What A Day
What A Day
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
Jan 21, 2026 • 24min
Why Greenland Keeps Rejecting America's Advances
Ronald Doel, a renowned historian and expert on Greenland’s geopolitical significance, shares fascinating insights about the island's relationship with the U.S. He discusses the long history of American interest dating back to Seward, the complex ties between Greenland and Denmark, and the implications of Donald Trump’s recent overtures. Doel highlights how these actions might threaten NATO trust and differ from past U.S. collaborations. Their conversation dives into foreign interests in Greenland's resources, and why it remains fiercely independent.
10 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 25min
Will Claude Code Change Everything?
Lila Shroff, Assistant Editor at The Atlantic and AI expert, joins the conversation to unveil the transformative potential of Claude Code, a groundbreaking AI tool from Anthropic. She shares her awe at its ability to automate complicated coding tasks, from analyzing texts to real estate listings. Shroff also discusses the early signs of Claude's self-improvement capabilities, alongside concerns about the implications for employment and cybersecurity. The conversation highlights the urgent need for clearer AI policies as technology rapidly evolves.
Jan 19, 2026 • 24min
A Brief History of ICE
Garrett Graff, a historian and journalist with two decades of experience covering federal law enforcement, dives into the origins and controversies surrounding ICE. He explains how the agency was born from post-9/11 policies and its split functions with Customs and Border Protection. Graff highlights recruitment and training flaws, particularly the reliance on AI screening. He also discusses how policy shifts during the Trump administration led to more aggressive tactics. Lastly, he warns that constitutional rights offer no guaranteed protection from ICE's reach.
17 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 26min
How We Got Here: The MAGA New Right
Political theorist Laura K. Field dives deep into the MAGA New Right and its evolution in her latest work, *Furious Minds*. She discusses how 1980s conservative intellectuals laid the groundwork for today’s movement, illustrating the three distinct factions shaping it. Field reflects on her own disillusionment with the right and critiques the movement's blend of grievance politics and media manipulation. She also highlights Trump as a key figure and hints at J.D. Vance's rising influence. It's a fascinating exploration of modern conservatism!
15 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 22min
Can Minnesota Deport ICE?
This week features Keith Ellison, the Attorney General of Minnesota and a civil rights advocate who has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. He discusses the state's efforts to curb ICE operations, asserting state sovereignty amid growing public dissent against federal enforcement. Ellison also addresses concerns about transparency regarding agent injuries and the challenges posed by federal obstruction in local investigations. Additionally, he touches on the political landscape, including Trump's focus on Minnesota's progressive policies.
Jan 14, 2026 • 24min
Iran, Greenland, And Trump's Ego
Ben Rhodes, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor and co-host of Pod Save the World, dives into the escalating protests in Iran, explaining the U.S. government's ambiguous support for activists. He also discusses Greenland's firm rejection of U.S. annexation attempts under Trump, analyzing the motivations behind these ambitions, including legacy and resource exploitation. Rhodes elaborates on potential U.S. actions in Iran, the power dynamics at play, and the implications for international relations, particularly concerning Russia and China.
10 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 27min
Trump’s War On The Fed
Leah Littman, a legal commentator and cohost of the popular Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the DOJ's investigation of Jerome Powell for allegedly lying about Fed renovations. She explains Trump’s attempts to manipulate Fed policies for his political gain and the potential repercussions for the Fed's independence. The discussion also touches on the Supreme Court's upcoming cases, including challenges to anti-trans laws and restrictions on voting rights, shedding light on the legal landscape ahead.
7 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 21min
The 'Dark Fleet' Behind Venezuela's Oil Trade
Shelby Holliday, a senior video producer at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the shadowy world of Venezuela's oil trade. She explains the recent U.S. seizures of tankers and the deceptive tactics behind name changes, revealing how Venezuela plays a pivotal role in laundering sanctioned oil. Shelby discusses the benefits for countries like Russia, Iran, and China in this dark fleet and outlines the crucial Cuba-Venezuela alliance. She also highlights U.S. strategies to legitimize Venezuela's oil exports amid security concerns over foreign influence.
Jan 9, 2026 • 25min
The White House Blames Victim In Minnesota ICE Shooting
Alex Wagner, a keen political analyst and host of Runaway Country, discusses the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minnesota. She highlights the disturbing rhetoric from the White House that tarnishes Renee's memory, illustrating how public sympathy shifts when the victim fits a certain narrative. They delve into the administration's dehumanizing treatment of blue states and compare grassroots resistance movements to mainstream media coverage. The conversation wraps up with insights on legislative developments impacting health care and Trump’s controversial proposals.
31 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 26min
And Then The Majority Was 2
Burgess Everett, the Congressional bureau chief at Semafor, shares his insights on the precarious state of the GOP’s slim majority in the House. He discusses the implications of resignations and the potential for intense political chaos in Congress. Burgess explores the challenges of bipartisan healthcare negotiations and the looming risk of a government shutdown. He also analyzes the uncertain impact of upcoming War Powers votes and redistricting changes as the 2026 elections approach, painting a vivid picture of the legislative landscape.
