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
Oct 2, 2024 • 23min
VP Debate: Vance and Walz Agree to Disagree?
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, known for his focus on education and healthcare reform, engages with Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a rising star in the GOP. They surprisingly find common ground on childcare and trade impacts in a tense political landscape. Their civil exchange touches on the January 6th insurrection and election integrity, stressing the importance of accountability. Additionally, they navigate the complexities of public perception versus party loyalty in an era marked by misinformation, highlighting the significance of genuine voter engagement.
Oct 1, 2024 • 21min
Trump Plays Politics With Hurricane Helene
Juliette Kayyem, an expert in disaster management and a faculty chair at Harvard's Kennedy School, discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, where over 120 lives have been lost. She highlights the urgent need for coordinated recovery efforts between local officials and the federal government. Kayyem emphasizes lessons learned from past disasters that can guide future resilience strategies. Additionally, the conversation touches on the political climate's complex relationship with climate change and the importance of proactive community adaptation.
Sep 30, 2024 • 22min
North Carolinians Flee Floodwaters
Gerard Albert III, a reporter for Blue Ridge Public Radio, shares firsthand accounts of the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, highlighting rescue and recovery efforts in Asheville. He details the struggles residents face as they dig out from the flooding. Later, Senator Gary Peters discusses Michigan's pivotal role in upcoming elections, addressing voter engagement and the significance of reproductive rights. The conversation touches on the current political landscape shaped by the recent crisis and electoral dynamics.
Sep 28, 2024 • 29min
The Plastic Recycling Long Con
Oliver Franklin-Wallis, a journalist focused on environmental issues, and Rob Bonta, the California Attorney General leading a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil, dive into the complexities of plastic recycling. They discuss how Exxon has misled the public regarding the sustainability of single-use plastics. The conversation explores why recycling is often ineffective, the industry's deceptive marketing tactics, and the heavier burden of plastic waste on society. Will this lawsuit change the narrative on corporate responsibility in plastic pollution?
Sep 27, 2024 • 23min
The WNBA's Culture Wars
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, currently facing corruption charges, discusses the intersection of politics and sports with Erin Ryan, host of ‘Hysteria’. They dive into the challenges and triumphs of the WNBA's New York Liberty as they advance in the semifinals. Amid a backdrop of rising viewership, they tackle the toxic narratives directed at female athletes, especially Black women. The conversation balances the excitement of women's basketball with the concerning political climate, showcasing the resilience necessary to thrive in both arenas.
Sep 26, 2024 • 20min
Harris Rolls Out Her "Opportunity Economy" Plan ( feat. Kara Swisher)
Kara Swisher, a renowned technology journalist and co-founder of Recode, joins to dissect Vice President Kamala Harris's new economic approach. They dig into the contrast between her pragmatic plans and Trump’s unconventional ideas, like appointing Elon Musk to tackle government spending. Swisher reveals how tech leaders like Musk shift political loyalties and what that means for Silicon Valley. The discussion also touches on government funding crises, recent political tensions, and the influence of celebrity endorsements on voter sentiment.
Sep 25, 2024 • 18min
Israel, Hezbollah Conflict Risks Bigger Regional War
In this insightful discussion, President Joe Biden reflects on his foreign policy, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza. He candidly shares the challenges of securing peace as tensions rise between Israel and Hezbollah. Nahal Toosi, a senior foreign affairs correspondent, delves into the complexities of the Israel-Hezbollah dynamics and warns of the risks of a broader regional conflict. The conversation also touches on the evolving U.S. support for Israel amidst escalating threats from Iran and the increasing stakes of U.S. involvement in the turmoil.
Sep 24, 2024 • 28min
How To Survive Poll Whiplash (with Jon Lovett)
Jon Lovett, co-host of 'Pod Save America', brings his expertise on polling trends and the presidential race, focusing on the emotional rollercoaster these numbers can evoke. He emphasizes the significance of perspective, especially with Kamala Harris's influence among key demographics. Kevin Dugan, from New York magazine, dives into Donald Trump's latest cryptocurrency ventures, examining the legitimacy and implications of his financial interests. They also touch on the crucial role of grassroots political engagement as the election approaches.
Sep 23, 2024 • 23min
Harris Agrees to 2nd Debate, Trump Makes Excuses
Summer Lee, a Democratic Representative from Pennsylvania and the first Black woman elected to Congress from her state, shares insights from her remarkable win in a challenging race. She discusses the importance of building diverse political coalitions and strategies to engage younger voters effectively. The conversation also touches on the financial struggles of new lawmakers, reflecting on how these challenges impact their ability to serve. Additionally, Lee examines the rising political tensions in the Middle East and advocates for unity amid societal divisions.
Sep 21, 2024 • 30min
Why Climate Groups Are Optimistic about Kamala
Kamala Harris, a prominent political figure known for her role in American governance, discusses the intriguing dynamics of her climate policies. Despite her moderate stance, she has garnered support from climate groups. The conversation delves into her strategy on fracking and how she plans to navigate the Supreme Court to favor climate actions. The hosts explore whether merely being 'good' on climate change is enough and highlight the balancing act between fossil fuels and renewable energy in today's political climate.
