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
30 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 22min
Can Planned Parenthood Survive Trump’s Big Beautiful Law?
Mary Ziegler, a Professor at UC Davis Law, dives into the consequences of recent legislation on reproductive rights and healthcare access. She reveals how a new law could hinder Planned Parenthood's funding, even for non-abortion services, and what that means for millions seeking care. The conversation explores the influence of state voters on abortion legality, highlighting the ongoing political battle over reproductive freedoms. Ziegler also touches on the broader implications of these restrictions amidst shifting electoral landscapes.
20 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 24min
Why Hiring 10,000 New ICE Agents Is A Bad Idea
Garrett Graff, a historian and national security reporter known for his work on the ‘Doomsday Scenario’ newsletter, dives into the troubling implications of President Trump's drastic funding increase for ICE. He outlines how hiring 10,000 new agents could lead to civil rights violations and a focus on detaining non-criminals rather than actual threats. The discussion also touches on critiques of FEMA's ineffectiveness during Texas floods and the recent layoffs at the State Department that signal a shift in foreign policy.
6 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 23min
Ex-NOAA Administrator On Trump's Staffing Cuts
Richard Spinrad, the former administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shares critical insights on the tragic Texas floods and the consequences of staffing cuts at the National Weather Service. He discusses how these cuts hinder accurate weather predictions, potentially exacerbating disasters. Spinrad emphasizes the urgent need for public funding to ensure weather forecasting remains a vital public service, stressing the importance of effective emergency response in confronting future challenges.
18 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 27min
ICE Gets Billions To Intimidate Americans
California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla addresses the aggressive tactics of ICE and the unsettling climate for immigrants in California. He discusses how recent federal funding boosts for immigration enforcement have created fear among vulnerable communities. Padilla emphasizes the need for civic engagement and accountability to combat these intimidation tactics. The conversation sheds light on the impact of immigration raids on essential workers who contribute significantly to the economy, urging continuous political activism for immigrant rights.
8 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 24min
Ex-CDC Doctor On RFK Jr.'s Risky Vaccine Policies
Dr. Fiona Havers, a former senior advisor on vaccine policy at the CDC, discusses the alarming shifts in health policy under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She reveals how the firing of CDC vaccine panel members risks public health and promotes misinformation. Havers offers crucial advice for families to navigate these changes safely, highlighting the importance of reliable information sources. The conversation sheds light on the implications of halting COVID vaccine recommendations for vulnerable populations, driving home the urgency for public engagement in health matters.
35 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 26min
How Democrats Will Make Trump Own His Disastrous Spending Bill
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, dives deep into the fallout from Trump's controversial spending bill. He discusses how Democrats plan to leverage its unpopularity to reclaim power in Congress. Jeffries emphasizes the urgency of engaging with constituents on the impacts of healthcare and immigration policies. He also highlights the significant shift among independent voters and the need for innovative outreach strategies to counter misinformation, particularly about climate change and its repercussions.
14 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 24min
Trump's War On The Poor
Jacob Bogage, Congressional economics correspondent for The Washington Post, dives into President Trump's significant budget bill, which threatens to cut essential safety nets for millions of Americans. They discuss the political maneuvering behind its passage and the devastating impact on Medicaid and food assistance programs. The episode also explores the bill's long-term implications for the national debt and middle-income households. Additionally, Jacob touches on the tragic flooding in Texas and diplomatic tensions in the Middle East, highlighting a chaotic political landscape.
6 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 25min
Zohran Mamdani's Fight For NYC feat. Brad Lander
Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller and former mayoral candidate, joins the conversation after Zohran Mamdani's stunning primary win over Andrew Cuomo. Lander discusses how Mamdani's victory reflects a shift in national Democratic politics. They delve into the need for progressive policy reforms, like taxing high earners to support working-class communities, while navigating party dynamics. The chat touches on ethical concerns of political exploitation around cultural identity and addresses pressing current events, including major convictions and legal developments in reproductive rights.
9 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 19min
The Big Republican Spending Bill Debacle Disaster Adventure
Nicholas Wu, a Congressional reporter for Politico, dives into the recent turmoil surrounding President Trump's spending bill. He details the nail-biting Senate tie-breaker vote by Vice President J.D. Vance and the Republican Party's internal conflicts as the bill heads back to the House. Wu highlights the tension between party loyalty and political survival, amusingly contrasting absurd political comments with serious immigration debates. Plus, he discusses how Trump's tariffs are complicating Federal Reserve decisions. This episode is a wild ride through political drama!
15 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 20min
GOP Senators Ruin Their Summer Vacay for Trump Spending Bill
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Alex Dworak, Associate Medical Director at One World Community Health Centers, sheds light on the vital role of gender-affirming care for youth in Nebraska. He shares personal insights about navigating restrictive legislation and the implications for LGBTQ individuals. The conversation also touches on the Supreme Court's ruling on medical care for minors and the urgent need for advocacy. Meanwhile, the political landscape heats up as Senate Republicans scramble to pass a spending bill by the Fourth of July, intertwining healthcare and immigration controversies.
