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
7 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 21min
Congress Ain’t Gettin’ Any Younger, Folks
Ken Klippenstein, an independent journalist specializing in national security, discusses the implications of an aging Congress. He highlights that with nearly a quarter of Congress over 70, there are significant challenges as older leaders grapple with economic issues affecting younger generations. The conversation explores the cultural dynamics favoring seniority and the disconnect between actual ages and perceived youthfulness in politics. Klippenstein also addresses shifting public concerns about age in leadership amidst recent political upheavals.
16 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 24min
What Trump's Win Means for Jan 6 Rioters
Hanna Rosin, co-host of 'We Live Here Now,' reflects on the January 6th insurrection’s legacy and what Trump's ongoing influence means for the rioters, many of whom face severe consequences while he remains largely unscathed. The discussion digs into the emotional aftermath for communities involved in the riots and considers the challenges of justice versus political power. A former D.C. police officer shares a gripping firsthand account of the chaos that day, emphasizing the fraught relationship between law enforcement and rising political violence.
17 snips
Dec 21, 2024 • 32min
The New Jersey Drones Mass Delusion, Explained
In New Jersey, thousands mistakenly believed they were spotting UFOs instead of airplanes. The discussion unpacks the psychology behind mass delusions, with historical examples like the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast and the clown sighting panic. Experts share insights into confirmation bias and how sensational media fuel collective fears. The conversation highlights the societal impact of misinterpretation and the need for accessible mental health resources, all intertwined with modern phenomena and age-old fears.
8 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 23min
House Republicans ClusterMusk
Melissa Murray, co-host of Crooked’s ‘Strict Scrutiny,’ shares her insights on a tumultuous year at the Supreme Court, discussing key rulings and upcoming cases like gender-affirming care for trans minors and ghost gun regulations. The conversation delves into the political chaos among House Republicans amid a potential government shutdown, driven by the influences of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. As holiday pressures mount, concerns over government funding and labor strikes, such as Amazon drivers’ protests, highlight the complex web of current events.
Dec 19, 2024 • 22min
Abortion in Trump's America
Mary Ziegler, a UC Davis law professor and abortion history expert, dives into the Supreme Court's decision to hear South Carolina's case to defund Planned Parenthood, highlighting its potential impact on reproductive care access. She discusses how recent legal challenges, especially in Texas, complicate abortion rights post-Dobbs. Ziegler also addresses misconceptions about Republican stances on abortion, suggesting a shifting public sentiment as new restrictions become apparent. This insightful conversation sheds light on the tumultuous political landscape surrounding reproductive healthcare.
9 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 22min
Media Braces For Trump's Revenge
Dylan Byers, a media reporter and founding partner at Puck News, dives into Donald Trump's recent lawsuits against media outlets, viewing them as a tactic to reshape coverage during his second term. He highlights the $15 million defamation settlement with ABC and its ripple effects on smaller media. The discussion also covers the Biden Administration's urgent push for clean energy funding under the Inflation Reduction Act, amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering and challenges faced within Congress. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of media, politics, and environmental policy.
Dec 17, 2024 • 27min
Will Senators Let A Vaccine Skeptic Run Public Health?
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and health officer in Michigan, discusses Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. El-Sayed emphasizes the dangers of RFK Jr.'s vaccine misinformation and its potential public health risks. He advocates for evidence-based vaccine policies and the need for empathetic dialogue to combat skepticism. The conversation also touches on political turmoil in France and significant current events affecting both U.S. and European political landscapes.
Dec 16, 2024 • 20min
Biden Puts His Stamp On Federal Courts
Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the Fair Courts Program at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, dives into the transformative impact of President Biden's judicial appointments. She highlights how Biden is not only on track to surpass Trump's judge count but is also breaking barriers with a record number of Black judges and overall diversity among appointees. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role diverse judges play in safeguarding civil rights and interpreting pivotal federal laws.
Dec 14, 2024 • 30min
What Happens When Rebels Take Over Your Country?
Sam Heller, a Syria expert based in Beirut, dives deep into the recent turmoil in Syria after rebels toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad. He discusses the rapid changes in governance dynamics and the uncertain future under rebel control, particularly the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. Heller examines the historical context of rebel-led governments and their struggles for legitimacy, touching on the balance of power and ideology. The conversation also highlights the daunting humanitarian issues post-revolution, illustrating the complexities of transitioning from insurgents to rulers.
4 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 24min
What Praising The UnitedHealthcare Shooter Says About America
Ali Breland, a Staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in internet, politics, and tech, delves into the shocking online reactions to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He discusses the troubling support for the alleged shooter, highlighting systemic inequalities in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the recent acquittal of Daniel Penny and how these incidents reflect a disturbing trend of vigilante justice in America. Breland’s insights reveal deep-rooted issues in political discourse and public sentiment surrounding violence.
