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
9 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 23min
Chicago Teachers Fight To Keep ICE Out Of Schools
Stacey Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union, shares insights on how teachers are navigating the challenges of a new school year amid heightened immigration enforcement. She discusses the impact of ICE near schools, emphasizing the mental health concerns for students and families. Davis Gates highlights community solidarity and the necessity of educators advocating for immigrant rights. The conversation also touches on the alarming decline in literacy among high school students, linking it to factors like the pandemic and screen time.
Sep 9, 2025 • 22min
Laura Loomer's Rise To The Top
Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark focusing on right-wing media, dives into the bizarre world of Trump-era appointees. He discusses Laura Loomer's rise as a polarizing influencer and her unique relationship with Trump. Sommer uncovers how loyalty shapes the political landscape, exploring rivalries like that between Loomer and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Plus, he touches on the absurdities of the administration and current events, including controversies surrounding Trump's views on religion and civil liberties.
11 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 24min
Georgia To Vote On Energy Costs
John Taylor, Executive Director of the Black Male Initiative, discusses the pivotal Public Service Commission election in Georgia. He emphasizes the significance of this race in regulating energy costs amidst rising utility prices. Taylor highlights the strong Democratic challengers and the need for voter engagement to ensure accountability in utility management. The conversation also touches on the dangers of corporate influence in governance and the importance of prioritizing community needs in policy-making.
10 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 25min
How Trump's Hatred For Windmills Is Hurting All Of Us
In a riveting discussion, environmentalist Bill McKibben shares his insights on President Trump's vehement opposition to wind and solar power. He highlights a halted $4 billion wind farm project in Rhode Island, linking this to national security fears. McKibben emphasizes the urgent need for renewable energy to combat climate change and lower spiraling energy bills. He also touches on the growing acceptance of solar power among conservative rural Americans, calling for bipartisan efforts to support sustainable initiatives amidst rising political tensions.
9 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 23min
Senator Van Hollen On Epstein: Release The Damn Files!
Chris Van Hollen, Maryland's Democratic Senator, dives into critical topics, including the urgent push for the release of Jeffrey Epstein's documents to provide justice for survivors. He discusses Congress's looming government shutdown amid partisan tensions and the significant hurdles in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Van Hollen highlights the complexities of bipartisan collaboration and reveals the political maneuvering surrounding health policies, including Florida's controversial stance on vaccine mandates.
11 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 22min
Putin Cozies Up To Modi And Xi
Tommy Vietor, co-host of Crooked Media's Pod Save the World, dives into the recent meeting between Putin, Modi, and Xi, discussing the implications for U.S.-China relations. The trio’s newfound alliances signal shifting dynamics in global politics. Vietor also addresses the Trump family's leap into cryptocurrency amidst American economic disillusionment and critiques the Trump administration's controversial plans for Gaza. The conversation unveils the complexities of geopolitical relationships and the intertwining of economics and foreign policy today.
9 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 21min
Chicago Caught In The Trump Administration's Crosshairs
In this conversation, Jessica Brand, a lawyer and Executive Director of Wren Collective, delves into the looming ICE operations set to sweep through Chicago, orchestrated under the Trump administration. She discusses the potential ramifications of militarized federal law enforcement on local communities and the pushback from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to protect residents. The dialogue also touches on the broader implications of budget cuts on essential services and the national protests against the administration’s harsh immigration policies.
Sep 1, 2025 • 43min
Introducing Shadow Kingdom: Coal Survivor
Explore the dark and dangerous world of American coal miners in the 1970s. The story of Jock Yablonski, a union hero, reveals a conspiracy and a tragic murder linked to union corruption. Delve into the struggles miners face against black lung disease, battling not only health issues but a system that overlooks their needs. Experience the fierce rivalry between Tony Boyle and Yablonski, culminating in a betrayal that jeopardizes the fight for miners' rights. As tensions rise, the community braces for an inevitable confrontation.
Aug 29, 2025 • 24min
Cash Bail Keeps People In Jail
Rena Karefa-Johnson, Vice President of National Initiatives at FWD.us, dives into the crucial debate over cash bail policies. She challenges misconceptions propagated by political rhetoric and emphasizes the injustice faced by marginalized communities under the current system. The conversation uncovers the interplay between cash bail and public safety, illustrating the pressing need for reform. Additionally, Rena addresses the intersection of mental health issues and crime, advocating for a holistic approach to justice and societal well-being.
10 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 20min
Why Conservatism Is Dead In The Trump Era
Bill Kristol, editor at large for The Bulwark and a long-time figure in Republican politics, discusses the troubling loyalty dynamics within the Trump administration. He highlights the authoritarian tendencies emerging during Trump's presidency and the Republican Party's reluctance to challenge these shifts. The conversation also touches on the evolution of conservatism from Reagan's ideals to Trump's influence, exploring the implications for democracy and political coalitions in the U.S.
