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I’m a very conservative voter and I’ve Been a listener for over 1 year so far. I like the moderate tone of this podcast even though I often disagree with its conclusions. This has been a go to for me to help understand the views of the Politcal Left. While I agree with the capitalist idea of charging what the market will bear, I need to inform the producers of this podcast that MY market about is about to move elsewhere. 2 ads per 30 mins is my limit. This one is pushing 6 or even more at times. Advice? Back it off and keep your standards high! Update: 28 July 2022; when one dances with the Devil, the Devil doesn’t change. Update: these so called reporters are totally 💯 biased to the left. No way they are honest about the reality. Only their zero tolerance view of the world. Super sad 😞

Is there any other topic than bashing Trump? The ominous music you play in the background when talking about him is great too😎

Good topics, but the audio on this podcast is too often unacceptable. There is no excuse for poor and inconsistent audio quality on a PODCAST.

I’m torn on this because I love the in depth content but the ads are long, far too frequent and so darn repetitive. Five stars if this problem is fixed!

It’s not just the number of ads but the placement is f*ing intolerable

This is a waste-if-space pod that's not even trying to be good... I subscribed to this on the strength of Slate's rep, and gave it a chance. That was a mistake. It seems to be aimed at people who just awoke from a coma and don't like thinking. The warmed-over, tired, "Is Biden Too Old?" episode was the last straw.

I always looked forward to listening to this show, but was completely turned off by the Fani Willis episode. The dismissive way the host and guest discussed her experiences with racism left a bad taste in my mouth. As a Black woman, it’s always disappointing to hear those that are not act like it’s not a serious issue, and didn’t remotely come into play in this particular case. Usually Mary doesn’t seem to take a side, but this time was different. Won’t be listening as much as I used to.

I’d rate this show higher but ads seem to have equal time to the content of this podcast. And no, I’m not subscribing to Slate+.

I used to be a regular listener, but every single guest on the Israel/Hamas war is anti-Israel and in many cases is obviously so. Just typical/caricature leftie talk, where Jews dying doesn’t matter.

come on mary, you just called trump pres trump omg, you are freaking part of the problem, next you will be saying “sir” to him jfc!

The interview with Mari Cohen of Jewish Currents was most appreciated. It makes one ask why when interviewing Jonathan Greenblatt, the NPR news hour does not offer a disclaimer. He is not the fair and unbiased executive he purports to be!

I was glad that an episode was made to talk about the panda diplomacy and its history. However, I’m disappointed at how the mistreatment of pandas at Memphis was only mentioned lightly, and the interviewer was blaming the entire incident on the Chinese netizens. If you have done enough research, you would know that Yaya did not just suffer a serious skin condition but that was a direct result of suffering from unclean environment and not enough food. Similar case for Lele as well - his death of heart disease at this young age is not a coincidence. I do understand that you are an American media and naturally are biased, but please do enough research on these kind animals before making comments on them.

Podcast shines the light on the people affected, traumatized. Not just about numbers. Zaki’s perspective much appreciated.

Couldn’t be more biased

Mary Harris is great. But Mary C. Curtis is not. Please find a better fill-in for when Mary Harris not available. Curtis is not cut out for podcasting. I am sure she is a nice lady but she sounds like she is reading from a script, which has the effect of sounding like reading a children's book. Also why is every episode titled as a question? Stop that. Finally, the number of ads in this podcast is egregious. If I never hear another Progressive ad in my life, it will be too soon. It is having the opposite effect of preferring any brand. Please do better.

I mean it. I could go on and on about why. Just take a look at the list episodes. I love all the different things I’m learning about & I love this podcast.

Wow, EXCELLENT, THOROUGH coverage of the gist of the many issues going on currently here in WI. I’m very involved with the Dems and essentially PRO DEMOCRACY efforts and organizations and my goodness-it’s hard to stay as current as possibly because things are so in flux right now….so, as an activist of sorts, I really appreciate this succinct reporting. Our state motto has been “Forward WI”, partly due to Gov. Bob “Fighting Bob” Lafollette and we have been woefully regressive over these last 10-15 yrs due to our previously VERY corrupt WI State Supreme Court. The GOP legislators are awful, highly corrupt and this current power grab they are attempting is one of the WORST actions done by any state legislature (& that’s saying a lot, given the state of things around the country) and certainly is THE WORST ever in the history of WI state politics. That is why we need an all hands on deck call for help to defend justice by going to DefendJustice.com and/or WisDems.org to sign up for a phone bank shift, canvas or all of the above! We are a swing battleground state and the situation that happens here can very well happen elsewhere around the country if we don’t fight back!!

I read another comment stating the Mary’s voice is annoying. For me, it’s the complete opposite. I found Mary’s voice extremely pleasurable; it’s warm and elegant, with great musicality and rhythm. You have a beautiful voice Mary! Keep up the excellent work!

I love TBD! I’m not a huge fan of Mary Harris.

i don't know why i listen to this program. i like the topics, but i don't like how it's hosted. also, it's one thing to enunciate; it's another thing to try literally to spit the letters T, S, X, and D across the room for 25 minutes straight. the host's microphone must be soaking wet after every show.

i listen to this podcast because it provides quality information and guests, but i cannot get over how annoying the host is (mary). please find someone new. i beg of you. her voice is annoying & idk how y’all even decided on her in the first place. additionally, it sounds like she’s reading off a teleprompter in every episode! and if i have to hear another progressive ad i’m going to off myself. get more sponsors or play fewer ads.

The Rabbi was extraordinary. This piece was disturbing. I actually looked up his synagogue, called and left a message about how touched I was by the episode, his articulation and kindness.

Just Heard on the News: “The IRS goes after the workers who are in poverty, lower class income and middle class, because it’s easier.” “But, they rarely go after the very wealthy.” “If you make $200,000 to a zillion annually, the paperwork is too much and too difficult thus they’re okay if anything goes wrong, deliberately or not.” “If you make $27,000 annually, then you are basically screwed if you’ve made an error.” *** *** How much of that is the truth? The Tipping Episode My thoughts: Always Tip your beauticians, Food and/or Beverage Cocktail servers, Casino Dealers etc. Oh, Is it 15%/20% of the gross or the net? About each State/Store/Restaurant etc have different requirements or policies regarding how much money the employees are paid especially when they receive tips or tokes. I AM GLAD I LIVE WHERE I DO, BECAUSE SOME OTHER STATES ARE GOOFY. The Federal minimum wage for a tipped employee is $2.13 an hour or less in some states. States / Places may boost it up but then some don’t. It’s been $2.13 for how long? Exactly. Minimum Wage including tips isn’t a much of a living. And it gets worse: Lowering the OVERHEAD by extracting employees to make the executives proud 💴 . Why? “””Manipulation, Greed and that’s how its always been done.””” ie., “”Unfortunately people had to be laid off due to some positive changes via corporate or whatever.”” ie., in a restaurant, The Manager says to the staff during a “FREE LUNCH Meeting.” after the terminations, “It’s a sad day for them but let’s think positive — Having the best servers in the restaurant YEAH YEH, YES, BRAVO, CONGRATULATIONS etc., and the best can handle taking 8 tables in lieu of 4. To basically double tips. Does not work that way. Going home tired and sore. It’s crazy. That’s some hypothetical scenarios of what happens. I need to get off the phone. Crazy

I love this show and listen every day. It’s a much better, less condescending alternative to “The Daily” from the NYT. Mary Harris is a joy to listen to and the show offers great analysis based in looking at the structural root causes of today’s problems.

However good this is (and of what little content there is in the podcast it is good), there is ABSOLUTELY NO justification for the EXTREME number of advertisements!!! Completely unlistenable!!! There is a tipping point, a line as to how many ads I would put up with but you stepped over it BIG time!! Unsubscribed!

Interesting stories presented well. One of my daily staples.

Can I listen? Can I not? Who knows? Free, subscription? It’s all a mystery. I’m out. Don’t have time to play games.

Tried, listened for many years. Just can’t handle the vocal fry in my headphones where I listen most. In the car it’s not as bad but I’m going to unsubscribe anyway. The gimmicks/style the host uses when interviewing are tiring for me as well. If I could just get a version where I had an informed interviewer asking questions in order to lead a conversation, rather than one feigning ignorance of the topic. I should be the uninformed person, not the host.

Great listen! She asks all the right questions right when you’re wrapping your brain around it.

Mary Harris somehow manages to combine the snotty, condescending tone of a wealthy east coast liberal with the pacing and delivery of William Shatner.

…this is a “must listen.” Deeply researched and accessible.

When listening on our car stereo, the voices come in at all different volumes. I find myself turning the volume down when the host is speaking and during commercials and back up when other audio clips / speakers come on. I love the reporting but I wish the levels were even across all recordings/speakers for an easier and more enjoyable listening experience.

A lot of the topics are interesting. I want to listen. But, when the guest and then the host continually say “Right?” after making a point, then I have to stop listening. If you constantly need validation that someone is listening or understanding, we’ll, then, maybe you are not the expert needed for this discussion. I understand that it is just a phrase. But, this podcast has professional editors and producers. Cut the unnecessary (and annoying) filler. Make your production sound professional and confident.

Such a great voice and great reporting

I read the transcript of the Joe Manchin episode (three theories) and I can’t believe how we are propagandized to ignore the politicians’ political donors and business interests! I mean, how dumb do they think we are?? IT’S THE MONEY STUPID!! THERE! Solved the “mystery” for you!!

The episode about Bill Gates was on point!! He’s gross 🤮I love your guests and I love the topics!! You are great, Mary!!

He rocks! Time for his own pod! Please!

Coffee, cigarette, and Mary Harris has been my morning since this pod came on. The best. Really appreciate all the hard work of all at slate. Best journalism on earth.

Very biased

My dad used to listen and now he’s gone, but it keeps me updated.

We have all witnessed violence or know someone who is the victim of violence. My brother was murdered four years ago but I’ve seen my fair share of violence from the Kennedy assassination to Jack Ruby killing Lee Oswald. There is not single person in the world who isn’t aware of what violence does to people, families, communities, and nations. We have to learn how to be in community, look out for each other, support each other, and yes, love each other. Reader surveys are notoriously difficult to access.

Love the show. Great hosts. But for the love of Pete, please stop WONDERING. It’s completely overdone as an interviewing technique

Some interesting and current topics, but very little hard data; mostly anecdotes and opinions of non-experts. I like depth and this doesn't have much, but there are so many podcasts like this there's an audience for it. Also, I think these lighter podcasts are easier to produce and tend to be shorter; with most of the What Next ones around 20 to 25 minutes. It leans a bit left on most subjects but much more balanced than you'd see in an NPR podcast or Slate in general.

Mary Harris is a great host. I try to listen every day.

Always get a deep insight on issues. Keeps me sharp!

I used to enjoy this podcast until they just posted a fluff piece episode flattering JD Vance, a con man, Trump apologist and fascist troll. Way to aid and abet the dismantling of democracy, Slate! Zero stars and unsubscribed.

Absurd they are trying to charge for this content only an idiot would waste their money on what should be free.

I like this podcast because it often covers topics that other podcasts don’t/ from different angles. But half of the content in every podcast is basically adds. I understand the desire to monetize your podcast, but the proportion of adds to content is higher than any other show I subscribe to, and it really feels ridiculous.

Hopefully librarians will read the books before purchasing them.