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
18 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 22min
Trump Dumps Putin?
Tommy Vietor, co-host of Crooked Media's Pod Save the World and former National Security Council spokesperson, dives deep into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. He discusses Trump's fluctuating stance and his odd claims about resolving the conflict. The conversation also covers NATO's potential military response to Russian aggression and whether Ukraine's Zelensky can truly trust Trump's assurances of support. The dynamics of Trump, Putin, and Zelensky are dissected, revealing the unpredictability of global diplomacy.
37 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 21min
Dr. Trump’s Bad Medicine
Brandy Zadrozny, a journalist for MSNBC specializing in misinformation and extremism, dives into the controversial claims made by the Trump administration linking autism rates to Tylenol use during pregnancy. She unpacks the rushed report from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and highlights the dangers of spreading unfounded health narratives. Brandy emphasizes how this reflects broader trends in public health messaging and the impacts of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement.
23 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 23min
The Big Business Behind The Kimmel Suspension
Brian Stelter, a media analyst and journalist at CNN, dives into the recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! He discusses how the FCC's influence and political pressures are reshaping the meaning of free speech in media. Stelter explains the implications of ABC's swift action against Kimmel after controversial remarks and highlights concerns over merging media power. The conversation also touches on the broader chilling effect this situation could have on late-night hosts and creative expression.
10 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 27min
Trump’s War On Free Speech
In this conversation, Elissa Slotkin, a Democratic U.S. Senator from Michigan, tackles the chilling effects on free speech, highlighting the recent suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' and the controversial remarks from FCC chair Brendan Carr. Jon Favreau, co-founder of Crooked Media, shares insights on how liberal media can respond effectively to governmental pressures and mobilize audiences. The guests also discuss the introduction of the NOPE Act, aimed at safeguarding political speech during these contentious times.
11 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 28min
How NOT To Run The FBI
In this engaging discussion, Andrew McCabe, former FBI Deputy Director, shares his insights on the troubling leadership of FBI Director Kash Patel amid the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk. McCabe praises the agents' dedication while criticizing Patel's partisan actions and risky publicity tactics that jeopardize FBI integrity. He also delves into the ongoing challenges the Bureau faces, such as loyalty tests and shifting priorities that affect its operational efficiency.
7 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 26min
What The FBI Doesn’t Understand About Online Extremism
David Gilbert, who covers disinformation and online extremism for Wired magazine, dives into the alarming rise of nihilistic violent extremists, or NVEs. He discusses how these individuals often use memes and online platforms to evade law enforcement and promote their ideologies. The complexities of tracking radicalization in a digital age emerge, alongside the intensifying rivalries within far-right groups like those involving Charlie Kirk. Gilbert emphasizes the importance of responsible media coverage in addressing these threats and protecting society from escalating violence.
9 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 21min
What Did Trump’s DC Police Takeover Accomplish?
Emma Uber, a crime and criminal justice reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the recent federal policing initiatives in Memphis following Trump's memorandum and National Guard deployment. She explores the impact of earlier actions in D.C., questioning their effectiveness on crime rates and societal implications. The discussion also touches on the rising pressures within D.C.'s criminal justice system and the role of social media in shaping political engagement among the youth, highlighting the interplay between online communities and real-world consequences.
10 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 21min
Shutdown Showdown, Part [We've Lost Count]
Daniella Diaz, a Congressional reporter for NOTUS, dives into the looming threat of a government shutdown. She discusses the need for bipartisan negotiations as Republicans require Democratic support to keep the government running. The urgency intensifies with expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits on the table. Additionally, the conversation broaches the effects of shutdowns on citizens and public services, while touching on the troubling consequences of increasing political polarization. Will compromise prevail before the deadline?
7 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 25min
Political Violence In America
Graeme Wood, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his insights into societal issues, dives deep into the alarming rise of political violence in America. He discusses a recent assassination attempt and reflects on how social media may be normalizing violence in public discourse. Wood draws historical parallels with other nations, emphasizing the psychological impacts and the urgent need for credible leadership. The conversation also touches on the contentious confirmation processes shaping political dynamics and the broader implications for societal stability.
10 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 21min
Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Killed In Utah
Tess Owen, a journalist covering political violence, delves into the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during his campus event in Utah. She explores Kirk's significant influence on the American right and his role in engaging young conservatives through Turning Point USA. The discussion also touches on the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S. and how media narratives may shift in response to such incidents, emphasizing the need for truth in today's fraught political landscape.
