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

Jun 1, 2025 · 18 min
Under RFK Jr.’s HHS, Who Decides the Facts?
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement that the Covid-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women has sparked concern among many health experts. We hear from one of them who thinks this is just the latest in a line of moves that could undermine trust in science. Guest: Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Episode photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28, 2025 · 20 min
Congress Makes the Case for Crypto
President Donald Trump’s embrace of the cryptocurrency industry has boosted the value of multiple digital assets, while raising thorny conflict of interest questions stemming from his personal crypto ventures. We break down a bill moving through Congress that could have wide-ranging impacts – even for those who have never invested in crypto. Guest: Hilary Allen, Professor of Law at American University Washington College of Law Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 25, 2025 · 23 min
‘Total Disaster’: Why Some Fear Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Bill
The House passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill on Thursday, despite divisions within the GOP. We break down what’s in it and hear from a Medicaid recipient who is worried she could lose coverage at the worst possible time. Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2025 · 21 min
How Trump Clouded America’s Weather Forecasting
As hurricane season approaches, the National Weather Service is grappling with a DOGE-fueled staffing shortage that has left some local offices unable to operate 24/7. A former meteorologist explains why it’s leaving behind a patchwork system that could threaten lives when disaster strikes. Guest: Andrew Freedman, CNN Climate & Weather Senior Reporter & Brian LaMarre, former NWS meteorologist Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 18, 2025 · 21 min
What to Expect When You’re Expecting More Tariffs
The US and China have agreed to drastically walk back their trade war – for now. But will consumers feel the pain anyway? The co-founder of a baby products company tells us why he isn’t afraid to talk to his customers about tariffs. Guest: Michael Wieder, Lalo co-founder Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025 · 19 min
Trump, a Newborn, and Her Parents' Birthright Fight
The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Thursday in a case involving President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order. We examine how the outcome could impact other Trump court cases and hear from immigrant parents of a new baby who are worried their child could be branded an ‘outcast.’ Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 11, 2025 · 19 min
Air Traffic, Out of Control?
The Department of Transportation announced it will build a “brand new air traffic control system” by 2029. It follows more than a week of massive delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport sparked by a frightening communications blackout. We look at the plan for the new system and hear from a former air traffic controller who says government funding is at the heart of the problem. Guest: Michael McCormick, Air Traffic Management Program Coordinator at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University & Alexandra Skores, CNN Transportation Reporter Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 9, 2025 · 17 min
Conclave Watch: The Book That 'Pope Pilled’ The Internet
Interest in the 2024 Oscar-winning film “Conclave” skyrocketed as Cardinals gathered in Rome this week and elected Pope Leo XIV. We talk with the author of the book that inspired the movie, who shares why he thinks the story has resonated with Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Guest: “Conclave” author Robert Harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 8, 2025 · 17 min
Conclave Watch: An American Pope
We have a pope – and he’s an American! Cardinal Robert Prevost has been selected as the next pope, the first American pontiff in history. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. We break down the significance of this unprecedented moment and what challenges the Catholic Church's new leader will face as he takes over. Guest: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 8, 2025 · 16 min
Conclave Watch: We Have a Nope
Spoiler alert: we don't have a new pope – yet. While we wait, we get an update from St. Peter’s Square as the conclave begins and dig into the political ramifications of the job. Guests: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent & Massimo Faggioli, Villanova University theology professor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 7, 2025 · 19 min
A Beginner’s Guide to the Papal Conclave
Catholic cardinals in Rome are preparing to pick a new leader following the death of Pope Francis. We break down what to expect from the private ritual and look at why questions about the church’s future will persist no matter who is selected. Guest: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 4, 2025 · 32 min
Why It’s So Easy to Fall for Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he's less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out. Listen to ‘Persuadable’ here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 30, 2025 · 22 min
Americans Are Souring on Trump. Does He Care?
New CNN polling shows historically low approval ratings for President Donald Trump as he moves past his 100th day in office. We hear from a first-time Trump voter how he feels about his vote now and look at how the Trump administration may approach the next 100 days. Guest: Alayna Treene, CNN White House Reporter Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 27, 2025 · 24 min
Is Horse Racing on Its Last Legs?
Ahead of this year’s Kentucky Derby, horse racing critics are asking familiar questions about animal safety and care in an industry fueled by gambling. We examine how high-profile horse deaths and an FBI investigation into doping allegations have pushed the sport towards reforms. Guest: Katie Bo Lillis, CNN Senior Reporter & Author, “Death of a Racehorse: An American Story” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 23, 2025 · 19 min
Why Trump is Sticking with Hegseth (For Now)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire following revelations that he shared detailed military plans on a second Signal group chat. It comes amid infighting with his closest advisers. We examine the unfolding drama at the Pentagon and how it could impact military operations. Guest: Haley Britzky, CNN National Security Reporter Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 21, 2025 · 10 min
Remembering Pope Francis
A look back on the life, papacy and legacy of Pope Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 20, 2025 · 24 min
They Got Into Dream Schools. Trump Got Involved. Now What?
Harvard University is refusing to make key policy changes requested by the Trump administration, kicking off a funding fight with students and researchers caught in the middle. We look at what’s next for other universities and hear from incoming Harvard and Columbia freshmen about how they feel about their college choices now. Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 16, 2025 · 26 min
The US-El Salvador Deportation Deal, Explained
President Donald Trump and El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele have both made clear in recent days that the Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador won’t be returned to the United States. We hear why Bukele is so eager to work with Trump on immigration issues and get a firsthand account of the notorious mega-prison Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is being held in. Guest: David Culver, CNN Senior National Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 13, 2025 · 22 min
Inside Trump’s ‘Dangerous’ Health Research Cuts
Researchers and study participants across the country are grappling with the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of research grants directed by the Trump administration. We hear from one researcher who believes anti-DEI policies led to the defunding of her clinical trials. Guest: Katie Edwards, University of Michigan Professor of Social Work Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 9, 2025 · 23 min
How Trump’s Tariff Trade War Could Hit You
As President Donald Trump plows ahead with his plan to impose massive tariffs on America’s trading partners, fear and uncertainty have taken hold from Wall Street to Main Street. We examine how the administration is handling blowback from the business world and look at how your finances could be impacted. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent & Anchor Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices