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

Nov 19, 2023 · 17 min
The Border Crisis in Their Backyards
After Title 42 expired in May, some expected an influx of migrants to descend on communities along the US-Mexico border. While overall encounters dropped in October, some people say they are experiencing a growing number of migrants arriving on their properties. In this episode, we hear from some in the San Diego area about what they’re experiencing and explore why most migrants actually want to be encountered by border authorities. Guest: David Culver, CNN Senior National Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 12, 2023 · 19 min
How Should We Dress for ‘Fire Weather’?
Earlier this year, record-setting wildfires in eastern Canada sent plumes of unhealthy air over US cities normally unaccustomed to wildfire smoke. Experts say climate change is making fires like these more likely and more intense. In today’s episode, we hear how a previous blaze in Canada changed how firefighters do battle with the flames and what it can tell us about how the building industry needs to adapt. Guest: John Vaillant, author of “Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World” Read more at CNN’s Road to COP28 here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 5, 2023 · 15 min
Inside Biden’s Israel Balancing Act
As Israel moves troops into Gaza and continues to launch airstrikes as retaliation for the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack, thousands of civilians remain in the crosshairs. What does that mean for US support of Israel? In today’s episode, we explore how President Joe Biden is weighing humanitarian concerns with fears of a wider war in the region. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Anchor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 29, 2023 · 15 min
From Flips to Fines: Inside Donald Trump’s Very Bad Legal Week
Four former allies of former President Donald Trump have pleaded guilty in the Georgia election subversion case in recent days, with all agreeing to testify on behalf of the prosecution at future trials. Meanwhile, a New York judge overseeing Trump’s civil fraud trial fined the former president $10,000 on Wednesday for violating a gag order. In today’s episode, we look at how the growing legal pressure could impact the former president as he balances the courtroom with the campaign trail. Guest: Paula Reid, CNN Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 22, 2023 · 17 min
Florida’s Book Ban Playbook: Read the Racy Parts
A new state law in Florida is making it easier for conservative groups to get certain books removed from school libraries. It has turned school board meetings into spectacles, with parents and outside voices reading out explicit passages from books without context to argue that they should not be available to minors. In today’s episode, we explore the tactics and hear from students about how they feel about the effort by adults to control which books they have access to. Guest: Elle Reeve, CNN Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 15, 2023 · 18 min
Witnessing a Week of War in Israel
The Hamas assault on Israel has shocked the world and sparked fierce retaliation from Israel. Thousands of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza, while Hamas claims to be holding over 100 people hostage. In today’s episode, we hear from our teams on the ground in Israel and people living through the conflict. Guests: Nic Robertson, CNN International Diplomatic Editor Becky Anderson, CNN International Anchor Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent Listen to Tug of War here. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 8, 2023 · 18 min
The Unfinished Lives of American Gun Violence
In 2020, firearms surpassed motor vehicle accidents to become the No. 1 killer of children and teens in America. More than 1,300 children and teens have been killed by a gun so far this year, prompting calls for stricter regulations. However, behind those statistics and policy debates are devastating stories of loss and families left behind to pick up the pieces. In today’s episode, we hear one of those stories and look at how the parents of Anthony Alexander, Jr. are hoping their son’s legacy will bring about positive change in their community. Guest: Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Digital Writer Read more from CNN Digital here. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 1, 2023 · 19 min
Your Burning Hunter Biden Questions, Answered
Hunter Biden is due in court this week on federal gun charges after becoming the first child of a sitting president to be charged by the Justice Department. Separately, House Republicans held their first public hearing last week in the impeachment inquiry into his father - President Joe Biden – despite failing to show any evidence that the president himself received foreign money. There can be a lot to keep track of, so: what are the facts, and what is just political posturing? In today’s episode, we examine the long legal saga of Hunter Biden and how it could impact the 2024 presidential race. Guest: Kara Scannell, CNN Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 24, 2023 · 18 min
Inside Russia’s Post-Prigozhin Plans in Africa
After the apparent death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin last month, there were questions about the future of the mercenary group and what Russian president Vladimir Putin would do to take back control. In today’s episode, CNN travels to the Central African Republic to see what that future looks like on the ground. We examine why Wagner remains popular there despite Prigozhin's death and look at why Russia continues to expand its reach into Africa. Plus, we get an update on the war in Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky pleads with Western countries for more aid. Guest: Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 17, 2023 · 18 min
Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Our New Covid Calculation
Last week, the FDA and CDC signed off on updated Covid-19 vaccines that target currently circulating variants. It comes amid a recent uptick in hospitalizations and deaths in the United States ahead of winter that could see threats from three respiratory viruses – coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus. In today’s episode, we answer some frequently asked questions about the updated Covid-19 vaccines and look at how we should approach the virus nearly more than three years after its emergence. Guest: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Listen to Chasing Life here. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 10, 2023 · 15 min
Is the Driverless Car Revolution Stuck in Reverse?
After a series of incidents in San Francisco, California authorities have asked General Motors to take some of its Cruise robotaxis off the road. It comes not long after California regulators gave the greenlight for Cruise and its competitor Waymo to charge for robotaxi rides in the city at any time of day. So what does that mean for the future of driverless cars? In today’s episode, we examine what it’s like to ride in one and why the technology has become a flashpoint in multiple cities. Guest: Veronica Miracle, CNN Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 3, 2023 · 18 min
Flag on the Sport: Football’s Safety Reckoning
As a new NFL season kicks off this week, old questions about the game’s safety are being asked following Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest and Tua Tagovailoa’s multiple concussions last year. And it’s not just the pros: youth leagues around the countries have adjusted practice routines and safety protocols to guard against injuries that can carry long-term impacts. In today’s episode, we examine football’s deadly history and how it’s informing today’s game. Plus, CNN gets a look at new technology that could one day predict injuries before they happen. Guest: Coy Wire, CNN Sports Anchor & Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 27, 2023 · 19 min
Scenes from a (Trump-less) GOP Debate
Eight Republican presidential candidates took the stage in Milwaukee last week for the first primary debate of the 2024 campaign. Notably missing, however, was frontrunner Donald Trump, who surrendered to Fulton County authorities a day later in the Georgia 2020 election subversion case. In today’s episode, we head to Milwaukee to recap the moments that mattered and to get a sense of how the debate could shape the race going forward. Guests: Dana Bash, CNN Anchor & Chief Political Correspondent Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent Kit Maher, CNN Campaign Embed To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 20, 2023 · 19 min
What is Maui After the Fires?
It’s been over a week since blazing wildfires ripped through the island of Maui, killing over 100 people and causing billions of dollars of damage. While the outpouring of support has been significant, some locals have voiced anger over the official response, lingering tourist presence, and real estate speculators trying to buy up land. In today’s episode, we hear stories of survival and look at how disasters like this one are forcing communities to ask tough questions about how prepared they are for stronger and faster wildfires. Guest: Bill Weir, CNN Chief Climate Correspondent For more on how you can help the Hawaii wildfire victims, go here. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 13, 2023 · 18 min
Hollywood’s Strike Season is Ripe for Adaptation
Thousands of Hollywood actors and writers have been on strike for weeks demanding raises, regulation of artificial intelligence, and residuals from content created for streaming services. Meanwhile, thousands of hotel workers and public sector employees in Los Angeles have also staged work stoppages as they push for better wages. However, this uptick in labor unrest goes well beyond California. In today’s episode, we look at what’s driving a surge in union membership across the country and look at how presidential politics could play a role in a potential autoworkers strike. Guest: Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Business and Politics Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 6, 2023 · 18 min
Why the Third Trump Indictment is the Most Serious Yet
Donald Trump was indicted Tuesday on criminal charges by a federal grand jury in special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, the latest in a series of unprecedented criminal indictments against the former President. In today’s episode, we examine the historic charges and how it appears prosecutors plan to make their case. Plus, a look at how the Republican frontrunner is expected to navigate a packed courtroom calendar while on the campaign trail. Guest: Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 30, 2023 · 17 min
Weight Loss Drugs: Trend or Treatment?
A new group of drugs for type 2 diabetes and obesity have shown to be more effective for weight loss than any previous medications. Some medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have surged in popularity thanks in part to celebrity use. But who should be taking them? And are they safe? In today’s episode, we break down the future of the weight loss industry and examine why some of these medications could also help curb addictive behaviors. Guest: Meg Tirrell, CNN Medical Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 23, 2023 · 17 min
Welcome to Hot World Summer
Throughout the month of July, scorching temperatures have broken records on several continents — the latest in a trend caused by the climate crisis. Meanwhile, in the US, extreme rainfall has led to devastating floods and toxic wildfire smoke has drifted down from Canada, prompting unhealthy air alerts in multiple cities. In today’s episode, we break down why this moment is uniquely dangerous and look at how the climate crisis is already forcing people’s hands about where to live. Guest: Bill Weir, CNN Chief Climate Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 16, 2023 · 17 min
Searching for an Equalizer at the Women’s World Cup
The 2023 Women’s World Cup gets underway this week in Australia and New Zealand, featuring the largest field in tournament history. It comes a year after US Soccer and the United States Women’s National Team struck a deal over equal pay. However, advocates say many disparities remain between the men's and women’s games on the global stage. In today’s episode, we examine what strides towards equality are being made and get a preview of this year’s top teams and players. Guest: Amanda Davies, CNN Sports Anchor To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 9, 2023 · 18 min
2024 GOP Primary Primer with Jake Tapper
At least 12 candidates have announced a run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, setting up a crowded field ahead of the first primary debate next month. Former President Donald Trump still holds a strong lead in polling despite multiple criminal indictments, so will any candidate be able to unseat him? We look at exactly who is running and examine the different visions of the Republican party they are pitching to voters. Guest: Jake Tapper, CNN Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices