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
11 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 26min
Why Red And Blue States Are Waging A Redistricting War
Justin Levitt, a constitutional law professor at Loyola Law School and former White House advisor, dives into the contentious world of U.S. redistricting. He discusses how Texas Republicans are strategically redrawing districts to gain political advantage, raising concerns over voter rights and fairness. The implications of these changes are significant, not just for elections, but for broader issues like climate and healthcare. Levitt also touches on the push from Democrats in California to counter these tactics, highlighting the escalating partisan tensions.
14 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 23min
Loyalty Over Competence At Trump's Justice Department
Andrew McCabe, former FBI Deputy Director, shares his insider perspective on the recent confirmation of Emil Bove as a federal judge. Bove's controversial confirmation raises alarms about loyalty overshadowing competence in the Justice Department. McCabe discusses how this signals a shift in the department's integrity and what it means for the future of federal investigations. He also reflects on the evolving dynamics within the FBI, hinting at significant implications for national security and the agency's impartiality.
10 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 23min
Trump's Tariff Deadline Is Two Days Away
In this discussion, Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative and former economic policy advisor, dives into the impending tariff deadline announced by Trump. He unpacks the potential economic fallout of these tariffs, exploring how they could impact consumers and businesses alike. Jacquez also sheds light on the ongoing trade negotiations with major partners like the EU and Japan, while addressing broader issues of political dynamics and international relations. Prepare for a lively analysis of political maneuvering and the complexities of global trade!
8 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 26min
All Eyes On Gaza As Hunger Crisis Grows
Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen sheds light on the growing hunger crisis in Gaza, where even aid workers are struggling to find food. He discusses U.S. complicity in the worsening situation, with severe restrictions on aid from Israel exacerbating the problem. Van Hollen highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and accountability from political leaders. The conversation emphasizes bipartisan concern, urging constituents to demand action and support for those affected in the region.
9 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 29min
New EPA To Argue Greenhouse Gases Are Totally Fine
Zack Coleman, a climate change reporter for Politico, sheds light on the Trump administration's impending challenge to the 'endangerment finding,' which deems greenhouse gases a threat to public health. He discusses the potential dire consequences of rolling back these regulations for climate policy and public safety. Additionally, misconceptions around recent Texas floods are debunked, revealing a tangled web of conspiracy theories. Listeners gain insight into the political landscape's impact on environmental health and misinformation in climate discourse.
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.
