America, Actually with Astead Herndon - Vox Media

Latest Episodes:

Grading America's first 250 years May 02, 2026

Show notes

America at 250 years old may need a new founding document. Historian Heather Cox Richardson drafts a new social contract. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. In this episode, Richardson references a tweet of Boebert's, not a text.

A protester holds a copy of the Declaration of Independence and a US flag at a rally. Photo by ANDREW HOLBROOKE/Corbis via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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This Senator has an Eric Swalwell problem Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

We were set to talk to Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego about solving our immigration crisis. Then Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Rep. Eric Swalwell and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

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Why both sides fail on immigration Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

Immigration might be President Donald Trump’s signature issue, but what do Americans actually think about border security and enforcement?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A migrant climbs over the border fence into the US after fetching groceries for other migrants waiting to be processed by authorities on the US-Mexico border. Photo by GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images.

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America Post-Trump Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

What does US politics look like when Donald Trump is no longer at the center of it? In 2028, voters will get to decide. But for now, we explore.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact-checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney and hosted by Astead Herndon. Christopher Snyder is our video editor, and Koon Nguy is our senior art director. Our executive producer is Christina Vallice. Additional support from Miranda Kennedy, David Tatasciore, and Nisha Chittal.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump step on an escalator as they arrive for the 80th session of the UN’s General Assembly. Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on video at youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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Introducing: America, Actually with Astead Herndon Apr 05, 2026

Show notes

America, Actually is a new podcast from Vox where host Astead Herndon explores what US politics looks like without Donald Trump at the center. It’s been a one-man show for more than a decade, but now, the US is heading towards the first open presidential election since 2016. It will play out in a country that feels inherently different.

Every Saturday, America, Actually will be in your feed with interesting interviews on politics, culture, and the economy. Watch at Youtube.com/Vox or listen in your favorite podcast app for new episodes starting April 11.

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