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

Feb 12, 2023 · 19 min
Inside the Race for Earthquake Relief in Turkey and Syria
When a series of massive earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, relief organizations from around the globe sprung into action. Our CNN team got exclusive access to one of these groups, flying in to one of the hardest-hit areas in southern Turkey. We hear what survivors are facing now and how politics are complicating the relief efforts on both sides of the border. Guest: Becky Anderson, CNN International Anchor To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 5, 2023 · 18 min
What Tyre Nichols Could Change About Policing
Calls for police reform have grown louder in the wake of the brutal beating that led to the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis - especially after we learned that the first police report in the case did not match the video footage released by authorities. We examine why some are calling the quick decision to charge the officers involved a “blueprint” and look at the role specialized crime fighting units can sometimes play in these deadly encounters. Guest: Shimon Prokupecz, CNN Senior Crime and Justice Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 29, 2023 · 19 min
Are Florida Students Getting the Full Story?
Earlier this month, the state of Florida announced it would block reject a proposed Advanced Placement course on African American Studies. The move follows laws passed in Florida and other Republican-led states aimed at restricting certain race-based coursework in the classroom, including so-called critical race theory. We examine how students, parents and teachers are reacting to this new era of partisan education. Guest: Leyla Santiago, 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
Jan 22, 2023 · 18 min
On the Front Lines of the Western Water Wars
Despite recent rainstorms in California, the decades-long megadrought in the West shows no signs of easing. As a result, some states have been forced to pull back on the water they use from the Colorado River. In this episode, we hear the story of one Arizona community forced to take legal action against the city of Scottsdale after being cut off from its water supply – and why it could serve as a warning to the rest of the country as the climate crisis continues. Guest: Lucy Kafanov, 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
Jan 15, 2023 · 20 min
The Biden Document Discovery (And How It Compares to Trump)
When we learned Obama-era classified documents were discovered in multiple locations used by President Joe Biden after his time as vice president, some Republicans were quick to draw comparisons to former President Donald Trump, who is also under investigation for mishandling government documents. But just how similar are the two circumstances? We break down what we know about each case, the special counsels tasked with investigating them, and the political ramifications ahead of a possible 2024 rematch between the two men. Guest: Arlette Saenz, CNN White House Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 8, 2023 · 19 min
Will Damar Hamlin Change How We Watch Football?
The sports world came to a standstill last Monday night after 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In this week’s episode, a former NFL player weighs in on the league’s reaction and explains why he thinks this incident represents a turning point in the conversation around player safety and mental health concerns at all levels of the sport. 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
Jan 1, 2023 · 20 min
The Tech That Could Define 2023 (and Beyond)
The metaverse. Artificial intelligence. These technologies are here and already shaping our world in ways you may not realize. We take a closer look at how they are taking hold and tackle some commonly asked questions. See more on “Decoded”. Guest: Anna Stewart, CNN Reporter To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 25, 2022 · 17 min
Hollywood’s ‘Last Movie Stars’ with Ethan Hawke
Earlier this year, CNN Films and HBO Max released “The Last Movie Stars”, a documentary detailing the love story and careers of legendary Hollywood icons Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Its director, Ethan Hawke, stops by to talk about the film, how streaming has changed Hollywood, and what to watch if you have some downtime this holiday season. “The Last Movie Stars” is now streaming on HBO Max. Guest: Ethan Hawke, director of “The Last Movie Stars” To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 18, 2022 · 18 min
Inside the Fall of a ‘Crypto King’
Sam Bankman-Fried promised to revolutionize the cryptocurrency industry through his exchange, FTX. Last week, he was arrested and charged with fraud, capping a month-long saga which saw the collapse of FTX along with his personal wealth. We examine how customers' money was allegedly stolen and what it all could mean for the future of the industry. Guest: Allison Morrow, CNN Business Senior Editor To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 11, 2022 · 14 min
Just How Vulnerable is America’s Power Grid?
Thousands of central North Carolina residents spent much of last week in the dark following an attack on two electric substations. It follows years of warnings from the federal government that the power grid was an attractive target for extremists. We examine how this attack upended daily life and look at what can be done to protect the grid going forward. Guest: Whitney Wild, CNN Law Enforcement Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 4, 2022 · 18 min
Zero Patience for Zero-Covid in China
China has signaled it may adjust some aspects of its strict zero-Covid policy following a massive show of defiance in cities across the country, with some openly calling for the removal of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. We examine the financial and psychological ramifications of the restrictions and look at whether the protests could force more change. Guest: Selina Wang, CNN 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
Nov 27, 2022 · 17 min
Understanding “The Assignment” with Audie Cornish
Over the past few years, once-sleepy local school board meetings have become passionate and occasionally rowdy venues for debate over issues like the pandemic, race, gender and more. We’ve also seen school board elections become more partisan than ever. We hear from two parents about why they decided to run for office and what changes they hope to make while in power. Listen to “The Assignment” here. Guest: Audie Cornish, CNN 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
Nov 20, 2022 · 16 min
Donald Trump is Running Again. Is The GOP On Board?
Former President Donald Trump has officially kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign amid multiple investigations into him, his business, and his allies. We examine if Trump’s grip on the party has weakened in recent years following his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and look at who may challenge him in the Republican primary. Guest: Kaitlan Collins, “CNN This Morning” Anchor & Chief Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 13, 2022 · 16 min
What We’ve Learned From the 2022 Midterms (So Far)
While votes are still being counted in key states, it’s clear Democrats had a better midterm performance than most were expecting. We examine the biggest surprises and key takeaways for both parties. Guest: John King, CNN Anchor & Chief National Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 6, 2022 · 23 min
The States That Could Swing the Midterms
As voters go to the polls this week, there are several states with key Senate races that could decide the balance of power in Washington. We go on a tour of these battleground states to unpack the key issues, hear how voters are feeling, and look at why election deniers continue to pose an active threat to democracy. Guests: Jessica Dean, CNN Congressional Correspondent Eva McKend, CNN National Politics Reporter Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Business & Politics Correspondent Omar Jimenez, CNN Correspondent Kyung Lah, CNN Senior National 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 30, 2022 · 16 min
Elon Musk Owns Twitter (For Real This Time). Now What?
After months of back and forth, billionaire Elon Musk has finally closed on his $44 billion to buy Twitter. We examine how we got here, what changes are in store for the social network, and why the deal could have implications far beyond Silicon Valley. Guest: Clare Duffy, CNN Business writer To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 23, 2022 · 15 min
She’s Fleeing Iran. But Not the Fight.
Thousands have taken to the streets in Iran after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died after being detained by the country’s morality police. Hundreds have reportedly been killed by authorities during the unrest. We explore whether the uprising will bring about lasting change and hear from a young Iranian-Kurdish activist who fled her hometown to take up arms over the border in Iraq. Guest: Nima Elbagir, CNN Chief International Investigative 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 16, 2022 · 16 min
Unpacking America’s Mental Health Crisis
A new survey from CNN in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that nine out of 10 adults believe that there’s a mental health crisis in the US today. We explore what’s driving that sentiment, the possible solutions, and why an influential task force has recommended screening children 8 and older for anxiety. This episode contains discussions of suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Guest: Dr. Tara Narula, 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
Oct 9, 2022 · 16 min
The Month That May Have Changed the War in Ukraine
Over the past few weeks, Ukrainian forces have made major gains in the south and east of the country, taking back territory Russia claims it is annexing. It comes as President Vladimir Putin’s partial mobilization order has been met with protests back home. We examine what Putin’s next move might be and hear from Ukrainian residents emerging from life under Russian occupation. Recorded on October 4, 2022 Guest: Nick Paton Walsh, CNN International Security Editor To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 2, 2022 · 16 min
How Hurricane Ian Got So Strong, So Quickly
Residents of southwest Florida are cleaning up after Hurricane Ian slammed into the coast as a deadly Category 4 storm last week, causing catastrophic damage and widespread flooding before later making landfall again South Carolina. We look at what role climate change may have played in the storm’s ferocity and how some cities are reconsidering how to rebuild with that in mind. 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