Slow Burn illuminates America’s most consequential moments, making sense of the past to better understand the present. Through archival tape and first-person interviews, the series uncovers the surprising events and little-known characters lurking within the biggest stories of our time. Want more Slow Burn? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Slow Burn and your other favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slow Burn show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/slowburnplus to get access wherever you listen. Season 10: The Rise of Fox News How a cable news channel became a cultural and political force—and how a whole bunch of people rose up to try and stop it. Season 9: Gays Against Briggs A nationwide moral panic, a California legislator who rode the anti-gay wave, and the LGBTQ+ people who stepped up and came out to try and stop him. Season 8: Becoming Justice Thomas Where Clarence Thomas came from, how he rose to power, and how he’s brought the rest of us along with him, whether we like it or not. Winner of the Podcast of the Year at the 2024 Ambies Awards. Season 7: Roe v. Wade The women who fought for legal abortion, the activists who pushed back, and the justices who thought they could solve the issue for good. Winner of Apple Podcasts Show of the Year in 2022. Season 6: The L.A. Riots How decades of police brutality, a broken justice system, and a video tape set off six days of unrest in Los Angeles. Season 5: The Road to the Iraq War Eighteen months after 9/11, the United States invaded a country that had nothing to do with the attacks. Who’s to blame? And was there any way to stop it? Season 4: David Duke America’s most famous white supremacist came within a runoff of controlling Louisiana. How did David Duke rise to power? And what did it take to stop him? Season 3: Biggie and Tupac How is it that two of the most famous performers in the world were murdered within a year of each other—and their killings were never solved? Season 2: The Clinton Impeachment A reexamination of the scandals that nearly destroyed the 42nd president and forever changed the life of a former White House intern. Season 1: Watergate What did it feel like to live through the scandal that brought down President Nixon?
#1
Decoder Ring | The Laff Box (Encore)
Explore the fascinating decline of the laugh track, a staple of sitcoms for decades. This episode not only revisits the origins of this iconic device but also delves into its cultural significance and the shift in television humor that led to its disappearance.
2025-06-04•38m
Decoder Ring | The Laff Box (Encore)
Explore the fascinating decline of the laugh track, a staple of sitcoms for decades. This episode not only revisits the origins of this iconic device but also delves into its cultural significance and the shift in television humor that led to its disappearance.
2025-06-04•38m
#1
#2
Decoder Ring | Jerry Lewis’ Lost Holocaust Clown Movie
Dive into the controversial tale of Jerry Lewis's audacious film about a clown in Auschwitz. This episode examines the complexities of humor in the face of tragedy and the implications of this lost film on American cinema.
2025-02-26•56m
Decoder Ring | Jerry Lewis’ Lost Holocaust Clown Movie
Dive into the controversial tale of Jerry Lewis's audacious film about a clown in Auschwitz. This episode examines the complexities of humor in the face of tragedy and the implications of this lost film on American cinema.
2025-02-26•56m
#2
#3
Decoder Ring | Spring Break Forever
Uncover the origins and evolution of the spring break phenomenon that has become a rite of passage for college students. This episode provides a captivating look at how this annual ritual reflects changing cultural values and youthful exuberance.
2025-04-09•49m
Decoder Ring | Spring Break Forever
Uncover the origins and evolution of the spring break phenomenon that has become a rite of passage for college students. This episode provides a captivating look at how this annual ritual reflects changing cultural values and youthful exuberance.
2025-04-09•49m
#3
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This episode delves into the marketing genius behind the 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' series and its impact on self-help culture. Listeners will find an engaging exploration of how these books have shaped personal narratives and collective experiences over the years.
2025-04-23•51m
Decoder Ring | How “Chicken Soup” Sold Its Soul
This episode delves into the marketing genius behind the 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' series and its impact on self-help culture. Listeners will find an engaging exploration of how these books have shaped personal narratives and collective experiences over the years.
2025-04-23•51m
#4
#5
Decoder Ring | Jump, Jive and Fail: The ’90s Swing Craze
Revisit the quirky swing revival of the late '90s in this nostalgic episode that examines its cultural implications. This exploration is not only entertaining but also highlights how trends can reflect broader societal shifts.
2025-01-29•1h 3m
Decoder Ring | Jump, Jive and Fail: The ’90s Swing Craze
Revisit the quirky swing revival of the late '90s in this nostalgic episode that examines its cultural implications. This exploration is not only entertaining but also highlights how trends can reflect broader societal shifts.
2025-01-29•1h 3m
#5
#6
Supercommunicators | 1. How to Talk to Anyone
Learn the art of conversation in this enlightening episode that explores the power of asking the right questions. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to improve their social skills and connect more deeply with others.
2025-02-22•31m
Supercommunicators | 1. How to Talk to Anyone
Learn the art of conversation in this enlightening episode that explores the power of asking the right questions. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to improve their social skills and connect more deeply with others.
2025-02-22•31m
#6
#7
Supercommunicators | 3. How to Have the Hardest Conversations
This episode provides practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations, making it an invaluable resource for personal and professional relationships. The insights shared can help listeners approach sensitive topics with confidence.
2025-03-12•30m
Supercommunicators | 3. How to Have the Hardest Conversations
This episode provides practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations, making it an invaluable resource for personal and professional relationships. The insights shared can help listeners approach sensitive topics with confidence.
2025-03-12•30m
#7
#8
Decoder Ring | Truck Nutz (Encore)
Delve into the controversial world of truck nuts, which serve as a cultural symbol of rebellion and masculinity. This episode explores the unexpected complexities behind what may seem like a simple novelty item.
2025-03-12•40m
Decoder Ring | Truck Nutz (Encore)
Delve into the controversial world of truck nuts, which serve as a cultural symbol of rebellion and masculinity. This episode explores the unexpected complexities behind what may seem like a simple novelty item.
2025-03-12•40m
#8
#9
Decoder Ring | How Books About Things That Changed the World… Changed the World
Explore the intriguing premise of how seemingly mundane subjects can have profound impacts on history. This episode is a thought-provoking examination of the narratives we build around ordinary objects and their significance.
2025-03-26•59m
Decoder Ring | How Books About Things That Changed the World… Changed the World
Explore the intriguing premise of how seemingly mundane subjects can have profound impacts on history. This episode is a thought-provoking examination of the narratives we build around ordinary objects and their significance.
2025-03-26•59m
#9
#10
Decoder Ring | The Scratch-Off Ticket’s Instant Win
Unpack the cultural phenomenon of scratch-off lottery tickets and how they became embedded in American life. This episode offers a fascinating look at gambling, risk, and the psychology behind instant gratification.
2025-02-12•39m
Decoder Ring | The Scratch-Off Ticket’s Instant Win
Unpack the cultural phenomenon of scratch-off lottery tickets and how they became embedded in American life. This episode offers a fascinating look at gambling, risk, and the psychology behind instant gratification.
