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
8 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 23min
What Happens If The U.S. Sells Out Ukraine
Julia Ioffe, a Washington correspondent at Puck News and expert on Russian politics, dives into the geopolitical implications of the U.S. potentially selling out Ukraine. She discusses the alarming shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, emphasizing how sidelining Ukraine could destabilize Europe and alter global perceptions of American reliability. Ioffe also explores the concerning tactics used by authoritarian leaders, connecting them to the current political atmosphere in the U.S. and raising critical questions about democracy's future.
18 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 22min
Trump And The Threat To The Media
Katherine Jacobsen serves as the program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, focusing on threats to press freedom. In this discussion, she delves into Trump's ongoing battles with major news organizations like the Associated Press and CBS, outlining the dangerous implications for journalists. Jacobsen emphasizes the rising risks they face under the Trump administration, including legal actions and media suppression. She also highlights the financial and mental health challenges that modern journalists encounter, underscoring the critical need for a free press in democracy.
20 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 24min
Will U.S. Public Schools Survive Trump?
Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, passionately advocates for public education amid challenges from the Trump administration. She discusses the potential devastation of dismantling the Department of Education, emphasizing the risks to safety and support for low-income and rural students. Weingarten critiques proposed voucher systems that may deepen educational inequities and highlights the critical need for federal funding to protect students' rights and education quality.
24 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 25min
Trump’s Dept. of Just Us
Guest Ken White, a former federal prosecutor and writer of the 'Popehat' newsletter, dives into the ongoing turmoil at the DOJ where several prosecutors resigned over political pressure to dismiss charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. He discusses the concerning politicization of law enforcement under the Trump administration and its potential implications for the rule of law. The conversation also touches on the U.S.'s shifting stance in global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, and the impact of recent layoffs at health agencies.
17 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 26min
Dem Attorneys General Take On Trump
Matthew Platkin, New Jersey's Attorney General, sheds light on how Democratic AGs are uniting against the Trump administration. They share victories in blocking unconstitutional policies, like attempts to end birthright citizenship. Platkin discusses the critical role these AGs play in safeguarding public welfare amid political turmoil. The conversation also touches on the implications of political appointments affecting health and education, and the ongoing difficulties in the humanitarian landscape involving Hamas and Israel.
6 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 26min
Inflation Is Up Again. What Does That Mean For Your Wallet?
Victoria Guida, an economics correspondent for Politico, breaks down the rising inflation that's caught policymakers off-guard, affecting costs from groceries to housing. She explains the implications of these economic changes amidst Donald Trump’s unfulfilled promises. The discussion highlights the tug-of-war between public perception and economic reality. They also touch on how domestic policies might influence international relations, with a focus on Trump's conversations with world leaders regarding the ongoing Ukraine situation.
16 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 23min
How VP Vance Uses Catholicism To Justify Mass Deportations
Terrence Sweeney, an assistant teaching professor at Villanova University specializing in philosophy and Catholicism, critiques how Vice President J.D. Vance employs Catholic doctrine to support harsh immigration policies. The discussion reveals significant contradictions between Vance's manipulation of faith and Pope Francis's call for compassion and inclusion. Sweeney also addresses the ethical dilemmas of prioritizing wealth over community care, urging a return to foundational Christian values. The conversation highlights the broader implications for faith and politics in contemporary society.
12 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 24min
Why Trump Wants To Shutter The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Helaine Olen, managing editor at the American Economic Liberties Project and contributor to MSNBC, discusses the alarming actions of the Trump administration against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). She highlights how this agency, founded after the 2008 crisis, has protected consumers from predatory practices by recovering billions and regulating financial entities. Olen warns of the chaos for everyday Americans if the CFPB is dismantled and emphasizes the crucial need for robust consumer protections in an evolving financial landscape.
16 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 23min
Trump vs. The Constitution
In a riveting discussion, Kate Shaw, co-host of 'Strict Scrutiny' and a legal expert on constitutional matters, analyzes the constitutional crisis provoked by Trump's second term. She breaks down the influence of unelected figures like Elon Musk on government operations. Shaw also sheds light on the fraught relationship between the judiciary and the executive, highlighting concerns over judicial independence. The conversation touches on political accountability within the GOP and pressing social issues, making for a thought-provoking listen.
14 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 21min
What Will Be Left Of USAID?
Lindsay Branham, a humanitarian filmmaker with two decades of experience in USAID-funded conflict resolution, dives deep into the implications of drastic staff cuts at USAID. She discusses how these reductions threaten aid to millions who rely on it for basic needs. Branham sheds light on the potential fallout for vulnerable populations and examines public perceptions of U.S. foreign aid during these tumultuous changes. The conversation also highlights the intersection of national security, global health, and emerging challenges in humanitarian efforts.
