CNN One Thing - podcast cover

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

Will Epstein Accountability Ever Come to the US?

Victims of Jeffrey Epstein say the historic arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, is a step in the right direction. But high-profile figures in the US still have not faced similar consequences, weeks after the Justice Department released more than 3 million documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender. We hear from a group of survivors who say this feels like the beginning of the story, not the end. For more: ‘This is not over.’ Corporate Am...

Feb 22, 202625 min

What’s Behind The AI Talent Exodus?

A raft of resignations from some of Silicon Valley’s top AI companies came with some dire warnings about user safety and potential impacts on the American workforce. Are these concerns worth paying attention to, or overhyped? We hear from one former safety researcher who says companies are not fully grappling with the implications of advertising within chatbots. For more: AI researchers are sounding the alarm on their way out the door --- Guest: Zoë Hitzig, former OpenAI researcher Host: David R...

Feb 18, 202622 min

'This Job Sucks’: Prosecuting Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

"I am trying every breath that I have so that I can get you what you need." Those words from ICE attorney Julie Le to a federal judge earlier this month underscores the toll the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis is taking on the Justice Department. But what happens now that the surge is winding down? And will any new prosecutors want to sign up for this work? For more: Trump’s immigration approach is gumming up the courts, frustrating his Justice Department ...

Feb 15, 202621 min

What Olympic Boos Say About America’s ‘Brand’ Under Trump

At the Winter Olympics in Italy, American athletes are speaking out, Vice President JD Vance was booed, and some locals are protesting against ICE. Some are asking if the US has achieved “villain” status. Experts say moments like these underscore the loss of American standing on the world stage under President Donald Trump. But is this a brand problem, or something deeper? For more: Trump’s growing volatility is putting the world on edge --- Guest: Stephen Collinson, CNN Senior Reporter Host: Da...

Feb 11, 202623 min

Does ICE Know Who You Are?

Critics fear ICE is using a growing slate of facial recognition and surveillance tools to track not only undocumented immigrants, but also protesters opposing operations in Minneapolis and beyond. So with Democrats and Republicans at odds over changes to ICE ahead of a looming deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, what data is being collected and what does it mean for the average American? For more: ICE shunned body cams in Minnesota. So why are agents using phone cameras? --- Gu...

Feb 08, 202626 min

The Brewing Battle for Control of How We Vote

Officials in Georgia are sounding the alarm after the FBI searched an elections office in Fulton County last week in connection with alleged voter fraud in the 2020 election. Now, as President Donald Trump calls on Republicans to “nationalize the voting,” some state officials across the country are wondering if they will be able to run their midterm elections without interference from Washington. Plus: what does Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have to do with all of this? For mor...

Feb 04, 202626 min

New TikTok: Different Owners, Fresh Censorship Concerns

TikTok was on the verge of being banned in the US as President Donald Trump took office last year. Now, its US operations are in the hands of new owners after a deal backed by the Trump administration. Since those owners took control, some users on the left claim they’ve been having trouble posting about sensitive topics like ICE or Jeffrey Epstein. So is this a tech hiccup, or a possible sign of political censorship? For more: The Trump-approved US TikTok is off to a rough start --- Guest: Lisa...

Feb 01, 202619 min

Banger Meme, Or Neo-Nazi Bullhorn?

We know the Trump administration is extremely online. But experts have started to notice that some of the memes and videos posted by official government accounts have a distinct far-right flavor that draw disturbing parallels with white supremacist and neo-Nazi propaganda. Is this a mistake? Trolling? Or something darker? We hear from an expert who says white nationalist groups are getting the message that "our guys are in control." For more: The US government seems to have a clear message for W...

Jan 28, 202623 min

In Control...Or Out of Touch? Trump Tackles Affordability

The White House says President Donald Trump is going to travel the country starting this week, selling his economic accomplishments ahead of the midterms. But after calling affordability a Democrat-led ‘hoax,’ will anyone buy it? We break down three recent Trump administration proposals about housing, health care, and credit cards and examine whether they could actually bring down prices. For more: Affordability may finally be improving. Trump’s scorched-earth tactics are only part of the reason...

Jan 25, 202622 min

Are Federal Agents Allowed to Do That? What About Protesters?

Minneapolis remains on edge two weeks after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good. As the Department of Justice opens criminal investigations into local and state officials and vows to press charges against protesters who disrupted a church service on Sunday, some activists are wondering if it's safe to continue speaking out. We hear from one of them and get an explainer on the legal issues that soon could become relevant in other cities. For more: Trump officials investigate protesters...

Jan 21, 202622 min

‘We Do Not Want to Become Americans’: Greenlanders on Trump’s Threats

President Trump has not backed down on his threats to take control of Greenland, potentially by military force. Danish officials have also not backed down on their insistence that their territory is not for sale. So where does this go from here? How could things play out if Trump does follow through? And how do Greenlanders feel about being caught in the middle? CNN went to the island to find out. For more: Worried Greenlanders fear for future as Trump threatens US takeover --- Guest: Nic Robert...

Jan 18, 202625 min

Is De-Escalation in the Trump Administration’s Dictionary?

Tensions in Minneapolis remain high after an ICE agent killed Renee Nicole Good in her car last week. Despite widespread outrage, the Trump administration is sending in hundreds more law enforcement agents to enforce immigration orders. So what does this mean for activists keeping tabs on ICE? And why are federal agents using such aggressive tactics? For more: New documents shed light on Renee Good’s ties to ICE monitoring efforts in Minneapolis --- Guests: Loretta Capeheart, Héctor Reyes, &...

Jan 14, 202623 min

The Supreme Court Enters the Debate Over Transgender Athletes

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week in a case that could decide whether states may ban transgender students from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. It comes as President Donald Trump has moved to punish institutions that are inclusive of trans athletes. We break down the legal case and hear from a transgender former college athlete who says this is about way more than a game. For more: Do transgender women have an athletic advantage? Here’s what the s...

Jan 11, 202622 min

Trump Wants Venezuela’s Oil. Do The Oil Companies?

After US forces executed the stunning seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Máduro, President Donald Trump said American companies would work to rebuild Venezuela’s crumbling oil industry. But energy experts say that work will be costly, complicated, and dangerous – if any companies want to do it at all. For more: Trump said Venezuela stole America’s oil. Here’s what really happened --- Guest: Francisco Monaldi, director of the Latin America Energy Program at the Center for Energy Studies at Rice...

Jan 07, 202621 min

The US Captured Maduro. Now What?

Early Saturday morning, US forces struck targets in Caracas and abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to face new drugs and weapons charges in New York. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said the US is “going to run” Venezuela in the aftermath of the brazen operation. We break down what this seismic moment could mean for US troops and the people of Venezuela. For more: Trump’s snatching of Maduro shows a new level of unrestrained global power --- Guests: Mary Triny Mena, freelance journalist...

Jan 04, 202630 min

Our Politics Have Never Been So Toxic. So Why Do We Love Political TV?

If you binge-watched “The Diplomat” or “Death by Lightning” this year, you’re not alone. These politics-centric dramas have united audiences at a time when real-life politics can feel toxic and fractured. Why is this genre so resilient? And could Washington, DC itself become a new home for Hollywood storytelling? We hear from someone who is banking on it. --- Guest: David Beaubaire, Founder & CEO, Sunset Lane Media Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial...

Dec 28, 202518 min

Trump Claims He's Winning. Are Americans Buying It?

President Donald Trump’s second term has been norm-busting and extraordinarily consequential, but cracks are starting to form in Trump’s base. As 2025 comes to a close, we take stock of whether his political pull is reaching its limit and how discontent with his policies could shape the midterms. For more: Americans have a new thing to worry about: A stuck job market with no quick fix --- Guest: Aaron Blake, CNN Senior Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin ...

Dec 21, 202522 min

What Rob Reiner Meant to America

The killing of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner has shocked Hollywood and movie fans alike. What made his films timeless? And what does his political activism say about our current moment? We hear why his first major role provided the blueprint for the rest of his career – and his life. For more: Trump’s reaction to Reiner’s murder is indefensible — but America has been here before --- Guest: Alan Sepinwall, TV critic, “ What’s Alan Watching ” Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz ...

Dec 17, 202519 min

States Want to Write The Rules of AI. Trump Won’t Let Them.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that blocks states from enforcing their own regulations around artificial intelligence, arguing that a “single national framework” will help boost innovation. However, some GOP-controlled state legislatures are pushing back, arguing it infringes on states' rights. We explore what’s driving this wedge and how it could impact the 2026 midterms. For more: Pro-AI super PAC launches first candidate ads --- Guests: Utah state Sen. Heidi Balderree (R...

Dec 14, 202519 min

What The Battle Over Warner Bros. Means for You

Netflix has a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s (CNN’s parent company) Hollywood assets. Paramount thinks they have a better offer for the entire business and is hoping to have President Donald Trump in its corner as it launches a hostile takeover bid. But what does this corporate clash mean for your streaming bill? Or your local movie theater? We hear from an antitrust lawyer who believes that no matter who wins, the average consumer is set to lose. For more: Battle of the Davids: The future...

Dec 10, 202522 min

Understanding Trump's Seismic Assault on Legal Immigration

Green card holders. Refugees. Asylum seekers. Even naturalized citizens. Fear and confusion are gripping immigrants of all stripes across the country as President Donald Trump expands his restrictions on legal immigration in the wake of the National Guard shooting in Washington, DC. Is this about public safety, or something else? And could Trump’s xenophobic “garbage” comments about Somalis encourage more hateful rhetoric? We hear why the recent moves could jam up a system that’s already plenty ...

Dec 07, 202522 min

Did US Forces Commit a War Crime in the Caribbean?

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling for investigations into reports that the Trump administration carried out second strike killing survivors on a suspected drug boat off the coast of Venezuela that had already been attacked. While the administration continues to insist it is operating legally, experts are raising concerns about what will happen if it starts ground operations amid a pressure campaign against Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro. We hear how average Venezuelans are rea...

Dec 03, 202529 min

How Trump is Using the World Cup to Further His Goals

The eyes of the international soccer world will be on North America next summer when the FIFA World Cup comes to the US, Mexico and Canada. President Donald Trump has been intimately involved with the planning – going so far as to threaten to move games from cities that don’t cooperate with his policies. Ahead of the tournament draw, we examine what’s behind Trump’s fascination with the tournament and whether international fans will want to come amid stories of detention and deportation. For mor...

Nov 30, 202519 min

Can Americans Afford This Holiday Season?

If the thought of holiday shopping stresses you out, you’re not alone. Some of America’s top retailers also aren’t sure how to navigate economic pressures like tariffs that are taking a bite out of consumer confidence. We hear how Macy’s, Old Navy, and Walmart are adjusting ahead of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and beyond - and whether President Donald Trump has an answer to Americans’ affordability concerns. For more: One of America's last department stores is betting on in-store shopping this ho...

Nov 26, 202522 min

Bubbles, Bailouts, and Trump: What AI Stock Fears Mean for You

As fears of an artificial intelligence bubble mount, one company is being scrutinized above all the rest: Nvidia. As the AI chipmaker's valuation continues to soar, some experts are wondering whether the whole industry is built on a shaky foundation. We hear why its CEO has become cozy with President Donald Trump – and what it all could mean for you. For more: The world’s biggest company just told everyone to chill out⁠ --- Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent and Anchor Host:...

Nov 23, 202521 min

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
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