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.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

China expands its nuclear arsenal

China is on track to become an atomic superpower alongside the United States and Russia. The Pentagon estimates that China will roughly quadruple its nuclear stockpile by 2035. What does that mean for the U.S.? Plus, the Supreme Court delays a decision on the abortion pill. And, what to know now about Lyme Disease. Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler and Oriana González, and George Washington University's Dr. Leana Wen. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-La...

Apr 20, 202312 min

Fox News v. Dominion trial over before it started

Fox News reached a $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems on Tuesday – after a jury had been selected and lawyers were waiting to make their opening statements. What does this 11th-hour settlement mean for the media company? Plus, an American journalist arrested in Russia makes his first court appearance. And, it’s the NBA playoffs. Guests: Axios' Sara Fischer, Dave Lawler and Kendall Baker Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Al...

Apr 19, 202312 min

Politics heat up over the debt ceiling

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy pledged to pass legislation to raise the debt ceiling at at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday - but all of this comes as budget politics are heating up on Capitol Hill. What will it take to reach a consensus? Plus, AI-generated tax scams. And, what the Bud Light controversy says about America today. Guests: Axios' Matt Phillips, Peter Allen Clark and Eleanor Hawkins. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and ...

Apr 18, 202312 min

The Supreme Court takes on abortion pills

It’s another pivotal week for the U.S. Supreme Court when it comes to abortion access. A ruling by the Supreme Court on Friday has temporarily blocked lower court rulings restricting the abortion pill, mifepristone. Plus, where the highest unemployment rates in the country are. And, violence in Sudan as two rival military factions fight for control. Also, exactly how fast the world’s fastest marathon runner actually is. Guests: Axios' Oriana González and Alex Fitzpatrick. Credits: Axios Today is...

Apr 17, 202312 min

State of Play: leaked documents, a Florida abortion ban, Dianne Feinstein

A 21-year-old Air National Guardsman was arrested in connection with leaking classified Pentagon documents. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are calling for California Senator Dianne Feinstein to resign. And in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis attempts to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. And, the medical use of maggots is on the rise. Guests: Axios' Mike Allen and Swansea University's Yamni Nigam. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alex Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music ...

Apr 14, 202311 min

President Biden vists Ireland

President Biden is visiting Ireland this week to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement — which brought peace to Northern Ireland and ended most violence between Catholics and Protestants after decades. Plus, understanding the latest on inflation. And, Twitter versus public media. Guests: Axios' Courtenay Brown, Sara Fischer and Dave Lawler. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alex Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is com...

Apr 13, 202311 min

What’s next for the Tennessee lawmakers expelled from office

Four days after being expelled by the GOP-led Tennessee State House, Democratic Representative Justin Jones was reinstated on Monday. Jones was one of two Black Democratic lawmakers expelled for participating in a gun-control protest following The Covenant School shooting. What happens now? Plus, why the UK economy is projected to be worse than Russia’s. And, how that’s even affecting - British fish and chips. Guests: Axios' Adam Tamburin and Felix Salmon. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Nia...

Apr 12, 202311 min

146 mass shootings in 100 days

At least four people are dead and nine others are injured following a shooting at a bank in Louisville, Kentucky on Monday. The suspect was shot on the scene by police. This marks America's 146th mass shooting in 100 days. Plus, Americans are not ready for retirement. And, charging your electric car may get a lot easier. Guests: Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick, Erica Pandey and The Trace's Jennifer Mascia. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Margaret Talev, Robin Linn, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi...

Apr 11, 202311 min

Abortion's way back to the Supreme Court

If you thought the Supreme Court was done with abortion, two major rulings might thrust the debate back to the highest court less than a year after Roe v. Wade was struck down. Plus, housing politics in the suburbs. And, the Masters wraps up without Tiger Woods. Guests: Axios' Oriana González, Caitlin Owens and Jeff Tracy. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Margaret Talev, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can...

Apr 10, 202310 min

The historic nature of Trump’s indictment

Given how much the word historic has been thrown around this week, for our Friday State of Play conversation, we catch up with Axios' Co-founder Mike Allen about the former President's criminal indictment. Plus, the generosity of religious Americans. Guests: Axios' Mike Allen and IUPUI's Dr. David King. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text quest...

Apr 07, 202311 min

Ukraine's crucial spring counteroffensive

Russia and Ukraine have been fighting for months now to control Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine. But the battle has turned into the bloodiest fight of the war so far. It comes as Ukraine prepares to launch an important spring counteroffensive. Plus, the safety issues at dollar stores. And - what about using potatoes in place of Easter eggs this year? Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler, Nathan Bomey and Kelly Tyko. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi a...

Apr 06, 202311 min

Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony counts

Former President Donald Trump, in a Manhattan criminal court on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Plus, in a blow to Russia, Finland becomes a member of NATO. And, some big improvements at airports across the U.S. Guests: Axios' David Lindsey, Alex Fitzpatrick and ProPublica/NPR's Ilya Marritz. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed...

Apr 05, 202311 min

Red flag laws and the role of local officials

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee was joined by state lawmakers on Monday to announce potential new measures to protect teachers and students against gun violence. This was in response to the deadly mass shooting at Nashville’s Covenant School where three children and three adults were killed last week. Plus, the Artemis II moon mission announces its historic crew. And, a major media deal creates a new sports entertainment company. Guests: Axios' Adam Tamburin, Sara Fischer and The Guardian’s Abené Cl...

Apr 04, 202311 min

U.S. tornado death toll keeps rising

At least 32 people are dead after a series of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes hit the South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic over the weekend. That brings the American death toll from tornadoes over the past two weeks to more than 50. Plus, the latest on former president Trump’s indictment. And, the debate over crime in the nation’s capital. Guests: Axios' Andrew Freedman, Cuneyt Dil and Adriel Bettelheim. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi a...

Apr 03, 202311 min

A grand jury votes to indict former President Trump

A Manhattan grand jury indicted former President Donald Trump on Thursday, on criminal charges related to a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during Trump’s 2016 campaign. He will be the first former president to face criminal charges. Plus, the push for anti-trans legislation in America. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev and Russell Contreras. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. ...

Mar 31, 202312 min

The U.S. Senate reasserts its war authority

More than 20 years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the Senate voted on Wednesday to repeal the war authorization that allows the office of the President to invade that country without the approval of Congress. Plus, the FDA approves over-the-counter sale of Narcan. And, how baseball looks different this Opening Day. Guests: Axios' Hans Nichols and Jeff Tracy. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is compose...

Mar 30, 202312 min

Dangers and change at the U.S. Southern border

People from all over the world are arriving at the Southern U.S. border, including an influx of Chinese migrants and asylum seekers. Meanwhile, a deadly fire at a migrant holding facility in the Mexican border town of Ciudad Juarez broke out late Monday, killing 39 people and injuring 29 others. It’s the latest example of the dangers asylum seekers face when trying to enter the U.S. Plus, fake bomb threats are used to harass China critics. Guests: Axios' Astrid Galván, Stef Kight and Bethany All...

Mar 29, 202312 min

Mass protests force change in Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he will delay his coalition's judicial overhaul legislation to “avoid civil war.” Protesters have flooded the streets of Israel for months in opposition to his plan to weaken Israel’s Supreme Court. Plus, another fatal school shooting, this time killing six. And, a drinking water scare in Philadelphia. Guests: Axios' Barak Ravid and Shane Savitsky. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fo...

Mar 28, 202312 min

The ruling that frees laid-off workers to speak out

The National Relations Labor Board recently ruled that broad non-disparagement clauses — which some companies make workers sign to receive severance benefits — are unlawful. Plus, Mississippi and Alabama face the aftermath of a deadly tornado. And, how more U.S. schools are supporting students during Ramadan. Guests: Axios' Emily Peck and Shawna Chen. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach ...

Mar 27, 202312 min

Democrats fret a possible Trump indictment

Former President Trump could be facing an indictment over an alleged campaign finance violation — but some Democrats worry that this could undermine future prosecution of more serious charges. Plus, TikTok’s CEO faces a tough crowd on Capitol Hill. And, how college basketball stars are cashing in on March Madness. Guests: Axios' Ashley Gold, Alexi McCammond, Hans Nichols and Jeff Tracy. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Robin Linn, Naomi Shavin, Fonda Mwangi and...

Mar 24, 202311 min

America’s struggle with obesity

Nearly half of Americans are living with obesity, according to a new analysis from NORC at the University of Chicago. States in the South and Midwest are showing some of the highest obesity numbers. Plus, Moderna’s CEO gets grilled by Congress. And, Muslim Americans lend a helping hand this Ramadan. Guests: Axios' Arielle Dreher and Zakat Foundation of America's Halil Demir. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Robin Linn, Naomi Shavin, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex S...

Mar 23, 202312 min

U.S. lawmakers vs. TikTok’s popularity

TikTok said it has more than 150 million monthly U.S. users. The Chinese-owned video sharing app is on the hot seat on Capitol Hill this week. As lawmakers grapple with the app’s consumer privacy and data security practices. Plus, what’s at stake with today’s Fed announcement. And, evictions return to pre-pandemic levels. Guests: Axios' Sara Fischer, Alex Fitzpatrick and Neil Irwin. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola....

Mar 22, 202311 min

Why the new UN Climate Report isn’t a call to panic

The new UN climate report shows that the window for limiting global warming is closing fast. Scientist are ringing the bells that current climate actions are taking place too slowly. Plus, how social media has fueled a raft of car thefts. And, the snack aisle is getting bigger. Guests: Axios' Andrew Freedman, Annalise Frank and Jennifer Kingson. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podca...

Mar 21, 202312 min

Russia and China's Ukraine wartime relationship

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Mariupol this weekend, marking his first trip to the Ukrainian territory Russia annexed in September. And, Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Moscow for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine. Plus, what you need to know about a possible criminal indictment against former President Trump. Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler and Mike Allen. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura....

Mar 20, 202312 min

A GOP rift over Ukraine

U.S. aid to Ukraine is becoming a lightning rod issue among Republicans who are positioning themselves for 2024. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made waves this week when he came out against U.S. support in Ukraine. Plus, a lifeline for First Republic Bank. And, cutting down on the cost of streaming. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Javier E. David and Rahul Mukherjee. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Naomi Shavin, Fonda Mwangi and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by...

Mar 17, 202311 min

A momentous hearing on medication abortion

In Texas on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk seemed to be open to overturning the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs involved in medication abortion. Plus, the tech industry implodes and advances all at once. Guests: Axios' Oriana González and Scott Rosenberg. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Naomi Shavin, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. Yo...

Mar 16, 202311 min

President Biden’s new action on guns

President Biden signed a gun control executive order on Tuesday, with the main goal of strengthening background checks. But the move also highlights the limits of his power on this issue. Plus, the EPA proposes new limits for cancer-causing chemicals in our drinking water. And, a Russian jet collides with a U.S. drone over the Black Sea. Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler, The Guardian's Abené Clayton, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc's Sri Vedachalam. Credits: Axios Today is produced by N...

Mar 15, 202311 min

Homelessness drives local politics in the Western U.S.

Homelessness increased nationwide in 2022. Nearly 600,000 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2022, according to a HUD assessment. All of this is having a big impact on local elections in Western cities. Plus, the markets react to the Silicon Valley Bank fallout. And, the Biden administration tries to balance energy and the environment in Alaska. Guests: Axios' John Frank, Kim Bojórquez, Matt Phillips and Ben Geman. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodho...

Mar 14, 202311 min

U.S. banking regulators move to avert financial panic

After a weekend of speculation and anxiety following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, federal banking regulators on Sunday night determined that FDIC insurance funds will be used to protect Silicon Valley Bank depositors from losing their money. Plus, China gets a major diplomatic win. And, atmospheric rivers bring more rain, snow and flooding to California. Guests: Axios' Neil Irwin, Felix Salmon and Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Bott...

Mar 13, 202311 min

Biden sets the tone for the fight over Medicare

President Biden presented an almost 7 trillion budget on Thursday with plans to tax the ultra rich to address a funding crisis with Medicare. Nearly 60 million senior citizens in the U.S. rely on Medicare for health insurance. Plus, a make-or-break year for the Academy Awards. And, spring flowers are popping up early all over America. Guests: Axios' Caitlin Owens, Hans Nichols and Tim Baysinger. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Naomi Shavin, Lydia McMullen-Lair...

Mar 10, 202312 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast