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
Feb 4, 2025 • 22min
Trump's Tariff Showdown
In this enlightening discussion, Scott Lincicome, Vice President of General Economics and Trade Policy at the Cato Institute, breaks down the complexities of trade wars. He explains the recent hold on tariffs against Canada and Mexico and what that means for international relations. Scott clarifies how tariffs differ from inflation and how they affect consumer prices. He also shares insights on potential future targets for tariffs, focusing on markets like China and Europe, highlighting the delicate balance of trade policy and economic stability.
5 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 23min
Trump Declares War On Trans Service Members
Laila Ireland, an Army veteran and advocate for transgender service members, shares her personal struggles under the military's outdated policies. She discusses the chilling impact of Trump's executive order on trans individuals serving in the armed forces and emphasizes the importance of community support in fighting discrimination. The conversation also touches on resilience within the LGBTQ+ community amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and social change.
9 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 27min
Trump Blames Fatal Potomac Crash On Dems, DEI feat. Rep. Jamie Raskin
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin, an expert in constitutional law, joins the discussion following a tragic collision over the Potomac River. They delve into Trump’s controversial blame game directed at Democrats and diversity initiatives. Raskin offers insights on how the Democratic Party can effectively counter Trump’s narrative. The conversation also touches on the political ramifications of such tragedies and the urgent need for integrity in government amid rising authoritarianism. Lastly, they explore the ongoing threats to environmental policies under the former administration.
Jan 30, 2025 • 20min
Is ICE Only Arresting Criminal Migrants?
Join Michelle Hackman, an immigration reporter for The Wall Street Journal, as she dives into the implications of the recently signed Lakin-Riley Act. The act enforces detaining undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, sparking fears in vulnerable communities. Hackman explores how ICE's approach under Trump contrasts with previous administrations, raising concerns about community safety and economic impact. The discussion reveals the growing anxiety among Latino populations and the dangerous allure of fraudulent legal services amid their immigration struggles.
16 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 23min
Can Trump Just Pause Federal Funds?
Casey Burgat, Director of the Legislative Affairs program at George Washington University and host of Mastering The Room, dives into the legal chaos following the Trump administration's attempt to freeze trillions in federal funds. He unpacks the administration's uphill legal battle and the implications for critical sectors like healthcare and education. The conversation also touches on the delicate balance of power between the presidency and Congress, and the unsettling trends in executive orders affecting marginalized communities.
10 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 24min
Public Health Scrambles To Figure Out Trump's Health Orders
Dr. Abdul el-Sayed, an esteemed epidemiologist and Wayne County health officer, dives into the chaotic public health landscape unleashed by recent Trump administration orders. He discusses the halt of collaboration with the WHO and how this impacts the response to potential bird flu outbreaks. Dr. el-Sayed highlights growing vulnerabilities among healthcare workers and the dangers posed by political interference in health communications. The episode also touches on the disruptions in the Justice Department and the rise of the A.I. app DeepSeek, promising to revolutionize the tech market.
10 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 24min
Trump Targets DEI in Public and Private Sectors
Farah Stockman, a member of the New York Times editorial board, provides keen insights on Trump's latest moves against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She discusses the potential repercussions of his orders targeting both public and private sectors. The conversation also touches on the historical context of DEI programs and their significance in promoting social equity. Additionally, Stockman reflects on the challenges faced by these initiatives during changing political landscapes and the broader implications for governance and corporate responsibility.
7 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 22min
Trump Gangs Up On The Cartels
Keegan Hamilton, a senior editor at the Los Angeles Times and expert on legal affairs, joins to delve into Trump's controversial designation of drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. He discusses the far-reaching implications of this order, including potential financial sanctions and the impact on U.S.-Mexico relations. They also explore the risks of military actions against cartels and the legacy of executive orders from Trump's administration, especially as a federal judge blocks his move to end birthright citizenship.
9 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 28min
Trump's Jan 6 Pardons Re-Energize Far-Right Groups
Tess Owen, a freelance reporter focused on extremism and politics, unpacks the implications of Trump's recent pardons for January 6 rioters, noting a potential rise in far-right extremism and political violence. David Hogg, a passionate gun control activist and DNC vice chair candidate, emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of young voters while critiquing the Democratic Party's messaging. Together, they explore the challenges and responsibilities facing political leaders in today's polarized climate.
Jan 22, 2025 • 21min
Trump Targets Immigrants
In this discussion, Emily Green, a freelance reporter based in Mexico City, dives deep into Trump's recent executive orders targeting immigration. She outlines the dramatic impact of ending birthright citizenship and reinstating the 'Remain in Mexico' policy on asylum seekers. Emily shares personal stories that highlight the immediate consequences faced by migrants at the southern border. The conversation also touches on the psychological effects of these policies and the legal challenges they spark, painting a vivid picture of a complex issue.
