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
10 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 25min
"Things Happen": Trump Goes All In On MBS
Tommy Vietor, a co-host of Pod Save the World and a former U.S. national security communications official, dives into the controversial visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House. They discuss Trump's warm reception despite Khashoggi's murder allegations, emphasizing Trump's prioritization of deals over human rights. Vietor also scrutinizes the ambitious claims of Saudi investments and the risks tied to potential F-35 sales and nuclear technology discussions, advocating for a more balanced U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia.
7 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 25min
The U.S. Takes Aim At Venezuela
Juan Sebastian Gonzalez, former National Security Council Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere, dives into the complexities of U.S. actions regarding Venezuela. He discusses Trump's contradictory stance of offering talks to Maduro while simultaneously showcasing military power. Gonzalez sheds light on the influence of the South Florida diaspora on U.S. policy and the implications of regime change. He raises concerns about the humanitarian risks of intervention, urging caution against the backdrop of potential long-term consequences.
14 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 22min
Were There Any Winners In The Government Shutdown?
Tim Miller, a political analyst and podcaster from The Bulwark, talks about the recent government shutdown's implications for Democrats. He argues that the party might actually be in a strategic position as Republicans face scandals and economic challenges. Miller emphasizes the need for Democrats to focus on unity and avoid petty disputes while capitalizing on GOP turmoil. He also discusses leveraging Epstein-related files to exert pressure on Trump and the urgency of extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Nov 15, 2025 • 34min
Make America What Again? Policy Priorities For A Progressive Future
Waleed Shahid, a Democratic strategist known for his focus on electoral messaging, joins Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress, and writer Matthew Yglesias from Slow Boring. They discuss how policy should align with campaign narratives to win elections, highlight the importance of anti-corruption messaging, and explore strategies for addressing cost-of-living issues. The panel emphasizes governing effectively in urban areas and the need for big-tent approaches to unite diverse voters while discussing agile messaging on climate and local concerns.
7 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 22min
Scam Calls Are Getting Worse: Here's Why
David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect and a public policy journalist, joins to discuss the recent challenges facing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). He explains the Trump Administration's move to declare CFPB funding illegal and the implications for consumer protection. Dayen also dives into how scams are on the rise and how current leadership limits the CFPB's ability to combat them. He critiques tech companies' self-regulation efforts and highlights the political motives behind dismantling this vital agency.
18 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 23min
The Government Reopens — To More Epstein Chaos
Hailey Fuchs, a congressional reporter for Politico, dives into the recent release of emails tied to Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting that Donald Trump may have had more knowledge of Epstein's actions than previously claimed. They discuss the implications of the emails on Congressional responses and Trump’s connections to Epstein. Fuchs also explains the launch of a discharge petition aimed at pushing the DOJ to release more documents, highlighting the evolving political landscape and the pressure facing both parties.
17 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 25min
Misread the Moment: Rep. McBride On Senate Democrats
Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride, renowned for her commitment to healthcare and LGBTQ+ rights, shares insights on the potential end of the government shutdown. She criticizes the current budget deal, emphasizing the need to tie reopening the government to extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. McBride also reflects on the lessons learned from recent election victories and the importance of affordability in winning over undecided voters, while analyzing effective strategies against anti-trans campaigns in Virginia.
20 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 24min
Sen. Sanders Slams The Surrender Dems
Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent independent progressive leader from Vermont, takes a stand against eight Senate Democrats he sees as caving to Republican pressure. He argues this compromise could weaken vital policies like the Affordable Care Act and jeopardize health coverage. Sanders emphasizes the need for Medicare for All, critiquing the current healthcare system and pushing for immediate extensions of ACA subsidies. He also calls for progressive leadership in Congress, highlighting the ongoing struggle for social justice and equity in healthcare.
30 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 20min
Inside the Deal to End the Shutdown
In this discussion, Stephen Neukam, a Congressional reporter for Axios, delves into the recent bipartisan deal to potentially end the government shutdown that has lasted over a month. He explains the stopgap funding until January and the negotiations to rehire laid-off federal employees. The conversation also highlights the pivotal role of recent political shifts in fostering compromise and outlines challenges regarding the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies. Additionally, Neukam addresses the political ramifications for Senate Democrats as they navigate these complex negotiations.
7 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 25min
If Not A Recession, Why Does It Feel Like One?
Stacy Vanek Smith, a reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek and co-host of Everybody’s Business, dives into the pressing issues of the economy and affordability. She discusses the peculiar feeling of recession among Americans despite positive data and explains the K-shaped recovery, highlighting how different groups are experiencing economic divergence. Smith also examines AI's uncertain impact on jobs, the significance of affordability in recent elections, and how political narratives affect public perception. Expect insights on the Fed's challenges and legislative responses to ongoing crises.
