

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
Aug 22, 2025 • 24min
Why We’re In A Redistricting Race To The Bottom
Colin Allred, a former U.S. Representative and current Democratic Senate candidate from Texas, discusses the fierce redistricting battles shaping upcoming elections. He delves into California's new plan to gain seats for Democrats and the Republican maneuvers in Texas. Allred highlights the implications of gerrymandering on minority representation and the urgent need for nonpartisan efforts. Additionally, he shares insights on the broader political landscape, touching on pressing issues like military actions in Ukraine and the debate over gender-affirming care.

11 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 21min
The Smithsonian Gets The Trump Edit
Zachary Small, a New York Times reporter specializing in the art world, discusses a controversial reevaluation of narratives in cultural institutions like the Smithsonian. He reveals pressures to emphasize American exceptionalism and downplay historical topics such as slavery. The conversation dives into fears among staff regarding ideological shifts that may turn these institutions into partisan entities, impacting how history is presented to the public. Small’s insights illuminate the complex intersection of politics and culture in America today.

14 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 24min
Does Washington, D.C. Need Federal Intervention?
Journalist Josh Barro, co-host of Serious Trouble, dives into the complexities of crime in Washington, D.C. He discusses the Department of Justice's investigation into crime statistics, questioning the narrative of a severe crime crisis. Barro analyzes the impact of federal intervention on local public safety and critiques political motivations behind these actions. The conversation also touches on the need for effective governance and the challenging dynamics between federal and local authority.

10 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 22min
The AI Chatbot Childhood Is Officially Here
In this engaging discussion, Lila Shroff, Assistant Editor at The Atlantic, dives into the complex world of AI's impact on children. She highlights alarming reports of AI chatbots having inappropriate conversations with minors. The conversation shifts to how schools are harnessing AI to enhance education, weighing the benefits against ethical dilemmas. Shroff also reflects on the controversial policies from tech giants and their implications for misinformation and societal health. It's a thought-provoking look at the intersection of technology and youth.

14 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 22min
What It’s Like To Have Trump Hold Your Science Research Hostage
Dr. Aradhna Tripati, a climate scientist at UCLA, shares insights into how the Trump administration's funding cuts have severely impacted scientific research and education. She highlights the chaos and inefficiency these bureaucratic challenges create, especially in vulnerable research areas. Alongside Monique Trinh, they advocate for solidarity in the academic community to protect public interests. The conversation also touches on the intersections of education and healthcare, emphasizing the critical role of public institutions amidst ongoing political tensions.

6 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 24min
The White House's Mob Boss Approach To AI Chips
Ashley Gold, a senior tech and policy reporter at Axios, dives into Nvidia's controversial deal with the U.S. government where they'll share 15% of profits from AI chip sales to China. Gold likens this arrangement to a mob-like protective scheme, raising alarms about national security risks and corporate influence. The discussion also touches on the evolving dynamics between tech and politics, particularly under the Trump administration, and highlights the implications of international meetings and state-level political maneuvers.

24 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 21min
Can Trump Broker Peace With Putin?
In a riveting discussion, Julia Ioffe, a founding member of Puck News and a seasoned expert in Russian politics, breaks down the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. She explores the delicate political dynamics at play and the implications of Trump’s insistence on a ceasefire amidst ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. Ioffe analyzes the motivations of both leaders and the evolving narratives in Russian media, shedding light on the complex nature of international relations during turbulent times.

10 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 25min
Baltimore Mayor Responds To Trump Bashing His City
Brandon Scott, the Democratic Mayor of Baltimore and vocal advocate for his city, joins to discuss President Trump's inflammatory remarks targeting majority-minority cities. He critiques the president's rhetoric as a distraction from local governance, contrasting it with declining crime rates in those areas. Scott emphasizes the resilience of Black communities amid systemic challenges and underscores the importance of community-led responses to crime. The conversation sheds light on the roles of Democratic mayors as they navigate political narratives while prioritizing public safety.

10 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 24min
Netanyahu's War Expansion Plan
Matthew Chance, CNN's Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, joins from Jerusalem to discuss the unfolding crisis in Gaza. He delves into the uproar against Netanyahu's takeover of Gaza City and the intense protests erupting in Tel Aviv. Chance also highlights the tragic death toll among Palestinians and the risks posed by targeting journalists in the conflict. With international criticism mounting, he sheds light on the challenges of military strategies in densely populated areas and the dire humanitarian situation that compounds the complexities of the war.

10 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 23min
80 Years After Hiroshima and Nagasaki, New Nuclear Threats Emerge
Historian Garrett Graff, author of 'The Devil Reached Toward the Sky,' brings us deep insights into the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, discussing the lessons we still haven’t learned. He examines the Manhattan Project's moral complexities and shares poignant survivor stories, emphasizing the urgent need for nuclear disarmament. The conversation also draws unsettling parallels to today's political tensions, particularly the looming threats posed by current global conflicts, including the uneasy dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine situation.