

1 big thing
Axios
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 10, 2022 • 11min
Chicago schools’ deadlock
This morning, students in Chicago public schools are starting their fourth day with no classes. The teachers union, the school district, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot remain in a standoff over whether or not to conduct classes in person for the country's third largest school district.
Plus, Russia’s growing sphere of influence.
And, a judge’s striking sentencing in Georgia.
Guests: Axios' Monica Eng, and Dave Lawler.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Sabeena Singhani and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Jan 7, 2022 • 11min
A Colorado fire scientist on her hometown burning
In Colorado, the cleanup continues from the the devastating Marshall Fire that started last week. And as of now, the blaze that destroyed hundreds of homes is fully contained, but many residents are still a long way from recovery, after the most destructive fire in the state’s history.
Plus, Jonathan Swan on the state of the GOP one year after the Jan. 6 attacks.
And, we’ll be covering healthcare worker burnout, so we’re asking for your stories.
Guests: Dr. Natasha Stavros, fire scientist at the University of Colorado and Axios' Jonathan Swan.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Sabeena Singhani and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Jan 6, 2022 • 11min
One year after the Capitol insurrection
When rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, Axios congressional reporter Alayna Treene was in the heart of it. Today, she reflects back.
Plus, why the era of easy money is probably over.
And, Tesla opens a showroom in a controversial region of China.
Guests: Axios' Alayna Treene, Neil Irwin and Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian.
Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Sabeena Singhani and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Jan 5, 2022 • 11min
Rising wages and the big quit
We’re at a unique moment when it comes to wages and the labor market. Historic numbers of U.S. workers in lower wage sectors like leisure and hospitality are quitting. And that's part of why we’re on the path to a record number of wage increases across the country as we head into 2022.
Plus, the pulse of the nation ahead of January 6th.
And, backlash against the term Latinx.
Guests: Axios' Oriana Gonzalez, Margaret Talev, and Russell Contreras.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Sabeena Singhani and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Jan 4, 2022 • 11min
The latest on the Jan. 6 investigations
It's been almost a year since supporters of former President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol and tried to overturn the results of the presidential election.Since then, federal prosecutors have charged more than 700 people in connection with the deadly insurrection. We catch you up quick on where things stand now with both the Congressional and federal investigations.
Plus, wireless providers vs. the FAA over 5G.
And, Florida’s record breaking covid case count.
Guests: Axios' Andrew Solender, Selene San Felice and Margaret Harding McGill.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Sabeena Singhani and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Jan 3, 2022 • 11min
Schools grapple with COVID testing
Students across the country are going back to school this week as the Omicron COVID variant surges. But many districts -- like Atlanta, DC and Cleveland -- have already delayed their in-person returns, as districts ramp up testing requirements.
Plus, many surprise out-of-network medical bills are now illegal.
And, how the extended freeze on federal student loan payments is affecting borrowers.
Guests: Dr. Celine Gounder, clinical assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases at New York University’s School of Medicine and the host of the Epidemic podcast, and Axios' Bob Herman.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Sabeena Singhani and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Dec 17, 2021 • 15min
The year in politics
We wrap up 2021 with three of our favorite Axios political voices: co-founder Mike Allen, managing editor for politics Margaret Talev, and political reporter Alexi McCammond.Plus, your best moments of 2021.Guests: Axios co-founder Mike Allen, Axios managing editor for politics Margaret Talev, and Axios political reporter Alexi McCammond.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Jayk Cherry, Ben O'Brien and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Dec 16, 2021 • 11min
The shortage economy of 2021
The U.S. economy dominated so much of the news in 2021. Just this week we learned that wholesale inflation in November rose at a record rate from a year ago. Axios' Courtenay Brown wraps up the year in economic news, and looks ahead to the new year.
Plus, how one church in Mayfield, Kentucky is helping its neighbors with tornado recovery.
And, tips on managing mental health this winter.
Guests: Dr. Jessica Stern, clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health; Minister Tyler Alverson of Seven Oaks Church of Christ in Mayfield, KY; Axios' Courtenay Brown.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Dec 15, 2021 • 11min
A bipartisan push to protect Uyghurs in China
There’s been a breakthrough in the push to punish the Chinese government for genocide against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. A new piece of bipartisan legislation is expected to end up on President Biden’s desk.
Plus, pro sports braces for Omicron.
And, the impact of Black Lives Matter over the last 18 months.
Guests: Axios' Zach Basu, Jeff Tracy and Russ Contreras.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Jayk Cherry, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
White House says Biden will sign Uyghur forced labor bill
Omicron threatens to massively disrupt sports world
The slow wheels of justice

Dec 14, 2021 • 11min
Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanayhu and the historic Abraham Accords
Yesterday was a historic day in the Middle East. The Israeli prime minister, Naftali Bennett, met the de facto leader of the United Arab Emirates, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed during the first ever official visit to the UAE from Israel. This took place 15 months after the Abraham Accords, the biggest breakthrough in Middle East Peace in a quarter century, normalized diplomatic relations between Israel, the UAE and three other Arab countries.
And, the creator economy boomed in 2021.
Plus, federal student loans are coming back.
Guests: Axios' Barak Ravid and Sara Fischer.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Jayk Cherry, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.