What A Day
Crooked Media
If you’re looking for hype, fake outrage, and groupthink, kindly keep moving. Our mission at What a Day is simple: to be your guide to what truly matters each morning (and the fun stuff you might have missed) in just 20 minutes. Host Jane Coaston brings you in-depth reporting and substantive analysis on the big stories shaping today and the creeping trends shaping tomorrow—and when she doesn’t know the answers, she asks someone even smarter to fill us all in. Radical, right? New episodes at 5:00 a.m. EST, Monday–Friday in your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. Being informed was never this easy.
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 3min
Protecting The Franchise: How Can We Secure Our Elections?
Join election litigator Marc Elias, civil rights attorney Allison Riggs, and Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar as they tackle pressing questions about election integrity. They discuss rising fears of voter suppression and intimidation ahead of the 2026 elections. Elias unpacks ongoing legal battles affecting voting rights, while Riggs shares her gripping story of fighting to secure her election victory. Aguilar reassures listeners about Nevada's election safeguards and the importance of protecting poll workers from threats.
Nov 25, 2025 • 22min
The Tennessee Democrat Fighting The MAGA Machine
Aftyn Behn, a spirited Democratic state representative and congressional candidate in Tennessee, shares her motivations for running in a challenging political landscape. She discusses the struggles of being in a legislative superminority, facing aggressive Republican tactics, and the heavy scrutiny from GOP allies. Aftyn emphasizes the need to reject corporate PAC money and advocate for affordable housing while representing both urban and rural communities. Her passionate call to voters highlights a vision to empower the people and counter corporate greed.
17 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 25min
MAGA Threats Made Him Leave The Country
Mark Bray, a historian and author of "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook," dives deep into the complexities of Antifa, dispelling myths and tracing its roots in anti-fascist movements. He shares his harrowing journey after receiving threats following the murder of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk, revealing how fear forced him to leave the U.S. for Spain. Bray also discusses the broader implications of labeling ideological groups as terrorists and emphasizes the need for local resistance against creeping authoritarianism.
9 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 27min
Trump's Grift Goes Global
Andrea Bernstein, a journalist and author of "American Oligarchs," dives into the Trump family's lucrative business dealings during his presidency. She discusses how they've made nearly $2 billion since the 2024 election, the controversial $400 million plane gift from Saudi Arabia, and their push for foreign investments. Bernstein also highlights the lack of oversight and the Emoluments Clause issues from Trump's first term. Their pursuit of profits intertwines with political influence, revealing the deep ties between money and power.
11 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 22min
US Absent From Global Climate Conference
Somini Sengupta, an international climate reporter for The New York Times, discusses the recent climate conference in Belém, Brazil, where the U.S. notably did not send a delegation. She highlights the significant presence of Indigenous leaders advocating for their rights and biodiversity protection. There were mass protests demanding a fossil-fuel phaseout and adaptation funding. Somini also explores how the U.S. absence affects global climate negotiations and the strategic role California's Gavin Newsom played at the event.
10 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 25min
"Things Happen": Trump Goes All In On MBS
Tommy Vietor, a co-host of Pod Save the World and a former U.S. national security communications official, dives into the controversial visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House. They discuss Trump's warm reception despite Khashoggi's murder allegations, emphasizing Trump's prioritization of deals over human rights. Vietor also scrutinizes the ambitious claims of Saudi investments and the risks tied to potential F-35 sales and nuclear technology discussions, advocating for a more balanced U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia.
7 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 25min
The U.S. Takes Aim At Venezuela
Juan Sebastian Gonzalez, former National Security Council Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere, dives into the complexities of U.S. actions regarding Venezuela. He discusses Trump's contradictory stance of offering talks to Maduro while simultaneously showcasing military power. Gonzalez sheds light on the influence of the South Florida diaspora on U.S. policy and the implications of regime change. He raises concerns about the humanitarian risks of intervention, urging caution against the backdrop of potential long-term consequences.
14 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 22min
Were There Any Winners In The Government Shutdown?
Tim Miller, a political analyst and podcaster from The Bulwark, talks about the recent government shutdown's implications for Democrats. He argues that the party might actually be in a strategic position as Republicans face scandals and economic challenges. Miller emphasizes the need for Democrats to focus on unity and avoid petty disputes while capitalizing on GOP turmoil. He also discusses leveraging Epstein-related files to exert pressure on Trump and the urgency of extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Nov 15, 2025 • 34min
Make America What Again? Policy Priorities For A Progressive Future
Waleed Shahid, a Democratic strategist known for his focus on electoral messaging, joins Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress, and writer Matthew Yglesias from Slow Boring. They discuss how policy should align with campaign narratives to win elections, highlight the importance of anti-corruption messaging, and explore strategies for addressing cost-of-living issues. The panel emphasizes governing effectively in urban areas and the need for big-tent approaches to unite diverse voters while discussing agile messaging on climate and local concerns.
7 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 22min
Scam Calls Are Getting Worse: Here's Why
David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect and a public policy journalist, joins to discuss the recent challenges facing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). He explains the Trump Administration's move to declare CFPB funding illegal and the implications for consumer protection. Dayen also dives into how scams are on the rise and how current leadership limits the CFPB's ability to combat them. He critiques tech companies' self-regulation efforts and highlights the political motives behind dismantling this vital agency.
