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
7 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 28min
Immigration Lawyer Details Horrific Conditions at ICE Detention Centers
Katie Blankenship, an attorney and co-founder of Sanctuary of the South, shares her insights on the appalling conditions in ICE detention centers. She highlights the alarming realities detainees face, from inadequate medical care to barriers in accessing legal representation. Personal stories reveal severe neglect and abuse of individuals like Alexis and Michael Borrego. The discussion also touches on the harmful effects of racialized language in the immigration system and its role in dehumanizing immigrants, urging a shift in public perception and policy.
39 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 23min
Trump Targets Obama, Deflects From Epstein
David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and host of 'The David Frum Show,' dives into Trump’s conspiracy theories, particularly accusations against Obama regarding 2016 election interference. With the pressure on Trump to address Epstein's scandals, Frum discusses the implications of using such wild claims as distractions. He explores the moral complexities faced by those in high-stakes politics and comments on recent tariffs with Japan, drawing connections between these controversies and the ongoing narrative surrounding Trump's presidency.
14 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 21min
Mike Johnson Staves Off Epstein Vote
Robert Garcia, a California Congressman and ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, dives into the political maneuvers surrounding the Epstein investigation. He discusses the desperate attempts by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson to avoid transparency and how Democrats are stepping up to hold the Trump administration accountable. The conversation also highlights the broader implications of government shutdown threats and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for assertive Democratic strategies.
18 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 23min
A Look At Trump And Epstein's History
Matthew Goldstein, a New York Times business reporter specializing in white-collar crime, dives into the tangled friendship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. He discusses Trump's attempts to distance himself from Epstein amid rising scrutiny, including a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over alleged past ties. Goldstein analyzes shifting public perceptions and congressional efforts to downplay the Epstein narrative. The conversation sheds light on the extraordinary connections between Trump, Epstein, and various influential figures, raising pivotal questions about accountability.
12 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 20min
How AI Is Weaponizing Voicemail
David Gilbert, a reporter for Wired Magazine specializing in disinformation and online extremism, dives into the alarming world of AI-generated deepfakes. He discusses recent incidents where AI impersonated high-ranking officials, highlighting the vulnerabilities we all face. The conversation also explores the challenges of regulating AI, the international tech race, and practical advice for protecting oneself against impersonation threats. Gilbert's insights reveal a crucial need for awareness in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
21 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 26min
Inside 'Alligator Alcatraz' with Rep. Maxwell Frost
Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democratic Representative, shares his harrowing experience at 'Alligator Alcatraz,' a makeshift immigration detention center in the Everglades. He reveals shocking conditions, including overcrowding and inadequate sanitation, challenging the government’s portrayal of the facility. Frost discusses the urgent need for better legal representation for immigrants and offers insights on engaging Latino and Black voters authentically. He emphasizes building trust and solidarity within communities to counteract political mistrust, all while navigating pressing national issues.
7 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 22min
Trump v The Federal Reserve Chair
Stacey Vanek Smith, a Bloomberg Senior Editor with deep insights into economic trends, joins to dissect Trump's ongoing criticisms of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The discussion highlights Trump's frustrations over interest rates and their implications for both the economy and the Fed's independence. They also explore how inflation impacts voters' daily lives and the political ramifications of rising consumer prices. Additionally, Stacey touches on the complexities of wage growth amidst broader economic challenges.
32 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 25min
The Trump Putin Breakup Explained
Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama, discusses the shifting dynamics of Donald Trump's relationship with Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. He analyzes Trump's recent announcement to send U.S. weapons to Ukraine and critiques past foreign policy decisions. Rhodes highlights the implications of funding cuts for programs like PEPFAR on vulnerable communities and sheds light on legal controversies in Congress, including discussions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and Senate confirmations for new U.N. representatives.
30 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 22min
Can Planned Parenthood Survive Trump’s Big Beautiful Law?
Mary Ziegler, a Professor at UC Davis Law, dives into the consequences of recent legislation on reproductive rights and healthcare access. She reveals how a new law could hinder Planned Parenthood's funding, even for non-abortion services, and what that means for millions seeking care. The conversation explores the influence of state voters on abortion legality, highlighting the ongoing political battle over reproductive freedoms. Ziegler also touches on the broader implications of these restrictions amidst shifting electoral landscapes.
20 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 24min
Why Hiring 10,000 New ICE Agents Is A Bad Idea
Garrett Graff, a historian and national security reporter known for his work on the ‘Doomsday Scenario’ newsletter, dives into the troubling implications of President Trump's drastic funding increase for ICE. He outlines how hiring 10,000 new agents could lead to civil rights violations and a focus on detaining non-criminals rather than actual threats. The discussion also touches on critiques of FEMA's ineffectiveness during Texas floods and the recent layoffs at the State Department that signal a shift in foreign policy.
