
1 big thing
Axios podcast host Niala Boodhoo digs deep with leaders you know — or need to know — in business, politics and culture. Every week, all in under 20 minutes.About Axios: Axios is a digital media company launched in 2017. Axios helps you become smarter, faster with news and information across politics, tech, business, media, science and the world. Subscribe to our newsletters at axios.com/newsletters and download our mobile app at axios.com/app. About Niala Boodhoo: Niala Boodhoo is the host of 1 big thing and previously hosted Axios Today She was the founding Host and Executive Producer of the award-winning news program The 21st. An alum of Reuters, The Miami Herald and WBEZ/Chicago, Niala was a 2019-2020 Knight-Wallace fellow.
Latest episodes

Dec 7, 2023 • 22min
Harjeet Singh: Getting rich countries to pay up for climate change
Harjeet Singh, Head of Global Political Strategy for Climate Action, discusses the creation of a Loss and Damage fund for developing nations affected by climate change. He advocates for holding top emitters accountable and emphasizes the power of civil society in advocating for climate change action. Climate activists collaborate with country coalitions to bring real change on the ground.

Nov 30, 2023 • 21min
Laurie Santos: Finding connection in lonely times
Laurie Santos, a scientist researching social connection and happiness, discusses the impact of loneliness and the power of social connection. She highlights the importance of connecting in real time, even through technological means. The podcast also explores the importance of social connection for happiness and debunks misconceptions about what makes us happy. Additionally, it addresses the issue of loneliness and the value of intergenerational friendships.

Nov 23, 2023 • 21min
AI's big year and the tools changing our lives
AI technology keeps advancing amidst the chaos at OpenAI. Ina Fried discusses the latest AI tools, including personal deepfakes and AI assistants. The importance of content authenticity and the challenges of distinguishing between real and generated content are explored. AI's effectiveness in translation and meeting transcription is showcased. The impact of AI on Thanksgiving and accessibility for non-tech-savvy individuals is discussed.

Nov 16, 2023 • 21min
Chloe Akers: Bringing politics back to the middle
Chloe Akers, Tennessee attorney and advocate for elevating voices in the middle, discusses her nonpartisan approach to re-engaging disillusioned voters in Tennessee. She shares her strategy for tackling extremism in politics through critical problem-solving and bipartisan compromise. They also discuss supporting reasonable and pragmatic candidates for the 2024 election.

8 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 22min
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy: social media and America's youth crisis
Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, discusses the urgent youth crisis in America's mental health and the negative impact of social media on young people. He emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent losing a generation. The podcast explores the lack of safety standards, the role of parents, and efforts to protect children on social media. It also addresses legislation and lawsuits related to children's online safety.

Nov 2, 2023 • 21min
José Andrés: Food as a tool of war and peace
José Andrés, founder of World Central, discusses using food as a tool of war and peace. He shares his experiences providing food relief in war zones and disaster areas, as well as the impact of food insecurity in the United States. The podcast explores the risks and challenges of providing food aid in conflict zones, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the alarming reality of food insecurity in the US.

Oct 19, 2023 • 1min
Introducing "1 big thing", a new podcast from Axios
On November 2nd, join host Niala Boodhoo for a new show from Axios that digs deep with leaders in business, politics, and culture on the ideas shaping our world. Plus, Axios journalists share context and reality checks all along the way.The bottom line: Listen every week for conversations with leaders and thinkers you know—or need to know—in 20 minutes or less. New episodes every Thursday.

Sep 15, 2023 • 13min
Hunter Biden’s indictment and a government shutdown on the horizon
Hunter Biden indicted for alleged illegal possession of a firearm. Congress races to prevent a government shutdown. Lab-grown meat gains kosher and halal certification. The podcast also announces its final episode and addresses listener questions.

Sep 14, 2023 • 11min
The political gap between Protestant clergy and their congregations
White mainline Protestant clergy in America are more progressive than their conservative congregations, revealing political divisions within religion. Senator Mitt Romney's retirement highlights the aging political landscape. Inflation affects American incomes. Updates on Tesla, Detroit Auto Show, and CDC's COVID-19 booster recommendations.

Sep 13, 2023 • 13min
McCarthy goes after Biden
Alex Thompson and Felix Salmon discuss the impeachment inquiry into President Biden, the United Auto Workers union strike, and the pros and cons of homeownership in America today.