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
23 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 27min
What Happens When We Can’t Rely On Federal Data
Denice Ross, a senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists and former U.S. Chief Data Scientist, dives into the threats facing federal data under the current administration. She highlights how important datasets are being manipulated or erased, stressing the risks this creates for public policy. Meanwhile, Matt Berg discusses the impact of the government shutdown on federal employees and how political messaging permeates official channels. Together, they emphasize the critical need for reliable data to inform American society.
25 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 23min
Trump's Shutdown, Your Problem
In this discussion, New Jersey Democratic Senator Andy Kim tackles the ongoing government shutdown. He emphasizes that both Republican leadership and Trump bear responsibility for the crisis, and he stands in solidarity with federal workers by refusing his paycheck. Kim also outlines the Democrats' push against executive overreach and the urgency of healthcare support amidst the shutdown. He highlights the need for strategic resilience against Republican tactics and calls attention to the implications for everyday Americans.
24 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 24min
How Trump Wants To Wield The Shutdown
In this discussion, Zack Beauchamp, a Senior Correspondent at Vox specializing in global democracy and right-wing populism, delves into the implications of the recent government shutdown. He explores how Trump views shutdowns as opportunities for consolidating authority, akin to tactics seen in authoritarian regimes. Beauchamp also addresses the alarming admiration among American conservatives for leaders like Viktor Orban, and discusses the necessity for grassroots resistance to combat these trends. His insights highlight both the risks and the potential paths forward in the political landscape.
11 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 22min
Dems Throw Down For Health Care
Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF, dives into the crucial battle over ACA subsidies that could impact millions of Americans. She explains how enhanced subsidies have expanded enrollment and highlights the alarming potential premium hikes looming due to their expiration. Rovner also sheds light on the political dynamics at play, particularly why GOP leaders are reluctant to engage. Plus, she discusses what a government shutdown would mean for federal health programs. Tune in for an insightful exploration of healthcare politics!
35 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 26min
How To Survive Online Speech Wars Without Self-Censorship
In this discussion, Ari Cohn, lead counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, sheds light on U.S. legal protections surrounding online speech. He explores the dangers of self-censorship following public backlash, notably after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Cohn elaborates on unprotected speech categories like incitement and threats, while urging robust defense of free speech, even when it feels counterintuitive. He stresses the importance of clear boundaries and advises citizens on how to express opinions without risking their jobs.
15 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 23min
Dems Are Primed For Shutdown Fight
This week, Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin shares insights on the current state of free speech and lawfare, discussing the troubling implications of selective prosecutions and the potential for intimidation in politics. He emphasizes the Democrats' firm stance against a government shutdown, highlighting their commitment to preserving healthcare and civil service rights. Raskin expresses concerns about becoming a target amid ongoing political strife while advocating for civic courage in the face of adversity.
21 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 22min
Trump Takes Down US Immigration System
Katie Blankenship, an immigration attorney, dives deep into the harsh realities faced by detainees in the U.S. under the Trump administration. She reveals the staggering numbers of individuals stuck in overcrowded facilities, often with no criminal records. Conditions have deteriorated, with families torn apart due to a lack of communication and the disappearance of detainees from tracking systems. Blankenship highlights the politicization of immigration courts and rising denial rates for asylum claims, linking anti-immigrant policies to profit motives and political power.
18 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 22min
Trump Dumps Putin?
Tommy Vietor, co-host of Crooked Media's Pod Save the World and former National Security Council spokesperson, dives deep into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. He discusses Trump's fluctuating stance and his odd claims about resolving the conflict. The conversation also covers NATO's potential military response to Russian aggression and whether Ukraine's Zelensky can truly trust Trump's assurances of support. The dynamics of Trump, Putin, and Zelensky are dissected, revealing the unpredictability of global diplomacy.
37 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 21min
Dr. Trump’s Bad Medicine
Brandy Zadrozny, a journalist for MSNBC specializing in misinformation and extremism, dives into the controversial claims made by the Trump administration linking autism rates to Tylenol use during pregnancy. She unpacks the rushed report from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and highlights the dangers of spreading unfounded health narratives. Brandy emphasizes how this reflects broader trends in public health messaging and the impacts of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement.
23 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 23min
The Big Business Behind The Kimmel Suspension
Brian Stelter, a media analyst and journalist at CNN, dives into the recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! He discusses how the FCC's influence and political pressures are reshaping the meaning of free speech in media. Stelter explains the implications of ABC's swift action against Kimmel after controversial remarks and highlights concerns over merging media power. The conversation also touches on the broader chilling effect this situation could have on late-night hosts and creative expression.
