What A Day
What A Day
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
Dec 2, 2019 • 16min
If The Quid Didn’t Hit, You Must Acquit
The Supreme Court will hear a major gun rights case today, which could lead to the expansion of the Second Amendment. We discuss how we got here, and where we’re headed.
Impeachment moves to the House Judiciary Committee this week, marking the triumphant return of Jerry “Scary” Nadler. We review some greatest hits from the hearings so far, and the ways Republicans have tried to spin Trump’s dealings with Ukraine.
And in headlines: protests and resignations in Iraq, Sondland sexual misconduct allegations, and NBC blows it with Gabrielle Union.
Nov 27, 2019 • 16min
Turkey Confrontations And Opioid Reparations
Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal probe of opioid makers and distributors, a type of investigation that’s usually reserved for drug dealers and cartels. We discuss how this might develop.
It’s Thanksgiving week! We remind you of the main points you need to know to emerge victorious from every turkey day scuffle in our “What A Day Thanksgiving Issue Round-up And Political Brawler’s Handbook.”
And in headlines: Mayor Pete feels op-dread, the return of Mark Sandy, and Melania gets “Be Bested”-d by children.
Nov 26, 2019 • 16min
London’s Burning (Uber’s License)
A judge rules that White House lawyer Don McGahn must testify to congress despite Trump's efforts to block him. Impeachment: Season 2 is gonna be good.
The city of London is taking away Uber’s license to operate in London. Looks like you’re gonna have to take the Tube.
And in headlines: SHS on the campaign trail, a good day for animals, and the intense, destructive power of Cameo.
Nov 25, 2019 • 21min
China's Detainment Camps and Bloomberg's First Week
New leaked documents detail how far the Chinese government has gone to detain ethnic minorities and muslims. We discuss what the documents reveal. More on that, here: https://apnews.com/4ab0b341a4ec4e648423f2ec47ea5c47
Michael Bloomberg is gearing up to spend the combined net worth of every person you will ever meet on his presidential campaign. We discuss how he plans to win.
And in headlines: Iran gets back online, Nunes is in the hot seat, and Frozen 2 snows money at the box office.
Nov 22, 2019 • 24min
High High Hopes For Impeachment
Fiona Hill and David Holmes close out a week in testimonies and Schiff brings the gavel down with a fiery closing statement. Plus, Sondland’s famous “loves your ass” quote is officially confirmed.
Out Magazine executive editor Raquel Willis joins us to discuss The Trans Obituaries Project and what can be done to end anti-trans violence. Find out more here: https://www.out.com/print/2019/11/20/trans-obituaries-project
And we show how hard it is to distinguish campaign walk-up songs from electronics commercial jingles.
Nov 21, 2019 • 25min
Tyler Perry’s “Gordon Sondland”
During his impeachment hearing, Gordon Sondland confirms the quid-pro-quo and says his orders came from the top dog: El Presidente. We discuss that and the testimony of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper.
Ten democratic candidates faced off in a rapid-fire two-hour debate at Tyler Perry Studios in Georgia. We discuss highlights including some choice Booker-on-Biden weed slams.
And in headlines: Zuck’s Trump dinner, Google’s union-busting, and BTS gets no noms (!!).
Nov 20, 2019 • 19min
The Four Horsemen Of The Impeachment
In an epic 12 hour impeach-a-thon, four witnesses took the stand, including Lt. Colonel Vindman, Pence aid Jennifer Williams, former special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker, and Europe and Russia special expert slash spokesman for drinking milk Tim Morrison. We talk through the biggest takeaways.
And in headlines: Epstein guards on trial, Madea’s big debate, and the new Cats trailer is not safe for human or animal consumption
Nov 19, 2019 • 19min
Russiagate Reloaded
The trial of Roger Stone has led Democrats to dust off their old yellowed copies of The Mueller Report, and broaden the impeachment inquiry to crimes Trump may have committed outside of the Ukraine ones.
Joe Biden’s recent comments about weed as a “gateway drug” (thank you, Vice President DARE Mascot) lead us to examine different candidates’ perspectives on marijuana legalization.
And in headlines: the US signs off on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Trump backtracks on mango JUUL pods, and a tragic case of Jay against K.
Nov 18, 2019 • 23min
Mayor Pete’s Buttibump
Pete Buttigieg is surging in Iowa, and Michael Bloomberg is kicking off his late-blooming campaign by apologizing for his racist “Stop & Frisk” policy. We discuss this and more in our 2020 primary update.
Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed was granted an indefinite stay by the courts last week. We look at the evidence that Reed was falsely convicted, and discuss how his case gained traction.
And in headlines: impeachment updates, the case of Lizzo v. Postmates, and a goodbye to Eddie Rispone.
Nov 15, 2019 • 20min
Battle For The Bayou
Two candidates for Louisiana Governor face off in a runoff election on Saturday. We introduce you to Republican Eddie “Stickers” Rispone and Democrat and incumbent Governor John “Across The Aisle” Bel Edwards.
A high school in Santa Clarita was attacked by student shooter on Thursday. We discuss the gun violence epidemic, and the measures that House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to take to resolve it.
And in headlines: Swift wants her songs back, Bevin sulks, and Google Caches Me Outside.
