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On this season of Working, we left the East Coast behind to visit Detroit. We're speaking with people who are drawing on the city's complex history as they work to create its future.The automotive industry, which has arguably defined Detroit for generations, employs a dizzying array of professionals responsible for every aspect of car design and manufacture. We visited the General Motors battery lab, where we spoke with Mark Hughes, a recent chemical engineering graduate from the University of California, Berkeley. Hughes describes himself as a “cell technical specialist.” In essence, he conducts forensics tests on failed batteries, mostly for fully electric cars such as the Chevrolet EV Bolt, though he sometimes works on hybrid vehicles as well. And while Hughes is primarily dealing with inorganic chemistry, some of the stories he tells us really do sound a lot like medical mysteries.Then, in a Slate Plus extra, Hughes talks about his own relationship to cars—and tells us what he drives. If you’re a member, enjoy bonus segments and interview transcripts from Working, plus other great podcast exclusives. Start your two-week free trial at slate.com/workingplus.Email: working@slate.comTwitter: @Jacob_BroganProduction: Mickey Capper, @FMcapper

When Elton John came out as bisexual in 1976, it was a really big deal. It was covered on the evening news. There were angry letters and a decline in sales. And for a generation of queer musicians, like George Michael, it was a lesson: Be careful what you reveal about your sex life to the public. On this episode, we look at the friendship, collaboration, and chart rivalry of the two British icons, who collided on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week in 1988—and later topped the chart together.

Josh King guest hosts a weekend edition of Trumpcast. He talks to Frank Rich of New York Magazine about his latest feature, “Nixon, Trump, and How a Presidency Ends.” Slate Plus members stay tuned after the show for a bonus segment with Trumpcast producer Jayson De Leon and Slate’s Video Editor, Aymann Ismail. The two discuss Aymann’s new video series running on Slate, “Who’s Afriad of Aymann Ismail?”

Felix Salmon of Fusion, emerging-markets expert Anna Szymanski, and Slate Moneybox columnist Jordan Weissmann discuss:- Google being fined for antitrust violations in the E.U.- The bailout of two Italian banks- Seattle’s minimum wageCheck out other Panoply podcasts at panoply.fm.Email: slatemoney@slate.comTwitter:@felixsalmon, @Three_Guineas, @JHWeissmann Production by Daniel Schroeder

Jim Newell and Jordan Weissmann discuss the latest developments in the Republicans’ efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. Ted Cruz has a plan that could break the legislative logjam, President Donald Trump puts repeal and delay back on the table, and moderate Republicans aren’t falling for it.

Aisha Harris talks to up-and-coming filmmaker Nefertite Nguvu, about her film, In the Morning, on the love life and friendships of a group of black professional Brooklynites. And writer Corey Atad joins us to discuss Sofia Coppola’s latest film, The Beguiled.For links on what we discuss check out our show page.Tell a friend to subscribe! Share this link: megaphone.link/representEmail: represent@slate.comFacebook: Slate RepresentTwitter: @SlateRepresent, @craftingmystyleProduction by Veralyn WilliamsSocial media: Marissa Martinelli

Crime writer Don Winslow says writing a novel about cops and cartels involves some pretty serious research. “In researching these books,” says Winslow, “I meet people. I’ve been to the funerals, talked to the cops. I’ve made the sympathy calls!” His newest book, about the NYPD, is The Force. In the Spiel, Trump’s worst tweet yet! Oh boy. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.

Jamelle Bouie talks to The Atlantic's Vann Newkirk about how the repeal of Obamacare and the rolling back of Medicaid in the Senate health bill strikes a significant blow to racial equality.

Emily Bazelon and David Plotz are joined by Jacob Weisberg to talk about Mitch McConnell's next move on health care, the rulings of the Supreme Court and CNN's recent resignations.Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/gabfestplus.Twitter: @SlateGabfestFacebook: facebook.com/GabfestEmail: gabfest@slate.comShow notes at slate.com/gabfest

Mary Wilson on news you might’ve missed: Sweden’s efforts to reintegrate former ISIS fighters, and French president Emmanuel Macron takes heat for being “pharaonic.” 

Gabriel Roth, Rebecca Lavoie, and Carvell Wallace discuss feedback from last week's question on having a second child, talking to kids about a dying caregiver, and what to do with an aggressive hugger, plus Triumphs and Fails and their recommendations. Mom and Dad Are Fighting is brought to you by BarkBox. For a FREE EXTRA PREMIUM TOY added to your BarkBox every month, visit barkbox.com/momanddad when you subscribe to a 6 or 12-month plan, then select “Yes, Please!” when asked “Have a playful pup?”

The Bachelorette recap (episode 4-6) with Slate producer Veralyn Williams and Doctor Robin M. Boylorn, Associate Professor at The University of Alabama and member of the Crunk Feminist Collective.For links on what we discuss check out our show page. Tell a friend to subscribe! Share this link: megaphone.link/representEmail: represent@slate.comFacebook: Slate RepresentTwitter: @SlateRepresent, @craftingmystyleProduction by Veralyn WilliamsSocial media: Marissa Martinelli

Katy Waldman, Jacob Brogan, and Meghan O'Rourke discuss Durga Chew-Bose's collection of essays Too Much and Not the Mood. Next month's book is Do Not Become Alarmed, by Maile Meloy. The Slate Audio Book Club is brought to you by Audible. Audible has the best audiobook performances, the largest library and the most exclusive content. You’ll feel something when you listen. Learn more at Audible.com/AudioBookClub

Hanna Rosin, June Thomas, and Noreen Malone talk to Jenna Lyons, Designer and Former Creative Director and President at J.Crew. Also, they discuss the Cosby trial and if a woman will ever be president.

Reporter Marc Fisher explains why he called out a classic game of D.C. deceit in the pages of the Washington Post. And Michelle LaRue, the official Gist penguin expert, returns to explain some news about those troublesome birds. In the Spiel, how would a normal president handle our world affairs?Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.