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CNN One Thing

CNN Podcastswww.cnn.com
You’ve been overwhelmed with headlines all week – what's worth a closer look? One Thing takes you beyond the headlines and helps make sense of what everyone is talking about. Host David Rind talks to experts, reporters on the front lines and the real people impacted by the news about what they've learned – and why it matters. New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
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Episodes

How Seriously Should We Take Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Change of Heart?

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is breaking with President Donald Trump and apologizing for “taking part in toxic politics,” after years of divisive comments of her own. Is this contrition, or posturing for a post-Trump future? We hear from someone who has covered Greene for years who says a GOP revolt over the Jeffrey Epstein files could signal more trouble for Trump in the months ahead. For more : The key issues that are suddenly dividing MAGA --- Guest: Tia Mitchell, Atlanta Jour...

Nov 19, 202522 min

Unpacking Trump’s Second Term Pardon Spree

President Donald Trump has pardoned more than 1,600 people who played significant roles in matters involving him personally across his two terms, including dozens who worked to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Presidents always flex pardon power, so what makes these so unusual? We hear from a constitutional law expert who says part of the answer lies in the man in charge of the review process. For more : Trump’s pardons aren’t just political; more importantly, they’re transaction...

Nov 16, 202520 min

'We Don’t Have the Guns. We Got Whistles’: How Chicagoans Are Resisting ICE

Chicago remains on edge as immigration enforcement operations in recent weeks have sparked tense standoffs and legal questions over federal agents’ use of force. However, local resistance groups have taken it upon themselves to (loudly) alert neighbors of ICE’s presence. We hear from some of them and then look at the controversial Border Patrol official in charge of ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ and where he might be heading next. For more : ‘There is no sanctuary here’: Meet the Border Patrol chief ...

Nov 12, 202522 min

How a Holocaust Denier Sparked a MAGA Civil War

Ever since Tucker Carlson interviewed White nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes, Republicans have been at odds over how to deal with what some see as a growing embrace of hateful voices like Fuentes’ within the party. But experts say voices like his might hold too much sway with young, disaffected Republicans to easily remove from the picture. For more : Fierce backlash within GOP after Tucker Carlson gives White nationalist Nick Fuentes a platform The world according to Candace Owens ...

Nov 09, 202519 min

Can Oz Pearlman 'Read' a Skeptical Reporter’s Mind?

Oz Pearlman insists he reads people, not minds - and don't call him a magician. But as corporate titans, celebrities, and pro sports teams continue to pay him tens of thousands of dollars to reveal intimate personal details for parties and team-building events, he thinks the average person can use his skills to get ahead in business and life. David goes one-on-one with one of the internet’s favorite mentalists - and walks away with his heart racing. Oz’s book is “Read Your Mind: Proven Habits fo...

Nov 05, 202520 min

Latinos Shifted Right in 2024. Has Trump 2.0 Scrambled Things?

President Donald Trump made big gains with Latino voters across the country last fall. But two key governors' races on Tuesday could tell us whether that rightward shift will actually stick. We hear from voices across New Jersey about whether major issues like immigration enforcement are impacting their vote. Guests: Kennith Gonzalez, New Jersey Republican State Committee & Hector Lora, Passaic Mayor --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: A...

Nov 02, 202522 min

The Shutdown is Already Hurting Americans. It’s About to Get Worse.

Nearly 42 million Americans could lose critical food assistance this week because of the ongoing government shutdown. But it’s far from the only real-world impact people are starting to feel. So why are both sides of the aisle still refusing to budge? We hear what it might take to end the stalemate and why one SNAP recipient feels like a political pawn as she tries to put food on the table for her family. Guest: Aaron Blake, CNN Senior Reporter --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunn...

Oct 29, 202521 min

Why Job Hunting Feels Impossible Right Now

Since the pandemic, the US economy has been resilient – but a weakening labor market and stubborn inflation have some experts concerned. We hear from two job seekers about their struggles and look at whether certain ‘recession indicators’ are actually worth worrying about. Guests: Elie Bryan, Amy Suman, & Diane Swonk, KPMG Chief Economist --- Host/Producer: David Rind Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Alicia Wallace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Oct 26, 202522 min

How Trump’s ‘Poop Plane’ Explains Our Political Moment

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video of himself wearing a crown and flying a fighter jet dumping what appears to be waste on peaceful protestors. While experts say this kind of online trolling is not out of the norm for some politicians in 2025, the continued coarsening of political dialogue could have profound consequences for all Americans. Guests: Steve Heimler & Nicole Hemmer, Associate Professor of History, Vanderbilt University --- Host: David Rind Prod...

Oct 22, 202519 min

Cartels, The CIA, and Trump’s True Intentions in Venezuela

President Donald Trump publicly admitted he has authorized he authorized the CIA to operate inside Venezuela to crack down on flows of illegal drugs and migrants to the US. It comes as Trump continues to authorize deadly strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean. But is this really about drugs – or regime change? Guests: Natasha Bertrand, CNN Correspondent & Steven Dudley, co-director, InSight Crime --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Ed...

Oct 19, 202520 min

Trump Wants a Peace Prize. Is a Gaza Ceasefire Enough?

President Donald Trump hailed the “historic dawn of a new Middle East” after Hamas freed all living hostages from Gaza and Israel released Palestinian prisoners as part of a US-brokered ceasefire deal. But while many have commended his peace efforts, critics say it’s unlikely he will take the same approach with his domestic moves. We break down what might be coming next and whether he has a chance at winning the Nobel Peace Prize next year. Guest: Stephen Collinson, CNN Politics Senior Reporter ...

Oct 15, 202520 min

How the AI Boom Is Costing You More at Home

As the appetite for artificial intelligence rises, so does the need for power-hungry data centers. While residents who live near them complain of the noise and pollution, data suggests they could spike utility bills far and wide. We hear from an electricity law expert on why regulators are thinking of reforms – but will it be too late? Guest: Elizabeth Martorana & Ari Peksoe, Director, Harvard Law School Electricity Law Initiative --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felici...

Oct 12, 202520 min

What’s Really Going on with Protests in Chicago?

President Donald Trump’s move to deploy National Guard troops to Portland and Chicago has been met with outrage from locals and pushback from judges. We hear what’s really happening on the ground in Chicago and why community leaders say the ingredients for dangerous escalation are already in place. Guests: Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf, Senior Minister, Lake Street Church of Evanston & Omar Jimenez, CNN Anchor & Correspondent --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patink...

Oct 08, 202521 min

Bad Bunny Is Everywhere. Not Everyone Is Happy About It.

The announcement that Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show in February has angered some right-wing voices due to his LGTBQ advocacy and criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. It comes amid another SNL appearance and an upcoming world tour that will skip the continental US. We explore why he is so beloved in Puerto Rico and how the NFL is banking on his star power as it looks to grow. Guest: Vanessa Diaz, Professor of Chicana/o...

Oct 05, 202521 min

At Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon, Looking Tough Is the Mission

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth summoned US generals and admirals from around the world for an extraordinary meeting in Virginia on Tuesday, where he railed against ‘woke’ policies and stressed the need for stricter physical fitness standards. But what kind of ‘warriors’ does he actually want in uniform? Guest: Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton, US Army (Ret.) --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 01, 202519 min

How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Could Spark a US Brain Drain

The Trump administration’s surprise announcement that it will boost H-1B visa application fees to $100,000 has caused widespread fear and confusion among foreign workers. The proposed changes are also sparking concerns for American businesses that won’t be able to foot the bill. Is American innovation at risk? Guest: Aizada Marat, Alma CEO --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 28, 202520 min

Are You a Bad Mom for Taking Tylenol?

Major medical groups are speaking out against claims made by President Donald Trump linking Tylenol use to autism. So where should pregnant people and parents of autistic children turn for guidance? We hear why a search for answers could lead vulnerable parents to blame themselves. Guests: Meg Tirrell, CNN Medical Correspondent & Shannon Rosa, senior editor of Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad ch...

Sep 24, 202525 min

Disney Caves to Trump’s FCC. What Does it Mean for the Rest of Us?

Disney’s decision to yank ABC host Jimmy Kimmel off the air following FCC pressure has outraged fans, performers and Democratic politicians. Will other prominent anti-Trump voices be next? We hear from someone who used to be in charge of the FCC who says the regulator is going overboard. Guest: Tom Wheeler, former FCC Chairman --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 21, 202523 min

Is Kash Patel’s Bro-Coded FBI Dropping the Ball?

In the days since the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel has been scrutinized for a series of missteps some believe hindered the investigation. However, experts say a series of other shakeups at the agency could have an even greater impact on US law enforcement going forward. Will President Trump stick with him? Guest: Evan Perez, CNN Senior Justice Correspondent --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad ch...

Sep 17, 202520 min

Charlie Kirk Was Killed. Now What?

The apparent assassination of Charlie Kirk has both sides of the aisle calling on Americans to ‘lower the temperature’ of political rhetoric. But we’ve been here before – is there actually any chance that happens? We hear why Kirk was so effective in motivating young conservatives and look at what could happen next. Guest: Alex Stone & Lilliana Mason, SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins Professor of Political Science --- Host: David Rind Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Donie...

Sep 14, 202520 min

Can Mass Deportations and ‘Made in America’ Coexist?

A massive immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia is being described as one of the most extensive immigration raids in recent US history. But the incident has ensnared South Korea, a key US ally, which is learning a lesson that doing business with the Trump administration is much more complicated than expanding investment. Guests: Charles Kuck, founding partner at Kuck Baxter Immigration & Allison Morrow, CNN Business Senior Writer --- Host: David Rind S...

Sep 10, 202521 min

Deployed and Dejected: The National Guard in DC

As President Donald Trump threatens to send National Guard troops into other cities to fight crime, troops from at least six GOP-led states continue to patrol Washington, DC. We hear why the unorthodox mission is weighing on some guard members and their families back home. Guest: Isabelle Khurshudyan, CNN Senior Enterprise Reporter/Writer --- Host: David Rind Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Nicky Robertson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 07, 202518 min

Can You Trust the CDC?

What’s next for the CDC after its director was fired? Have politics fully infiltrated public health? And where should Americans turn for reliable health guidance? We turn to someone who used to run the agency for answers. Guest: Dr. Richard Besser, former acting CDC director Have something you think we should know? Call us at 202-240-2895. --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Jamie Gumbrecht Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

Sep 03, 202521 min

Devastated by Katrina, Rescued by Music

20 years after the levees broke, New Orleans continues to feel the impacts from Hurricane Katrina. We hear from three generations of Katrina survivors about how music has helped the city recover and move forward. Guests: Michael White, Keith Frazier, Jaron “Bear” Williams --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Aug 31, 202522 min

Why Trump’s Attempt to Reshape the Fed Could Backfire

President Donald Trump continues to insist that his aggressive tariff policies will not raise prices for consumers. But little by little, customers are starting to see the opposite. We hear about the phenomenon called ‘sneakflation’ (and why it may not actually be so sneaky) and how Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook could impact the entire economy. Guest: Justin Wolfers, University of Michigan Professor of Public Policy and Economics --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola ...

Aug 27, 202521 min

Might at the Museum: Trump Targets the Smithsonian

Critics say President Donald Trump’s attacks on the Smithsonian museum system amount to an attempt to whitewash American history. A historian tells us why the administration's claims about ‘overemphasizing’ slavery do a disservice to all Americans. Guest: Leah Wright Rigueur, political historian & associate professor, Johns Hopkins University --- Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Senior Producer: Faiz Jamil Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Support: Piper Hudspeth Blackburn Learn more about ...

Aug 24, 202521 min

He Used to Lead ICE. He Doesn’t Love What He’s Seeing.

Recent incidents involving aggressive ICE tactics have outraged critics of President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda. We hear from a former ICE official about whether its reputation as a lawless agency is warranted – and what it could mean for future recruiting efforts. Guest: John Sandweg, former acting ICE director Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Senior Producer: Faiz Jamil Showrunner: Fel...

Aug 20, 202521 min

What Trump’s DC Takeover is Really About

As President Donald Trump’s takeover of Washington, DC law enforcement continues, some critics are questioning just how much safer it will make the streets – and whether the tactics will soon be replicated in other cities. We hear from an expert who believes there may be other motivations behind Trump’s unprecedented actions in the capital. Guest: Trevor Gardner, Professor of Law, Washington University in St. Louis Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us a...

Aug 17, 202520 min

Will a Trump Meeting Help Putin Take More of Ukraine?

President Donald Trump is set to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska for a high-stakes meeting about the war in Ukraine. But will the country Russia invaded have any say into how it ends? A Russia expert explains how Putin’s time in the KGB has prepared him for this moment and why he will likely consider the meeting a success before it even begins. Guest: Jill Dougherty, former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? C...

Aug 13, 202520 min

How Vaccine Opt-Outs Could Put Classrooms at Risk

As schools start to reopen across the country, new CDC data shows that a record share of US kindergartners missed required vaccinations last school year. It comes as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to downplay vaccine efficacy and slash funding for research and development. We hear from a county health administrator in Texas who is concerned an ongoing measles outbreak could soon arrive on his doorstep. Guest: Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas County Health & Human...

Aug 10, 202519 min
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