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
16 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 23min
Politics and Musings Live with former Senator Al Franken
Former Senator Al Franken, known for his sharp wit on Saturday Night Live, dives into his journey from comedy to the Senate. He shares personal anecdotes that highlight how humor can bridge gaps in political engagement. The conversation takes a critical look at Trump's influence on the political landscape and offers strategies for Democrats to connect with voters. Franken emphasizes the importance of progressive activism as the country gears up for future elections, urging listeners to stay motivated despite challenges.
8 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 23min
How The Supreme Court Just Failed Trans Youth
Leah Litman, author of the bestseller *Lawless* and host of *Strict Scrutiny*, dives into the implications of the Supreme Court's recent ruling that upholds Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. She highlights the concerning repercussions for trans rights across the country, discusses parallels with restrictive abortion laws, and emphasizes the urgent need for activism in light of these legal challenges. Litman also touches on the broader political landscape and the impact of these decisions on vulnerable communities.
21 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 21min
The Israel Iran Conflict Explained
Tommy Vietor, host of Pod Save the World and a keen observer of global politics, dives into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. He discusses recent missile exchanges and Israel's military actions, including the targeting of Iranian officials. The conversation also unpacks the complex dynamics of U.S. involvement, highlighting fragmented American political perspectives on foreign intervention. Vietor sheds light on Iran's strategic choices and the impact of these tensions on regional stability, making sense of the chaotic landscape.
6 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 19min
Los Angeles Is Not In Crisis feat. Mayor Karen Bass
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles dives into the heated discussions around immigration and the city's response to recent ICE raids. She highlights the fears gripping immigrant communities and the economic repercussions on local businesses. With the federal appeals court ruling looming on the National Guard's deployment, Bass emphasizes the importance of community unity amid political turmoil. She also touches on the larger implications of current immigration policies and international tensions, making a compelling case for Los Angeles' resilience.
7 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 20min
Sustaining The Movement After No Kings
Maurice Mitchell, the national director of the Working Families Party, joins the discussion on sustaining momentum in activism post the No Kings March. He highlights the energy and motivations driving protests against Trump-era policies. They dive into strategies for maintaining unity within movements, particularly focusing on low-income communities and immigrants. Mitchell emphasizes the necessity of organized advocacy for long-term change and adapts activism to varying challenges, including current international tensions and domestic political violence.
7 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 31min
Asking A Question Got US Senator Padilla Handcuffed
Join Adam Schiff, California Democratic Senator, as he unpacks the startling incident where Senator Alex Padilla was handcuffed just for asking a question to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The discussion highlights the growing tensions between immigration reform advocates and federal policies. Schiff also delves into the implications for civil liberties and the chilling effects of aggressive government tactics on political dissent. Plus, get insights on the evolving strategies needed to engage younger voters in today's turbulent political landscape.
5 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 23min
Decoding Recent Supreme Court Gun Rulings
Stephen Gutowski, founder of The Reload, delves into recent Supreme Court gun rulings. He discusses the court's unanimous dismissal of Mexico's lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers, citing insufficient legal grounds. The conversation also highlights the court's refusal to hear challenges against Maryland's semiautomatic weapon ban and Rhode Island's high-capacity magazine restrictions. Gutowski shares insights on the implications these rulings have for gun policy and manufacturers amidst ongoing national debates about gun violence and accountability.
11 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 20min
Why Climate Change Is Driving An Insurance Meltdown
Anya Zoledziowski, Crooked Climate Correspondent and expert on the financial fallout of climate change, breaks down the troubling trend of rising home insurance costs. She discusses how natural disasters, especially in California, are straining insurers and affecting homeowners nationwide. Anya shares personal stories highlighting the emotional toll on communities of color and suggests potential solutions, such as innovative policies and climate superfund laws to hold fossil fuel companies accountable.
13 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 24min
The Court’s Willful Ignorance And Our Racial Caste System
Brando Simeo Starkey, author of "Their Accomplices Wore Robes," dives into the Supreme Court's role in maintaining a racial caste system that keeps Black Americans disadvantaged. He challenges the traditional framework of discrimination, calling for a shift to an anti-caste perspective. The discussion also critiques recent political narratives around race, highlighting the media's diminishing focus on critical conversations since 2020. Starkey advocates for understanding the intricate dynamics of racial injustice to foster more effective change.
6 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 21min
LA On The Front Lines Of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Ruben Vives, a general assignment reporter for the LA Times specializing in immigration issues, discusses the intense protests in Los Angeles against ICE operations and the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. He shares insights on rising tensions between protesters and federal agents, including the controversial deployment of the National Guard. Vives explores the impact of strategic ICE operations on local businesses and communities, highlighting the fears these actions instill among undocumented workers.
