Today, Explained
Today, Explained is Vox's daily news explainer podcast. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King will guide you through the most important stories of the day.
Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes (75)
100 days of payback
Vox's Andrew Prokop says retribution was one of the major themes of the first 100 days of Trump's second term. John Bolton, who had his security detail yanked, explains why he's not worried about...
How Trump saved Canada’s libs
The Liberal Party was set to lose today’s election. Now, thanks to President Trump, it just might win.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura...
Retire? In this economy?!
With 401(k)s taking a hit and the fate of Social Security uncertain, we get some advice for how to talk to the elders in your life about work and retirement.
This episode was produced by Carla Javier...
The most dangerous award
There’s a brand-new category coming to the Academy Awards: Best Stunt Design. A writer and two stunt performers explain why it took almost a century.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh,...
The startup that cried dire wolf
Colossal says it's brought the dire wolf back from extinction — but the accuracy of that claim and the ethics of de-extinction are in question.
This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by...
How the Abrego Garcia standoff ends
Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland recounts his visit with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Former prosecutor Elie Honig explains the three scenarios that could end this legal standoff.
This episode was produced...
Conclave (2025)
We try to divine who will follow Pope Francis and introduce you to one of his many legacies: the first millennial saint.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Avishay Artsy, edited by...
American_history_v9_final_FINAL_THIS ONE
Government websites have erased references to American heroes like Harriet Tubman and Jackie Robinson in order to comply with Trump’s anti-DEI push. But America is no stranger to revisionist...
Is climate progress doomed?
Many worry that the clean energy transition will be derailed by the Trump administration. But there's reason to believe otherwise.
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Mar-a-Lago makeover
There is a very distinct “look” many people in the MAGA world have adopted, and comedian Suzanne Lambert is making a career calling it out. Mother Jones senior editor Inae Oh says it’s bigger than...
Trump v. Mangione
The Trump administration is seeking the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, who is scheduled back in court this week. Plus, a closer look at a work that may have inspired Mangione (the Unabomber’s...
Why Harvard is fighting back
Harvard is refusing to play along with the Trump administration's demands of elite universities, whereas at least 10 Florida public universities are openly cooperating with ICE.
This episode was...
Art of the (Iran) deal
Iran allegedly plotted to assassinate President Donald Trump late last year. But that’s not stopping the Trump administration from trying to strike a nuclear deal with Iran.
This episode was...
It’s China’s turn
China has spent years preparing for this trade war — and for a world no longer dominated by the US.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard,...
What if college isn't for everyone?
For decades, high schools and parents have prioritized college for all graduating seniors. Now, more students are asking if there's another way.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin,...
Watercooler TV is back
The Pitt, The White Lotus, and Severance have people talking about TV again. A writer from The Pitt and Vulture's Kathryn VanArendonk explain why.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited...
Laura Loomered the NSA
President Trump fired the head of the NSA — not because of a cyber attack, but because conservative activist Laura Loomer said so. How did she become so influential?
This episode was produced by...
Plastic rain, plastic rain
We (mostly) got rid of acid rain, but now there’s another scary thing falling from the sky.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Miles Bryan, engineered...
The nostalgia economy
President Donald Trump’s tariffs are meant to return America to a throwback economy — and culture. An economist who advises the White House makes the case for why looking to the past is the best plan...
Project 2025’s next chapter
Project Esther offers a blueprint for casting some campus protesters as part of a “Hamas Support Network,” making it easier to detain and deport them. Critics say the plan doesn’t fight antisemitism...
Is a house still a good investment?
Given the economy and interest rates, homebuying doesn't seem like it’s necessarily the way to go anymore. So consider this not your parents’ real estate advice.
If you have a question about a story...
Pray for Hooters
The “breastaurant” filed for bankruptcy this week. Many say good riddance, but Peter Rothpletz explains why he’ll remember his “conversion therapy with a side of ranch” fondly.
This episode was...
The day after "Liberation Day"
It's unclear what Trump's latest tariffs liberate us from. Tariffs can be good policy when done right, but this latest round is scrambling America's alliances and economy.
This episode was produced...
Why young people are getting cancer
It’s not just Dwyane Wade, James Van Der Beek, and Kate Middleton; younger and younger people are getting cancer more and more. Vox’s Dylan Scott lays out what we know, and Kate Zickel explains how...
Hasan Piker explains himself
Last week we talked about Hasan. Now we talk to him — about the Democrats, protein, and not giving in to nihilism.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi with help from...
Not Coming to America
Traveling to the United States is getting tricky, but there are ways to be careful.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura...
Blinded by the headlights
Drivers and passengers are right: Car headlights are brighter now. And the solutions aren't simple.
If you have a question for us, please give a call at 1-800-618-8545 or send a note at...
Huge week for the group chat
This week offered some lessons on, among other things, how to text responsibly 👊🇺🇸🔥
This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey and Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura...
Fear is the economy killer
The biggest threat to the American economy might be the American consumer’s sour mood.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Carla Javier, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura...
The “Joe Rogan of the left”
Data on who didn’t vote for the Dems is finally coming in and it’s clear that they have a problem. Can Hasan Piker be the solution?
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Travis Larchuk,...
Trump's judge grudge
Judges, including one of his own Supreme Court appointees, are trying to rein President Trump in. In return, Trump is threatening to impeach judges.
This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey and...
Make America Measles Again (MAMA)
The US eliminated measles, but now it’s making a comeback — and RFK Jr’s advice isn’t exactly helping.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura...
Gen Sex
Gen X women are freeing themselves from the hangups of the '90s, and having the best sex of their lives. Media portrayals of middle-aged women are starting to catch up too.
If you have a question for...
Snow White and the Seven Controversies
Disney’s new live action Snow White has a little something to upset everyone, from casting to Israel-Palestine to President Trump. Slate’s Nadira Goffe and Vox’s Constance Grady explain.
This...
No kids on the block
The pro-natalism movement argues that people need to have more babies. Some want to prevent economic implosion, others want to protect traditional family values. And some of the loudest voices in the...
The autocrat's prison
The US is deporting alleged members of the gang Trén de Aragua and paying El Salvador to house them in a mega-prison. But we don’t know if the deportees are actually gang members at all.
This...
Silencing the Voice of America
President Donald Trump has ordered the federally funded broadcaster to be “eliminated.” Longtime VOA correspondent Steve Herman explains why it will be missed.
This episode was produced by Gabrielle...
An America First trap
This isn’t the first time we’ve tried to go America First. The last time helped blow up the economy and our relationships with our allies.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by...
Did diversity ever work ... at work?
There's a backlash against corporate DEI efforts, and it’s not just from the right. It's everywhere. What does that mean for employees?
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda...
What if we stopped shopping?
Fed up with consumerism, Mia Westrap went a whole year without buying unnecessary stuff. She went viral, and so did her goal. Now, the Buy Nothing movement is fighting back against mindless...
The man who helped kill DEI
Policy in the second Trump administration is being driven by a small group of thinkers from the online right. We talk to one of them about how he got DEI dismantled.
This episode was produced by...
Deporting Mahmoud Khalil
The Trump administration has fallen short of its promise to deport millions. The White House now seems focused on attention-grabbing arrests, including that of a Palestinian activist and leader of...
Teslump
Protests against Tesla embody the outrage against Elon Musk’s DOGE-e behavior. But Musk doesn't seem to care. And given his position in the federal government, he may not have to.
This episode was...
A Walz to Remember
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz sat down with Sean Rameswaram over the weekend at SXSW in Austin, Texas, to talk about 2024, 2025, and what might help his party in 2028.
This episode was produced by Hady...
Why does dating suck for guys?
The rules of romance have changed, and many young men feel they can't keep up. We get some tips from a Texas men's relationship coach.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Carla Javier,...
Whey too much protein
Added protein really seems to be in all the food lately. Reporter Chris Gayomali says to thank environmental regulations, GLP-1s, and Arnold Schwarzenegger for our modern protein boom.
This episode...
The Zizian "death cult"
Journalist Max Read explains how a bunch of Silicon Valley computer scientists spun into a cult accused of killings.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn with help from Travis Larchuk, edited...
Serving your country while trans
Sam Rodriguez is on active duty in the US Navy. They are also trans. Now, the Trump administration wants to remove them from the US military.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited...
Breaking up with Ukraine
Why the humiliation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds a twisted appeal for Trump's core supporters. And what Europe plans to do about it.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Devan Schwartz,...
The Gulf of America?
What started as a liberal joke is now a MAGA reality. Just check your map app. But it’s not just Google, Apple, and Microsoft falling in line.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Travis...
The messiest Oscars category
The Seed of the Sacred Fig was (secretly) shot in Iran with Iranian actors and an Iranian director. But it’s Germany’s submission for Best International Film.
This episode was produced by Avishay...
Is flying still safe?
Recent airplane crashes and near misses have everyone freaked out, just as DOGE is laying off workers at the agency charged with keeping people safe in the air.
This episode was produced by Victoria...
Eggs aren't expensive enough
At least if we want to stop the next pandemic. Vox's Kenny Torrella explains.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick...
Quid pro bros
First, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and President Donald Trump struck up an unlikely friendship. Then, the Trump administration ordered prosecutors to sidestep DOJ norms and drop corruption charges...
Germany's rightward march
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party won its best ever results this weekend. We hear why an anti-immigrant, fascist-curious party is surging in the land that gave birth to Nazism.
This...
Sugar daddies and mommies
Boomers are the wealthiest generation ever. And they're funneling trillions to their adult children for down payments, school tuition, even monthly allowances. The Great Wealth Transfer is upon...
Vatever you vant, Vladimir
Kremlin defender Tulsi Gabbard is the US’s new spy chief, while the US and Russia are holding peace talks without European and Ukrainian officials at the table. The vibe has officially shifted.
This...
Breaking the internet
The Trump administration’s effort to purge government websites is accelerating digital decay. It’s a trend that imperils our record of ourselves.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited...
Mr. Project 2025
Russell Vought is the architect and legal scholar behind the Trump administration’s attempt to reshape the federal government. Simon Rabinovitch, US economics editor for the Economist, explains how...
Is science in danger?
Funding cuts and research censorship have shaken the foundations of America’s health and science agencies, leaving researchers shocked, confused, and afraid. In this episode of Unexplainable, we ask,...
The making of a beauty king
Sephora revolutionized high-end beauty and turned tiny brands into household names. Now, comes the reckoning. Fast Company’s Liz Segran on whether Sephora is too powerful.
This episode was produced...
Elon's African roots
President Trump is offering to resettle white South Africans in the US, and his white South African bestie may have something to do with it.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Travis...
Tater bot
The prices of all kinds of things have stayed stubbornly high even as inflation has cooled. And a spate of lawsuits point to algorithmic price fixing as the culprit. Just look at frozen...
DOGE-y behavior
Elon Musk promised to feed "USAID into the wood chipper." The way he's dismantling the agency provides a roadmap for the administration moving forward.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and...
Guantanamo’s other history
The Trump administration has begun detaining migrants at Guantanamo Bay. For more than 40 years, the US has sent immigrants to Gitmo, explains Jeffrey Kahn of UC Davis, who interviewed asylum-seekers...
Super Bowl GNX
Kendrick Lamar is celebrating his latest album, GNX, on the biggest stage in American music. But everyone wants to know if he’s bringing the beef. NPR’s Sidney Madden and Stephen Thompson...
Chaos in Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is at war. Again. Sixty-five years of mismanagement began with a CIA assassination plot that condemned millions of Congolese to unending conflict.
This episode...
Democrats, where you at?
NBC News reporter Sahil Kapur and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) try to explain if the Democrats are, like, dead.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura...
Tariffied
The first battles have now been fought in the new North American trade war. President Donald Trump came out on top. Companies that make things across multiple borders are still holding their...
Rebuilding Los Angeles
LA Times reporter Liam Dillon assesses the damage now that the fires are fully contained. Torched editor Alissa Walker explains how the 2028 Olympics might impede rebuilding efforts.
This episode was...
Turkey with the good hair
Turkey has become the hair transplant capital of the world. And it's part of a global boom in medical tourism.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura...
DeepSeek deepdive
The emergence of DeepSeek — a Chinese AI model that was developed for a fraction of the cost of leading Western ones, but seems to perform on par with them — caused chaos in the markets and...
How America went MAHA
RFK Jr. adviser Calley Means explains why so many Americans are suspicious of food and pharma companies, and what the HHS secretary nominee plans to do about it if he's confirmed.
This episode was...
Trump’s government purge
Trump is remaking the federal government in his name, says Vox’s Andrew Prokop. Efforts at a more efficient government may have a point, says Jennifer Pahlka, who co-founded the precursor to...
The Silk Road pardon
President Donald Trump pardoned Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht and launched his own memecoin, signaling a new attitude toward cryptocurrency in his second term.
This episode was produced by Amanda...
About this Podcast
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