time this year when LGBT+ rights are under attack across the country. Brands like Target and Bud Light are facing backlash for lifting up queer voices — but is this all a symptom of pride having gone a little too mainstream?  Comedian, writer and podcast host H. Alan Scott joins us to discuss his vision for a pride to be proud of… and, at length, the trouble with rainbows. If

Jun 6, 2023 • 45:22

How To Help Teachers Thrive

How To Help Teachers Thrive

Today there are about four million teachers in America, and nearly a third of them are thinking about leaving their jobs. It has become harder to be a teacher in the U.S. due to a lack of resources, political meddling, and teacher shortages, to name a few reasons. On this episode of How To!, the first in a two-part series, co-host Amanda Ripley talks with two teachers, Sarah and Amy, and Daphne Gomez, a former teacher and now the founder and CEO of Teacher Career Coach. They discuss cha

Jun 6, 2023 • 34:00

Amicus: How SCOTUS Enabled The Explosion of Anti-Trans Laws

Amicus: How SCOTUS Enabled The Explosion of Anti-Trans Laws

This episode is a part of Opinionpalooza. Slate’s coverage of Supreme Court decisions. We consider this coverage so essential that we’re taking down the paywall for all of it. If you would like to help us continue to cover the courts aggressively, please consider joining Slate Plus. And sign up for the pop-up newsletter to see the latest every week in your inbox. On this week’s Amicus, a sobering interview between Dahlia Lithwick and the ACLU's Chase Strangio. Chase is deputy director for Trans

Jun 3, 2023 • 1:05:20

Dear Prudence: I Think My Wife Is Cheating On Me—With A Robot. Help!

Dear Prudence: I Think My Wife Is Cheating On Me—With A Robot. Help!

In this episode, the co-hosts of Stitcher’s Vibe Check, Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer your letters from readers about sharing food with ungrateful people, wanting to date a friend’s crush, and getting emotional needs satisfied by AI.If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just

Jun 2, 2023 • 55:01

The Waves: The Hustle of Being Beautiful

The Waves: The Hustle of Being Beautiful

On this week’s episode of The Waves, it’s all about the beauty industry. Senior writer and editor at New America, Julia Craven is joined by author and NPR host-at-large Elise Hu. They discuss Elise’s new book, Flawless - a remarkable investigation into the Korean beauty world. They also unpack the hustle culture inherent in beauty, how Eurocentric beauty trends are everywhere, and more.  In Slate Plus: Is Shiv Roy from HBO’s Succession misunderstood?  If you liked this episode, check out: Who’

Jun 1, 2023 • 39:14

What Next: After They Testified: The Trans Pharmacist Who Went Viral

What Next: After They Testified: The Trans Pharmacist Who Went Viral

As the fight for trans rights, including gender-affirming medical care, heads through state legislation, activists and medical providers are stepping up to testify. While explaining her perspective as a medical professional, a Little Rock pharmacist, who is trans, was asked about her genitalia in the middle of the Arkansas general assembly.  This is the first installment in What Next’s Pride Month series. “After They Testified” is about the Americans who’ve shown up in the last year to speak ou

Jun 1, 2023 • 27:19

Slate Money: Rainbow Rage

Slate Money: Rainbow Rage

This week, Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the conservative backlash to corporate LGBTQIA+ Pride campaigns, Nvidia’s soaring stock and what it means for the future of AI, and what’s up with Germany’s economic slowdown.In the Plus segment: Elizabeth's piece on strivers and Succession. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Patrick Fort.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 27, 2023 • 46:31

What Next: TBD | Tweetering on the Glass Cliff

What Next: TBD | Tweetering on the Glass Cliff

How Twitter’s new CEO Linda Yaccarino finds herself on the edge of “the glass cliff”: when a woman is sent in to fix a big mess.  Guest: Vittoria Elliot, reporter for Wired, covering platforms and power If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to

May 26, 2023 • 23:32

The Waves: I Don’t Care If You Like Me

The Waves: I Don’t Care If You Like Me

On this week’s episode of The Waves, are female characters becoming less likable? Slate senior supervising producer, Daisy Rosario is joined by author and comedian Jena Friedman. Jena’s new book Not Funny explores likeability and what that means for women in comedy and the world. They talk about unlikeable female characters and anti-heroines in shows like Rosanne, Killing Eve, and more. How unlikeable female characters have evolved - and how streamers actually helped bring down some gat

May 25, 2023 • 35:22

Outward: Queer Utopian Fiction and Dystopian Reality TV

Outward: Queer Utopian Fiction and Dystopian Reality TV

This month, Outward explores utopian fiction and dystopian reality TV. First, Bryan and Christina are joined by author Theodore McCombs to discuss Uranians, his new collection of speculative stories, which uses queer difference and divestment from the normal as an engine to drive five fascinating tales. Then they’re joined by producer June Thomas to discuss The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Netflix’s latest take on the dating show, which follows a cast of queer women and nonbinary folks as the

May 24, 2023 • 1:13:55

What Next: Republicans' Stealth Plan to Ban Abortions

What Next: Republicans' Stealth Plan to Ban Abortions

A national ban on abortion remains so unpopular that even Republican presidential candidates won’t commit to one. However, a law from the 1870s, depending on how it's interpreted and enforced, could ban both abortion pills and the procedure across America. Guest: Mary Ziegler, law professor at UC Davis and author of Roe: The History of a National Obsession.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcas

May 24, 2023 • 21:38

Amicus: E. Jean Carroll and the Lawyer Who Beat Trump

Amicus: E. Jean Carroll and the Lawyer Who Beat Trump

Get your tickets for Amicus Live in Washington DC on May 24th here: https://slate.com/live/amicus-live-may-24-in-washington-d-c-full-court-press.html Dahlia Lithwick is joined by a pair of legal history-makers, E Jean Carroll and Roberta Kaplan. They discuss the landmark defamation and sexual abuse case they won against former President Donald J Trump; how the case came together, what tipped the balance in court, if vindication lasts, and what happens when the defendant won’t stop doing the same

May 20, 2023 • 53:11

What Next: North Carolina’s Rush to Restrict Abortion

What Next: North Carolina’s Rush to Restrict Abortion

When a Democratic pro-choice representative defected from her party, North Carolina Republicans instantly secured a veto-proof supermajority in the state legislature. Then, they quickly sent a bill that restricts abortion to their Democratic governor’s desk, and overrode his veto, ending North Carolina’s time as an abortion destination in the southeastern United States. Guest: Rebecca J. Kreitzer, associate professor of public policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and expert

May 18, 2023 • 26:12

The Waves: Why Medical Mysteries Plague Women

The Waves: Why Medical Mysteries Plague Women

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re unpacking medical mysteries. Science writer and Slate contributor Eleanor Cummins is joined by Allison Behringer. Allison is the host and creator of the KCRW podcast, Bodies. Now in its fourth season, every episode of Bodies digs into a person’s medical mystery. Eleanor and Allison talk about Allison’s own ‘body story,’ why female bodies contain so many mysteries, and what we can do to solve them.In Slate Plus, using social media to connect peo

May 18, 2023 • 30:40

Hear Me Out: Workplace DEI Trainings Do More Harm Than Good

Hear Me Out: Workplace DEI Trainings Do More Harm Than Good

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… if you need a Chief Diversity Officer, you’ve already failed.Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) trainings are reaching ubiquity in pretty much every American workplace. There’s no doubt that discrimination, harassment and sequestering — on the basis of sex, sexuality, gender, race, age — all of that exists.The question becomes what to do about it. And there’s an argument to be made that the trainings and buzzwords might be doing more to make workpla

May 16, 2023 • 32:52

The Waves: What E. Jean Carroll Did For Women

The Waves: What E. Jean Carroll Did For Women

On this week’s episode of The Waves, E. Jean Carroll won, but what now? Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth talks with Slate senior writer Christina Cauterucci about the use of civil trials in cases of alleged rape and domestic violence, how the #MeToo movement influenced the trial, and what Carroll’s win could mean going forward.  More About Carroll: “Not My Type” by Christina Cauterucci Lie Detector by Christina Cauterucci There’s a Remarkable Piece of Evidence in the E. Jean Carroll Trial by C

May 11, 2023 • 37:31

Hear Me Out: Your Kids Don’t Owe You Anything

Hear Me Out: Your Kids Don’t Owe You Anything

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… stop with the breakfast in bed.   As we approach the summertime season of parenting holidays in the U.S. — Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day in June — it’s worth remembering that these holidays’ histories are deeply political… not unlike parenting itself. Parenting is complicated, now more so than ever. In the best of circumstances, it’s a two-way relationship with a person who didn’t ask to be here. So what can we expect from our children?  Gabrielle Bla

May 9, 2023 • 38:55

Political Gabfest Reads: The Classic Hollywood Romance Gets a Makeover

Political Gabfest Reads: The Classic Hollywood Romance Gets a Makeover

Emily Bazelon talks with author author Curtis Sittenfeld about her new book Romantic Comedy.  They discuss why ordinary guys get to be with famous women, but usually not the other way around, the fun of writing a fictional version of Saturday Night Live, and how to write witty email exchanges.  Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Learn more abo

May 6, 2023 • 26:03

The Waves: How to Protect Your Kids From Diet Culture

The Waves: How to Protect Your Kids From Diet Culture

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re doing a very special Mom and Dad Are Fighting crossover with host Jamilah Lemieux. Jamilah sits down with author Virginia Sole-Smith to talk about her new book, Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture. They discuss helping kids accept their bodies in whatever form they take, dealing with our own internalized fatphobia, and more. In Slate Plus, answering a listener’s question on secret snacking. If you liked this episode, check out Making Friend

May 4, 2023 • 37:58

What Next: What E. Jean Carroll Is Fighting For

What Next: What E. Jean Carroll Is Fighting For

Author E. Jean Carroll has accused Donald Trump of raping her in a dressing room in the mid-1990s—and she’s suing him for battery and for defamation in response to his claims that she’s lying and “mentally sick.” The trial began on Tuesday, April 25th, in federal court in Manhattan.  What’s at stake in this latest trial against the former president? Guest: Christina Cauterucci, Slate senior writer and host of Outward. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Pl

May 2, 2023 • 27:05

The Waves: Making Friends As An Adult

The Waves: Making Friends As An Adult

On this week’s episode of The Waves, finding friends as an adult. Slate executive editor Susan Matthews is joined by author, comedian, and musician Lane Moore to talk about Moore’s new book You Will Find Your People. They dig into the necessity of healthy boundaries, letting go of old friendships that no longer serve you, and the importance of deep friendships that require work. In Slate Plus, unpacking celebrity friendships.   Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy

Apr 27, 2023 • 34:18

Hear Me Out: Trashy TV Is Actually Good For You

Hear Me Out: Trashy TV Is Actually Good For You

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… Kim, there’s people that are dying.  We can probably all agree that reality shows aren’t exactly peak TV. But there’s a time, a place, and an audience for pretty much everything. In a world where Love Is Blind’s chart-topping run is frequently described as brilliant and awful in the same breath, it’s easy to dismiss this stuff as a product of the social media era. But that’s not quite accurate. Culture critic and podcast host Kristen Meinzer joins us to talk al

Apr 25, 2023 • 32:53

Outward: Are Advice Columns Intrinsically Queer?

Outward: Are Advice Columns Intrinsically Queer?

Spring is in the air, and the Outward hosts are gay like tulips and queer like allergies! First, they discuss a new animated version of the beloved Frog and Toad series of children’s books, which premieres on Apple TV+ on April 28. Then they welcome Daniel M. Lavery to the pod. Danny was Slate’s own Dear Prudence for many years, and now a Dear Prudence book is here to grace our bookshelves. Danny shares his philosophy of advice-giving, talks about what it was like to transition in the public eye

Apr 19, 2023 • 1:23:51

Working: Drag Queens Are Under Attack and Fighting Back

Working: Drag Queens Are Under Attack and Fighting Back

This week, host June Thomas talks to drag queen, author, and activist Lil Miss Hot Mess. In the interview, LMHM explains the origins of her drag persona and drag name and discusses the skills she had to build up early in her career. Then she discusses her work with Drag Story Hour and talks about what it means for drag to be simultaneously more mainstream and constantly under attack. Finally, she discusses her two children's books, The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish and If You’re

Apr 16, 2023 • 52:08

Amicus: Anti-Abortion Lawyers Love this Zombie Law

Amicus: Anti-Abortion Lawyers Love this Zombie Law

There’s a terrible legal Easter egg in Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk’s ruling on the abortion medication, Mifepristone. And that same Easter egg makes an appearance in the Fifth Circuit’s partial stay. It’s the Comstock Act - a mostly forgotten 19th century vice statute that is suddenly the anti-abortion movement’s favorite zombie legislation. On a special extra episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Mary Ziegler, an expert on the law, history, and politics of reproduction, health care, an

Apr 15, 2023 • 34:33

Political Gabfest: That Shoddy Abortion Pill Ruling

Political Gabfest: That Shoddy Abortion Pill Ruling

This week, David Plotz and Emily Bazelon discuss the federal court rulings on the F.D.A.-approved abortion medication mifepristone, the expulsion of two Democratic representatives by the Republican-supermajority state legislature in Tennessee, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ latest ethics problem.  Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:Adam Unikowsky for Adam’s Legal Newsletter: “Mifepristone and the rule of law, part II”Allison McCann for the New York Time

Apr 13, 2023 • 53:45

The Waves: How to Survive in Hollywood

The Waves: How to Survive in Hollywood

On this week’s episode of The Waves - the freelancing side of acting with Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress Caroline Aaron. Slate senior supervising producer Daisy Rosario is joined by Caroline Aaron - a familiar face in movies for over forty years, if not a household name. They discuss building a life with an unstable career path, how women’s stories are done a disservice in film and television, and how Caroline’s show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel seeks to overturn all of that. In Slate Plus,

Apr 13, 2023 • 31:26

What Next: Do Abortion Pills Actually Need FDA Approval?

What Next: Do Abortion Pills Actually Need FDA Approval?

Last week a federal judge in Texas refuted the FDA approval for mifepristone, a pill used for medication abortions, which would suspend that approval across the country. But some experts say - plenty of drugs don’t have FDA approval, and are still widely distributed… from baby formula, to multivitamins.  Guest: Rachel Rebouché, dean and James E. Beasley professor of law at the Temple University Beasley School of Law and faculty fellow at the Center for Public Health Law Research. If you enjoy

Apr 13, 2023 • 28:53

Big Mood, Little Mood: Am I Cis Now?

Big Mood, Little Mood: Am I Cis Now?

Danny Lavery welcomes Tuck Woodstock, a journalist, educator, and the host of the podcast Gender Reveal. Lavery and Woodstock give advice to someone wondering why they’re suddenly identifying with their birth sex five years into their transition. Another letter writer is concerned about coming out to their social media following. A third letter is about fearing you are no longer attractive to your partner. Finally, a letter writer is wondering if they should speak up about her daughter’

Apr 8, 2023 • 50:33

Dear Prudence: I Don’t Want My Dad to Attend My Daughter’s Wedding. Help!

Dear Prudence: I Don’t Want My Dad to Attend My Daughter’s Wedding. Help!

In this episode, Danny M. Lavery (former Prudie and host of Slate’s Big Mood, Little Mood) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to recount his time answering your questions and take on new ones from people dealing with unwanted gifts, wedding dilemmas, and a parent refusing to let their college-aged daughter get a gun. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to

Apr 7, 2023 • 46:09

The Waves: Make Movies Horny Again

The Waves: Make Movies Horny Again

On this week’s episode of The Waves, author, journalist, and former host of Slate podcast Thirst Aid Kit Nichole Perkins is joined by journalist Eliana Dockterman to discuss the disappearance of sexuality in recent movies. They unpack Eliana’s recent piece in TIME, “Why Aren’t Movies Sexy Anymore?” and try to work through the reasons films that hit the theaters are lacking heat. Hint: One reason has to do with some superheroes. In Slate Plus: Movies that DO have sex scenes.  Podcast production

Apr 6, 2023 • 36:16

Hear Me Out: Childbirth Should Be Free

Hear Me Out: Childbirth Should Be Free

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… the right to life and socialized healthcare walk into a delivery room. Writer and journalist Liz Bruenig joins Celeste to discuss her vision for a United States where childbirth costs nothing. In a nation with skyrocketing healthcare costs, attacks on reproductive rights, and potential rollbacks on preventive care, we tell birthing people that not only do they have to give birth — they have to court financial ruin in order to do it.  Liz says it doesn’t have

Apr 4, 2023 • 36:06

Mom & Dad: Gender-Affirming Care For Kids

Mom & Dad: Gender-Affirming Care For Kids

On this episode: Zak and Jamilah are joined by Evan Urquhart. Evan covers anti-trans propaganda on Assigned Media, writes for Slate, and manages Slate’s comments section.  Today we’re going to be talking with Evan about his recent piece, There Are Two Sides to the Debate on Health Care for Trans Kids. Here’s What You’re Missing About One of Them. People and resources mentioned: Julia Serano, Assigned Media, and Trans Safety Network.  Recommendations:  Jamilah recommends the Dear Culture podcas

Apr 3, 2023 • 37:21

ICYMI: Succession’s Kendall Roy is the Internet’s Girlboss

ICYMI: Succession’s Kendall Roy is the Internet’s Girlboss

On today’s episode, Rachelle Hampton is joined once again by BuzzFeed internet culture report Kelsey Weekman. The two discuss the fandom surrounding Succession’s Kendall Roy, the second son of billionaire Logan Roy, played by Jeremy Strong.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Rachelle Hampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 1, 2023 • 45:00

A Word: Build Black Better

A Word: Build Black Better

Baltimore is one of many aging American cities that is plagued with both a lack of affordable housing, and a surplus of vacant homes. But a local non-profit is addressing both those issues, and teaching community members to rebuild their neighborhoods one house at a time. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Shelley Halstead, who founded Black Women Build in Baltimore. Guest: Shelley Halstead, founder of Black Women BuildPodcast production by Ahyiana AngelYou can ski

Mar 31, 2023 • 23:08

The Waves: What the Hart Family Murders Reveal About Foster Care

The Waves: What the Hart Family Murders Reveal About Foster Care

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate supervising producer Daisy Rosario is joined by Texas Tribune reporter Roxanna Asgarian to discuss her book We Were Once A Family: A Story of Love, Death and Child Removal in America and its findings on the foster care system. The book covers the tragic Hart family murders in 2018 where two mothers drove their six adopted children off a cliff. In Slate Plus: How Roxanna navigated writing about a tragic family story in a pandemic while being a f

Mar 30, 2023 • 36:19

What Next: The Diagnosis Was Fatal. She Couldn't Get an Abortion.

What Next: The Diagnosis Was Fatal. She Couldn't Get an Abortion.

Two weeks after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Lauren Hall found out the baby she was carrying had a fatal condition: her head and skull weren’t properly developing. Texas’s three overlapping bans on abortion forced her to fly to Washington to terminate the unviable pregnancy. With the Center for Reproductive Rights, she’s now one of five plaintiffs suing the state, so no one else will have to go through what she did.Guest: Lauren Hall, plaintiff suing the state of Texas over its abortion bans.If y

Mar 30, 2023 • 33:58

Dear Prudence: My Wife’s Friend Is Not Her Friend. Help!

Dear Prudence: My Wife’s Friend Is Not Her Friend. Help!

In this episode, Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) answers questions from letter writers about coping with aging, dealing with a spouse’s out-of-control frenemy, and explaining a little medicinal drug use to in-laws.   Tonya Mosley (host of Webby award-winning podcast Truth Be Told) joins to share some nuggets of wisdom.  If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to

Mar 24, 2023 • 41:12

The Waves: We Need to Talk About Postpartum Psychosis

The Waves: We Need to Talk About Postpartum Psychosis

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by New Yorker editor Jessica Winter to talk all about postpartum psychosis. They dig into how the medical world is failing new moms during one of the “worst psychiatric emergencies” and why we need to talk about it more. After the break, Cheyna and Jessica talk about how movies and television have depicted postpartum depression and psychosis. In Slate Plus, are “influencer parents” really new? Articles Ment

Mar 23, 2023 • 39:50

Dear Prudence: My Mom Doesn’t Think My Fiancé Is Enough. Help!

Dear Prudence: My Mom Doesn’t Think My Fiancé Is Enough. Help!

In this episode, Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) answers questions from letter writers who are dealing with judgemental parents, homophobic in-laws, and neighbors who throw dog poop over the fence.  Mark Joseph Stern (a Slate senior writer) joins to share advice on what to do. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your fir

Mar 17, 2023 • 39:58

A Word: No More “Black Picket Fence”

A Word: No More “Black Picket Fence”

For decades, there has been a stigma attached to remaining unmarried and childless in the Black community, particularly for women. But a growing part of the Black middle class is single, childfree adults. Does the trend threaten the future of the Black family, or is it time to recognize a different model for family life? On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by sociologist Kris Marsh, author of “The Love Jones Cohort: Single and Living Alone in the Black Middle Class.” Guest: Kr

Mar 17, 2023 • 26:23

The Waves: Two Feminists Talk Weight Loss

The Waves: Two Feminists Talk Weight Loss

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Shannon Palus talks with longtime health and foodwriter Tamar Haspel about her views on weight loss, and why it’s important for feminist to not shy away from the topic. They dig into why crank diets don’t work and often fail in trials, how Tamar changed her mind about “just lose weight!” being good, blanket advice, and how to make conversations about weight empowering—or, at least, less fraught.  In Slate Plus, a discussion about the late

Mar 16, 2023 • 42:43

Outward: Why Is Everything “Lesbian” Always Dying?

Outward: Why Is Everything “Lesbian” Always Dying?

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 dangerous era of “parental rights.” Then, they’re joined by Mairead Sullivan, a scholar and au

Mar 15, 2023 • 1:25:18

How To!: Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower

How To!: Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower

When Leslie landed her dream engineering job right out of college, she was elated but also worried she was a tad unqualified—even though she has the skills and expertise. Since then imposter syndrome has reared its ugly head on a regular basis. Besides being the youngest in her department, she’s one of the only women and the only person of color, which has made things even more isolating. On this episode of How To!, host Amanda Ripley brings on Dr. Jessica Esquivel, physicist, advocate

Mar 14, 2023 • 42:49

What Next: How Anti-Trans Legislation Cost Rural South Dakota a Doctor

What Next: How Anti-Trans Legislation Cost Rural South Dakota a Doctor

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 DakotaIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Sla

Mar 14, 2023 • 32:13

How To!: Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower

How To!: Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower

When Leslie landed her dream engineering job right out of college, she was elated but also worried she was a tad unqualified—even though she has the skills and expertise. Since then imposter syndrome has reared its ugly head on a regular basis. Besides being the youngest in her department, she’s one of the only women and the only person of color, which has made things even more isolating. On this episode of How To!, host Amanda Ripley brings on Dr. Jessica Esquivel, physicist, advocate for margi

Mar 14, 2023 • 42:49

What Next TBD: Would You Let A.I. Date For You?

What Next TBD: Would You Let A.I. Date For You?

The online dating world can be brutal and repetitive—just the kind of thing you might want to automate. But, in one tech writer’s experience, artificial intelligence isn’t ready to make real connections—at least, not without a lot of help.Guest: Heather Tal Murphy, covers business and technology at SlateHost: Lizzie O’LearyIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Sl

Mar 12, 2023 • 32:00

What Next TBD: When Meta Tells Law Enforcement About Your Abortion

What Next TBD: When Meta Tells Law Enforcement About Your Abortion

Just weeks before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a Nebraska woman and her daughter were charged with performing an illegal abortion, thanks to information that law enforcement uncovered by going through their Facebook accounts. Guest: Johana Bhuiyan, senior reporter on tech and surveillance for The GuardianHost: Lizzie O’LearyIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of

Mar 10, 2023 • 28:34

The Waves: Hollywood Needs an Overhaul

The Waves: Hollywood Needs an Overhaul

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe is joined by film producer and Stay Gold Features founder Daniela Taplin Lundberg to discuss the challenges of film production and the importance of movies that tell women’s stories, even when they seem too risky to make. In Slate Plus, Nadira and Daniela talk about their favorite (surprisingly) feminist movies.Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Tori Dominguez with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia M

Mar 9, 2023 • 33:18

How To!: ‘Chaos Cook’ With Samin Nosrat

How To!: ‘Chaos Cook’ With Samin Nosrat

Cooking is one of the most basic human activities. We’ve probably been doing it since the discovery of fire and, yet, it’s more than just fuel. It’s culture. It’s comfort. It’s increasingly content. The problem is when we have such high expectations for something so simple and vital, we can find ourselves, well…paralyzed with doubt. Not to mention hungry. On this episode of How To!, host Carvell Wallace brings on Samin Nosrat, author of Salt Fat Acid Heat, who talks with food writer, Ra

Mar 7, 2023 • 44:25

The Waves: It’s OK to Hate Your Spouse (Sometimes)

The Waves: It’s OK to Hate Your Spouse (Sometimes)

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Shannon Palus talks with Heather Havrilesky about the divine tedium of marriage. They discuss Heather’s book, Foreverland and the explosive response the book initially got (especially when Heather called her husband “a heap of laundry”). Later in the show, they dig into what to do when your husband is truly being a little bit of a patriarchal jerk.   In Slate Plus, a behind the scenes look at what goes into writing the Ask Polly column.

Mar 2, 2023 • 37:24

How To!: Style Your Home Like a Pro

How To!: Style Your Home Like a Pro

This summer, Hillary and her fiancé will be moving into their first home together. It’s an upgrade from their apartment, and they get to design it from scratch. Hillary is really looking forward to entertaining friends and even growing their family in the space. She wants to design the interior of the house so it feels like a home, but she has no idea where to start, style-wise. On this episode of How To!, host Carvell Wallace brings on award-winning interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins. Corey

Feb 28, 2023 • 37:26

Dear Prudence: Sister Wants Me to Be Her Surrogate. Help!

Dear Prudence: Sister Wants Me to Be Her Surrogate. Help!

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. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your

Feb 24, 2023 • 39:59

What Ballet’s Best Choreographer Destroyed

What Ballet’s Best Choreographer Destroyed

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion is joined by Erika Lantz, host of the podcast The Turning to discuss the impact of ballet culture and the legacy of George Balanchine on dancers of all levels. In Slate Plus, how ballerinas and nuns have more in common than you think. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Tori Dominguez with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@

Feb 23, 2023 • 31:18

Political Gabfest Reads: A Boarding School Thriller, But Make It Feminist

Political Gabfest Reads: A Boarding School Thriller, But Make It Feminist

Emily Bazelon talks with author Rebecca Makkai about her new book, I Have Some Questions For You. They discuss why it’s so easy to suspend disbelief with this type of story, the “cancelled” subplot, and whether we’d be better off without Twitter.Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 18, 2023 • 39:24

Dear Prudence: My Partner Might Be in Conversion Therapy. Help!

Dear Prudence: My Partner Might Be in Conversion Therapy. Help!

Slate’s Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris ) is on the mic answering questions about conversion therapy, awkward friends, and more. Slate’s own Nadira Goffe joins to lend her wisdom. If you want more Dear Prudence, you should join Slate Plus, Slate’s membership program. Jenée answers an extra question every week, just for members. Go to Slate.com/prudieplus to sign up. It’s just $15 for your first three months. Again, that’s Slate.com/prudieplus.Podcast production by Kayla Lattimore and Daisy

Feb 17, 2023 • 37:44

The Waves: The Inherent Fear in Being a Woman

The Waves: The Inherent Fear in Being a Woman

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth talks all about fear with author Erica Berry. They discuss trying to navigate alone in the world as a woman, how one fairy tale tells you everything you need to know about women and fear, and Erica’s new book, Wolfish: Wolf, Self, and the Stories We Tell About Fear.In Slate Plus, Cheyna and Erica talk about how one wolf, OR-7, stole hearts across the nation. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight

Feb 16, 2023 • 38:36

What Next: Will Abortion Pills Be Banned?

What Next: Will Abortion Pills Be Banned?

A judge in north Texas is considering a lawsuit that could make access to abortion pills more difficult across the country. While anti-abortion activists can point to a string of recent successes, the existence of another, widely-used abortion medication would make medical abortions nearly impossible to ban outright.  Guest: Christina Cauterucci, Slate senior writer and host of Outward. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero

Feb 16, 2023 • 29:44

Outward: Are Throuples All That Different From Couples?

Outward: Are Throuples All That Different From Couples?

Love is in the air this month, so hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder turn their attention to some very queer questions of love. First, they discuss a new Spanish film, Petit Mal, which explores the intimate drama and everyday feelings of three women in a throuple. Then they consider what is arguably the hardest kind of love: loving yourself in the wake of great loss or pain. Recent years have seen a huge growth in the applications of psychedelic drugs as a

Feb 15, 2023 • 1:24:36

How To!: Find Your First Kiss at 38

How To!: Find Your First Kiss at 38

Sharon is 38 and never been kissed. This, as she acknowledges, is “a bit weird.” As a nurse who loves ballroom dancing, Sharon is smart, funny, and attractive. At the same time, she’s deeply religious and has been waiting so long for the perfect man she worries that she’ll never find “The One.” In this classic How To! episode, founding host Charles Duhigg brings in one of New York City’s finest matchmakers, Lisa Clampitt, for some tough love. Lisa believes Sharon has a lot going for her

Feb 14, 2023 • 36:35

Working: A New Way to Tell Trans Stories

Working: A New Way to Tell Trans Stories

This week, host June Thomas talks to Chase Joynt and Morgan M. Page, co-writers of the new documentary Framing Agnes, which Chase also directed and appears in. The film depicts, through reenactments, conversations with trans patients who were part of a UCLA gender study in the 1950’s. It also features interviews with trans actors who portray the patients and multiple conversations between Chase, Morgan, and others about how to tell trans stories farily. In their interview with June, Chase and Mo

Feb 12, 2023 • 44:20

The Waves: How ADHD Disorients Women

The Waves: How ADHD Disorients Women

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate supervising producer Daisy Rosario is joined by stand-up comic Blaire Postman to discuss their journeys as women with ADHD, from receiving a diagnosis to the many ways it affects their everyday lives.  In Slate Plus, how Blaire navigated living with ADHD in the pandemic-era social media boom of all things ADHD content.   Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Tori Dominguez with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery. Send your commen

Feb 9, 2023 • 36:20

The Waves: Are “Cool Moms” A Menace?

The Waves: Are “Cool Moms” A Menace?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion is joined by NPR political reporter Danielle Kurtzleben to unpack all the fears that come with pending motherhood. They unpack Danielle’s brilliant Substack piece, “A Professional Lady Correspondent Stares Down Motherhood,” their fears of “cool moms” and…the possible merits of ”lean in feminism.” Heavy emphasis on the possible.In Slate Plus, how Danielle navigated covering abortion post-Roe while pregnant.  Podcast p

Feb 2, 2023 • 39:20

How To!: Command a Room

How To!: Command a Room

Yuzuha has been interviewing people for six years. She’s a journalist based in Japan who writes about business and technology but has dreamed of working in broadcast, interviewing people for an audience. Her first challenge is coming sooner than she expected. Yuzuha was asked to moderate a panel at a big conference in Tokyo. She wants to know how to speak with confidence, capture an audience, and ensure her questions get answered without putting on a fake persona. On this episode of How

Jan 31, 2023 • 40:31

The Waves: How a Man Writes Women Protagonists

The Waves: How a Man Writes Women Protagonists

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by author and Slate editor Dan Kois to talk about men writing women. Dan’s new book, Vintage Contemporaries, is the coming of age story of Em and the two women who had a meaningful impact on her life. Dan and Cheyna talk about how Dan wrote true to life female characters without falling into the #menwritewomen trap, why he told a story with female characters, and how to navigate the tricky world of writing

Jan 26, 2023 • 41:07

ICYMI: American Girl’s Addy Is More Than a Slave

ICYMI: American Girl’s Addy Is More Than a Slave

On today’s episode, Rachelle Hampton is joined by NPR’s Aisha Harris to talk about the return of the discourse about Addy Walker, the first Black American Girl doll. They discuss Aisha’s great piece from 2016, “The Making of an American Girl,” their own histories with the doll, and why this discourse pops up so frequently.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, and Daisy Rosario.Subscribe to Slate Plus at http://slate.com/icymiplus Learn more about your ad choice

Jan 25, 2023 • 41:33

The Waves: Exercise Shouldn’t (Always) Feel Punishing

The Waves: Exercise Shouldn’t (Always) Feel Punishing

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate science and health editor Shannon Palus talks with freelance science writer Eleanor Cummins about how to detach exercise from diet culture, and learning to strive toward fitness goals that actually serve them. They discuss two recent pieces in Slate, Shannon’s article on the benefits of slow running and Eleanor’s on why yoga classes cost so much—an how the teachers, which are mostly women, can actually get paid more. They discuss why relaxing i

Jan 19, 2023 • 34:48

Outward: The War on Drag

Outward: The War on Drag

This month, hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder take an in-depth look at the latest fixation of the far right: drag, an art form as old as gender itself, which has brought generations of queer people together. In the first segment, the hosts consider why conservatives are now trying to regulate drag shows out of existence and armed hate groups are showing up at drag events to threaten and intimidate performers and audiences. Then they are joined by Lil Miss

Jan 18, 2023 • 1:24:29

How To!: Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

How To!: Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

January is barely two weeks old and already some of our ambitious New Year’s resolutions may be starting to fade. No shame! Approximately 90% of resolution makers don’t reach their goal. Which means there’s gotta be a better way. Our listener this week, Emily, is discouraged about her unhealthy eating and lack of exercise and wants to form better habits that last long after the new year. On this episode of How To!, we bring on Maya Shankar. Maya is a cognitive scientist and host of the award-win

Jan 17, 2023 • 39:14

ICYMI: RuPaul’s Drag Race Has Finally Logged On

ICYMI: RuPaul’s Drag Race Has Finally Logged On

On today’s episode, Rachelle Hampton is joined again by Daisy Rosario to talk about the premiere of season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. They talk about how the season seems to understand more than ever how the pandemic has affected the lives of its contestants, how the series’ relationship with the internet has changed over the years, and if this is the real way forward for the show.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, and Daisy Rosario.Subscribe to Slate Plus at

Jan 14, 2023 • 40:13

The Waves: Who’s Getting Rich Off Menopause?

The Waves: Who’s Getting Rich Off Menopause?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate Money co-host Emily Peck is joined by New York Times writer, Amy Larocca to discuss, as Amy says, the “menopause gold rush.” They dig into when exactly menopause starts, how younger women embracing their bodies has trickled up to their moms, and the companies that have started aggressively targeting menopausal women - for better and for worse.  In Slate Plus, how telehealth and online medicine have changed the menopause game. Podcast production

Jan 12, 2023 • 37:19

What Next: A Sex Crimes Lawyer's New Mission

What Next: A Sex Crimes Lawyer's New Mission

New York’s new Adult Survivor’s Act has opened a “lookback window”—a year-long suspension of the civil statute of limitations—to allow people who may have been assaulted a long time ago the chance to go to court and demand compensation. For those who choose to pursue legal action, what can they expect?Guest: Carrie Goldberg, victim rights lawyer specializing in sex crimes and author of Nobody’s Victim: Fighting Psychos, Stalkers, Pervs, and Trolls.If you enjoy this show, please consider

Jan 11, 2023 • 33:19

ICYMI: The Untalented Mr. Ripley

ICYMI: The Untalented Mr. Ripley

On today’s show, Daniel Schroeder is joined by Vox’s Alex Abad-Santos to talk about the gay scammers that emerged at the end of the year. First we answer a listener’s question about some gay drama on Twitter, then we discuss the wild rise of Congressman George Santos. We also cover the darker side of gay scams both on Grindr and in real life. This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, and Daisy Rosario. Subscribe to Slate Plus at http://slate.com/icymiplus Learn more about

Jan 7, 2023 • 41:12

Sponsored: How Can We Succeed by Staying Present in the Face of Fear?

Sponsored: How Can We Succeed by Staying Present in the Face of Fear?

This season of The Relentless, we’re speaking with inspiring leaders who break through barriers and move fearlessly. In episode two, we meet a social entrepreneur, explorer, and titan of the tech world, Silvia Vasquez-Lavado. As one of the most influential executives in Silicon Valley and the first Peruvian and openly gay woman to climb the Seven Summits, she knows a thing or two about overcoming fear and staying relentless.From the icy summit of Mount Everest to the competitive arena o

Jan 6, 2023 • 31:55

The Myths: The Myths About Fat People

The Myths: The Myths About Fat People

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate science and health editor Shannon Palus is joined by author and co-host of Maintenance Phase, Aubrey Gordon. Shannon and Aubrey discuss Aubrey’s new book, “You Just Need to Lose Weight” and 19 Other Myths About Fat People, the fraught nature of “body positivity” and the insidious goalpost moving of the Dove “Love Your Body” campaign. In Slate Plus, Aubrey and Shannon discuss the new weight-loss fad, Ozempic.  Further Reading Recommendations From Aubre

Jan 5, 2023 • 41:22

What Next: The "Grooming" Panic's Real Origins

What Next: The "Grooming" Panic's Real Origins

For decades it felt like society was growing more accepting of the LGBTQ community, but in the past few years, hospitals have faced bomb threats, drag story hours have been beset by armed protestors, and queer spaces have been violently targeted. What happened? Guest: David Mack, senior breaking news reporter for Buzzfeed News. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow

Jan 4, 2023 • 28:53

Amicus: Why are We Still Obsessed with Roe v Wade?

Amicus: Why are We Still Obsessed with Roe v Wade?

For some, 2022 was the year Roe v Wade was overturned. For millions more, abortions rights had been functionally inaccessible for decades. Beyond shaky precedent, Roe was a vessel into which America threw all sorts of hopes, beliefs and fears. But how did this legal decision become a symbol of so much? On this week’s show, host Dahlia Lithwick is joined by abortion law expert Mary Ziegler, who’s new book, Roe: The History of a National Obsession, tries to find the roots of Roe’s incessant pull,

Dec 31, 2022 • 53:02

The Waves: Are Women of Color Disappearing From Comedy Again?

The Waves: Are Women of Color Disappearing From Comedy Again?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior supervising producer Daisy Rosario talks to comedian and activist Aida Rodriguez about the state of women in comedy. They dig into Aida’s background and what it was like to come up as a woman of color in comedy. They also unpack the sneaking suspicion that women of color are getting fewer and fewer chances these days, and how to turn trauma into comedy.  In Slate Plus, Aida and Daisy talk about whether it’s feminist to not stand up for yourself

Dec 22, 2022 • 34:55

Outward: How Can Queer People Keep Each Other Safe?

Outward: How Can Queer People Keep Each Other Safe?

This month, hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder reflect on the painful impact of anti-LGBTQ violence and dig into the new possibilities for trans storytelling and filmmaking. First, they talk through their complicated feelings about one of the responses to the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs last month: Should queer people be organizing in self-defense, or even arming ourselves for protection? Then they are joined by actress Jen Richards who portrays Barbara

Dec 21, 2022 • 1:32:01

What Next 2022 Retrospective | How Soccer's Best Women Finally Got Paid

What Next 2022 Retrospective | How Soccer's Best Women Finally Got Paid

This week we look back on some of our favorite stories from a year that had us asking—sometimes with excitement and sometimes with exasperation—"What Next”? This episode originally aired June 1. If you want to understand the way inequality is baked into the systems and structures all around us, examining the pay equity issue in U.S. soccer is a pretty good place to start. But after a six-year battle, the U.S. Women’s National Team struck an agreement with U.S. Soccer, ensuring equal pay

Dec 21, 2022 • 30:24

The Waves: Tis the Hallmark Season

The Waves: Tis the Hallmark Season

On this week’s episode of The Waves, host of Slate’s ICYMI podcast Rachelle Hampton is joined by Vulture’s Rebecca Alter to talk all about those cheesy holiday movies we can’t escape this time of year. They dig into what makes a Hallmark Holiday Movie™ (inns and men who have probably been to therapy are a must), how the movies have evolved over the years and whether their attempts at diversity are just forcing other cultures to conform to their model. Plus, all the holiday vibes.  In Sl

Dec 15, 2022 • 37:56

The Waves: The World Record Book of Racist Stories

The Waves: The World Record Book of Racist Stories

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior supervising producer of audio Daisy Rosario is joined by sisters and authors Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar. Amber and Lacey just released their second book, The World Record Book of Racist Stories, a collection of humorous and sometimes heartbreaking essays about the racism they and the people they know experience every day. Daisy, Amber and Lacey talk about needing to write a second book (because they didn’t fit all the stories in the fi

Dec 8, 2022 • 37:24

ICYMI: What Is a Kevsexual?

ICYMI: What Is a Kevsexual?

On today’s episode, Rachelle Hampton is joined yet again by Nadira Goffe, this time to unpack the mailbag. First they discuss the convoluted mess over a guy on TikTok named Kevin who may or may not understand what the female gaze is. Then, they talk about chili, a Brazilian puppet, and inflation in TikTok’s doubloons economy. This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, and Daisy Rosario. Subscribe to Slate Plus at http://slate.com/icymiplus Learn more about your ad choices.

Dec 7, 2022 • 40:06

The Waves: Fleishman - and Middle Aged Marriage - Are in Trouble

The Waves: Fleishman - and Middle Aged Marriage - Are in Trouble

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate Money host Emily Peck is joined by journalist and author Taffy Brodesser-Akner to talk about Taffy’s new show, Fleishman is in Trouble, based on her bestselling novel. They dig into why men’s magazines are more freeing to write for, how ambition can mess up a marriage, and how midlife crises and divorce are different experiences for women.  In Slate Plus, Emily and Taffy talk about Toby’s eating disorder, how empathy can make people mad, and more. Pod

Dec 1, 2022 • 32:50

Outward: How to Read a NYT Story About Trans Kids

Outward: How to Read a NYT Story About Trans Kids

This episode was recorded before the Nov. 19 attack on Club Q. Outward stands with our queer family in Colorado Springs.This month, Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder discuss two major trans news stories from recent weeks. First, the New York Times’ latest article about trans kids and gender-affirming care, this time about puberty blockers and bone density, and how it plays into the ongoing, manufactured, and weaponized conservative panic about trans existence.

Nov 23, 2022 • 1:15:12

Decoder Ring: The Butt and the Bustle

Decoder Ring: The Butt and the Bustle

For about two decades towards the end of the Victorian era, in the 1870s and 1880s, a large bustle-enhanced bottom was the height of fashion. In this episode we explore how it’s connected to today’s big booty craze. We look at the bustle’s history with a curator fascinated by old undergarments; consider the various theories about its popularity with the author Heather Radke; and then hone in the tragic story of Sarah Baartman. The bustle may be old-fashioned, but it still has a lot to t

Nov 22, 2022 • 46:38

The Waves: Oprah Has The Best Voice (and Other Vocal Thoughts)

The Waves: Oprah Has The Best Voice (and Other Vocal Thoughts)

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior supervising producer of audio, Daisy Rosario is joined by actress and director Lake Bell to talk about voices. Bell’s new audio book Inside Voice is all about her obsession with how people sound. They dig into why we should take better care of our voices, how trauma impacts our ability to speak, why candidate voices impact their electability, and more.In Slate Plus, Lake and Daisy talk about the problem with the sexy baby voice.  Podcast

Nov 10, 2022 • 28:49

What Next: What Texas' Attacks on Trans Healthcare Did to One Family

What Next: What Texas' Attacks on Trans Healthcare Did to One Family

As Texas laws have become more discriminatory against trans individuals and their families, many wonder if they can even stay in the Lone Star State, especially when parents could be investigated as child abusers for providing healthcare to their children. This family made the difficult decision to move to Colorado. Guests:Katie Laird, social justice blogger.Noah Laird, high school junior.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits

Nov 9, 2022 • 29:08

The Waves: Why Sarah Palin Won’t Go Away

The Waves: Why Sarah Palin Won’t Go Away

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we dig into why Sarah Palin is still around - and if you should be paying attention. Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by Slate senior writer Christina Cauterucci to talk about Christina’s time spent in Alaska where Palin is trying to make a political comeback in a tight race for Alaska’s lone Congressional seat. Later in the show, Christina explains why it’s necessary to keep talking about Palin after all these years. In Slate Plus, Cheyna and Chr

Nov 3, 2022 • 33:10

ICYMI: Did Deplatforming Andrew Tate Work?

ICYMI: Did Deplatforming Andrew Tate Work?

Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer and star of Big Brother in the UK, was deplatformed earlier this year because of his offensive and misogynistic talking points, but that didn’t stop him from spreading his message. On today’s episode, Rachelle speaks with journalist Ikran Dahir who recently wrote, “Andrew Tate’s Hustlers University 2.0 Has Made at Least $11 Million in Just One Month,” in BuzzFeed. Ikran discusses what it was like being on the platform, the quality of the classes being off

Nov 2, 2022 • 38:33

The Waves: Why You Hate Women’s Voices

The Waves: Why You Hate Women’s Voices

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior supervising producer of audio Daisy Rosario is joined by author Elissa Bassist to talk about women’s voices. They discuss Elissa’s new book, Hysterical and unpack why we cringe when we hear vocal fry, and ask why we don’t have similar words to describe male vocal ticks. Later in the show, they dig into how the fear of scrutiny women have over their voices silences them in ways you haven’t imagined. In Slate Plus, Elissa talks about her i

Oct 20, 2022 • 30:27

Outward: Debating Queer History in Bros and at the Library of Congress

Outward: Debating Queer History in Bros and at the Library of Congress

Bryan Lowder is still out on book leave, but hosts Christina Cauterucci and Jules Gill-Peterson summon him back to discuss Bros, the gay rom-com of the moment. The film lingers on questions of queer history, shows what happens when a nerdy podcast guy dates a beefy gay bro, and is a fascinating meditation on what it means to be a cis gay man in a time of both progress and prosecution. (This segment lasts around 31 minutes if you want to skip ahead to avoid Bros spoilers.) Then they are

Oct 19, 2022 • 1:28:42

What Next: Five Years of #MeToo

What Next: Five Years of #MeToo

Five years after exposés in the New Yorker and New York Times, Harvey Weinstein is in jail—but a major rallying point of #MeToo was just how widespread this sexual harassment, abuse, and violence really is in workplaces across industries. Looking back, from the top of media to blue- and pink-collar work, how much has the #MeToo movement changed? Guest: Christina Cauterucci, senior writer at Slate. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefit

Oct 18, 2022 • 27:41

The Waves: Why the Law Cares About Your Sex

The Waves: Why the Law Cares About Your Sex

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate homepage editor Sol Werthan sits down with trans rights activist and author, Paisley Currah. They discuss Paisley’s new book, Sex Is As Sex Does and discuss why “male” and “female” are used as a legal and social classifier. And why, even for cis people who identify with the gender binary, that might not be the right way to go.In Slate Plus, Sol and Paisley talk about the politicization of trans kids.Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with editor

Oct 13, 2022 • 34:31

The Waves: Why Are We Obsessed With Queens?

The Waves: Why Are We Obsessed With Queens?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion is joined by Slate contributing writer Imogen West-Knights to talk all about queens. From the daily news to Sunday nights on HBO, queens are everywhere right now. Rebecca and Imogen talk about the enduring appeal of shows like The Crown, House of the Dragon, Victoria, and more and what these representations are lacking. In Slate Plus, is the modern iteration of Hillary Clinton still feminist?Recommendations:Rebecca:

Oct 6, 2022 • 27:58

How To!: Do Divorce Right

How To!: Do Divorce Right

After three decades of marriage, Bernadette wasn’t exactly blindsided when Rodney asked for a divorce. Things had been rocky for awhile, but she always assumed they’d live the rest of their lives “unhappily ever after.” Now Bernadette is facing an uncertain future, wondering how she’s going to navigate her new life socially, emotionally, and financially. On this episode of How To!, we bring on Dr. Elizabeth Cohen, author of Light on the Other Side Of Divorce: Discovering the New You, and host of

Oct 4, 2022 • 39:39

The Waves: Do Co-Ed Sports Hurt Girls?

The Waves: Do Co-Ed Sports Hurt Girls?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Shannon Palus and transgender journalist Evan Urquhart pose the question: Do we really need to separate sports by sex? The pair discusses Maggie Merten’s recent piece in The Atlantic, “Separating Sports By Sex Doesn’s Make Sense” and what role biology does (and doesn’t) play in determining who the top player on the field is. Later in the show, Shannon and Evan talk about why co-ed sports would be great for transgender youth.  In Slate Plu

Sep 29, 2022 • 33:13

Amicus: Listen to Lady Justice

Amicus: Listen to Lady Justice

Dahlia Lithwick’s new book Lady Justice: Women, the Law and the Battle to Save America, tells the story of the women lawyers who stood up to Trump and stood up for those unseen and unrepresented by a brutal presidency, and the stories of the women who will fight on in the wake of life-altering decisions from a radicalized Supreme Court. Lady Justice is also available as an audiobook, and Amicus listeners can get a 25% discount by entering the code “AMICUS” at checkout. https://books.supportingca

Sep 26, 2022 • 10:50

The Waves: Free Britney. From Her Fans.

The Waves: Free Britney. From Her Fans.

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Nicole Lewis, former Slate senior editor and Daisy Rosario, senior supervising producer of audio at Slate, talk about Britney…bitch. Mega-pop star Britney Spears is trying to navigate her life after being released from the court order that gave her father almost total control of her life. But the fans that put her conservatorship in the spotlight still can’t let her go. Nicole and Daisy unpack the toxic relationship between Britney Spears and fame—as

Sep 22, 2022 • 37:15

Amicus: Lady Justice and Charlottesville Nazis

Amicus: Lady Justice and Charlottesville Nazis

Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Roberta Kaplan, who along with co-counsel Karen Dunn brought a successful civil suit against twenty-four neo-Nazi and white supremacist leaders responsible for organizing the racial- and religious-based violence in Charlottesville in August 2017. They discuss how the KKK Act of 1871 applied to discord channels and now January 6th defendants. And they explore the complicated relationship women find themselves in with the law in this moment, as defenders of ri

Sep 17, 2022 • 45:35

The Waves: How to Live With Your Partner’s PTSD

The Waves: How to Live With Your Partner’s PTSD

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Shannon Palus sits down with writer and political scientist Virginia Eubanks. They talk about Virginia’s New York Times magazine essay , “His PTSD, and My Struggle to Live With It,” and how the condition is more widespread than most people realize, even as terms like “trauma” and “triggered” are tossed around cavalierly. Later in the show, they talk about why you shouldn’t give unsolicited advice to people living with PTSD—and wha

Sep 15, 2022 • 33:57

The Waves: The Undying Appeal of Very Sexy Trash

The Waves: The Undying Appeal of Very Sexy Trash

On this week’s episode of The Waves, erotic thrillers are making a comeback and The Waves is ready to dig into it. Freelance podcaster and writer, Nichole Perkins is joined by Slate features editor Jeffrey Bloomer to talk about why they love these movies, while also acknowledging the many flaws they contain. Then, Nichole and Jeffrey talk about what they want to see change and evolve as we enter into a new era of erotic thrillers. In Slate Plus, is taking your partner’s last name femini

Sep 8, 2022 • 36:44

What Next: An Out Teen in the “Don’t Say Gay” State

What Next: An Out Teen in the “Don’t Say Gay” State

Today’s high schoolers have lived in an America with legally recognized gay marriage for nearly half of their lives, but this fall, Florida students are starting the first school year under the “Parental Rights in Education” law, a.k.a. “Don’t Say Gay,” and LGBTQ students are bracing for a very different classroom experience.Guest: Will Larkins, a 17-year-old senior at Winter Park High School, Florida and cofounder of the school’s Queer Student Union.If you enjoy this show, please consi

Sep 7, 2022 • 26:33

ICYMI Encore: Is BYU Virginity Club Real?

ICYMI Encore: Is BYU Virginity Club Real?

Instagram has seen a recent influx of college “virginity club” accounts featuring sharp, funny memes about remaining chaste. On today’s episode, Madison and Rachelle put these accounts under the microscope. Is anything about these accounts real, or are they just a grift for merchandise and music promotion? After some internet sleuthing, they track down the creator of the most popular account, for “Brigham Young Virginity Club,” and put him on the spot. Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and

Sep 3, 2022 • 38:47

The Waves: Why Women Carry the Bulk of Student Debt

The Waves: Why Women Carry the Bulk of Student Debt

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Lizzie O'Leary host of What Next: TBD is joined by Emily Peck co-host of Slate Money to explain the new Student Debt Relief Plan. They delve into the reason women often carry more debt on average and why they stand to benefit the most from even modest relief. Then, Lizzie and Emily unpack debt-relief criticism itself, what Biden’s plan does well, and where it could improve.In Slate Plus, some hard-hitting, in-depth analysis on whether or not laundry-

Sep 1, 2022 • 29:02

ICYMI Encore: Did TikTok Find Gabby Petito, or Exploit Her?

ICYMI Encore: Did TikTok Find Gabby Petito, or Exploit Her?

While authorities searched for missing 22-year-old Gabby Petito, she was everywhere to be found on TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram. Content creators, some well-intentioned and others simply chasing clout and clicks, turned the story of Gabby’s apparent death into the latest in true crime drama. On today’s show, Madison and Rachelle talk about the murkiness of the true crime internet and the ethics of using tragedy for clicks. They’re joined later in the show by Haley Toumaian, a TikTok creator and

Aug 27, 2022 • 36:03

What Next: How Serena Transcended Tennis

What Next: How Serena Transcended Tennis

After winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, four Olympic gold medals, and over $100 million in prize money, this month Serena Williams announced the end of her professional tennis career. While her on-court accomplishments and longevity put her in the sporting pantheon, her cultural impact is just as remarkable.  Guest: Amira Rose Davis, assistant professor of Black studies at the University of Texas Austin and co-host of the feminist sports podcast Burn It All Down. If you enjoy this show, pl

Aug 25, 2022 • 30:41

The Waves: Why Jane Austen Still Slaps

The Waves: Why Jane Austen Still Slaps

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by culture writer Anna Nordberg to talk all about Jane Austen. The romance novelist may have written her seven books well over a century ago, but as Cheyna and Anna discuss, her work still endures in popular culture. They talk about why Austen’s characters are even more modern than the men and women we see on screen today and why some of the men are kind of meh. Later in the show, they talk about what makes

Aug 25, 2022 • 35:01

What Next: Abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention

What Next: Abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention

The Department of Justice announced this month that they were investigating allegations that leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention mishandled sexual abuse accusations for decades. How have abusers exploited the church’s decentralized structure and notions of forgiveness to avoid accountability, and how have church teachings about sexuality and “purity culture” allowed the abuse to continue? Guest: Robert Downen, reporter at the Houston Chronicle.  Jules Woodson, co-Founder & COO of Help;Hea

Aug 24, 2022 • 32:33

A Word: Black Wombs Matter

A Word: Black Wombs Matter

The U.S. has some of the worst maternal mortality rates in the industrialized world. And African Americans are three times more likely to die in childbirth than whites. The documentary Aftershock focuses on how the healthcare system is failing Black mothers at the most vulnerable time of their lives, and how their families are fighting to change that. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson speaks with the film’s co-director and co-producer Tonya Lewis Lee about the history of the c

Aug 19, 2022 • 26:22

The Waves: It’s Not TV. It’s a Sh*tshow.

The Waves: It’s Not TV. It’s a Sh*tshow.

On this week’s episode of The Waves, the streaming wars have come for us all. The Daily Beast’s Allegra Frank sits down with Inkoo Kang of The Washington Post to talk about what happened at HBO and where gender fits into it all. HBO Max recently canceled the nearly done Batgirl, and has been quietly removing content from its streaming service as it prepares to merge with Discovery+. Allegra and Inkoo talk about how streaming services reducing their content offering likely spells trouble for non-

Aug 18, 2022 • 36:06

ICYMI: What Is a Clean Girl?

ICYMI: What Is a Clean Girl?

Three lifestyle trends with surprisingly retrograde ideas have been popping up on TikTok. On today’s show, Nadira Goffe is back with Rachelle to discuss what’s going on. They talk about the problems with the “clean girl” aesthetic, people who shouldn’t be trying to imitate the Kennedys and the like, and why being a housewife isn’t the “soft life” TikTokkers might want you to believe it is. This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, and Daisy Rosario. Subscribe to Slate Plus

Aug 17, 2022 • 35:56

Decoder Ring: The “Sex” Scandal That Made Mae West

Decoder Ring: The “Sex” Scandal That Made Mae West

In the early 1930s, Mae West’s dirty talk and hip swiveling walk made her one of the biggest movie stars in America. But before West hit the big-screen, she was prosecuted for staging not one, but two scandalous plays. In this episode, we look at how West honed her persona when she was under the bright lights of Broadway and the flashbulbs of the tabloids — and briefly behind bars. More than a century later, her career arc offers a blueprint on how to survive a scandal…and maybe even come out ah

Aug 16, 2022 • 46:13

The Waves: Live. Laugh. Lexapro.

The Waves: Live. Laugh. Lexapro.

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Shannon Palus is joined by the managing editor of Future Tense, Mia Armstrong. This week is all about selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. Shannon and Mia discuss their own experiences with their mental health and SSRIs. Then they dig into the cultural narrative around using medication for anxiety and depression,a recent study disproving an old adage about

Aug 11, 2022 • 33:42

What Next: The Crisis of Trust That Dobbs Created

What Next: The Crisis of Trust That Dobbs Created

New abortion restrictions following the repeal of Roe v. Wade have turned some reproductive care into a criminal liability. After a traumatic ectopic pregnancy, one Texas woman is wondering whether state laws delayed her diagnosis and treatment, ultimately leaving her with a ruptured fallopian tube.  Guest: Fatima Abdelwahab of Houston, Texas. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of

Aug 11, 2022 • 27:49

The Waves: Liz Cheney’s Mom Energy

The Waves: Liz Cheney’s Mom Energy

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior writer Christina Cauterucci and Slate books and culture columnist Laura Miller talk all things Liz Cheney. They discuss Laura’s piece on how the Republican Congresswoman is coming across like a disappointed mom during the January 6 hearings—and whether comparing women politicians to mother figures is always sexist. Then they dig into what Cheney’s long-game is as she defies the Republican party and goes against Donald Trump.In Slate Plus

Aug 4, 2022 • 32:06

The Waves: Cafeteria Catholics Can Support Abortion Rights

The Waves: Cafeteria Catholics Can Support Abortion Rights

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by staff writer Molly Olmstead to talk about the much-hyped threat against the Catholic Church in the wake of Roe’s dismantling. They talk about Molly’s piece, “Is the Catholic Church Under Attack” and where the vandalism against churches stacks up against other religious persecution. Then they take a look at “Cafeteria Catholics” - those who follow the religion, but not all the teachings at the top of the

Jul 28, 2022 • 30:44

Slow Burn - Roe v. Wade: Roe Against Wade

Slow Burn - Roe v. Wade: Roe Against Wade

Harry Blackmun wasn’t Richard Nixon’s first choice to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court. But after Blackmun was confirmed, he got the assignment of a lifetime: writing the majority opinion in Roe v. Wade. His approach to that case would have consequences he never imagined. Season 7 of Slow Burn is produced by Susan Matthews, Samira Tazari, Sophie Summergrad, and Sol Werthan. Derek John is Sr. Supervising Producer of Narrative Podcasts. Editorial direction by Josh Levin, Derek John, and Johanna

Jul 23, 2022 • 12:21

The Waves: The 10 Year Old Who Needed An Abortion

The Waves: The 10 Year Old Who Needed An Abortion

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor of Jurisprudence, Nicole Lewis is joined by Susan Matthews, Slate’s executive editor and host of Slow Burn: Roe v. Wade. Earlier this month, a story about a 10-year-old girl seeking an abortion after she was raped went viral, and Nicole and Susan dive into how themedia’s handedthe story, before questioning how news outlets should handle the influx of first-person abortion narratives in a post-Roe world.  In Slate Plus, is asking Vice Pres

Jul 21, 2022 • 36:20

Slow Burn - Roe v. Wade: Women vs. Connecticut

Slow Burn - Roe v. Wade: Women vs. Connecticut

Soon after Ann Hill arrived at Yale Law School in 1968, she realized she was pregnant. Her options were limited: she could give birth—or get an illegal abortion. The decision she faced inspired her to take on Connecticut’s abortion ban. The legal battle that followed would set the stage for Roe v. Wade.Season 7 of Slow Burn is produced by Susan Matthews, Samira Tazari, Sophie Summergrad, and Sol Werthan.Derek John is Sr. Supervising Producer of Narrative Podcasts.Editorial direction by

Jul 20, 2022 • 9:47

What Next: The Prosecutors Stuck With Abortion Bans

What Next: The Prosecutors Stuck With Abortion Bans

Abortion is now illegal in eight states, and more trigger laws banning the procedure are expected. The new state policies usher in an era of criminalized abortion. In Missouri, one liberal prosecutor is still struggling to predict how strictly these laws will be enforced. Guest: Jean Peters Baker, elected prosecutor of Jackson County, Missouri. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes o

Jul 19, 2022 • 30:02

Slow Burn - Roe v. Wade: Life or Death

Slow Burn - Roe v. Wade: Life or Death

Jack and Barbara Willke got their start on the Catholic speaking circuit talking about the pleasure of sex within marriage. Their daughter would convince them to shift their focus to another hot-button issue. The Willkes’ Handbook on Abortion, and the photographs they distributed along with it, would help kickstart the right-to-life movement.To see the cover of the Handbook on Abortion, some of the photos the Willkes used, and the brochure “Life or Death,” go to slate.com/handbookSeason

Jul 18, 2022 • 11:42

Slow Burn - Roe v. Wade: Get Married or Go Home

Slow Burn - Roe v. Wade: Get Married or Go Home

In 1970, 22-year-old Shirley Wheeler got an illegal abortion in Florida. When she refused to tell the police who performed the procedure, she was arrested and charged with manslaughter. In the months that followed, she’d be prosecuted and publicly condemned. She’d also become the unlikely face of the fight for reproductive rights. Season 7 of Slow Burn is produced by Susan Matthews, Samira Tazari, Sophie Summergrad, and Sol Werthan. Derek John is Sr. Supervising Producer of Narrative Podcasts. E

Jul 15, 2022 • 56:30

The Waves: Brittney Griner and the Problem With Women’s Basketball

The Waves: Brittney Griner and the Problem With Women’s Basketball

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth is joined by Amira Rose Davis, professor, historian, and co-host of the feminist sports podcast Burn It All Down to talk about Brittney Griner. The WNBA superstar has been detained by the Russians for months. Cheyna and Amira talk about how Russia treats its women athletes like superstars (until they don’t), while in America it takes weeks for people to really notice when a star WNBA player is missing. Later in the show, they

Jul 14, 2022 • 30:27

How To Orgasm

How To Orgasm

In 2019, Brenda took a year off from their PhD program to try to feel pleasure again…with anything. Brenda has come a long way since then but there’s one thing that’s still elusive—they’ve never experienced an orgasm. Whenever they try, anxiety kicks in and they’re left feeling frustrated and, in their words “broken.” On this episode of How To!, we bring in Ev’Yan Whitney, sex educator, author, and host of the podcast Sensual Self. Ev’Yan has some wonderful wisdom for learning about your body an

Jul 5, 2022 • 40:37

How To Stand Up for Your Kid When Society Won’t

How To Stand Up for Your Kid When Society Won’t

Karin always thought of herself as the mom of two boys—that is, until last year when her oldest child told her they were nonbinary, meaning they don’t identify as either male or female. Karin loves her kid deeply, but she’s struggling to get used to their new name and pronouns, especially because her town—and husband—aren’t very accepting. On this episode of How To!, we bring in Lisa DelCol, a fellow mom of a nonbinary child and former president of PFLAG Oklahoma City, to help Karin com

Jun 7, 2022 • 35:16

Sponsored: How Can We Adapt to Meet Evolving Customer Expectations?

Sponsored: How Can We Adapt to Meet Evolving Customer Expectations?

In this special episode marking the CENTURY 21 Brand’s 50th anniversary, Kristen Meinzer talks to two leaders who embody the brand’s uniquely relentless spirit: Global Chief Marketing Officer Cara Whitley and Mary Lynn Stone, Owner and President of CENTURY 21 New Millennium. Throughout their careers, they’ve both excelled by listening, adapting, and improving every aspect of the customer experience. Cara spearheaded the Brand’s recent transformation by emphasizing innovation, experiences, and re

Aug 20, 2021 • 29:50

Sponsored: You Have My Attention with OkCupid CMO, Melissa Hobley

Sponsored: You Have My Attention with OkCupid CMO, Melissa Hobley

Whether you’re looking to engage new clients or find a romantic partner, it’s more important than ever to reach people in the digital space, form real connections, and develop those relationships. In Episode 2, we’re talking to someone who is an expert in standing out when selling yourself online: Melissa Hobley, the Chief Marketing Officer of the popular dating app OkCupid. Melissa built OkCupid’s marketing team from the ground up and helped craft the brand’s now famous message of inclusion and

Jul 23, 2019 • 22:37

Katrina Adams

Katrina Adams

What’s it like to be the president of the U.S. Tennis Association? For the season finale of Women in Charge, Allison Benedikt talks to Katrina Adams, former president of the U.S. Tennis Association, about the pressures for Americans to win championships, how being the first black woman leader of the USTA shaped the way she did the job, and that infamous Serena and Osaka tennis match. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com.Podcast production by Jessica Jupiter Learn more about your

May 27, 2019 • 40:39

Madeline Bell

Madeline Bell

What’s it like to be the president and CEO of a children’s hospital? On this episode of Women in Charge, Allison Benedikt talks to Madeline Bell, president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, about creating a culture of innovation in a culture where mistakes can be dangerous, the difference between talking to donors and politicians, and how the power dynamics between nurses and doctors are changing. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com.Podcast production by Jessic

May 20, 2019 • 37:52

Sharon Brous

Sharon Brous

What’s it like to be the senior and founding rabbi of a synagogue?On this episode of Women in Charge, Allison Benedikt talks to Sharon Brous, the senior and founding Rabbi of the Los Angeles Congregation, IKAR, about the financial challenges of running a synagogue, how women are faring in Jewish institutions, and how to manage difficult rabbis. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com.Podcast production by Jessica Jupiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13, 2019 • 46:47

Ai-Jen Poo

Ai-Jen Poo

What’s it like to be the director of the nation’s leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States? On this episode of Women in Charge, Allison Benedikt talks to Ai-Jen Poo, director of the National Workers Alliance, about how to build an advocacy organization, why visibility is such an important part of leadership, and the practical challenges of representing a diverse group of women. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com. Podcast production

May 6, 2019 • 40:38

Sara Errington

Sara Errington

What’s it like to be in charge of the Syracuse Fire Department?On this episode of Women in Charge, Allison Benedikt talks to Sara Errington, District Chief of Syracuse Fire Department, about when to trust science over your gut when making tough calls, how she handles being a boss in a male dominated field, and the importance of team bonding when fighting fires. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com.Podcast production by Jessica Jupiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap

Apr 29, 2019 • 43:45

Kristine Guillaume

Kristine Guillaume

What’s it like to be in charge of an Ivy League newspaper?On this episode of Women in Charge, Allison Benedikt talks to Kristine Guillaume about the pressures of being the ‘first’, how to get the most out of an all-volunteer staff that also have finals and papers to do, and how to earn the respect of peers.  You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com. Podcast production by Jessica Jupiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22, 2019 • 40:52

Anna Allanbrook

Anna Allanbrook

What’s it like to be the longtime principal of a Brooklyn public school? On this episode of Women in Charge, Allison Benedikt talks to Anna Allanbrook, the principal of the Brooklyn public school, The Brooklyn New School. They talk about what to look for when hiring teachers, why she’s okay with her kids not taking standardized tests, and how she manages to move forward with the times. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com.Podcast production by Jessica Jupiter Learn more about you

Apr 15, 2019 • 47:57

Virginia Johnson

Virginia Johnson

We are so excited to be back for season two of Women in Charge. This season returns with Allison Benedikt as your host and we kick off the first episode talking with Virginia Johnson, the artistic director and founding member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. We talk about how she navigated from principal dancer to founding member to artistic director. Virginia also shares stories about what it meant to grow up as a black ballerina and what progress is being made in the dance culture now.  Learn m

Apr 8, 2019 • 42:08

Introducing: Who Runs That?

Introducing: Who Runs That?

Allison Benedikt talks about what's in store for season two of Women in Charge and then chats with Seth Stevenson, host of Slate's new podcast, Who Runs That? It's a show about brands people love and the CEOs who shape them. Allison and Seth preview the upcoming season and introduce the first episode, which features Karla Gallardo, CEO of the women's fashion company, Cuyana. If you enjoy this episode of Who Runs That, please subscribe using the Apple Podcast link below or whichever podc

Nov 21, 2018 • 38:01

Julia Turner

Julia Turner

What’s it like to be the woman who runs an online magazine and podcast network? On this episode of Women in Charge, we flip the mics and Slate’s Executive Editor Allison Benedikt interviews Julia Turner, Slate’s departing editor-in-chief. Turner talks about her career trajectory, discusses the concept of female mentorship, and reveals what excites her about her new move.​ You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com. Podcast production by Jessica Jupiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me

Oct 29, 2018 • 42:25

Ellen Stofan

Ellen Stofan

What’s it like to be the woman who runs one of the most visited museums in the world? Ellen Stofan talks about her path to leadership and the importance of female role models, as well as how the story of one great man is being reimagined as the stories of teams.  You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com.Podcast production by Jessica Jupiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 22, 2018 • 42:16

Nadja West

Nadja West

What’s it like to be the woman who runs the runs the U.S. Army Medical Command? On this episode of Women in Charge, Julia Turner talks to Army Surgeon General Nadja West. West speaks about being born into a military family, choosing medicine, and discovering her place as a leader. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com. Podcast production by Jessica Jupiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 15, 2018 • 35:06

Jen Agg

Jen Agg

What’s it like to be a woman who runs a small empire of restaurants? On this episode of Women in Charge, Julia Turner talks to Jen Agg, the Toronto-based restauranteur, formerly of The Black Hoof and Agrikol, whose newest venture is a reimagined diner called Le Swan. In this interview, they speak about building a team you trust, the careful art of creating atmosphere, and navigating the masculinity of the restaurant business. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com. Learn more about

Oct 8, 2018 • 45:37

Ana Mari Cauce

Ana Mari Cauce

What’s it like to be a woman who leads a university of 55,000 students? On this episode of Women in Charge, Julia Turner talks to Ana Mari Cauce, the president of the University of Washington, who progressed from assistant professor to president, all at the same institution.You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 1, 2018 • 37:38

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy

What’s it like to be a woman who’s worked at the helm of multiple Internet-based companies? On this episode of Women in Charge, Julia Turner talks to Sukhinder Singh Cassidy—someone who worked her way from investment banking at Merrill Lynch, to heading up sectors at Amazon and Google, and finally taking on the role of President of StubHub. You can email us at womenincharge@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 2018 • 40:39

Aline Brosh McKenna

Aline Brosh McKenna

What’s it like to be the woman at the helm of one of the most beloved contemporary TV comedies? On the first episode of Women in Charge, Julia Turner talks to Aline Brosh McKenna, the co-creator, showrunner, and head writer of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, about day-to-day life making a hit TV show. McKenna speaks about how she went about forming a team she can rely on and an environment in which everyone can succeed.

Sep 17, 2018 • 43:19

Coming Sept. 17: Women in Charge

Coming Sept. 17: Women in Charge

In this new series, Slate editor-in-chief Julia Turner will ask other women in charge about the nitty-gritty details of their work lives—what do they do every day, how do they do it, and how are things changing for women in their fields? How does Aline Brosh McKenna, the showrunner of TV’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, make personnel decisions? How does Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg grow a successful business? How does StubHub president Sukhinder Singh Cassidy make herself available to the compan

Sep 13, 2018 • 2:31

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