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
Dec 17, 2025 • 20min
Quantifying Happiness In 2026
Michael Plant, founder of the Happier Lives Institute, dives into the complexities of happiness in today's turbulent times. He discusses how happiness can be quantified through life satisfaction metrics, revealing that self-reported well-being often paints a clearer picture than economic indicators like GDP. Plant argues for policies prioritizing happiness over income, highlighting key factors like health, relationships, and purpose. He offers actionable steps for individuals to boost their well-being, emphasizing social connections and seeking help when needed.
20 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 21min
Trump Can't Stop Saying Biden
Shawn McCreesh, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, delves into Trump's curious obsession with Biden, revealing how often the former president invokes his name. He discusses the psychological factors driving this fixation and whether it's an effective strategy. The conversation also touches on how Trump's critiques of Biden reflect his own challenges, alongside a commentary on Trump's alarming remarks regarding the Reiner tragedy and the implications of declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. Tune in for a mix of analysis and insights!
9 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 26min
If Tariffs Are So Great, Why Are There So Many Exemptions?
Paroma Soni is a data and graphics reporter at Politico, unpacking the complexities of tariff policy and the surprising number of exemptions. She reveals that over half of U.S. imports manage to dodge tariffs, undermining Trump's messaging. Later, Talib Reddick, president of Brown University's Undergraduate Council of Students, shares insights on the campus's emotional response after a recent shooting, emphasizing student concerns about safety and the need for action against gun violence.
Dec 12, 2025 • 22min
ICE Polices The American Dream
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, delves into the chilling realities of immigration under the Trump Administration. He explains how recent policies not only threaten undocumented individuals but also create fear among legal immigrants and citizens. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between aggressive enforcement strategies and the public's opposition to them. Reichlin-Melnick also warns of plans for military tent camps and sheds light on the administration's empty promises regarding mass deportations.
7 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 23min
The GOP’s Plan For Your Healthcare
Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent at KFF Health News, dives into the healthcare tug-of-war in Congress. She explains the Democrats' push to extend ACA subsidies while breaking down the GOP's alternative of health savings accounts. With a looming Senate vote, Julie reveals why neither proposal is likely to succeed. She also discusses the potential fallout if subsidies expire, which could lead to a drop in coverage for many. Plus, the scramble in the House for bipartisan solutions adds to the urgency of the situation.
20 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 20min
Billionaires Brawl Over Warner Bros.
Ben Smith, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Semafor, provides insights into the fierce bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery. He discusses the implications of media consolidation and why the involvement of industry giants like Netflix and Paramount could reshape not just Hollywood, but also viewer experiences. Smith highlights how political ties, particularly involving Trump, complicate the landscape, and what consumers should consider as power dynamics shift within major media outlets.
30 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 23min
The Vax Wars Are Here
Demetre Daskalakis, former director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, dives into the contentious shift in hepatitis B vaccination recommendations for newborns. He reveals the historical impact of universal vaccination and unveils chaotic deliberations by the ACIP that now include controversial voices. Daskalakis warns that these changes could set a troubling precedent for future vaccine policies, advising parents to seek guidance from trusted pediatricians instead.
28 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 21min
Why Trump’s Got A Big AI Problem
Gerrit De Vynck, a tech reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the complicated relationship between Trump, AI, and the Republican Party. He reveals how Trump's close ties with tech billionaires who support AI clash with GOP skepticism about the technology. Discussions include the federal push for AI policy, ongoing state regulations, and the rift between elite interests and populist concerns within the party. Gerrit also explores whether Trump's base might influence his stance on AI in the future.
Dec 5, 2025 • 25min
Rep. Jim Clyburn Offers A Historical Warning
Jim Clyburn, the Senior U.S. Representative from South Carolina and author of *The First Eight*, shares insights on the historical significance of early Black congressmen from his state. He discusses the stark contrast between their Republican roots and today's GOP, highlighting rising conspiratorial and violent trends among newer party members. Clyburn also recounts inspiring stories from figures like Joseph Rainey and Robert Smalls, while stressing the importance of voting rights and resilience for future activists.
8 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 22min
Hegseth Takes His “Secretary of War” Title Too Seriously
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen from Nevada, a key voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee, dives into the controversies surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. She criticizes his shifting explanations regarding a failed strike on a drug boat and calls for accountability and his resignation. Rosen emphasizes the lack of evidence on claims against narco-terrorists and stresses Congress's critical role in war oversight. The discussion also touches on pardons and policy inconsistencies under the current administration.
