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 16, 2024 • 20min
Biden Puts His Stamp On Federal Courts
Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the Fair Courts Program at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, dives into the transformative impact of President Biden's judicial appointments. She highlights how Biden is not only on track to surpass Trump's judge count but is also breaking barriers with a record number of Black judges and overall diversity among appointees. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role diverse judges play in safeguarding civil rights and interpreting pivotal federal laws.
Dec 14, 2024 • 30min
What Happens When Rebels Take Over Your Country?
Sam Heller, a Syria expert based in Beirut, dives deep into the recent turmoil in Syria after rebels toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad. He discusses the rapid changes in governance dynamics and the uncertain future under rebel control, particularly the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. Heller examines the historical context of rebel-led governments and their struggles for legitimacy, touching on the balance of power and ideology. The conversation also highlights the daunting humanitarian issues post-revolution, illustrating the complexities of transitioning from insurgents to rulers.
4 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 24min
What Praising The UnitedHealthcare Shooter Says About America
Ali Breland, a Staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in internet, politics, and tech, delves into the shocking online reactions to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He discusses the troubling support for the alleged shooter, highlighting systemic inequalities in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the recent acquittal of Daniel Penny and how these incidents reflect a disturbing trend of vigilante justice in America. Breland’s insights reveal deep-rooted issues in political discourse and public sentiment surrounding violence.
9 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 26min
How Senate Dems Can Fight feat Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democratic Senator renowned for her advocacy on healthcare and economic justice, discusses her re-election success in a swing state. She analyzes what went wrong for Democrats in 2024 and strategizes for the upcoming midterms. The conversation also touches on the significance of bipartisan cooperation in Congress and challenges surrounding Trump’s cabinet picks. Additionally, issues like FBI Director Wray’s impending resignation and a controversial defense spending bill are examined, showcasing the intersecting political dynamics at play.
Dec 11, 2024 • 23min
Biden’s Unresolved Conflicts
Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor for President Obama and co-host of ‘Pod Save the World,’ dives into the turbulent landscape of Biden's foreign policy as he prepares to transition to Trump. The conversation highlights the precarious situation in Syria, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the stalemate between Russia and Ukraine. Rhodes critiques Biden's approach and explores the lasting impact these conflicts will have on international relations. Tune in for a deep analysis of the geopolitical chaos shaping today's world.
Dec 10, 2024 • 30min
Is TikTok Doomed?
Louise Matsakis, a senior business editor at WIRED, discusses the potential demise of TikTok in the U.S., exploring the legal battles over national security versus free speech. She demystifies the implications of a Supreme Court decision on the app's future. Later, Stacey Vanek Smith, a Bloomberg senior editor, dives into the incoming Trump administration's pro-cryptocurrency stance, highlighting its economic impact and risks for consumers in the evolving financial landscape. Tune in for insights on tech, politics, and finance!
11 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 26min
How Rebels Gained Control of Syria
Kim Wehle, a law professor and author of 'Pardon Power,' shares her insights on the complexities of presidential pardons, especially in light of Trump’s comments on the January 6 incidents. Meanwhile, Tommy Vietor, co-host of Pod Save the World, delves into the Syrian conflict, discussing how rebel groups gained control and the shifting dynamics of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Their conversation uncovers the implications of U.S. actions and international relations in the ongoing struggle for power in Syria.
Dec 7, 2024 • 22min
Can the Trump Administration Undo the Sexual Revolution?
Rebecca Traister, a writer for New York Magazine and author known for her insights on gender and politics, joins the discussion on the looming threats to sexual rights in America. They dive into how Trump's rhetoric attempts to revert women’s rights and LGBTQ+ progress to a bygone era. The conversation illuminates the implications of the 'Tradwife' trend and critiques contemporary conservative movements against reproductive rights. Additionally, they explore the evolving dynamics of relationships among young women and how these trends intersect with political shifts.
Dec 6, 2024 • 17min
Will Senate Stymie Trump feat. Sen. Jacky Rosen
Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democratic force from Nevada known for her bipartisan efforts, joins the discussion on urgent legislative tasks facing Congress. With just two weeks left, she highlights the critical need for a federal spending package and a defense budget. The conversation also dives into strategies for navigating a potential Trump return, focusing on bipartisan governance and voter priorities. Rosen sheds light on the challenges ahead as Republicans maneuver towards the 2026 midterms and the implications of recent budget cuts on future legislation.
7 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 28min
Trump’s DoD Pick Scrambles To Salvage His Nomination
Paul McLeary, a Pentagon and national security reporter for Politico, discusses the precarious nomination of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, highlighting the consequences of his messy personal life. Max Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Real News Network, analyzes how Democrats lost ground with working-class voters, allowing Trump to gain influence. They also cover legal challenges like Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors and focus on rising military alliances in the Pacific that threaten U.S. global standing.
