Slate Conversations

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Sally Franson, the author of two novels: A Lady’s Guide to Selling Out and the brand new release Big in Sweden, which was inspired by her real-life experience as a contestant on a Swedish reality competition show. In the interview, Sally digs into the challenges of writing her second novel and the realizations that got her unstuck. She also talks about her practice of plotting novels on gigantic pieces of butcher paper, her preference for writing under a deadline, and her decision to take clowning classes as part of a mission to write side-splittingly funny fiction. 

After the interview, Isaac and co-host Ronald Young Jr. talk about reality TV, writing productivity exercises, and some of the challenges of the creative IP economy.  

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Sally and Isaac talk about a specific fiction device that always makes them laugh. 

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

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 shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.

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In this episode, Ronald Young Jr. (host of Weight For It and Slate’s Working) joins Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about what to do when your fatphobic in-laws are overstaying their welcome and whether to interfere when your best friend is pressuring her husband into an open marriage.

Want more Dear Prudence? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/prudie-plus to get access wherever you listen.

This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, and Jenée Desmond-Harris, with help from Maura Currie and Anuli Ononye.

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On this episode: Lucy, Zak, and Jamilah help a listener who wrote in wondering how to soften her landing after taking a break from the kids. She’s grateful for them, and for time away… but why doesn’t she feel refreshed?

We’ll also debrief with a round of parenting Triumphs & Fails, and share some of your responses to our recent episode about shorts under skirts and dresses.

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.

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 shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus to help support our work.

Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

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Few drugs in the last century have changed the landscape of healthcare and weight management like GLP-1 agonist drugs — drugs like Ozempic and WeGovy.

On this week’s episode of Well, Now we talk with Harvard professor and clinician Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford. 

Her research revolutionized obesity medicine and helped pave the way to get a diabetes drug approved for treating a condition millions have in the U.S.

If you liked this episode, check out – Doctors Agree: Obesity is a Disease. The Public Needs to Catch Up.

Well, Now is hosted by Dr. Kavita Patel and registered dietitian nutritionist Maya Feller.

Editing and podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry. 

Production assistance from Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola. 

Editorial oversight by Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to [email protected]

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On today’s episode of Hear Me Out: Bezos vs. the British invasion.

The Washington Post, like most legacy media outlets, can’t seem to catch a break. Right now, the newsroom is reeling under leadership changeups — and an editor who’s part of what appears to be a British invasion into American media leadership. 

It’s hard to imagine Jeff Bezos, a soon-to-be trillionaire, as anyone’s folk hero. When he bought the Post in 2013, many assumed his involvement would put the paper’s editorial integrity at risk. But could his active presence actually right the ship?

Journalist and writer Brian Stelter joins us, apropos of his recent reporting for The Atlantic.

If you have thoughts you want to share, or an idea for a topic we should tackle, you can email the show: [email protected]

Podcast production by Maura Currie.

Want more Hear Me Out? Subscribe to Slate Plus to 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/hearmeoutplus to get access wherever you listen.

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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, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and an additional segment of our regular show every week. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Slate Money. Sign up now at slate.com/moneyplus to help support our work.

Podcast production by Jared Downing and Cheyna Roth.

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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 Shakespeare and his trip to an unforgettable sex party.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

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 all the articles on Slate.com. Sign up today at slate.com/dsmplus.

And if you’re new to the show, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna’s newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our new email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is [email protected].

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Trisha is craving a break from her job, but she doesn’t want to drain her bank account. On today’s episode, Courtney Martin connects Trisha to DJ DiDonna, founder of The Sabbatical Project, who’s on a quest to make extended breaks accessible to all. DJ explains how to plan for a sabbatical that is both meaningful and manageable. 

If you liked this episode check out: How To Hit “Reset” On Your Career

Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen.

How To’s executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis and Sara McCrea. 

Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus.

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This week, host June Thomas talks to Jim Saah, a photographer who documented D.C.’s legendary hardcore punk scene in the 1980’s and 90’s. In the interview, Jim explains how he fell in love with punk music in high school and soon started photographing bands like Minor Threat and Fugazi. He also discusses the chaotic environments he had to work in, and he explains how certain punk rock conventions—like simple lighting and the practice of allowing pretty much anyone to hop on stage—allowed him to snap memorable and action-packed photos. His photo collection is called In My Eyes, and you can follow him on Instagram @jimsaah.

After the interview, June and co-host Ronald Young Jr. talk about the differences between using digital and analogue tools. 

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Jim explains why the D.C. punk scene was different from other punk scenes in the U.S. He also talks about some of his favorite photography collections. 

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

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 shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.

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How do I navigate casual dating? How do I get over my ex? How can I approach sex and dating when I’m asexual?

On today’s episode brought to us by KCRW’s How’s Your Sex Life?, host Myisha Battle is joined by actor Brandon Kyle Goodman, who dishes advice alongside Myisha, talks about embracing the messiness of dating, and plays a game of ‘Would You Rather.’

Read the full transcript here.

Need advice about dating, sex, or relationships? Send Myisha an email or voice memo at [email protected]. Your message will be kept confidential.

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