CNN One Thing

CNN Podcasts

Starting August 2, 2026 all new episodes can be found over in the ⁠CNN 5 Things feed.⁠ Search "CNN 5 Things" wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

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369 episodes
Updated Sunday

Episodes369

Newest first

Sep 15, 2024 · 23 min
No Phones in Class. It’s The Law Here Now.
Some states have moved to ban cell phones in schools to improve students’ engagement and mental health. However, the specific rules and implementation vary wildly from school to school. In this episode, we hear from one district official in Indiana about why their policy has been a success – so far. Guest: Dr. Laura Hammack, Beech Grove City Schools Superintendent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 11, 2024 · 23 min
Trump Takes the Bait
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off for the first time Tuesday night in the ABC News Presidential Debate. In this episode, we head to the spin room in Philadelphia to break down the big moments from a contentious night and look at where the race goes from here. Guests: Priscilla Alvarez, CNN White House Correspondent & Alayna Treene, CNN Political Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 8, 2024 · 19 min
The Laws Making It Harder to Vote
The first mail-in ballots of the 2024 presidential election are expected to be delivered soon in North Carolina. In this episode, we look at various new restrictions making it harder to vote across the country and examine why former President Donald Trump’s team is encouraging mail voting while Trump himself continues to promote false claims about it. Guest: Dianne Gallagher, CNN Correspondent For more information about voting in your state go to cnn.com/vote Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 4, 2024 · 21 min
A Hostage’s Brother’s Plea: ‘We Need Several Miracles’
The death of six hostages in Gaza over the weekend has ignited the largest protests in Israel since October 7th, with anger pointed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to secure a ceasefire deal. In this episode, we speak to the brother of Israeli hostage Evyatar David. Guest: Ilay David Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 1, 2024 · 22 min
Trump vs. Harris on the Issues That Matter to Voters
With just days until the first mail-in ballots are sent to voters, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have released few specifics about their policy proposals. In this episode, we examine what we do know about two key issues: the economy and immigration. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 28, 2024 · 20 min
Social Media Scrutiny: Telegram, X, & the AI Election
The detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov over the weekend has sparked major questions about free speech and criminal activity online. In this episode, we examine why the app has come under intense scrutiny in Europe and why a lack of moderation from American social media platforms has allowed election misinformation to flourish. Guest: Clare Duffy, CNN Business Writer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 25, 2024 · 16 min
What The Realtor Rule Changes Mean for You
A series of new rules have gone into effect that overhaul the way Realtors get paid to help people buy and sell their homes. In this episode, we’ll explain what prospective homebuyers and sellers need to know – and why some Realtors are worried the changes could prompt their colleagues to leave the industry. Guest: Samantha Delouya, CNN Business Writer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 21, 2024 · 23 min
The Harris Coalition Converges on Chicago
In the weeks since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket, online influencers, zoom groups, and celebrity fundraisers have helped her campaign gain traction online and off. But will the newfound enthusiasm actually translate to votes? In this episode, David heads to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to hear from members of this coalition about how they are organizing against former President Donald Trump and the questions they still have for this new campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 18, 2024 · 17 min
Why Ukraine’s Cross-Border Gamble is Paying Off
For more than a week, Ukraine has claimed hundreds of square miles of territory in a surprise cross-border attack into Russia. In this episode, we examine the strategy behind the move and its impact on civilians living in the region. Guest: Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Contributor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 14, 2024 · 18 min
Trump’s 2024 ‘X’ Factor: His New Opponent
Three weeks after Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket, the Trump campaign is struggling to define her as it looks to counter a swell of voter enthusiasm. In this episode, we examine how the former President is looking to reset and get the latest on what his team is calling a hack of internal documents. Guest: Alayna Treene, CNN Politics Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 11, 2024 · 20 min
Two Astronauts. One Space Station. No End in Sight.
NASA insists they aren’t stranded. But eight weeks after their original return date, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are still on board the International Space Station. In this episode, we explain why Boeing’s Starliner – and private space travel writ large - is under the microscope as officials work towards a solution. Guest: Kristin Fisher, CNN Space & Defense Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 7, 2024 · 17 min
The Stock Market Panicked. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t.
Global stocks markets have suffered big losses in recent days following last week’s disappointing US jobs report, which suggests America’s economy is slowing. The selloff raises expectations that the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates next month as it works to lower inflation. In this episode, we explain how the average consumer should be thinking about this moment and why negative feelings about the economy are so baked in for some people. Guest: Catherine Rampell, CNN Economic and Political Commentator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 4, 2024 · 19 min
The Messy Business of ‘Cleaning’ Voter Rolls
As election officials around the country prepare for November’s election, a CNN investigation has found they are already being inundated with dubious complaints about inaccurate voter rolls. The group behind many of the challenges, True the Vote, has long pushed debunked voter-fraud theories. In this episode, we hear how a mobile app has empowered citizens to bring these challenges against their neighbors and look at the impact on regular voters and election administrators. Guest: Kyung Lah, CNN Senior Investigative Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 1, 2024 · 16 min
Did Israel Just Kill a Key Ceasefire Negotiator?
The Middle East is on edge following the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh inside Iran. While Israel hasn’t commented on the strike, it came just hours after the Israeli military took credit for the assassination of a senior Hezbollah military commander in Lebanon. In this episode, we look at the impact of Haniyeh’s death on Gaza ceasefire negotiations and whether the region is about to tip into all-out war. Guest: Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Senior Investigations Writer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 31, 2024 · 16 min
Maduro Claims Victory in Venezuela. Just Don’t Ask for Proof.
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was officially declared the winner of Sunday’s election, although his political opponent also claimed victory. The United States and multiple global leaders voiced skepticism about the results amid claims of election fraud and counting irregularities. In this episode, we examine what more Maduro means for the region and why so many Venezuelans are fed up with his regime. Guest: Alejandra Oraa, CNN en Español Anchor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 28, 2024 · 19 min
Power Lines for the Left Behind
A sweltering summer is continuing around the world, as the planet continues to break records for the hottest day in recorded history. In the US, medical officials and utility companies in multiple cities are struggling to keep up. In this episode, we look at why power grid resiliency is so crucial to our climate futures and how an initiative is helping to electrify parts of Navajo Nation. Guest: Ed Lavandera, CNN Senior National Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 24, 2024 · 17 min
A Golden Olympic Opportunity in Paris
The 2024 Summer Olympics get underway this week in Paris, with opening ceremonies set to play out in dramatic fashion on the River Seine. A number of new modern sports are also set to make their debut during the games. In this episode, we look at the events to watch and examine what the Olympics as an institution means in 2024. Guest: Bob Costas, CNN Contributor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 22, 2024 · 20 min
Biden Bows Out. Will Democrats Embrace Harris?
After a disastrous debate performance prompted a flurry of calls from Democrats to step aside, President Joe Biden has announced his exit from the 2024 presidential race. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his place. In this episode, we’ll hear how Biden came to this stunning decision, and what's next for the Democratic Party, with just a few weeks left to coalesce around a new nominee before the convention. Guest: Edward-Isaac Dovere, CNN Senior Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 21, 2024 · 16 min
The Israeli Prime Minister and a High-Stakes DC Visit
Israeli Prime Minister is scheduled to address a joint meeting of Congress this week after accepting a bipartisan invitation from Congressional leaders. His visit comes as the Palestinian death toll in Gaza climbs past 38,000 and ceasefire and hostage release talks continue to flounder. In this episode, we look at Netanyahu’s messaging and how President Joe Biden will handle the visit as he continues to hear calls from to step aside as the Democratic nominee. Guest: Jeremy Diamond, CNN Jerusalem Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 17, 2024 · 23 min
The Election (and America) After the Assassination Attempt
In the days after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Americans from across the political spectrum have been grappling with questions about heated political rhetoric and political violence. Inside the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, party officials have been preaching unity and resilience as they celebrate Trump’s third straight presidential nomination. Outside, the path forward is less clear. In this episode, we hear how Christian Nationalism has become more prominent in Trump’s Republican Party and why conspiracy theories continue to permeate after the assassination attempt. Guest: Donie O’Sullivan, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices