1 big thing - podcast cover

1 big thing

Axios podcast host Niala Boodhoo digs deep with leaders you know — or need to know — in business, politics and culture. Every week, all in under 20 minutes. About Axios: Axios is a digital media company launched in 2017. Axios helps you become smarter, faster with news and information across politics, tech, business, media, science and the world. Subscribe to our newsletters at axios.com/newsletters and download our mobile app at axios.com/app.  About Niala Boodhoo: Niala Boodhoo is the host of 1 big thing and previously hosted Axios Today She was the founding Host and Executive Producer of the award-winning news program The 21st. An alum of Reuters, The Miami Herald and WBEZ/Chicago, Niala was a 2019-2020 Knight-Wallace fellow.
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Episodes

New antitrust scrutiny in Washington

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday held a much-anticipated hearing Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster. Also yesterday, the Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google’s parent company Alphabet for its alleged monopoly on digital ads. Plus, what to know about filing your taxes this year. And, a historic Oscars season for Asian actors. Guests: Axios' Ashley Gold, Emily Peck and Hope King. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMulle...

Jan 25, 202312 min

Cautious optimism at the Fed

The Fed’s tone seems to be shifting, pointing to a more optimistic outlook. What does that tell us about the economy? Plus, another mass shooting in California affecting the AAPI community And, new plans to curb fraud in organic food labels Guests: Axios' Courtenay Brown and The Washington Post’s Laura Reiley. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios...

Jan 24, 202312 min

10 people killed in Monterey Park mass shooting

Ten people were killed and at least 10 others injured over the weekend in a shooting in Los Angeles County’s Monterey Park. It happened on the first day of the city’s annual Lunar New Year celebrations. The community holds an important place in Asian American history. Plus, Ukraine's quest for tanks to combat Russia. And, Lunar New Year traditions and memories to hold dear. Guests: Dr. Timothy Fong, Professor of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Sacramento, and the author of The Fir...

Jan 23, 202311 min

The debt ceiling fight

The United States reached its $31.4 trillion debt ceiling on Thursday and the country is at its credit limit. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrote a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to act promptly. Plus, 50 years post-Roe, a split in the anti-abortion movement. And, the toll of burnout on women leaders like New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern. Guests: Axios' Josh Kraushaar, Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath and Oriana Gonzalez Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani ...

Jan 20, 202312 min

Declining cancer deaths in the U.S.

Cancer mortality rates have fallen by one-third since the early 1990s, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. When you zoom in, the picture becomes a little more complicated. Plus, Americans are spending more than they earn. And, the price of eggs is still sky high. Guests: Axios' Kelly Tyko, Emily Peck and The Atlantic's Derek Thompson. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi an...

Jan 19, 202312 min

Trusting business over politics in shaky times

Global trust in business is higher than trust in government, according to the new Edelman Trust Barometer. As business leaders gather in Davos, Switzerland this week for the World Economic Forum annual meeting, we ask: how are businesses gaining this trust? Plus, teachers debate the risks and merits of the AI tool ChatGPT. Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler, Eleanor Hawkins and Jennifer Kingson. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Margaret Talev, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia...

Jan 18, 202312 min

China’s real COVID death toll

Throughout the pandemic, China has consistently claimed very few deaths from the coronavirus. Over the weekend, China’s National Health Commission announced a significant revision, raising the official number of COVID deaths since last December from 37 to 60,000. But big questions about data transparency remain. Plus, how politicians use MLK’s words to prop up opposing arguments. And, more classified documents are found associated with President Biden. Guests: Axios' Russell Contreras and The Wa...

Jan 17, 202312 min

A lying congressman and a 2024 Senate race already underway

Lots of news in Washington this week – California’s 2024 senate race is heating up before Sen. Dianne Fienstein even announces if she will be stepping down. And New York Rep. George Santos is being called on to resign. Plus, why pediatricians are struggling to treat patients. And, what do MLK’s words mean to you? Guests: Axios' Eugene Scott, Russell Contreras and American Academy of Pediatrics' Dr. Jason Terk. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti...

Jan 13, 202311 min

The latest fiasco to snarl US air travel

Air travel across the U.S. was at a standstill for several hours on Wednesday morning because of an outage to a system the Federal Aviation Administration uses to send real-time safety alerts to pilots. It's just one of a host of issues the airline industry has faced recently. Plus, the influx of migrants arriving on South Florida’s shores. And, the internet’s short video creativity crisis. Guests: Axios' Joann Muller, Martin Vassolo and Sara Fischer. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Bo...

Jan 12, 202311 min

The escalating fight over Big Tech and kids

Seattle Public Schools are suing big tech for helping cause a youth mental health crisis. The school district is going after TikTok, Meta, Snap and other companies, and this is just one of many cases that seek to hold social media platforms responsible for harm to children. Plus, more deaths in California as winter storms rage on. And, what we know about the classified documents found from Biden’s VP days. Guests: Axios' Ashley Gold, Sophia Cai and Andrew Freedman. Credits: Axios Today is produc...

Jan 11, 202311 min

Why there’s still not enough children’s Tylenol

Many parents around the U.S. still can’t find children’s Tylenol and Motrin, after a shortage began weeks ago in the middle of the “tripledemic” of flu, RSV and Covid. Plus, the effort to restore order in Brazil. Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler and Tina Reed. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comment...

Jan 10, 202311 min

Why America's public school enrollment is down

During the pandemic, enrollment in public schools went down by more than a million students, according to the National Center for Education statistics. And as we approach three years since the start of the pandemic, schools across the country are still struggling to keep students. Plus, major incentives for schools to make their bus fleets electric. And, Brazil’s Jan. 6 moment. Guests: Axios' Erica Pandey and Joann Muller. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Al...

Jan 09, 202311 min

Our democracy two years after Jan. 6

California Rep. Kevin McCarthy lost a stunning 11 rounds of voting for the House speaker position this week, and there’s no end to the standoff in sight. Of course all of this has been unfolding in the lead up to the 2nd anniversary of Jan. 6 insurrection. Plus, California’s stormy winter. And, Pope Benedict is laid to rest. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Andrew Freedman and Princeton University's Julian Zelizer. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Bo...

Jan 06, 202311 min

Major layoffs for Amazon

Amazon announced on Wednesday that it will cut more than 18,000 jobs. This is the largest of the recent tech layoffs. Plus, after another day of voting, there’s still no speaker of the U.S. House. And, Israel’s new government draws U.S. criticism. Guests: Axios' Andrew Freedman and Barak Ravid. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@a...

Jan 05, 202311 min

Chaos of historic proportions in the House

After three rounds of voting on Tuesday there is still no speaker of the House. Republicans are at a stalemate and Wednesday afternoon they will try again as Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy still fights for the top spot. Plus, China reels from a COVID surge. Guests: Axios' Stef Kight, Mike Allen and Han Chen. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach ...

Jan 04, 202311 min

McCarthy’s scramble for House speakership

The new Republican-led House will vote for a speaker today. But even after offering concessions, Rep. Kevin McCarthy still doesn't seem to have the support he needs from his fellow lawmakers to take the spot. Plus, the economic outlook for 2023. And, new state laws on wages and on marijuana. Guests: Axios' Neil Irwin and Alayna Treene. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can re...

Jan 03, 202312 min

President Zelensky’s historic visit to Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to Washington D.C. on Wednesday for his first international trip since Russia invaded Ukraine over 300 days ago. Zelensky met with Biden and spoke to joint session of Congress. Plus, a look back at the year in tech. And, the story of a life-changing journey to Antarctica. Guests: Axios' Mike Allen, Ina Fried and Margaret Talev. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Robin Linn and Alex...

Dec 22, 202217 min

Bomb cyclone blizzard threatens holiday travel

Bad weather across much of the U.S. this week will mean a bumpy ride for many Americans traveling for the holidays. We talked to Axios local reporters about how they are preparing for treacherous travel conditions and the coldest temperatures in decades. Plus, the growth in anti-Semitic hate in the U.S. And, the public may soon see years of Trump’s tax returns. Guests: Axios' Russell Contreras, Andrew Freedman, Justin Kaufmann, Linh Ta and Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi. Credits: Axios Today is produced ...

Dec 21, 202212 min

Jan. 6 panel recommends criminal charges against Trump

The January 6 committee voted on Monday to refer former President Donald Trump to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution. The panel accused Trump of committing four federal crimes. Plus, the health stories to watch as we head into the new year. Guests: Axios' Alayna Treene, Andrew Solender and Adriel Bettelheim. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Amy Pedulla and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Ev...

Dec 20, 202212 min

A remarkable year for organized labor in the U.S.

From Amazon employees forming their first union in Staten Island this April, to Congress intervening to stop a railroad workers' strike just a few weeks ago, it's been quite a year for labor. Axios' Emily Peck takes a look back at the year that was and what’s to come. Plus, the surprising history of America’s favorite flowering Christmas plant. And, Lionel Messi finally gets his World Cup. Guests: Axios' Emily Peck and Marina Franco. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaul...

Dec 19, 202212 min

Jonathan Swan on the year in politics and what to watch in 2023

As we wrap up 2022, we’re asking Axios’ Jonathan Swan for his big takeaways in politics and what he’s watching as we head into the new year. Guests: Axios' Jonathan Swan. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Amy Pedulla, Fonda Mwangi, Alex Sugiura and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go Deeper: B...

Dec 16, 202213 min

Why vegetables are getting pricier this winter

Maybe you’ve noticed the big jump in the price of vegetables lately – 38% in November compared to October, according to new government data. Arizona farmers provide most of our leafy greens from November to March - but this winter, production could get worse because of drought in the Colorado River. Plus, what that means for child hunger in the US. And, we’re making you smarter about Sunday’s World Cup final. Guests: Axios' Jeff Tracy, University of Arizona’s Paul Brierley and Share Our Strength...

Dec 15, 202212 min

How the SCOTUS Dobbs decision is affecting maternal mortality

The Supreme Court's decision to end the constitutional right to abortion has had a negative effect on maternal health in the US, Biden administration officials said on Tuesday. Plus, the real relationship between high blood pressure and stress. And, President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Guests: Axios' Oriana Gonzalez and Jennifer Kingson. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Amy Pedulla, Fonda Mwangi ...

Dec 14, 202212 min

How wealthy do Americans feel?

Pandemic gains in American wealth are melting away. American household net worth declined for the third consecutive quarter this year as stocks were hit hard by rising interest rates. Plus, fires prompt a movement to ban e-bikes. And, Utah becomes the latest state to partially ban TikTok. Guests: Axios' Matt Phillips and Jennifer Kingson. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music ...

Dec 13, 202212 min

Fertility testing goes virtual

Imagine doing a full-scale fertility evaluation, from the privacy of your own home - that even includes an at-home transvaginal ultrasound. That's the idea behind one company that’s part of a new wave of startups hoping to modernize the fertility industry, making it more accessible and affordable to more people. Plus, Democratic party wins in rural America. And, understanding the "Greenland block": why a new atmospheric pattern above Greenland could mean more snow on the East Coast this winter. ...

Dec 12, 202212 min

Biden's end-of-year winning streak

It's been a good few weeks for the president, capped off by a Democratic win in the Georgia Senate race, and WNBA star Brittney Griner's release from a Russian prison. Plus, protests, crackdowns and change in China and Iran. Guests: Axios' Mike Allen and Stanford University’s Larry Diamond. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi and Ben O’Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You c...

Dec 09, 202212 min

The Supreme Court considers state power in elections

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday in an elections case that could have major consequences for 2024. At issue in the North Carolina case is how much control state legislatures have over things like voting laws and election maps. Plus, tech layoffs are hitting H1-B visa-holders hard. And, the AI generators sweeping social media. Guests: Axios' Hope King, Ina Fried and The National Constitution Center’s Jeffery Rosen. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaula...

Dec 08, 202211 min

The Trump organization is found guilty of tax fraud

The Trump organization was found guilty by a Manhattan jury Tuesday on charges related to a criminal tax fraud scheme. Plus, Rafael Warnock's historic win in Georgia gives Democrats a 51-49 majority in the U.S. Senate. And, the aftermath of an attack on power stations in North Carolina. Guests: Axios' Hans Nichols and Zachery Eanes. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Eva...

Dec 07, 202211 min

Get-out-the-vote gets personal in Georgia

It's Election Day in Georgia and voters are determining who will head to the U.S. Senate, Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock or his Republican challenger Herschel Walker. Early voting has been record-breaking, with nearly 2 million votes cast as of Monday. But those votes haven’t all come easy. Plus, a same-sex versus religious rights case at the Supreme Court. And, a major moment for global oil markets. Guests: Axios' Emma Hurt, John Frank and Matt Phillips. Credits: Axios Today is produced by ...

Dec 06, 202212 min

The pandemic’s impact on teen brains

The stress of living through the pandemic aged adolescent brains by at least three or four years, according to a new study out of Stanford University. Plus, pressure mounts in Iran's protests. And, a supply and demand mismatch for remote jobs. Guests: Axios' Sabrina Moreno and The Washington Post's Miriam Berger. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Amy Pedulla, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at p...

Dec 05, 202212 min
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