Announcing Slow Burn: Becoming Justice Gorsuch
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Announcing Slow Burn: Becoming Justice Gorsuch” inside PodZeus.
In a bold new season of Slow Burn, Slate's Susan Matthews dives into the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch—a man whose quiet demeanor belies a profound influence on American law. The season opens with a harrowing true story: trucker Alphonse Madden, stranded in subzero temperatures after his trailer's brakes froze, abandoned his cargo to save his life. Despite the extreme danger, Gorsuch ruled against Madden in 2016, arguing he hadn’t technically refused to operate the vehicle. This decision, rooted in strict textualism, becomes a lens through which Matthews examines Gorsuch’s judicial philosophy and the broader transformation of the Supreme Court under Trump. As the court becomes both a conservative stronghold and a check on presidential power, the series explores how one justice’s rigid adherence to legal text has reshaped American governance—and why understanding him is essential to understanding the current state of democracy.
Gorsuch ruled against trucker Alphonse Madden in 2016, rejecting his claim of safety-based exemption because Madden drove the truck to a gas station.
The case illustrates Gorsuch’s strict textualist approach: laws apply only when the exact conditions are met, regardless of real-world danger.
Gorsuch’s interpretation of the law has made him the Supreme Court’s most unpredictable vote, despite his conservative alignment.
The Supreme Court under Trump now includes three justices appointed by him, creating a conservative supermajority that has overturned Roe v. Wade and affirmative action.
Despite being a Trump appointee, the court has recently checked presidential power—such as blocking tariffs and likely blocking birthright citizenship repeal.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Announcing the New Season
“This is Slow Burn Becoming Justice Gorsuch. Episode one, Man with a Plan.”
The Alphonse Madden Case
“I contacted the company's road assist. They arranged to send a repair unit. I assumed that the repair unit would take no longer than an hour to arrive.”
Gorsuch's Ruling and Textualism
“The law says that workers are protected if they refuse to operate vehicles because they fear for their safety. But, Gorsuch said, Alphonse Madden hadn't refused to operate his vehicle.”
The Court's Role in Modern Politics
Matthews contextualizes Gorsuch’s impact within the broader shift of the Supreme Court under Trump, where conservative appointments have reshaped American law while still occasionally checking presidential power.
“This is Slow Burn Becoming Justice Gorsuch. Episode one, Man with a Plan.”
“I, Neil M. Gorsuch, do solemnly swear. I, Neil M. Gorsuch... I take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and I take it pretty darn seriously.”
“The judge's job is to follow the words that are in the law, not replace them with those that aren't.”
Host
Neil Gorsuch
person
Slow Burn
media
Susan Matthews
person
Alphonse Madden
person
Slate
organization
Donald Trump
person
Department of Labor
other
10th Circuit
other
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Announcing Slow Burn: Becoming Justice Gorsuch” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime