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
6 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 21min
LA On The Front Lines Of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Ruben Vives, a general assignment reporter for the LA Times specializing in immigration issues, discusses the intense protests in Los Angeles against ICE operations and the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. He shares insights on rising tensions between protesters and federal agents, including the controversial deployment of the National Guard. Vives explores the impact of strategic ICE operations on local businesses and communities, highlighting the fears these actions instill among undocumented workers.
10 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 29min
Trump And Musk's Messy Break-Up
Alex Thompson, national political correspondent for Axios and co-author of 'Original Sin', dives deep into the complexities surrounding Joe Biden's presidency and the political landscape as 2024 approaches. He discusses Biden’s perceived decline in leadership, the cover-ups by those around him, and the internecine dynamics within the Democratic Party. The dialogue also touches on the heated exchange between Trump and Musk, revealing their fraught relationship and the implications of recent travel bans and immigration policies.
6 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 22min
The Big Beautiful Bill Breakdown feat. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, a veteran and former NASA astronaut, discusses the controversial "Big, Beautiful Bill" and its fallout among lawmakers. He shares insights on how the bill could affect healthcare access for vulnerable families, highlighted by a poignant story from an Arizona mother. Kelly emphasizes a human-centered approach to immigration policy, drawing from his own experiences. The conversation also touches on the trade tensions resulting from tariffs and their impact on American consumers.
7 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 27min
We're Not Powerless Against Trump's Climate Sabotage
Bill McKibben, a veteran climate reporter, dives into the Trump administration's aggressive rollback of climate policies. He highlights how these measures not only ignore climate change but actively worsen it. McKibben discusses the vital role states are taking in combating federal neglect, underscoring the importance of local action and community resilience. He urges listeners to engage in advocacy, stressing that fighting climate challenges is a collective responsibility. The conversation is both empowering and informative, igniting hope amidst political turmoil.
13 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 19min
Migrants’ Legal Limbo
Dara Lind, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, delves into the recent Supreme Court rulings that jeopardize the legal status of over half a million migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti. She discusses the immediate impact on deportation protections and the complex legal landscape surrounding humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status. With lives hanging in the balance, Lind sheds light on the uncertain future these individuals face and the broader implications for U.S. immigration policy.
8 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 23min
How Trump's Chaos Is Becoming Normal
M. Gessen, a New York Times opinion columnist and expert on autocracy, draws intriguing parallels between the Trump administration and early 2000s Russia under Putin. They discuss how chaos in politics can become normalized, desensitizing the public to significant issues. Gessen highlights the psychological mechanisms that allow autocrats to maintain power and the dangers of intellectual decline in society. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for resilience and awareness amidst overwhelming news cycles.
May 30, 2025 • 25min
In Israel And Gaza, War Opposition Grows
Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, an insightful Israeli academic and host of the 'History of the Land' of Israel podcast, delves into the increasing opposition to the ongoing war in Gaza and Israel. He discusses the significant rise in anti-war protests on both sides, highlighting the complex dynamics at play. The conversation reveals shifting sentiments among Palestinians regarding Hamas's governance and an emerging desire for leadership change. Ben-Ephraim's thoughts on the implications of these protests could shape a potential path to peace.
14 snips
May 29, 2025 • 21min
When The Conspiracy Theorists Become Bureaucrats
Will Sommer, a senior writer at The Bulwark and author of the 'False Flag' newsletter, dives into the intriguing world of conspiracy theorists turned bureaucrats. He unveils the tension these figures face as they reconcile their wild claims with the responsibilities of governance. Fans of Trump-era figures like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino express disillusionment when their heroes fail to act on conspiracies once in power. Sommer sheds light on how deeply rooted conspiracy narratives continue to shape political discourse and influence policy.
5 snips
May 28, 2025 • 20min
Are Trump’s Crypto Ventures Corrupt
Allison Morrow, a senior writer for CNN Business, dives into the Trump family's significant investments in cryptocurrency and the ethical implications behind them. She discusses how their involvement raises concerns about conflicts of interest in an unregulated market. Morrow explores the shift from skepticism to opportunism in crypto by political figures and highlights potential foreign exploitation risks. The episode also touches on broader issues like vaccination policies and international relations, painting a picture of the intertwining of politics and finance.
10 snips
May 27, 2025 • 23min
Abortion Access In Trump's America 2.0
Jessica Valenti, author of 'Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lives, And The Truths We Use To Win,' dives deep into reproductive rights in the U.S. She tackles the implications of potential reevaluation of mifepristone approval based on questionable reports. Valenti sheds light on a troubling abortion ban in Georgia, sharing personal stories showcasing the struggle for autonomy. The conversation navigates the evolving political landscape, highlighting the importance of framing a robust narrative for supporting reproductive health against rising restrictions.
