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
31 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 25min
Will SCOTUS Greenlight Trump’s Worst Ideas?
Kate Shaw, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-host of Crooked Media's Strict Scrutiny, dives into the new Supreme Court term and its focus on presidential authority. She discusses pivotal cases like Chiles v. Salazar regarding conversion therapy and its First Amendment implications. Shaw highlights how conservative justices are approaching high-stakes issues, including Trump's power over the Federal Reserve and tariff policies. The conversation reveals the increasing significance of the shadow docket in shaping legal precedents.
14 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 28min
Fed Versus Blue
Elizabeth Goitein, a senior director at the Brennan Center for Justice, explores the controversial deployment of the National Guard to cities protesting against federal policies. She discusses the legal implications of these actions, the differences between Guard and police roles, and historical precedents for federalizing the Guard. Goitein warns about the erosion of rights under militarized policing and shares advice for residents in affected areas to document and protest peacefully. She also anticipates legal challenges could escalate to the Supreme Court.
26 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 25min
The Politics Of 'AI Slop'
In this insightful discussion, Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media and a tech journalist, dives into the world of 'AI slop'—the attention-grabbing, AI-generated content flooding our feeds. He explains how this profit-driven phenomenon exploits social media algorithms and how apps like Sora are blurring the lines of reality with lifelike videos. Koebler also sheds light on the impact of AI slop in politics, how to identify it, and why it's here to stay. A must-listen for anyone curious about the future of online content!
23 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 27min
What Happens When We Can’t Rely On Federal Data
Denice Ross, a senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists and former U.S. Chief Data Scientist, dives into the threats facing federal data under the current administration. She highlights how important datasets are being manipulated or erased, stressing the risks this creates for public policy. Meanwhile, Matt Berg discusses the impact of the government shutdown on federal employees and how political messaging permeates official channels. Together, they emphasize the critical need for reliable data to inform American society.
25 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 23min
Trump's Shutdown, Your Problem
In this discussion, New Jersey Democratic Senator Andy Kim tackles the ongoing government shutdown. He emphasizes that both Republican leadership and Trump bear responsibility for the crisis, and he stands in solidarity with federal workers by refusing his paycheck. Kim also outlines the Democrats' push against executive overreach and the urgency of healthcare support amidst the shutdown. He highlights the need for strategic resilience against Republican tactics and calls attention to the implications for everyday Americans.
24 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 24min
How Trump Wants To Wield The Shutdown
In this discussion, Zack Beauchamp, a Senior Correspondent at Vox specializing in global democracy and right-wing populism, delves into the implications of the recent government shutdown. He explores how Trump views shutdowns as opportunities for consolidating authority, akin to tactics seen in authoritarian regimes. Beauchamp also addresses the alarming admiration among American conservatives for leaders like Viktor Orban, and discusses the necessity for grassroots resistance to combat these trends. His insights highlight both the risks and the potential paths forward in the political landscape.
11 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 22min
Dems Throw Down For Health Care
Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF, dives into the crucial battle over ACA subsidies that could impact millions of Americans. She explains how enhanced subsidies have expanded enrollment and highlights the alarming potential premium hikes looming due to their expiration. Rovner also sheds light on the political dynamics at play, particularly why GOP leaders are reluctant to engage. Plus, she discusses what a government shutdown would mean for federal health programs. Tune in for an insightful exploration of healthcare politics!
35 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 26min
How To Survive Online Speech Wars Without Self-Censorship
In this discussion, Ari Cohn, lead counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, sheds light on U.S. legal protections surrounding online speech. He explores the dangers of self-censorship following public backlash, notably after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Cohn elaborates on unprotected speech categories like incitement and threats, while urging robust defense of free speech, even when it feels counterintuitive. He stresses the importance of clear boundaries and advises citizens on how to express opinions without risking their jobs.
15 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 23min
Dems Are Primed For Shutdown Fight
This week, Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin shares insights on the current state of free speech and lawfare, discussing the troubling implications of selective prosecutions and the potential for intimidation in politics. He emphasizes the Democrats' firm stance against a government shutdown, highlighting their commitment to preserving healthcare and civil service rights. Raskin expresses concerns about becoming a target amid ongoing political strife while advocating for civic courage in the face of adversity.
21 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 22min
Trump Takes Down US Immigration System
Katie Blankenship, an immigration attorney, dives deep into the harsh realities faced by detainees in the U.S. under the Trump administration. She reveals the staggering numbers of individuals stuck in overcrowded facilities, often with no criminal records. Conditions have deteriorated, with families torn apart due to a lack of communication and the disappearance of detainees from tracking systems. Blankenship highlights the politicization of immigration courts and rising denial rates for asylum claims, linking anti-immigrant policies to profit motives and political power.
