Explain It to Me

Latest Episodes:

Burnout sandwich Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

How to manage the squeeze of taking care of your kids and your parents at the same time.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Three generations of a family. Photo by ANDRE PAIN/AFP via Getty Images.

You can find AARP's Care for the Caregiver guide here.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
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How to fight burnout Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

We've been stuck in cycles of burnout for decades. Have Gen Z workers found a way out?

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Empty battery. Photo Illustration by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images.

You can take a version of the burnout test here.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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Why you have to be optimistic Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

When the world is on fire, it’s difficult to stay hopeful. But our future depends on it.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Photo by Hasan Tacan/Anadolu via Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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Can someone explain these prices? Apr 05, 2026

Show notes

From the gas station to the café to the grocery store, we break down why things cost so much these days.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

A customer fills up a truck at a gas station. AP Photo/Jenny Kane.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your accent… explained Mar 29, 2026

Show notes

How you talk reveals where you’re from and who you’d like to be.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

A still from the movie "Clueless". Photo by CBS via Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The book of Mormon influence Mar 22, 2026

Show notes

From TikTok to reality TV, Mormons are having a big moment in pop culture.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Taylor Frankie Paul, who was going to be the first Mormon Bachelorette before the season was canceled, on the set of a special preview of The Bachelorette. Photo by John Fleenor/Disney via Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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Sugar crash Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

We’re obsessed with sugar. And Big Sugar is obsessed with us. How do we make a break?

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Image courtesy of Jenny Lawton.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.

Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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Your clutter is holding you back Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

You won’t wear those jeans again. Or use that pasta maker. So why can’t you get rid of them?

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru with Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Photo by Arthur Pollock/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You, me, and ADHD Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

It’s not just for school kids anymore. Why more adults are getting diagnosed with the disorder.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.

Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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Make credit cards work for you Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

America runs on credit. Those plastic cards we carry around can get us into big trouble — or score us free vacations.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Avishay Artsy and Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File.

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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