

CNN One Thing
CNN Podcasts
You’ve been overwhelmed with headlines all week – what's worth a closer look? One Thing takes you beyond the headlines and helps make sense of what everyone is talking about. Host David Rind talks to experts, reporters on the front lines and the real people impacted by the news about what they've learned – and why it matters. New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 12, 2025 • 20min
How the AI Boom Is Costing You More at Home
As the appetite for artificial intelligence rises, so does the need for power-hungry data centers. While residents who live near them complain of the noise and pollution, data suggests they could spike utility bills far and wide. We hear from an electricity law expert on why regulators are thinking of reforms – but will it be too late?
Guest: Elizabeth Martorana & Ari Peksoe, Director, Harvard Law School Electricity Law Initiative
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Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 8, 2025 • 21min
What’s Really Going on with Protests in Chicago?
President Donald Trump’s move to deploy National Guard troops to Portland and Chicago has been met with outrage from locals and pushback from judges. We hear what’s really happening on the ground in Chicago and why community leaders say the ingredients for dangerous escalation are already in place.
Guests: Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf, Senior Minister, Lake Street Church of Evanston & Omar Jimenez, CNN Anchor & Correspondent
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Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Whitney Wild Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 5, 2025 • 21min
Bad Bunny Is Everywhere. Not Everyone Is Happy About It.
In a lively discussion, guest Vanessa Diaz, an associate professor of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies, dives into the phenomenon of Bad Bunny, Puerto Rico's music icon. She explores the mixed reactions to his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, especially from right-wing critics due to his LGBTQ advocacy and outspoken views on immigration. Diaz highlights Bad Bunny's musical blend and political messages that resonate deeply with fans. She also examines how his global appeal aligns with the NFL's expansion goals, challenging cultural and linguistic barriers.

Oct 1, 2025 • 19min
At Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon, Looking Tough Is the Mission
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth summoned US generals and admirals from around the world for an extraordinary meeting in Virginia on Tuesday, where he railed against ‘woke’ policies and stressed the need for stricter physical fitness standards. But what kind of ‘warriors’ does he actually want in uniform?
Guest: Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton, US Army (Ret.)
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Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 28, 2025 • 20min
How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Could Spark a US Brain Drain
The Trump administration’s surprise announcement that it will boost H-1B visa application fees to $100,000 has caused widespread fear and confusion among foreign workers. The proposed changes are also sparking concerns for American businesses that won’t be able to foot the bill. Is American innovation at risk?
Guest: Aizada Marat, Alma CEO
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Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 24, 2025 • 25min
Are You a Bad Mom for Taking Tylenol?
Major medical groups are speaking out against claims made by President Donald Trump linking Tylenol use to autism. So where should pregnant people and parents of autistic children turn for guidance? We hear why a search for answers could lead vulnerable parents to blame themselves.
Guests: Meg Tirrell, CNN Medical Correspondent & Shannon Rosa, senior editor of Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
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Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 21, 2025 • 23min
Disney Caves to Trump’s FCC. What Does it Mean for the Rest of Us?
Disney’s decision to yank ABC host Jimmy Kimmel off the air following FCC pressure has outraged fans, performers and Democratic politicians. Will other prominent anti-Trump voices be next? We hear from someone who used to be in charge of the FCC who says the regulator is going overboard.
Guest: Tom Wheeler, former FCC Chairman
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Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 17, 2025 • 20min
Is Kash Patel’s Bro-Coded FBI Dropping the Ball?
In the days since the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel has been scrutinized for a series of missteps some believe hindered the investigation. However, experts say a series of other shakeups at the agency could have an even greater impact on US law enforcement going forward. Will President Trump stick with him?
Guest: Evan Perez, CNN Senior Justice Correspondent
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Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 14, 2025 • 20min
Charlie Kirk Was Killed. Now What?
The apparent assassination of Charlie Kirk has both sides of the aisle calling on Americans to ‘lower the temperature’ of political rhetoric. But we’ve been here before – is there actually any chance that happens? We hear why Kirk was so effective in motivating young conservatives and look at what could happen next.
Guest: Alex Stone & Lilliana Mason, SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins Professor of Political Science
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Host: David Rind
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Donie O’Sullivan & Sean Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 10, 2025 • 21min
Can Mass Deportations and ‘Made in America’ Coexist?
A massive immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia is being described as one of the most extensive immigration raids in recent US history. But the incident has ensnared South Korea, a key US ally, which is learning a lesson that doing business with the Trump administration is much more complicated than expanding investment.
Guests: Charles Kuck, founding partner at Kuck Baxter Immigration & Allison Morrow, CNN Business Senior Writer
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Host: David Rind
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices