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
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.
9 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 24min
Three Signs Of The Trumpification Of The Economy
Scott Lincicome, Vice President of General Economics at the Cato Institute, dives into the intriguing intersection of government intervention and capitalism. He discusses the implications of the U.S. taking a stake in Intel and how this reflects a trend towards state-sponsored capitalism. The conversation explores 'Trumpification' in economic policies, highlighting risks of populism and reckless monetary actions. Lincicome also critiques the Federal Reserve's independence and the government's growing role in corporate America, raising concerns about market efficiency.
18 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 23min
Trump's Trolling Weakens Polling
Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and polling expert, dives into the controversies swirling around Trump's low approval ratings. He reveals how voter sentiment is shifting, particularly among young and Latino voters, while Democrats face their own challenges. The conversation highlights the intricate dynamics of political messaging, the impact of economic issues like inflation, and even a controversial executive order from Trump regarding flag desecration. The balancing act between progressive strategies and conservative narratives also takes center stage.
19 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 23min
What Do Liberals Actually Believe?
Jerusalem Demsas, CEO of The Argument and former staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the evolving landscape of liberalism. She discusses a think tank's controversial language recommendations for Democrats, exploring what it means to identify as a liberal today. The conversation touches on the shift from a proactive ideology to one defined by opposition, as well as the complexities of navigating progressive media and current legal battles for immigrants. Additionally, global tensions and political criticisms shape the broader narrative of modern liberal beliefs.
10 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 24min
Why We’re In A Redistricting Race To The Bottom
Colin Allred, a former U.S. Representative and current Democratic Senate candidate from Texas, discusses the fierce redistricting battles shaping upcoming elections. He delves into California's new plan to gain seats for Democrats and the Republican maneuvers in Texas. Allred highlights the implications of gerrymandering on minority representation and the urgent need for nonpartisan efforts. Additionally, he shares insights on the broader political landscape, touching on pressing issues like military actions in Ukraine and the debate over gender-affirming care.
11 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 21min
The Smithsonian Gets The Trump Edit
Zachary Small, a New York Times reporter specializing in the art world, discusses a controversial reevaluation of narratives in cultural institutions like the Smithsonian. He reveals pressures to emphasize American exceptionalism and downplay historical topics such as slavery. The conversation dives into fears among staff regarding ideological shifts that may turn these institutions into partisan entities, impacting how history is presented to the public. Small’s insights illuminate the complex intersection of politics and culture in America today.
14 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 24min
Does Washington, D.C. Need Federal Intervention?
Journalist Josh Barro, co-host of Serious Trouble, dives into the complexities of crime in Washington, D.C. He discusses the Department of Justice's investigation into crime statistics, questioning the narrative of a severe crime crisis. Barro analyzes the impact of federal intervention on local public safety and critiques political motivations behind these actions. The conversation also touches on the need for effective governance and the challenging dynamics between federal and local authority.
10 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 22min
The AI Chatbot Childhood Is Officially Here
In this engaging discussion, Lila Shroff, Assistant Editor at The Atlantic, dives into the complex world of AI's impact on children. She highlights alarming reports of AI chatbots having inappropriate conversations with minors. The conversation shifts to how schools are harnessing AI to enhance education, weighing the benefits against ethical dilemmas. Shroff also reflects on the controversial policies from tech giants and their implications for misinformation and societal health. It's a thought-provoking look at the intersection of technology and youth.
14 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 22min
What It’s Like To Have Trump Hold Your Science Research Hostage
Dr. Aradhna Tripati, a climate scientist at UCLA, shares insights into how the Trump administration's funding cuts have severely impacted scientific research and education. She highlights the chaos and inefficiency these bureaucratic challenges create, especially in vulnerable research areas. Alongside Monique Trinh, they advocate for solidarity in the academic community to protect public interests. The conversation also touches on the intersections of education and healthcare, emphasizing the critical role of public institutions amidst ongoing political tensions.
6 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 24min
The White House's Mob Boss Approach To AI Chips
Ashley Gold, a senior tech and policy reporter at Axios, dives into Nvidia's controversial deal with the U.S. government where they'll share 15% of profits from AI chip sales to China. Gold likens this arrangement to a mob-like protective scheme, raising alarms about national security risks and corporate influence. The discussion also touches on the evolving dynamics between tech and politics, particularly under the Trump administration, and highlights the implications of international meetings and state-level political maneuvers.
