Today, Explained - Vox - TopPodcast.com

Should you blow up a pipeline? Sep 26, 2023

Climate activists have tried marching and lobbying. Now, a growing flank of movement radicals want to take more extreme action. Author Dana Fisher tells us who they are, and sociologist Matthew Wolfe traces the history of radical environmentalism in the US.

Today's episode was produced by Avishay Artsy with an assist from Siona Peterous. It was edited by Miranda Kennedy and fact-checked by Jon Ehrens. Our engineer is Patrick Boyd.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Murder, Canada Wrote Sep 25, 2023

Canada’s unprecedented decision to publicly accuse India of assassinating a Canadian citizen in Canada is upending the two countries' relationship.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Blame Capitalism: The 99% Sep 22, 2023

Two wildly different political movements — Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party — emerged from the Great Recession. They forever changed the way Americans think about capitalism and democracy.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Serena Solin, engineered by Rob Byers and Patrick Boyd with original music by Jon Ehrens, and hosted by Noel King. Additional editorial support from Miles Bryan, Jolie Myers, and Miranda Kennedy.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The six D-words of climate change Sep 21, 2023

It’s climate week. To mark the occasion we’re talking to scientist Michael E. Mann about six D-words that help us understand where the conversation around climate change has been and where it’s going.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Tien Nguyen, engineered by David Herman and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Taxing traffic Sep 20, 2023

New York City wants to be the first in the nation to implement congestion pricing to charge people for driving during peak hours. New Jersey says fuhgeddaboudit.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Tien Nguyen, engineered by Rob Byers with help from Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Everybody’s moving to Florida Sep 19, 2023

We’re not just talking snowbirds. The Sunshine State is the fastest growing in the nation despite, you know, climate change. Vox’s Marin Cogan and Umair Irfan explain why.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin and Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Autoworkers slam the brakes Sep 18, 2023

The United Auto Workers union is on strike at three different factories. We ask the Wall Street Journal's Nora Eckert what the union workers want, and management professor Marick Masters explains why the Detroit Big Three are reluctant to give it to them.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens and Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Amanda Lewellyn with help from Hady Mawajdeh and Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Blame Capitalism: Profit over everything Sep 15, 2023

Economist Milton Friedman published an essay in 1970 arguing that the job of a corporation was solely to make money for its shareholders. General Electric CEO Jack Welch pushed that idea about as far as it would go — and broke capitalism.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd with original music by Jon Ehrens, and hosted by Noel King. Additional editorial support from Avishay Artsy, Jolie Myers, and Miranda Kennedy.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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From North Korea with Love Sep 14, 2023

Kim Jong Un took a bulletproof train to visit Vladimir Putin in Russia this week. Jenny Town at the Stimson Center explains how the two leaders have little to lose and much to gain from each other.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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New variant just dropped Sep 13, 2023

Seems like everyone’s got Covid again. Vox’s in-house epidemiologist, Dr. Keren Landman, delivers the good news and the bad news about Pirola.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens and Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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In Google we antitrust Sep 12, 2023

Google is headed to court over allegations its search engine violates federal antitrust law. The Verge’s Adi Robertson breaks down the case, and David Pierce explains how Google Search came to rule the internet.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hunter becomes the hunted Sep 11, 2023

Hunter Biden is set to be indicted this month. The WSJ’s Aruna Viswanatha goes over the evidence with us, and Politico’s Jonathan Lemire looks at what it all means for President Biden’s reelection bid.

This show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Blame Capitalism: Souring on the system Sep 08, 2023

Capitalism has entered its villain era. In a new series running Fridays this month, we look at how Americans came to blame it for just about everything.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Herman with original music by Jon Ehrens, and hosted by Noel King. Additional editorial support from Avishay Artsy, Jolie Myers, and Miranda Kennedy.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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From Pac-12 to Pac-2 Sep 07, 2023

The Pac-12 college football conference has lost nearly all its teams now that schools like USC and Colorado have announced they’re leaving for rival leagues. The Athletic’s Chris Vannini explains why fans are beleaguered.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why American sunscreen sucks Sep 06, 2023

Better sunscreen exists, you just can’t get it in the US. Amanda Mull and Elise Hu explain why.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sam Sanders.

If you liked this episode, check out Sam’s pop culture podcast Into It from Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/intoit-tex

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The new Cold War Sep 05, 2023

The Cold War started earlier than we think — and maybe never ended at all. Historian Calder Walton says understanding the US-Soviet conflict prepares us for this era of tensions with Russia and China.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette with help from Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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…We’re trusting it anyway Sep 04, 2023

Tech companies are racing to make new, transformative AI tools, with little to no safeguards in place. This is the second episode of “The Black Box,” a two-part series from Unexplainable.

This episode was reported and produced by Noam Hassenfeld, edited by Brian Resnick and Katherine Wells with help Meradith Hoddinott, and fact-checked by Tien Nguyen. It was mixed and sound designed by Vince Fairchild with help from Cristian Ayala. Music by Noam Hassenfeld.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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We don’t know how AI works… Sep 01, 2023

The researchers who create and study tech like ChatGPT don’t understand exactly how it’s doing what it does. This is the first episode of “The Black Box,” a two-part series from Unexplainable.

This episode was reported and produced by Noam Hassenfeld, edited by Brian Resnick and Katherine Wells with help from Byrd Pinkerton and Meradith Hoddinott, and fact-checked by Serena Solin, Tien Nguyen, and Mandy Nguyen. It was mixed and sound designed by Cristian Ayala with music by Noam Hassenfeld.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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#SeAcabo: Spain’s World Cup reckoning Aug 31, 2023

Saying “it’s over,” Spain’s World Cup-winning women are using an unwelcome kiss to try to end sexism in sports.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah with help from Jon Ehrens, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Laura Bullard and Hady Mawajdeh, mixed by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Real Housewives of Today, Explained Aug 30, 2023

Taking cues from striking actors and writers, reality TV stars are lobbying for better treatment from networks like Bravo and Netflix.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sam Sanders.

If you liked this episode, check out Sam’s pop culture podcast Into It from Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/intoit-tex

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why top Republicans want to bomb Mexico Aug 29, 2023

Long-shot presidential candidate Ron DeSantis said he would send US forces into Mexico “on day one.” Longer-shot presidential candidate Will Hurd explains why that’s a bad idea.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh with help from Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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China’s young and restless Aug 28, 2023

China’s ambitious youth planned to cash in on their country’s meteoric rise on the world stage. Instead, many of these 20-somethings are disillusioned and “lying flat.” Economist Nancy Qian explains why.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Cristian Ayala and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sam Sanders.

If you liked this episode, check out Sam’s pop culture podcast Into It from Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/intoit-tex

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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America is so Messi Aug 25, 2023

With Lionel Messi, footy may have finally arrived in the United States. The Athletic’s Tom Bogert and Men in Blazers founder Roger Bennett explain how the Argentine superstar is transforming American soccer.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Death of a Hot Dog Salesman Aug 24, 2023

Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, the caterer-turned-warlord who recently attempted to overthrow Russia’s government, has apparently died in a plane crash. Puck's Julia Ioffe explains why it’s reasonable to suspect foul play.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Jon Ehrens, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The other eight debate Aug 23, 2023

Fox News desperately wants you to watch tonight’s Republican presidential debate. The Washington Post’s Erik Wemple explains why, and Vox’s Christian Paz has a primer.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Amanda Lewellyn and Serena Solin, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Back to school loans Aug 22, 2023

President Biden can’t stop, won’t stop trying to forgive student debt, even as borrowers are shortly expected to resume payments. The Washington Post’s Danielle Douglas-Gabriel explains.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Amina Al-Sadi with help from Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Hady Mawajdeh and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Russians still support the war Aug 21, 2023

Putin's war is hurting Russians, too. Writer Masha Gessen and researcher Jade McGlynn explain why public opinion doesn't reflect that.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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After the Green Rush Aug 18, 2023

Adelanto, California, was broke. Could legalizing marijuana cultivation offer a fix? Reporter David Weinberg’s podcast Dreamtown details how the path to salvation was marred by scandal, debt, and corruption.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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RoboCab Aug 17, 2023

The San Francisco Standard’s Liz Lindqwister reports from San Francisco, where people are flipping her off for hailing rides in robotaxis. The Verge’s Andrew Hawkins explains how long before one pulls up in front of you.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Florida man indicted (again) (again) (again) Aug 16, 2023

Oft-indicted former President Donald Trump is at it again. Stephen Fowler, host of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Battleground: Ballot Box podcast, explains the paradox of the Fulton County charges.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Miles Bryan, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Maui burned Aug 15, 2023

Hawaii’s landscape has been rapidly changing for the last 200 years thanks to plantations, tourism, and climate change. A reporter and climatologist explain how those factors fueled one of the worst wildfires in US history.

Today’s show was produced by Siona Peterous and Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman and Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A postpartum pill Aug 14, 2023

The FDA’s approval of a new pill that treats postpartum depression could be yet another signal that we are living in a golden age of medicine.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Suing big food Aug 11, 2023

Tostitos chips without real lime. Root beer made with fake vanilla. Instant mac and cheese that isn’t so instant. These products are among the hundreds targeted by lawyer Spencer Sheehan. We talked to him last year about why he wants Big Food to stop misrepresenting its products.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey with help from Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Rikers takeover Aug 10, 2023

Today a federal judge hears arguments on whether New York City Mayor Eric Adams should be stripped of control of the jails on Rikers Island. Gothamist’s Matt Katz explains.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette with help from Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman with help from Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Shein trouble Aug 09, 2023

The Chinese apparel company Shein is a favorite of Gen Z shoppers and the latest frontier in US-China tensions. Vogue Business editor Hilary Milnes explains why Congress, designers, and worker advocates are all determined to take down the global fast fashion juggernaut.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette and Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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ESPN 4 SALE Aug 08, 2023

Disney CEO Bob Iger says the company is looking for a “strategic partner” to invest in the massive sports network, which has been struggling in an era of cord-cutting. Peter Kafka explains what it could mean for fans.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hot topic Aug 07, 2023

When it comes to climate policy, President Biden has accomplished more than any of his predecessors. But activists want more: They want him to declare a climate emergency.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin and Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The air-istocracy Aug 04, 2023

Private jets aren’t what they used to be. AOC is calling out Hollywood executives for having too many, and European nations are trying to ban them. People are even saying Taylor Swift’s the problem. But wait until you hear who’s really paying for them.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Battlechips Aug 03, 2023

Semiconductors are used in just about every piece of technology. The US wants to limit what China can do with them. Alex W. Palmer explains the latest front in the fight for tech dominance.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Florida man indicted (again) (again) Aug 02, 2023

The latest unprecedented is about January 6, but does the American public still care about January 6?

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn and Matt Collette, engineered by Michael Raphael and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Where did the recession go? Aug 01, 2023

A much-dreaded recession doesn’t actually seem to be materializing. We called up some experts — economics reporters Tracy Alloway and Greg Ip, plus our boss, Vox CEO Jim Bankoff — to figure out what’s going on.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Will “parental rights” mobilize Muslims? Jul 31, 2023

Some Muslim parents wanted their kids to opt out of reading schoolbooks with LGBTQ characters and themes. Today, Explained reporter Haleema Shah explains what happened when their fight went national.

This episode was reported and produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Serena Solin, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Music’s nostalgia-industrial complex Jul 28, 2023

A lot of our new hit music sounds just like our parents’ old hit music. Pitchfork’s Jayson Greene says you should blame publishing companies.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Sound of Freedom Jul 27, 2023

The Wall Street Journal’s John Jurgensen explains how Sound of Freedom, an action-drama about fighting child sex trafficking, beat Tom Cruise and Indiana Jones at the box office. Writer Meg Conley explains the murky truth behind the movie.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael with help from Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A third nuclear superpower Jul 26, 2023

For decades, a delicate strategy of deterrence kept Russia and the US from nuclear war. With China upping its nuclear ambitions, things are about to get a lot more complicated.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Inside the AI factory Jul 25, 2023

We are used to thinking of artificial intelligence as knowledge generated by machines. The Verge’s Josh Dzieza pulls back the curtain on the vast network of human labor that powers AI.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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I want you! (to fight the culture war) Jul 24, 2023

The defense bill is the latest piece of legislation to be weaponized by the far-right Freedom Caucus. It’s also the latest test for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Jon Ehrens, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Serena Solin, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Barbie Dreampodcast Jul 21, 2023

Is Barbie a toy commercial doubling as the first installment of an inevitable Mattel Cinematic Universe? Or does it have something important to say? Barbie’s multitudes, explained.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Bidenomics Jul 20, 2023

A lot of Americans are still feeling iffy about the economy, but Joe Biden’s so proud of how things are going that he’s stuck his name on it. The Washington Post’s Jeff Stein explains “Bidenomics.”

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Is ethical investing a sham? Jul 19, 2023

Republican presidential candidates have a bone to pick with ESG investments. So does James Surowiecki, contributing writer at The Atlantic.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael with help from Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Inside the Actors Strike Jul 18, 2023

The actors are officially on strike. Vox senior correspondent and critic Alissa Wilkinson breaks down what SAG-AFTRA is afta, and the New Yorker’s Michael Schulman explains how one of Netflix’s first original shows was an early warning sign.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Vacation ... all I ever wanted? Jul 17, 2023

🎵 Now that I’m away, I wish I had stayed. 🎵 Vox’s Allie Volpe explains why travel feels like such a mess right now (and how to make it a bit better). And the New Yorker’s Agnes Callard makes the case against travel altogether.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Vox’s first-ever travel guide answers some of the biggest questions about navigating the world, the country, and your own backyard: https://vox.com/how-to-travel-now

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Joshua Generation Jul 14, 2023

A group of evangelical Christians raised their children to become influential in the White House, on Capitol Hill, and in the Supreme Court. Now, as adults, the "Joshua generation" are reckoning with their upbringing.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin with help from Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Disaster unpreparedness Jul 13, 2023

Vermont just got slammed with flash floods, road closures, and evacuations. Harvard’s Juliette Kayyem says the storm reveals how unprepared the US is for the present moment, when natural disasters are more frequent and more intense than ever before.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Can Threads unravel Twitter? Jul 12, 2023

As Meta launches its Twitter competitor, The Verge’s David Pierce says that we are watching the end of the social internet in real time.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael with help from Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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NATO to Ukraine: Not yet Jul 11, 2023

President Biden and other world leaders say it’s too dangerous to admit Ukraine into NATO while it’s at war with Russia. But, to the dismay of allies, the US will send cluster bombs to the front.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why everyone’s mad about equity Jul 10, 2023

Everyone is fighting about “equity.” If only they could define it. Vox’s Andrew Prokop explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Haleema Shah, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Where’s the beef? Jul 07, 2023

A rancher in the Pacific Northwest scammed two companies out of $244 million. In this episode we first served in February, KUOW’s Anna King — host of the Ghost Herd podcast — explains how Cody Easterday went from ranching royalty to prison.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Excuseflation Jul 06, 2023

Inflation happens for a lot of reasons that can be hard for even economists to fully grasp. But — as we learned this spring in an episode we’re rerunning today — there’s also a more straightforward reason prices keep going up: greedy corporations are using inflation as an excuse to jack up prices.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Even more forever chemicals Jul 05, 2023

The chemical manufacturer 3M will pay $10 billion to settle claims it contaminated drinking water with “forever chemicals.” Good thing we already spoke with Barbara Moran, WBUR’s climate and environmental correspondent, who explained these non-stick chemicals that stick around forever.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Haleema Shah, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Smokeshow Jun 30, 2023

For the second time this month, huge sections of the US are blanketed by wildfire smoke. Vox’s Rebecca Leber and climate journalist Jeff Goodell say we’re gonna have to get used to it.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Miles Bryan, Hady Mawajdeh, and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Supreme Court: Race need not apply Jun 29, 2023

The Supreme Court ruled against race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard and UNC. The ruling is likely to reshape affirmative action in America.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Miles Bryan, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Mall cop nation Jun 28, 2023

The three biggest private employers in North America are Walmart, Amazon, and a security firm you’ve maybe never heard of: Allied Universal. Time’s Alana Semuels explains the rise of poorly trained and poorly paid private security guards across America.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Woke, woke, woke, woke, woke Jun 27, 2023

How “woke” went from Marcus Garvey to Childish Gambino to Ron DeSantis.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The man behind Russia’s mutiny Jun 26, 2023

Yevgeny Prigozhin rose from hot dog seller to top chef to Russia’s leading mercenary. Journalist Paul Wood and Harvard’s Timothy Colton explain why he turned on Vladimir Putin this weekend.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh with help from Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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OceanGate Jun 23, 2023

Deep-sea explorer G. Michael Harris has been down to the wreck of the Titanic 14 times. He begged his friend PH Nargeolet not to get on the OceanGate Titan submersible before it imploded in the sea earlier this week. He explains why he saw this coming.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and edited by Amina Al-Sadi. It was engineered by Michael Raphael and fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Dinner and a Modi Jun 22, 2023

Despite US concerns over the decline of Indian democracy and human rights, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is getting a prestigious state dinner from the Biden administration. Sadanand Dhume and Irfan Nooruddin explain.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Okla-home-a Jun 21, 2023

A group in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will pay remote workers $10,000 to move there. Vox’s Rani Molla explains why the city is banking on a digital workforce — and whether the program leaves longtime Tulsans behind.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Childproofing Pornhub Jun 20, 2023

States want to restrict kids’ access to harmful content online via age verification systems. New York Times reporter Natasha Singer explains how a wave of new legislation could dramatically reshape the internet.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Today, Explained Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good Jun 16, 2023

For decades, American schools have taught reading with an approach that doesn’t work very well. Emily Hanford of the podcast “Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong” explains how things are starting to change.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

We're taking Monday off for Juneteenth and will be back with a new episode on Tuesday, June 20.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How the Saudis bought pro golf Jun 15, 2023

The PGA Tour wanted nothing to do with a rival Saudi-funded golf tour, but like Silicon Valley and the White House, it couldn’t resist the Kingdom’s influence. A sports guy (Rick Maese of the Washington Post) and a foreign policy guy (Jonathan Guyer of Vox) explain.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Kids sue Montana over climate change Jun 14, 2023

Held v. Montana, a first-of-its-kind climate lawsuit, pits young people — and their constitutionally enshrined right to a clean environment — against a state with pro-fossil fuel policies.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King. Today’s episode was also produced in partnership with the team who make Vox’s The Weeds podcast, Sofi LaLonde, Cristian Ayala, Anouck Dussaud, A.M. Hall, and Jonquilyn Hill.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Vivek Ramaswamy explains himself Jun 13, 2023

The entrepreneur is running a longshot campaign for the GOP nomination on an “American nationalist,” anti-“woke capitalism” platform. Semafor’s Dave Weigel explains why so many Republicans now think they have a chance at the crown.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Marvel movies look bad Jun 12, 2023

Bad visual effects in movies may have less to do with technology and more to do with workers being underpaid and overworked. Vulture senior reporter Chris Lee explains in this episode of Into It.

This episode was produced for Into It by Travis Larchuk and Jordana Hochman with help from Today, Explained's Siona Peterous, Laura Bullard, and Patrick Boyd.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Florida man indicted (again) Jun 09, 2023

For the first time in American history, a former president faces federal charges. Vox’s Andrew Prokop explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael and Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Texas messed with Houston schools Jun 08, 2023

The state of Texas took over Houston’s Independent School District and replaced the superintendent and the elected board. But state takeovers like this rarely make schools better.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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California is becoming uninsurable Jun 07, 2023

Two insurance giants will stop issuing new policies for California homes. CalMatters reporter Ben Christopher and Vox’s Umair Irfan say insurers have determined what homeowners refuse to accept: Climate change has made some parts of the country too risky to live in.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Apple’s $3,500 goggles Jun 06, 2023

Apple’s launch of a new mixed reality headset shows that, for Apple, the metaverse isn’t dead. The Verge’s David Pierce explains.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Real Housebans of Tallahassee Jun 05, 2023

A new Florida law will restrict where Chinese citizens can buy homes, and other states may follow suit. The legislation is eerily similar to racist land laws from over 100 years ago. Vox reporter Li Zhou and Hofstra law professor Julian Ku explain.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hannah Gadsby and “Pablo-matic" Picasso Jun 02, 2023

Comedian Hannah Gadsby railed against Pablo Picasso in “Nanette.” So why are they curating an exhibition timed to the 50th anniversary of his death? Gadsby and author Claire Dederer explain what we should do with art from monstrous artists.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ukraine’s counteroffensive Jun 01, 2023

Ukraine vowed to mount a counteroffensive against Russia. Drone attacks on Moscow might signal it has begun. The Washington Post’s Mary Ilyushina and the Guardian’s Luke Harding explain.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Target-ing Pride May 31, 2023

Companies have been leaning into Pride month for years. So why are brands like Target and Bud Light facing such intense backlash now? Vox’s Emily Stewart and historian Kyle Williams explain.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael with help from Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Kia Boyz are coming for your car May 30, 2023

Turns out Kias and Hyundais are easy to steal. Teens are taking advantage, and putting it all on TikTok.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hot and bothered May 26, 2023

The FDA approved a game-changing drug to treat hot flashes, a symptom of menopause. Health writer Jancee Dunn talks about why a transition that happens to half the world’s population still feels like a mystery.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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He's Ronning May 25, 2023

NBC’s Matt Dixon explains how Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to Make America Florida. Vox’s Andrew Prokop spells out how the governor’s brain works. Please clap.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A cancer vaccine? May 24, 2023

Dr. Vinod Balachandran explains how he and his colleagues successfully treated pancreatic cancer with bespoke mRNA vaccines. Science journalist Charles Graeber says this could be cancer’s “penicillin moment.”

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How wellness killed Jenny Craig May 23, 2023

The diet company is shutting down. Bloomberg’s Emma Court explains how Jenny Craig’s strategy — heavy on celebrity endorsements and meal plans — couldn’t compete with a shift toward body positivity and pharmaceuticals.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd with additional music help from Chris Shurtleff, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

Hungry for more? Learn about the science of weight loss and hunger in the latest episode of Gastropod: https://link.chtbl.com/oMSi8eSB?sid=tex

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The rehabilitation of Bashar al-Assad May 22, 2023

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad became a regional pariah after brutal crackdowns on his own citizens. But on Friday, the most powerful men in the Middle East welcomed him back into the Arab League.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Matt Collette and Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Parking is a lot May 19, 2023

In our quest to accommodate parked cars, we’ve paved over downtowns, polluted the planet, and made it near impossible to get anywhere without driving. Slate’s Henry Grabar explains Big Parking — and how electric cars might offer an opportunity to finally try something new.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Kevin McCarthy wants you to get a job May 18, 2023

With the debt ceiling deadline approaching, Republicans want to expand rules that require welfare recipients to work. Vox’s Dylan Scott and Marketplace’s Krissy Clark explain.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The most important election of 2023 May 17, 2023

After 21 years of leading Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a global political giant. But a crumbling Turkish economy and the opposition candidate pose the biggest threat to his power in years.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The new border crisis May 16, 2023

Title 42, a Covid-era policy that included strict limits on migration into the US from Mexico, has expired. El Paso Times reporter Lauren Villagran explains what that means for both the border communities and the far-flung cities feeling the brunt of border politics.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Can power plants go green? May 15, 2023

The EPA has just announced new rules for power plants to clean up their act. But to get to those lower limits, companies might have to switch to two largely untested technologies in the power sector: hydrogen production and carbon capture.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How Zelda changed gaming May 12, 2023

It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this podcast.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Covid is “over” May 11, 2023

Or at least the federal government is over spending money on it. Vox’s resident epidemiologist, Keren Landman, explains the end of the public health emergency.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Trump loses sexual abuse lawsuit May 10, 2023

A New York jury awarded $5 million to journalist E. Jean Carroll, whose civil suit against the former president alleged sexual battery and defamation. Vox’s Constance Grady explains.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn and Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ed Sheeran and the “Blurred Lines” effect May 09, 2023

Ed Sheeran just won a big copyright trial. But he might not have even been in court if not for Robin Thicke and Pharrell’s “Blurred Lines.” Pitchfork’s Jayson Greene explains how the song of the summer from 10 years ago simply refuses to go away.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The killing of Jordan Neely May 08, 2023

A subway rider choked to death Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man known to New Yorkers for his impersonations of Michael Jackson. WNYC reporters Matt Katz and Samantha Max explain the complexity of the incident.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Miles Bryan, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Charles in charge May 05, 2023

King Charles is struggling to get his subjects to care about the historic coronation this weekend. Professor Brooke Newman explains the complicated road to ditching the monarchy.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Serena Solin, Laura Bullard and Matt Collette, engineered by Michael Raphael and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Get used to higher interest rates May 04, 2023

The Federal Reserve has once again raised interest rates, which means borrowing money for your mortgage or your business is once again more expensive. New York Times economics reporter Talmon Joseph Smith explains why this might keep happening.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Michael Raphael and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Disney vs. DeSantis May 03, 2023

Once upon a time, a Magic Kingdom took issue with a ruler’s law and, well, everyone ended up suing each other. The Wall Street Journal’s Robbie Whelan explains the feud between the Walt Disney Company and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Supreme Court’s corruption crisis May 02, 2023

In a hearing today, the Senate Judiciary Committee took on the Supreme Court’s lack of ethics standards. ProPublica’s Joshua Kaplan explains how his reporting on Justice Clarence Thomas’s history of accepting gifts from a conservative megadonor led to increased scrutiny of the court.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Serena Solin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why parents are suing social media May 01, 2023

Congress has yet to pass legislation regulating social media companies, so parents are taking matters into their own hands. A lawyer representing them explains how a new spin on an old legal theory might lead to a big win.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Fake Drake Apr 28, 2023

The Verge’s Nilay Patel explains how a spurious collaboration between Drake and The Weeknd started a copyright fight over generative AI. Holly Herndon introduces her AI alterego, Holly+.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Avishay Artsy, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Can Title IX protect trans athletes? Apr 27, 2023

President Biden hopes so. His administration is preparing to roll out new rules that would counter state and local bans aimed at keeping transgender youth out of sports. ESPN’s Katie Barnes explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Avishay Artsy and Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The new war in Sudan Apr 26, 2023

Foreign powers are arming and funding opposing military leaders in Sudan, who are now battling for control of the country. It’s just the latest in a line of civil conflicts worldwide that are trending longer and more complex.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

In this episode of Today, Explained, we misstated the relationship between the German composer Richard Wagner and Adolf Hitler. Rather than Wagner professing Nazi sympathies, as our guest suggested, Hitler was instead a fan of Wagner.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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He’s running Apr 25, 2023

The oldest president in the history of the United States wants a second term. Vox’s Andrew Prokop and Dylan Matthews explain why Joe Biden doesn’t have any competition.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Matt Collette and Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Adderall shortage Apr 24, 2023

There is a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD. One culprit: the DEA. Vox’s Dylan Scott explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Cocaine hippos (and the case against pets) Apr 21, 2023

The descendants of Pablo Escobar’s pet hippopotami are wreaking havoc in Colombia. They can teach us non-druglords a thing or two about pet ownership.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Make it rain Apr 20, 2023

The Colorado River is disappearing and the government is now spending millions on one wild idea to ease the pain: seeding clouds to make it rain.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Sean Rameswarem.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What does the Fox pay? Apr 19, 2023

$787.5 million. (To Dominion Voting Systems, averting a defamation trial that could have been disastrous for the network. The Washington Post’s Erik Wemple explains.)

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Miles Bryan, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hollywood writers are ready to strike Apr 18, 2023

TV and film writers just voted to authorize a strike, which could leave studios without fresh scripts as soon as May 1. Bloomberg business reporter Lucas Shaw explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The forever chemicals in your blood Apr 17, 2023

The Biden administration has new plans to reduce the amount of PFAS or “forever chemicals” in America’s drinking water. Barbara Moran, WBUR’s climate and environmental correspondent, explains why that will only get us so far.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Haleema Shah, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Discord leaks Apr 14, 2023

Federal officials have charged a 21-year-old member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard with posting a trove of classified documents online. Politico’s Erin Banco explains.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Haleema Shah with help from Amina Al-Sadi. It was edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Phantom ghosts Broadway Apr 13, 2023

The chandelier crashes for a final time as Broadway’s longest-running musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extremely ’80s Phantom of the Opera, closes after 35 years and nearly 14,000 performances. Vulture’s Andrea Long Chu assesses its cultural staying power.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Victoria Chamberlin and Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why stuff isn’t getting cheaper Apr 12, 2023

The traditional explanation of inflation is simple: too much money chasing too few goods. But some experts are now wondering if companies’ aggressive pursuit of profit is driving up inflation as well.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The new fight over abortion pills Apr 11, 2023

A federal judge in Texas invalidated the FDA’s decades-old approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. Vox’s Anna North explains the battle over a drug that’s been legal since 2000.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matthew Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Russia arrested an American reporter Apr 10, 2023

Evan Gershkovich’s detention is a callback to the last time a US journalist was accused of espionage in Russia — and to a Soviet-era tactic for manipulating the West.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Matt Collette, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Table for 10 billion, please Apr 07, 2023

Feeding the world’s growing population is an increasingly difficult challenge, and climate change won’t make it any easier. Vox’s Kenny Torrella visited the Netherlands, a small country with big ideas about the future of food, to find out more about how the country is approaching the problem.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

Help keep this show and all of Vox's journalism free by making a gift to Vox today: bit.ly/givepodcasts

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Uncle Sam really wants you Apr 06, 2023

The US military faces its worst recruiting crisis since the draft ended in 1973. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth — aware of the military’s reputation of forever wars, veteran suicide, and sexual assault — is working to convince a new generation to enlist anyway.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Should you carry Narcan? Apr 05, 2023

The drug that brings people overdosing on opioids back from the brink of death in minutes just got approved for over-the-counter use. The Wall Street Journal’s Julie Wernau explains why she carries it with her everywhere she goes.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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City Limits: Blame the mayor Apr 04, 2023

Chicagoans feel unsafe, and many blame Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The two Democrats on the ballot to replace her have starkly different views on what the city should do next. WBEZ’s Patrick Smith and Mariah Woelfel explain.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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City Limits: Crime vibes Apr 03, 2023

Americans aren’t going downtown like they used to, and a lot of them say it’s because they don’t feel safe there. Today, Explained got the data to untangle crime facts from crime feelings.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette with help from Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Additional help from Patrick Smith and Vivian McCall.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Florida man indicted Mar 31, 2023

Donald Trump is the first US president to be indicted. Now what? Vox’s Andrew Prokop explains.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Amanda Lewellyn with help from Avishay Artsy. It was edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The fake nation of Kailasa Mar 30, 2023

Newark officials rescinded a sister city agreement with the United States of Kailasa after finding out it wasn’t actually a real place. Reporter Sushmita Pathak explains how a fugitive cult leader from India created a fake nation that conned everyday people, government officials, and the UN.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Amina Al-Sadi and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How an AI pope pic fooled us Mar 29, 2023

An AI-generated image of Cool Pope in immaculate drip went viral over the weekend and most everyone thought it was real. The Verge’s James Vincent explains how we should navigate our new internet reality.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Avishay Artsy and Siona Peterous, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Israeli-Israeli conflict Mar 28, 2023

Far-right judicial reforms have inspired what might be the largest protests in the history of Israel. If adopted, the reforms could spell the end of democracy in the world’s only majority-Jewish country.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Matthew Collette, Victoria Chamberlin and Siona Petrous, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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New Mexico low-key fixes child care Mar 27, 2023

The US has a child care crisis. But New Mexico just figured out a way to fix it (hint: they’re paying for it).

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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City Limits: Should public transit be free? Mar 24, 2023

Transit agencies nationwide are facing an existential crisis. Washington, DC’s city council has a paradoxical solution: make subways and buses free.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Additional help from Miles Bryan and Jolie Myers.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Rep. Frost and David Hogg on what Gen Z wants Mar 23, 2023

Five years after March for Our Lives, one of the historic protest’s organizers and his historic friend explain why it’s easy to forget how much progress has been made. Plus, Rep. Frost breaks some news about his first proper piece of legislation.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram and Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A tents standoff at the VA Mar 22, 2023

When the Veterans Administration failed to build the homes it promised, unhoused vets built a tent city across the street — in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. KCRW’s Anna Scott tells their story in “City of Tents: Veterans Row.”

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The US is obsessed with China Mar 21, 2023

There’s rare bipartisan consensus in Washington: China is a threat to be countered. Cornell professor Jessica Chen Weiss says the American approach could lock both countries into an escalatory spiral.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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7,300 days Mar 20, 2023

The war in Iraq has been declared over by nearly every president since the one who started it 20 years ago today. But it’s still not done. At SXSW in Austin, Texas, Sean Rameswaram explained why it’s important we remember.

This episode was written by Sean Rameswaram, produced by Sean and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and mixed by Paul Robert Mounsey.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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City Limits: Beware the Doom Loop Mar 17, 2023

Pandemic restrictions are mostly over, but cities are still struggling to recover. Empty offices threaten to set off a downward spiral of falling tax revenue and declining services. Today, Explained’s Miles Bryan tries to stop the doom loop before it starts.

This episode was reported and produced by Miles Bryan with help from Amanda Lewellyn. It was edited by Matt Collette with help from Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The “Lean In” era is over Mar 16, 2023

Execs like YouTube’s Susan Wojcicki and Meta’s Sheryl Sandberg paved the way for women in tech. Now they’re leaving the industry — and being replaced by men.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited and fact-checked by Matt Collette with additional fact help from Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Republicans breaking up with Tucker Carlson Mar 15, 2023

The Fox News host aired a splashy exclusive this month about the January 6 insurrection. Some Republican senators saw his coverage — and publicly called “b******t.”

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah with help from Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The kids defying family court Mar 14, 2023

Two siblings in Utah are defying a court order to reunite with their father, who they allege abused them. ProPublica’s Hannah Dreyfus explains a controversial concept known as “parental alienation.”

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Silicon Valley Bank goes bust Mar 13, 2023

SVB’s collapse is the biggest bank failure since 2008. Insider’s Ben Bergman explains why the bank collapsed, why the Biden administration intervened, and what this means for the economy writ large.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette and Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Top Fun: Oscars vs. blockbusters Mar 12, 2023

Huge hits like Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water got nominated alongside Tár. In this episode of Into It, which is now available twice a week, Vulture’s Joe Reid explains the on-again, off-again relationship between the Oscars and the box office.

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The war on drag Mar 10, 2023

Melissa Brown, a state politics reporter for The Tennessean, spills the tea on Tennessee’s new drag restrictions. And drag performer Bella DuBalle promises the state’s queens have no plans to sashay away.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Congress is daddy Mar 09, 2023

DC is baby.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained .

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Auditing Ukraine Mar 08, 2023

Congress wants more oversight of how the billions in US aid to Ukraine are being used. But our own military can’t even seem to pass an audit.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Haleema Shah, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How to save a murderer Mar 07, 2023

Should past trauma prevent a convicted killer from being executed? The Marshall Project’s Maurice Chammah reports on “mitigation specialists” who try to save the lives of death row inmates by investigating their histories.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Matt Collette, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The fight for affordable insulin Mar 06, 2023

Insulin was the poster child of overpriced life saving drugs, but a manufacturer finally capped the cost at $35. Vox’s Dylan Scott explains how pharmaceutical companies for decades managed to overprice drugs Americans desperately needed.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Matt Collette, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The rockstar maestro Mar 03, 2023

Gustavo Dudamel brought classical music to the masses in Los Angeles. Now he’s announced that he’s taking his talents to New York, which could revive classical music on one of its biggest stages.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why newspapers fired Dilbert Mar 02, 2023

Newspapers across the country pulled the long-running comic “Dilbert” after its creator uploaded a racist tirade about Rasmussen poll results. Journalist Chris Cillizza explains how providing the fodder for controversy is Rasmussen’s whole deal.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Block the sun, save the earth? Mar 01, 2023

Solar geoengineering — the idea of cooling the planet by deflecting the sun’s rays — is so risky that scientists and policy experts can’t even agree on whether to research it.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette and Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Biden’s border orders Feb 28, 2023

President Biden promised a more humane approach to immigration when he entered office. After two years and a flurry of activity on asylum policies, the Washington Post’s Nick Miroff explains whether Biden has delivered.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The shadow war on Russian yachts Feb 27, 2023

Bloomberg's Stephanie Baker and the New Yorker’s Evan Osnos explain the fight to seize (and maintain) billionaire boats.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Another phone call from Ukraine Feb 24, 2023

On the morning Russia invaded Ukraine, we called Yulya and Kurii. A year later, we’re calling them back.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King. Additional production help from Mykola Polosin in Kyiv.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Pharrell Vuitton Feb 23, 2023

Pharrell Williams was happy to be named the new head of Louis Vuitton’s menswear, but his appointment had fashion industry hopefuls feeling like they never get lucky. Nick Kostov and Jacob Gallagher from the Wall Street Journal explain their scoop.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Just how dangerous is the Ohio train crash? Feb 22, 2023

The derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals has residents of East Palestine, Ohio fearing for their health and safety. Two weeks after the incident, many feel like they have more questions than answers.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ban TikTok? Feb 21, 2023

Politicians across the United States are calling for an outright ban on the popular social media platform. Alex Heath, deputy editor at The Verge, explains how TikTok hopes to pre-empt one from ever passing.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Haleema Shah, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Honey, they stole the bees Feb 17, 2023

Humanity can’t survive without bees, which is why bees are big business for thieves. Today, Explained’s Haleema Shah heads to the capital of sting operations — California’s Central Valley — to find out who’s beehind these thefts and why they're happening.

This episode was reported and produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Turkey's man-made catastrophe Feb 16, 2023

Thousands of buildings collapsed after Turkey’s massive earthquakes. Now President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is facing a backlash for an amnesty program that gave developers retroactive approval for shoddy construction.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Nikki Haley kicks off a Republican mutiny Feb 15, 2023

Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, is running for president. Vox’s Andrew Prokop says she’s likely the first of many prominent Republicans to challenge Trump.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Democratizing spying Feb 14, 2023

“Zero-click spyware” is making it easier for governments to get their hands on individuals’ personal data. New York Times investigative reporter Mark Mazzetti says that when it comes to spyware, the United States is both an arsonist and a firefighter.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Pow pow power grid Feb 13, 2023

Attacks on vulnerable electrical infrastructure are surging. The tactic — embraced by everyone from copper-seeking vandals to chaos-minded white nationalists — exposes a major vulnerability in the US power grid.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The great American cattle swindle Feb 10, 2023

Cody Easterday was ranching royalty in Washington state until he was sentenced to 11 years in prison for swindling two companies out of $244 million. KUOW’s Anna King — host of the Ghost Herd podcast — explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Decisions after Dobbs Feb 09, 2023

The Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade is reshaping the way a lot of Americans think about pregnancy and abortion. Vox’s Marin Cogan talks to patients and doctors about how reproductive health care has changed in the months since Dobbs.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Jillian Weinberger, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey with help from Patrick Boyd and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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One earthquake, two recoveries Feb 08, 2023

Turkey is digging itself out from the devastating earthquake that has killed thousands across the country. Recovery efforts have been more difficult in northwest Syria, where civil war means there’s no unified response to the crisis.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The fight over AP African American Studies Feb 07, 2023

The College Board piloted an AP course on African American Studies. Then, after conservative pushback, it debuted a revised curriculum. But the group insists it’s not caving to political pressure.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, who also hosted. We had help with today’s show from Sarah Darville, national managing editor for Chalkbeat.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hullaballoon Feb 06, 2023

The balloon crisis is blown up. Politico’s Alex Ward deflates it for us.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Miles Bryan, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Paying ex-gang members to stop shootings Feb 03, 2023

Policymakers across the country are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on “violence interruptor” programs to try to stop shootings before they happen. WBEZ’s Patrick Smith spent a year with some Chicago-based interruptors for the podcast “Motive.”

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Sickened chickens Feb 02, 2023

Poultry farmers are in flock-down. The bird flu known as H5N1 is being called “the largest foreign animal disease outbreak in US history.” Vox’s Benji Jones and Johns Hopkins University researcher Tom Philpott say the virus underscores the poultry industry’s shortcomings.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Dry February? Feb 01, 2023

New national health guidelines in Canada say any amount of alcohol consumption could lead to serious health risks. The guidance comes as more and more young people across Western nations are choosing Canada Dry.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The police killing of Tyre Nichols Jan 31, 2023

Memphis braced for an explosive reaction to footage of the deadly police beating. It never came. Wendi C. Thomas of the nonprofit newsroom MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, wasn’t surprised: “I know this city.”

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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“Okay, Google, what’s a monopoly?” Jan 30, 2023

The Department of Justice wants Google to break up its advertising business. The Wall Street Journal’s Keach Hagey explains how the DOJ’s antitrust suit could reshape the internet.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited and fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why are businesses acting like there’s a recession? Jan 27, 2023

Wealthy companies like Google and Microsoft are announcing unprecedented layoffs — all while the economy is trending in the right direction. Vox’s Emily Stewart explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Peru’s democracy crisis Jan 26, 2023

Dozens have died in anti-government protests in Peru. Journalist Simeon Tegel reports from Lima on how the mounting anger over corruption and inequality has implications for the entire hemisphere.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Fine dining isn’t fine Jan 25, 2023

Chef René Redzepi said his Copenhagen restaurant, Noma, deemed the best in the world, isn't sustainable and will close next year. But if an establishment charging top dollar can't survive, what restaurant can? KCRW's Evan Kleiman explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Mexico’s top cop is on trial in NYC Jan 24, 2023

The US and Mexican governments trusted Genaro Garcia Luna to crack down on the drug trade. Now he’s on trial for conspiring with El Chapo’s Sinaloa cartel. Peniley Ramírez, co-host of the new podcast USA v. Garcia Luna, explains.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Thanks but no tanks, Ukraine Jan 23, 2023

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine desperately needs tanks to fight Russia. The US, which has provided many other weapons, is refusing.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited and fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The politics of India’s biggest blockbusteRRR Jan 20, 2023

Most people watch RRR and see one of the greatest action epics in the history of cinema. But some see an insidious brand of Hindu nationalism that’s been creeping into Indian culture.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shaprio, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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It’s debt ceiling season Jan 19, 2023

House Republicans are refusing to raise the US debt ceiling without huge concessions. Vox’s Dylan Matthews explains why we have a debt ceiling to begin with (and how President Biden could bypass it).

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The half-baked gas stove debate Jan 18, 2023

No, the government isn’t coming for your gas stove. Vox’s Rebecca Leber explains why you might want to switch anyway.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited and fact-checked by Matt Collette and Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Compost yourself Jan 17, 2023

Remember you are dirt and to dirt you shall return. Science journalist Eleanor Cummins and law professor Tanya Marsh explain the rise of human composting, now legal in six states, as an alternative to burial or cremation.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What’s up, docs? Jan 13, 2023

What do a Delaware garage and a Florida palace have in common? We dig into Joe Biden’s classified document mess.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Too much water for California Jan 12, 2023

Rain is good for California, but the state was not prepared for what might be a megastorm. KQED’s Dan Brekke assesses the damage from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Institute’s Peter Gleick explains how we can be better prepared for future storms.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Taliban vs. women Jan 11, 2023

When the Taliban took power, it promised a place for women in its new Afghanistan. Now, hardliners are embracing policies that do the opposite.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Brazil’s January 6? Jan 10, 2023

Except it was on January 8. The Brazilian Report’s Gustavo Ribeiro explains from São Paulo.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Andrew Tate: The king of toxic masculinity Jan 09, 2023

Controversial manfluencer Andrew Tate is in a Romanian prison, accused of rape and human trafficking. Vox’s Rebecca Jennings and sociolinguist Robert Lawson explain why his brand of grotesque misogyny appeals to millions of men.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Will Kevin McCarthy become speaker? Jan 06, 2023

The 118th Congress has begun with a showdown over who will be elected House speaker. Vox’s Andrew Prokop argues that this is the culmination of a decade-long trend of stonewalling in Congress.

Today’s show was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Victoria Chamberlin. It was edited by Amina Al-Sadi and was fact-checked by Serena Solin. It was engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and hosted by Noel King

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why we’re all on antidepressants Jan 05, 2023

Ray Osheroff was a successful doctor in the DC area until his depression became debilitating. The way he was treated — and not treated — changed psychiatry. Rachel Aviv tells the surprising story of the rise of psychiatric medication.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan and edited by Matthew Collette. It was engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The many lies of George Santos Jan 04, 2023

George Santos is supposed to become a member of Congress this week. We still have no idea who he is.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Let’s eat lab meat Jan 03, 2023

Happy New Year! Maybe you’re interested in trying new things? Sean and his mom are. In today’s episode, they drive to Alameda, California to try “hybrid meat” — a mixture of lab-grown meat and veggie meat substitute that could deliver a more sustainable (but still meaty) future.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Abortions before Roe Dec 29, 2022

Before Roe v. Wade, Eleanor Oliver was a Jane: a member of a group in Chicago that helped women get safe but illegal abortions. Sean Rameswaram sat down with her on the day Roe was overturned.

This episode was edited and fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and produced by Victoria Chamberlin and host Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How to save kids from online extremism Dec 28, 2022

A lot of IRL violence starts with online radicalization. We revisit our conversation with writer and parent Joanna Schroeder, who wrote a guide for parents about what to look out for and how to intervene.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why the Ukraine war happened Dec 27, 2022

Vladimir Putin believes Ukraine belongs to Russia, and he used that a pretense to invade. In an episode originally released in February, historian Timothy Snyder explains why Putin is wrong.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What’s the dill with pickleball? Dec 22, 2022

Pickleball is bringing America together. Pickleball is tearing America apart. Sports Illustrated’s John Walters explains.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why gaslighting is the word of the year Dec 21, 2022

It’s sooo 2016, but the word still mattered a lot in 2022. Merriam-Webster explains.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Criminal referrals for Donald Trump Dec 20, 2022

The January 6 committee sent the Justice Department four criminal referrals against the former president, who it alleges engaged in an elaborate criminal conspiracy to remain in office after his 2020 defeat. Vox’s Andrew Prokop explains what happens next.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The case against movie trailers Dec 19, 2022

Movie trailers are misleading audiences. Vox’s Alissa Wilkinson says you should stop watching them.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Do I have to care about the Twitter Files? Dec 16, 2022

Maybe not, but you’re going to be hearing about them for a while anyway. Republicans are saying they’ll use them to investigate the Biden administration.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Victoria Chamberlain, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Megan Thee Stallion Dec 15, 2022

Megan Thee Stallion is everywhere — including in court, testifying against the rapper Tory Lanez, who is charged with shooting her. Vox’s Fabiola Cineas explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Throwing soup at art Dec 14, 2022

Tensions are simmering in London as climate protesters turn up the heat on their soup-flinging activism. Rishi Sunak’s government is attempting to keep the situation from boiling over.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Art-ificial intelligence Dec 13, 2022

Between chatbots and image generators, artificial intelligence has gotten scary good lately. The Verge’s James Vincent explains what’s behind the latest wave of AI-powered creations.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro with help from Paul Robert Mounsey and additional music by Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hint of crime Dec 12, 2022

Tostitos chips without real lime. Root beer made with fake vanilla. Instant mac and cheese that isn’t so instant. These products are among the hundreds targeted by lawyer Spencer Sheehan, who wants Big Food to stop misrepresenting its products.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T (for Marriage Act) Dec 09, 2022

Sen. Tammy Baldwin managed to rally bipartisan support for a marriage equality bill, but she’s the first to admit the legislation is “humble.” An activist wonders if there’s an overemphasis on the institution of marriage.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The prisoner swap for Brittney Griner Dec 08, 2022

US officials are sending the “Merchant of Death” — a notorious arms dealer named Viktor Bout — back to Russia in exchange for the WNBA star’s release. We revisit our conversation with author Douglas Farah, author of “Merchant of Death: Money, Guns, Planes, and the Man Who Makes War Possible.”

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Power-tripping sheriffs Dec 07, 2022

A growing number of county sheriffs believe they hold ultimate power in their jurisdictions. Some have even stopped enforcing state and federal laws they deem unconstitutional. The Marshall Project’s Maurice Chammah explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Moscow murders Dec 06, 2022

Investigators are still trying to solve the brutal November killings of four college students in Moscow, Idaho. Making their work harder: the hordes of online sleuths who’ve latched on to the case.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Digging tunnels for cars Dec 05, 2022

Elon Musk created The Boring Company to fix traffic, but his fantasy of underground Tesla tunnels is running on empty. Curbed’s Alissa Walker and author Paris Marx explain.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, edited by Matt Collette, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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8 billion humans Dec 02, 2022

The United Nations says humanity has reached 8 billion, but Western nations are worried about population decline. Africa isn’t, though. The continent is about to shape the rest of the century.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Cristian Ayala, and edited by Sean Rameswaram who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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China’s biggest protests since Tiananmen Square Dec 01, 2022

The protests in China might force the government to back down from its extreme Covid restrictions and ramp up its extreme surveillance programs. The Wall Street Journal’s Josh Chin explains.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Sean Rameswaram who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Disney’s boomerang CEO Nov 30, 2022

Disney’s board wished upon a star and brought back former CEO Bob Iger, who replaced his own replacement, the now-axed CEO Bob Chapek. The Hollywood Reporter’s Kim Masters explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Nancy podcast Nov 29, 2022

Democrats vote on new leadership this week, meaning Nancy Pelosi is out. Time’s Molly Ball explains why the country might really miss her.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Can you spare some climate change? Nov 28, 2022

In a UN-brokered agreement, more than 190 countries agreed to pay for “loss and damage” caused by climate change. But determining who owes what — and for what and to whom — will be a real challenge.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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NASA wants to live in space Nov 25, 2022

NASA’s Artemis mission is the first step toward a long-term human settlement on the moon. Vox’s Unexplainable examines whether humans are even capable of living far from Earth for an extended period of time.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Little influencers, big business Nov 23, 2022

Parents are turning their kids into influencers on social media. What could go wrong?

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Gen Z in the House Nov 22, 2022

Florida’s Maxwell Frost, 25, is the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He tells us what he plans to get done.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ticketmaster (Taylor’s Version) Nov 21, 2022

It’s me, Ticketmaster. I’m the problem, it’s me.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

This episode features a fun Taylor Swift parody courtesy of Miranda Hardy and Liz Larkin on TikTok @MirandaHardyMusic.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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World Cup: How 2 B a legend Nov 18, 2022

Pelé. Maradona. Ronaldo. Soccer’s greats are so good, they’re typically known by one name. Men in Blazers soccer journalist Roger Bennett explains how winning the World Cup can turn a player into a legend.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Pushing the Russians back Nov 17, 2022

In its biggest victory yet, Ukraine retook its vital port city, Kherson. The Guardian’s Luke Harding calls Russia’s retreat a turning point in the war — but a long, cold winter awaits.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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An inconvenient glacier Nov 16, 2022

While the world’s leaders are meeting at COP27 to discuss climate change, Antarctica’s massive Thwaites Glacier is melting. The world’s coastlines face catastrophic consequences. Rolling Stone’s Jeff Goodell went to see it with his own eyes.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The FTX cryptocalypse Nov 15, 2022

With the collapse of one of its largest exchanges, crypto’s having its very own Lehman Brothers moment. Semafor’s Liz Hoffman explains the repercussions for the real world.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Amanda Lewellyn, edited and fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The tech boom is over Nov 14, 2022

Mark Zuckerberg fired 11,000 employees at Meta. Elon Musk axed half his staff at Twitter. Other tech giants are slashing jobs and eliminating perks, too. Recode’s Peter Kafka says the era of big tech growth is over.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited and fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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World Cup: They built this city Nov 11, 2022

The people who built Qatar’s stadiums, hotels, and transit systems were employed under the country’s exploitative migrant worker system. Officials promised things would change before the World Cup, but a one-time worker says it’s only better on paper.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A vaccine for RSV Nov 10, 2022

A respiratory virus called RSV has a lot of kids in critical condition and hospitals overwhelmed. Vox public health reporter and epidemiologist Keren Landman explains newfound hope for a vaccine.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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No red wave Nov 09, 2022

The midterms weren’t a clear victory for Republicans, and it’s still too early to know who’ll control Congress. Vox’s Andrew Prokop explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Hady Mawajdeh with help from Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What if you HAD to vote? Nov 08, 2022

Midterm elections are a tough sell in the United States. Half of eligible voters show up in a good year. On Election Day, we’re revisiting an episode about how things work down under, where “sausage sizzles” and “bathers” make mandatory voting feel like a party.

This episode was originally produced by Noam Hassenfeld and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. It was updated by Amina Al-Sadi with help from Efim Shapiro and Matt Collette. New reporting by Amanda Lewellyn, Miles Bryan, Laura Bullard, and Hady Mawajdeh.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Kari Lake is MAGA’s rising star Nov 07, 2022

Perhaps the most consequential midterms in US history are this week. Arizona’s Kari Lake, a former news anchor turned gubernatorial candidate, embodies much of what’s at stake. Stacey Barchenger from The Arizona Republic explains.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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World Cup: Welcome to Qatar! Nov 04, 2022

Soccer is sometimes called “the second religion of the Arab World,” and Qatar is the region’s first country to host the World Cup. But FIFA’s pick of the desert nation comes with boundless controversy.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Elon’s Twitter hell Nov 03, 2022

Twitter is about to suck for you. But it’s going to suck for self-proclaimed “Chief Twit” Elon Musk too. Recode’s Shirin Ghaffary and The Verge’s Nilay Patel explain.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How does the war in Ukraine end? Nov 02, 2022

The next Congress could be a whole lot less willing to keep spending billions on aid to Ukraine. It’s time to talk about how this war could end.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Miles Bryan, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The teen’s gambit Nov 01, 2022

The chess world is in chaos after its top player accused 19-year-old Hans Niemann of using AI to cheat. Niemann is responding with a $100 million lawsuit against his accuser and the chess website that says he likely cheated in scores of games.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A win for Lula (and democracy) in Brazil Oct 31, 2022

Incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro vowed he wouldn’t accept the results of the Brazilian election if he lost. Then he lost. Samantha Pearson, Brazil correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, reports from a country on edge.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Our annual Halloween hysteria Oct 28, 2022

This year’s fear of rainbow fentanyl in kids’ trick-or-treat bags is just the latest unfounded Halloween candy freakout. But the yearly panic has its roots in a very real crisis: the 1982 Tylenol murders.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Jillian Weinberger, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Supermarket supermerger Oct 27, 2022

Grocery story giants Kroger and Albertsons want to become one mega-company. The chains say merging will allow them to lower their prices, but antitrust researcher Ron Knox says we should be skeptical.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Teflon Ron Oct 26, 2022

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has hit on a winning — if possibly unethical — campaign strategy: prosecuting people who accidentally committed voter fraud. The Tampa Bay Times’s Lawrence Mower explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Siona Peterous, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Jillian Weinberger, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A police sketch based on DNA Oct 25, 2022

Earlier this month, police in Edmonton, Canada, released a sketch of a suspect. The issue is, no one knows what the suspect looks like.

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Investigating women’s soccer Oct 24, 2022

Allegations of misconduct have rocked US women’s soccer for the last year. The Athletic’s Steph Yang breaks down a new report on the degree to which league officials ignored complaints and protected abusers.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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On with Kara Swisher (and Stacey Abrams) Oct 23, 2022

Stacey Abrams is running for governor of Georgia, again … against Brian Kemp, again. The two last faced off in a heated contest in 2018, with Kemp’s win hanging on 54,723 votes. This time, he’s an incumbent and even further ahead in the polls. So, in this recent episode of her new podcast, On with Kara Swisher, Kara asks Abrams: what is different now?

Find On with Kara Swisher in your favorite podcast app: https://bit.ly/3eOYMbi

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Nikola (not Tesla) Oct 21, 2022

The bombastic founder of an electric truck startup (no, not Elon) has been convicted for his role in his company’s “intricate fraud.” But even without the crimes, getting EVs to market has proven a lot harder than everyone thought.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Miles Bryan and Haleema Shah, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Truss fall Oct 20, 2022

Liz Truss accomplished at least one thing in her 45 days as prime minister: She set a record for the shortest term in office. The Atlantic’s Tom McTague explains her disastrous tenure.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Correction, October 21: An earlier version of the episode misattributed a quote to British politician Penny Mordaunt. The error has been corrected.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The devil’s bargain on inflation Oct 19, 2022

The Federal Reserve knows raising interest rates disproportionately hurts Black people. It just doesn’t have any better tools, says the Minneapolis Fed’s Neel Kashkari.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Los Angeles city council meltdown Oct 18, 2022

Leaked audio revealed elected officials, including City Council President Nury Martinez, making xenophobic, homophobic, and racist statements about their colleagues and constituents. The city has united in fury.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Legal weed’s half-baked promise Oct 17, 2022

Pro-pot Californians said legalizing marijuana would end the state’s black market for reefer. Instead, says LA Times investigative reporter Paige St. John, the illegal market is bigger than ever.

This episode was produced by Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Made in China Oct 14, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping is a product of Mao Zedong’s revolution. On Sunday, he'll become the most powerful Chinese leader since the Communist Party’s founder — and maybe the most powerful person in the world.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Additional production and fact checking by Siona Peterous, Avishay Artsy, Hady Mawajdeh, and Jillian Weinberger

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A new law to “save the animals” Oct 13, 2022

The Endangered Species Act was transformative in protecting animals from extinction. Vox’s Benji Jones says its proposed successor, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, would be the most significant conservation law in decades.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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#MahsaAmini was just the beginning Oct 12, 2022

The 22-year-old Iranian died in police custody after being arrested for wearing her hijab improperly. Her death has sparked a protest movement calling for the end of a regime that has for decades ruled Iran with an iron fist.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Jillian Weinberger, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Amanda Lewellyn and Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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If Republicans win the midterms Oct 11, 2022

They’ve got a few legislative ideas and a LOT of investigative ones. Vox’s Rachel Cohen and Ben Jacobs explain.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Fettermania Oct 07, 2022

John Fetterman, the 6-foot-8, hoodie and cargo shorts-wearing Democratic candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania, may be the model for how progressives can win elections. He just needs to beat Dr. Oz.

This episode was reported and produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Cristian Ayala and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Small nukes Oct 06, 2022

Vladimir Putin keeps threatening to use smaller nuclear weapons to win his war. Author J. Peter Scoblic says “there’s no such thing as small nukes.”

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Student loan forgiveMESS Oct 05, 2022

President Biden’s plan to forgive billions of dollars in student debt is both historic and controversial. Now some red states are suing to block it. NPR’s Cory Turner explains.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin with help from Jillian Weinberger, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Puerto Rico’s power crisis Oct 04, 2022

Days after Ian, most Floridians now have their power back. Weeks after Fiona, more than 100,000 Puerto Rican households and businesses are still coping with blackouts and an outdated grid. The Washington Post’s Arelis Hernández explains.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Supreme Court is back and “even more consequential” Oct 03, 2022

According to Vox’s Ian Millhiser (and no, he hasn’t forgotten they just overturned Roe).

This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Victoria Chamberlin and Laura Bullard with help from Miles Bryan, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Brett Favre and the Mississippi welfare fraud Sep 30, 2022

An extraordinary case of fraud is unfolding in Mississippi, where a chummy cadre of nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and professional athletes redirected tens of millions in welfare funds toward their own pet projects. Mississippi Today’s Anna Wolfe explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The ’90s throwback no one wants Sep 29, 2022

Elvedin Pasic lived through the Bosnian genocide in the early 1990s. So why is one of Bosnia’s leaders saying it never happened? And what happens if that leader, Milorad Dodik, wins a national election this weekend?

This episode was reported and produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Europe’s looming energy crisis Sep 28, 2022

Pipelines are leaking, winter is coming, and concerns over an energy crisis in Europe are growing. Vox’s Jen Kirby heads to Oktoberfest to find out more.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Can Beto flip Texas? Sep 27, 2022

Republicans have firmly held the Texas governorship since 1995. Beto O’Rourke’s campaign is both a long shot and Democrats’ best challenge in decades.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Putin’s fake elections Sep 26, 2022

The Russian president is calling on reservists and holding fake referenda to legitimize his war. Washington Post reporter Mary Ilyushina explains.

This episode was produced by Jillian Weinberger and Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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I wish I was a little bit taller Sep 23, 2022

I wish I was a baller. I wish there was a doc who’d break my legs, I would call her.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Johnson & Johnson’s “bankruptcy” Sep 22, 2022

Thousands of people say Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder gave them cancer. They’re suing — but the consumer giant is using a bankruptcy strategy called the “Texas two-step” to limit its liability.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Pakistan wants climate reparations Sep 21, 2022

After catastrophic flooding, Pakistani people are demanding better disaster management from their government. Their government wants reparations from wealthy countries.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Is Patagonia fleecing the IRS? Sep 20, 2022

The billionaire founder of Patagonia is giving away his company to fight climate change. He’s also getting a giant tax break.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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You can’t spell “dysfunction” without the UN Sep 19, 2022

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated just how dysfunctional the United Nations is. Uri Friedman, managing editor at the Atlantic Council, explains how to fix it.

This episode was produced by Jillian Weinberger, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The true story of The Woman King Sep 16, 2022

The historical epic The Woman King, in theaters today, is set in the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. The kingdom’s elite all-female fighting force was evidence of its enlightened attitude toward women, but its participation in the transatlantic slave trade is a stain on its history. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood and economist Leonard Wantchekon, a descendent of the women fighters, explain.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Tori Dominguez, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Noel King, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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I should have applied for a fraudulent PPP loan Sep 15, 2022

As the coronavirus pandemic disrupted business in the US, the government sent billions of dollars to people and businesses that were affected. That led to an epidemic of financial scams.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, fact-checked by Serena Solin and Tori Dominguez, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Is Ukraine winning now? Sep 14, 2022

A recent Ukrainian counteroffensive seems to have caught Russia on its back foot. That could have consequences for Putin in the war — and at home. The Washington Post’s Mary Ilyushina explains.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Miles Bryan, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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When an election denier becomes election chief Sep 13, 2022

A quartet of 2020 election deniers are running for secretary of state this year in key swing states, raising questions about whether they could fairly administer the 2024 presidential election.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, fact-checked by Victoria Dominguez and Serena Solin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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“Bringing the border to Biden” Sep 12, 2022

Texas and Arizona's governors are giving migrants bus tickets to the capital. The mayor of Washington, DC, says it’s causing a humanitarian crisis in the city — and that the White House isn’t helping.

This episode was reported and produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Victoria Dominguez and Serena Solin, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The queen is dead Sep 09, 2022

Long live the king.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Hady Mawajdeh, fact-checked by Serena Solin and Amina Al-Sadi with help from Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi Sep 08, 2022

What’s happening in Jackson is hardly unique: Cities and states across the US are setting themselves up for failure by postponing expensive but critical work on aging water infrastructure. Climate change is making things worse, faster.

This episode was produced by Jillian Weinberger and Amanda Lewellyn with help from Victoria Chamberlin and Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Your long Covid questions, answered Sep 07, 2022

Millions of people have long Covid; countless more could get it. Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez answers questions from Today, Explained listeners about the condition that has even doctors bewildered.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Curious Georgia Sep 06, 2022

Prosecutor Fani Willis and a special grand jury have some questions for the man with the yellow hair. Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Stephen Fowler explains Fulton County’s election interference investigation that appears to be closing in on former President Trump and his allies.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Victoria Chamberlin, Miles Bryan, Amanda Lewellyn, and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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It ain’t over 'til the crawdads sing Sep 01, 2022

Delia Owens’s runaway bestseller Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of a killing in North Carolina’s marshland. The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg explains Owens is wanted for questioning in Zambia regarding a real-life killing that bears striking similarities to the novel.

This episode was produced by Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Heat waves been faking me out Aug 31, 2022

As devastating heat waves like the recent one in China become more common, we’re going to need new ways of talking about them. Vox’s Neel Dhanesha explains a proposal to name heat waves.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What do we owe future humans? Aug 30, 2022

A new wave of philanthropists wants to make charity more effective. They’re focused not just on the present day but also thousands of years into the future. Vox’s Dylan Matthews explains how “effective altruism” became a multibillion-dollar philanthropic force.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Instagram’s identity crisis Aug 29, 2022

If you think Instagram sucks now, it’s by design. Vox's Rebecca Jennings and Platformer's Casey Newton explain.

This episode was produced by Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Hady Mawajdeh and Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Island of Explained: It’s electric! Aug 27, 2022

A magical theme park ride on the Island of Explained demonstrates the damage done by fossil fuels and why renewable energy might be the best way to power the future.

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Is Russia a state sponsor of terror? Aug 26, 2022

Six months into its escalation of war with Ukraine, the calls to declare Russia a state sponsor of terror have never been louder. Delaney Simon from the International Crisis Group makes the case against doing so and Kira Rudyk, a member of Ukraine's parliament, says the United States has nothing to lose.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Health care’s post-Roe nightmare Aug 25, 2022

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe has implications far beyond abortion; it complicates access to vital drugs and delays essential care for pregnant people. The president of the American Medical Association explains how the chaos is hurting health care providers and their patients.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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RIP OAN Aug 24, 2022

A cable news network tailor-made for the former president is getting canceled. The Daily Beast’s Justin Baragona chronicles the demise of One America News.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Miles Bryan, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, edited by Matt Collette and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Putin’s war comes to Russia Aug 23, 2022

A car bomb killed Russian commentator Darya Dugina over the weekend. The bomb may have been meant for her father, the far-right, pro-Putin, pro-war philosopher Alexander Dugin. The Guardian’s Andrew Roth explains.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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FREE YSL Aug 22, 2022

Two of the biggest rappers in the world, Young Thug and Gunna, are behind bars. And their bars will likely be used as evidence when they go to trial.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and edited and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hollywood’s IP industrial complex Aug 20, 2022

Noel and Sean join Sam Sanders to kick off the third episode of his new Vulture show, “Into It.” Sam then speaks to TV titan Damon Lindelof about Hollywood’s difficulty with letting stories die.

Listen to more episodes of "Into It" at https://link.chtbl.com/intoittex

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You know nothing, HBO Aug 19, 2022

HBO hopes to win the streaming wars with House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones. But GoT’s disastrous finale disappointed viewers, and the prequel is being released as HBO’s parent company, Warner Brothers Discovery, undertakes massive cost-cutting measures. Still: DRAGONS.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Tori Dominquez, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Merrick Garland’s dilemma Aug 18, 2022

The Justice Department is investigating Donald Trump, but the ex-president's still-large base likely won’t want him prosecuted under any circumstances. Vox’s Zack Beauchamp explains the ongoing fallout from the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Noel King, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The fatwa against Salman Rushdie Aug 17, 2022

Was never about Salman Rushdie. Journalist Robin Wright explains.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Hady Mawajdeh and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Dark Brandon Aug 16, 2022

A meme that mocks President Biden has been transformed by supporters to celebrate his recent wins. But questions about whether he should run for reelection remain. The Washington Post's Matt Viser explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Jon Ehrens, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Russia’s back-to-school plan for Ukraine Aug 15, 2022

Russia is paying teachers big bucks to teach a pro-Kremlin curriculum in Ukraine. It’s part of a campaign to formally annex occupied Ukraine into the Russian Federation.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Island of Explained: Listen up! Aug 13, 2022

Kiarra and Izii are having an argument when they are unexpectedly transported to the Island of Explained. There, they meet an Engin-Ear and a magical unicorn who teach them how hearing works and why actively listening with empathy is key to resolving arguments between friends.

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Liz Cheney is losing (and winning) Aug 12, 2022

The Wyoming Republican will likely lose her primary, but she’s winning over a lot of Democrats in the process.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The New Right’s pay pal Aug 11, 2022

From politicians to podcasters, one man’s money unites the New Right. Bloomberg’s Max Chafkin explains how Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel is shaping the fledgling conservative movement in his own image.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Meet the New Right Aug 10, 2022

The newest conservative dissidents want to radically reshape the Republican party and American democracy. Journalist James Pogue explains the confounding movement, which includes Senate candidates Blake Masters and J.D. Vance.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Raid-a-Lago Aug 09, 2022

Florida man's beach house searched by FBI.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Avishay Artsy with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amina Al-Sadi and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Brittney Griner for the Merchant of Death Aug 08, 2022

Viktor Bout might be the most successful arms dealer in history. The US could let him go free if Russia releases the WNBA star, who was just sentenced to nine years in prison. Bout’s biographer, Douglas Farah, explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Authoritarianism, baby! Aug 05, 2022

Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán traveled to Texas for CPAC this week. Back home, he’s trying to fight population decline by paying some citizens to have more kids. But a real solution involves one weird trick Hungary — and US conservatives — hates.

This episode was reported and produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Monkeypox is a queer emergency Aug 04, 2022

Gay men, queer people, and their partners represent an overwhelming majority of monkeypox cases. But even though the WHO just declared the disease a global health emergency, resources like vaccines, testing, and treatment remain largely out of reach. Health reporter Keren Landman and virologist Joseph Osmundson explain.

This episode was produced by Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Did Joe Manchin just save the planet? Aug 03, 2022

Probably not, but he did finally compromise on the Inflation Reduction Act (née Build Back Better), which could be the most significant climate spending bill in US history. Vox’s Li Zhou and Rebecca Leber explain.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Pelosi in Taiwan Aug 02, 2022

China didn’t want Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan. Neither did the White House. Politico’s Alex Ward explains why she went anyway.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Jon Ehrens, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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America has Afghanistan’s money Aug 01, 2022

The US froze billions in Afghanistan’s central bank reserves when the Taliban took control. Now it’s wrestling with how to trust the Taliban with the Afghan people’s money.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin with help from Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Victoria Dominguez and Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Island of Explained: Plant-based party Jul 30, 2022

An invitation to a vegan party sends producers Kiarra and Izii to the Island of Explained, where a giant who once ate people explains why he switched to a plant-based diet — and why that diet might be beneficial for humans, too.

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Fighting climate despair Jul 29, 2022

Climate change has driven some environmental activists to extremes. We talk about overcoming despair with Terry Kaelber, whose husband David Buckel took his life to protest inaction, and Tim DeChristopher, who was imprisoned for his activism.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey with help from Christian Ayala, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Are we in a recession? Jul 28, 2022

The US economy has shrunk for two consecutive quarters. That’s technically a recession. But economists aren’t so sure we’re actually in one. Madeleine Ngo and Jacob Goldstein explain.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Riding in Cars with Robots Jul 27, 2022

The data is in on autonomous cars: They are crashing, but they're still doing a lot better than regular cars driven by humans. The Verge’s Andrew Hawkins and Vox’s Marin Cogan take the wheel.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Replacing Boris Johnson Jul 26, 2022

Britain’s Conservative party is spending the summer choosing its next prime minister. The Atlantic’s Tom McTague introduces the candidates vying to replace him.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan with help from Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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McMoscow Jul 25, 2022

The 1990 opening of a McDonald's in Russia heralded not just burgers and fries but, get this, a new era of peace and prosperity. The Economist’s Patrick Foulis explains how the promises of globalization never entirely materialized.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Wrestling with Vince McMahon Jul 22, 2022

The CEO who turned World Wrestling Entertainment into a global brand has retired after nearly 40 years, amid allegations of sexual assault and infidelity. Journalist Abe Riesman explains the rise and fall of Vince McMahon.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Dry Hot American Summer Jul 21, 2022

As the world heats up, the American West is drier than at any period in the past 1,200 years. But don’t expect people to stop watering their lawns.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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FYI those telescope photos are kinda fake Jul 20, 2022

But the images from the Webb Space Telescope still provide our best look yet at the formation of the universe. NASA astrophysicist Amber Straughn and science journalist Josh Sokol unpack humanity’s newest glimpse at the cosmos.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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BA.5 and DIY Covid Jul 19, 2022

Surging cases, Paxlovid rebounds, and apathy everywhere. Vox’s Dr. Keren Landman explains how to navigate the do-it-yourself era of the pandemic.

This episode was produced by Victoria Dominguez and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What the January 6 committee has found (so far) Jul 18, 2022

A congressional committee set out to offer the definitive story of the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Things got dramatic.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Island of Explained: The missing firefly Jul 16, 2022

Luz the firefly is missing, and producers Izii and Sara want to know why. They take a trip to the Island of Explained, where they learn why whole species are losing their habitats and what humans can do about it.

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“To [REDACTED] a Mockingbird” Jul 15, 2022

Some conservative parents are trying to get books about race and sexuality banned from libraries and schools. Author Clint Smith says it’s dangerous to ban books to eliminate discomfort.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Victoria Dominguez with help from Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Shinzo Abe’s call to arms Jul 14, 2022

The assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe may have given his agenda to militarize Japan new life. Abe biographer Tobias Harris explains.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The case of the fake Basquiats Jul 13, 2022

Art crime is booming and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s paintings (or at least some very realistic forgeries) are the loot du jour. Reporter Brett Sokol and a guy who used to forge Basquiats explain.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Joe Biden’s Saudi vacation Jul 12, 2022

Candidate Biden said he would make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” on the world stage. Now President Biden is traveling there, asking for the kingdom’s help on gas prices.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens and Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Victoria Dominguez and Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Joe Biden’s tampon shortage Jul 11, 2022

No, President Biden didn’t cause the tampon shortage — or any of the recent shortages. But that won’t stop him from taking the blame.

This episode was produced by Victoria Dominguez and Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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UFOMG Jul 08, 2022

Congress just had its first hearings on UFOs in over 50 years. We revisit a 2021 episode where the New Yorker’s Gideon Lewis-Kraus explained why the US government started taking sightings seriously.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What if you could talk without speaking? Jul 07, 2022

A groundbreaking new study claims to have found a way for a fully paralyzed person to communicate entirely via thought. But as we learned in an episode earlier this year, the scientists behind it have a checkered past.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Tori Dominguez and Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How the US learned to love sanctions Jul 06, 2022

The US hoped sanctions would end Russia’s war in Ukraine quickly. We revisit our conversation with historian Nicholas Mulder who explains the surprising history of economic penalties as a weapon of war.

This episode was produced by Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ask for Jane Jul 01, 2022

Before Roe v. Wade, Eleanor Oliver was a Jane: a member of a group in Chicago that helped women get safe but illegal abortions. Sean Rameswaram sat down with her on the day Roe was overturned.

This episode was edited and fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and produced by Victoria Chamberlin and host Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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This country is a lot right now Jun 30, 2022

The past week/month/year/pandemic has taken a toll on a lot of people’s mental health. And the US has proven woefully incapable of dealing with mental health for years.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Tori Dominguez, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Roe v. Wade v. God Jun 29, 2022

A rabbi, a priest, and an imam walk into the abortion debate. The priest wins.

This episode was produced by Victoria Dominguez and Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Abortion pills Jun 28, 2022

It’s safe and easy to end a pregnancy during the first trimester using a pair of FDA-approved pills. Accessing them is the latest abortion battleground. Vox's Rachel Cohen explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Trigger bans Jun 27, 2022

The Supreme Court’s decision was most immediately felt in states that pegged abortion bans to the fall of Roe v. Wade.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with Matt Collette and Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The end of Roe v. Wade Jun 24, 2022

The Supreme Court overturned a 49-year-old precedent that secured the right to an abortion. Irin Carmon from New York magazine breaks down the case and Vox’s Ian Millhiser argues the Supreme Court is undermining democracy.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, fact checked by Victoria Chamberlin and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, re-uploaded by Efim Shapiro and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Is Ukraine losing now? Jun 23, 2022

The US is spending billions to arm Ukraine against Russian invaders. But without the proper training or supplies, Javelin missiles can only do so much.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The rise and fall of the “millennial lifestyle subsidy” Jun 22, 2022

Venture capitalists spent years subsidizing the price of things like Uber rides and food delivery. The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson explains why they’ve stopped.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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From Russia with cash Jun 21, 2022

Oligarchs from Russia and beyond stash their cash in British banks, which play a central role in the global offshore economy.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What if we saw the gunshot wounds? Jun 17, 2022

John Temple was the editor of Rocky Mountain News in April 1999, when two students committed mass murder at Columbine High School. The photos he published that day would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize and enrage Daniel Rohrbough’s mom.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A gun policy game-changer Jun 16, 2022

America’s gun violence epidemic is a public health crisis. After 24 years of blocked funding, Congress is finally starting to treat it like one.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Gun laws that work Jun 15, 2022

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says tougher gun laws wouldn’t have stopped the Uvalde shooter. He’s wrong.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Let’s untangle the Second Amendment Jun 14, 2022

It wasn’t until 2008 that the US Supreme Court established what a confusing sentence in the Constitution really meant for gun ownership.

Sean Rameswaram reported on District of Columbia v. Heller for Radiolab’s More Perfect.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Has the gun control movement failed? Jun 13, 2022

You might look at school shootings and think “Yes, obviously.” But two people who have been studying and participating in the movement for decades explain how its success isn’t obvious.

This episode was produced by Jillian Weinberger, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and edited by Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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ConGRADulations, fellow kids Jun 10, 2022

Ten months ago the faculty of Cramer Hill Elementary set out to get their kids back on track after a year of mostly remote learning. Today, Explained’s Miles Bryan attended eighth-grade graduation to see how they did.

This episode was reported and produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Adderall via Instagram Jun 09, 2022

The mental health startup Cerebral benefited from pandemic-era changes to federal telehealth laws. But its easy-to-get prescriptions for tightly regulated stimulants — heavily promoted on social media — have sparked a Department of Justice investigation.

This episode was produced by Tori Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ugraine Jun 08, 2022

Russia is weaponizing food by blockading Ukraine’s grain exports and withholding its own until other countries come to Putin to ask for it.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Boris Johnson presents: Motel Rwanda Jun 07, 2022

The British government will deport UK-bound migrants to Rwanda. It’s part of a larger trend of rich countries offloading asylum seekers to poorer countries.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Tori Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Innocence is not enough Jun 06, 2022

The Supreme Court is going to let Arizona kill Barry Jones, a man whose rape and murder convictions were vacated in 2018.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Tori Dominguez, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Let’s vent about guns Jun 03, 2022

We opened up our hotline. You called and asked questions. We found answers.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and host Sean Rameswaram, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and engineered by Paul Mounsey and Efim Shapiro.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why the economy feels bad right now Jun 02, 2022

The stock market tumble and crypto crash are symptoms of a broader shift in the US economy. Jacob Goldstein explains the end of the “Goldilocks Era.”

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How often can you get Covid? Jun 01, 2022

Does your immunity still last for months? We asked a researcher who has been studying omicron reinfections.

This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Matthew Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Can women fix the police? May 31, 2022

Police departments across the US are signing a pledge to increase the share of women in their ranks, hoping the move will help reduce excessive force by officers. Researchers say it’s not that simple.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matthew Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The shooters were 18 May 27, 2022

Writer and parent Joanna Schroeder wrote a guide for parents about what to look out for and how to intervene.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Monkeypox!?!? May 26, 2022

Good news: Epidemiologists don’t think monkeypox will be as bad as Covid-19. Bad news: We stopped vaccinating people against this type of disease decades ago. Vox reporter (and resident epidemiologist) Keren Landman explains.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How to not give up on gun control May 25, 2022

Vox’s Marin Cogan, who lived through a school shooting herself, explains why she hasn’t given up on a solution to our gun problem yet.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Victoria Chamberlin edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why the internet hates Amber Heard May 24, 2022

It’s not just Johnny Depp’s fans — it’s Amber Heard’s anti-fans, too. The Atlantic's Kaitlyn Tiffany explains the Depp-ressing social media hate campaign.

This episode was produced by Amina Al-Sadi with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Finland and Sweden have entered the chat May 23, 2022

Their admission to NATO would further isolate Russia, leaving it the only Arctic country outside the alliance.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why the right is thirsty for Hungary May 20, 2022

The Conservative Political Action Conference, which is like Republican Coachella, is usually held stateside, but this week it's throwing a party in Budapest, Hungary. Noel King got kicked out.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan with Haleema Shah, edited by Jolie Myers and Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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So I elected an autocrat May 19, 2022

Noel King traveled to Hungary to talk to people who voted for Viktor Orbán, people being persecuted by his government, and an American just along for the ride.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers and Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How to lose a democracy in 10,000 days May 18, 2022

The same man who helped usher in democracy in Hungary is the one who’s chipping away at it now. American conservatives want to know how Prime Minister Viktor Orban did it.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers and Matt Collette, fact-checked by Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Formula None May 17, 2022

Millions of US parents are struggling to feed their infants due to a nationwide shortage of baby formula.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, Avishay Artsy, and Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Dr. Oz and the celebrity politician May 16, 2022

This week Pennsylvania voters decide whether to give Dr. Oz a shot at the US Senate. To mark the occasion, Sean Rameswaram tries to understand what makes a celebrity candidate viable, from “the Gipper” to “the Governator” to “the Donald.”

This episode was reported and produced by Sean Rameswaram with an assist from Jon Ehrens, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and engineered by Efim Shapiro.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Is abortion in the Constitution? May 13, 2022

Not explicitly, no. But neither is the right to travel from New York to New Jersey. NYU law professor Kenji Yoshino explains our unenumerated rights.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Sri Lankans have had enough May 12, 2022

Sri Lanka’s “Go home, Gota!” protesters want to throw President Gotabaya Rajapaksa out of office. Reveal’s Ike Sriskandarajah explains what could happen if Gota "goes home" to the serene suburbs of Southern California.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Haleema Shah with help from Victoria Dominguez, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Dictator Jr. May 11, 2022

The son of repressive dictator Ferdinand Marcos was just elected president of the Philippines. All he had to do was rewrite his country’s history.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Victoria Dominguez, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

CORRECTION: In a previous version of this story, our guest mistakenly said Ferdinand Marcos' body was flown from Hawaii to the Philippines in 2006. Marcos' body was returned to the Philippines in 2016. The incorrect date has been removed from the recording.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Free Brittney (Griner) May 10, 2022

A week before Russia invaded Ukraine, it detained WNBA superstar Brittney Griner. Now the United States is turning up the pressure to get her released. ESPN’s T.J. Quinn explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A priest explains Putin’s “holy” war May 09, 2022

Patriarch Kirill is the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. A former colleague describes him as a one-time anti-Kremlin nonconformist. Now, he’s blessing Russia’s war in Ukraine.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A cure for sickle cell? May 06, 2022

Scientists have developed a long-sought treatment — perhaps even a cure — for sickle cell anemia. But getting it to patients might be an even bigger challenge.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why little kids don’t have vaccines May 05, 2022

And how the seemingly endless wait in the US is affecting their development.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Sean Rameswaram and Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Here's a link if you want to contribute to Today, Explained to Kids: bit.ly/texkids

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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One man’s crusade against Roe v. Wade May 04, 2022

Indiana lawyer Jim Bopp has spent most of his life chipping away at Roe v. Wade. His incremental approach to overturning the Court’s decades-old precedent appears to have paid off.

This episode was produced by Jillian Weinberger, edited by Katherine Wells with Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Justice Alito’s opinion May 03, 2022

A largely unprecedented leak of a draft Supreme Court decision reveals the Court’s conservative majority intends to overturn Roe v. Wade. New York magazine’s Irin Carmon explains what that means for reproductive rights.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Hady Mawajdeh, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Our (machine) gun problem May 02, 2022

For less than $20 plus shipping everyday people can turn their handguns into machine guns. The Trace’s Alain Stephens explains the rise of the “auto-sear.”

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Richard Sima and Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Trumpbilly Elegy Apr 29, 2022

Liberals turned to J.D. Vance’s book to better understand Donald Trump’s victory. Now the “Hillbilly Elegy” author is turning to Trump to try and win the Republican primary in Ohio’s Senate race.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Twitter’s new Musk Apr 28, 2022

Elon Musk and Twitter have reached a deal. Recode’s Peter Kafka and Shirin Ghaffary explain what it means for the business of Twitter, and for free speech on the platform.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Senate’s age-old old age problem Apr 27, 2022

Dianne Feinstein’s colleagues are concerned the 88-year-old senator is struggling with memory loss, reports Tal Kopan of the San Francisco Chronicle. It’s raising concerns about Feinstein’s ability to do her job and the aging of America's politicians.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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ok groomer Apr 26, 2022

Accounts like “Libs of TikTok” are fueling right-wing media to label people who speak openly about sexuality and gender as “groomers.” Vox’s Aja Romano and the Washington Post’s Taylor Lorenz explain this age-old practice.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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El Salvador’s bet on bitcoin Apr 25, 2022

By making bitcoin a national currency, El Salvador tried to transform its economy. Rest of World’s Leo Schwartz explains why the bet hasn’t yet paid off.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A rough week for mask mandates Apr 22, 2022

A Florida judge ended the federal government’s mass transit mask mandate this week. Vox’s Dylan Scott explains if mask mandates are over forever and Dr. Kavita Patel explores how much of a difference that would make.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Russia’s mercenary army Apr 21, 2022

The Wagner Group, a superviolent (and supersecretive) team of Kremlin-aligned mercenaries, is doing Vladimir Putin’s dirty work in Ukraine and around the world.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette (who also did the fact-check) and Noel King (who also hosted).

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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@elonmusk Apr 20, 2022

Elon Musk says he wants to buy Twitter, but is also making 420 jokes. Kara Swisher (who knows him) and Liz Lopatto (who doesn’t) explain whether the world should take him seriously (or care).

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Matthew Collette and Amina Al-Sadi, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How Dylan got inflation wrong Apr 19, 2022

Last year, Vox correspondent Dylan Matthews didn’t think inflation would be a big deal. He wasn’t the only one to miss the mark.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The threat of Russian cyberwar Apr 18, 2022

Russia is ramping up attacks on Ukraine’s digital infrastructure. The US could be next.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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China’s grip on Hollywood Apr 15, 2022

Warner Bros. is censoring the newest Fantastic Beasts movie for Chinese audiences. It’s the latest reminder that Hollywood’s reliance on China comes at a cost.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The end of January 6 Apr 14, 2022

The congressional committee investigating the Capitol insurrection has gathered an enormous amount of information. Now it must decide what to do with it. Politico’s Kyle Cheney explains five crucial decisions that remain.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Let’s talk about Hunter Biden Apr 13, 2022

Hunter Biden may not be the archcriminal that conservatives describe, but his actions present problems for his father (the president of the United States). Vox's Andrew Prokop explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and edited by Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Pakistan’s vote of no Khanfidence Apr 12, 2022

Pakistan’s prime minister was ousted. He blames the US.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A grande victory for Starbucks workers Apr 11, 2022

Starting a union can be a tall order, but many baristas have found it’s an effective way to venti their frustration with management.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Canceling Russian culture Apr 08, 2022

Vladimir Putin says the West is trying to erase 1,000 years of culture. Arts organizations say they have an obligation to respond to the war in Ukraine.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Buffalo Billions Apr 07, 2022

The Buffalo Bills are set to receive a record-breaking $850 million in public funds to build a new stadium — even though they’re owned by a fracking billionaire. An economist explains whether publicly funded stadiums ever work out in the public’s favor.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Matt Collette, and edited by Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Should Congress be able to trade stocks? Apr 06, 2022

A 2012 law tried to limit lawmakers' ability to make money on Wall Street. It hasn’t worked.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The isolation of Vladimir Putin Apr 05, 2022

The Russian president has come to rely on a skewed version of history and an increasingly small circle of advisers. Journalist Marvin Kalb explains what that means for the war in Ukraine.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Did we just invent telepathy? Apr 04, 2022

A groundbreaking new study claims to have found a way for a fully paralyzed person to communicate entirely via thought. But the scientists behind it have a checkered past.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Tori Dominguez and Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Umami Mama Apr 01, 2022

For thousands of years, there have been four basic tastes recognized across cultures. But thanks to Kumiko Ninomiya (aka the Umami Mama), scientists finally accepted a fifth. As part of its Making Sense series, Vox’s Unexplainable podcast explores whether there could be even more.

This episode was reported and produced by Meradith Hoddinott and edited by Katherine Wells, Noam Hassenfeld, Brian Resnick with help from Mandy Nyugen and Byrd Pinkerton. Music by Noam. Cristian Ayala handled the mixing and sound design. Research and fact checking by Richard Sima. Tori Dominguez is our audio fellow.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Microdosing goes mainstream Mar 31, 2022

There is growing support for psychedelics as performance enhancers, mood boosters, and a shortcut to therapy. The science is mixed.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Victoria Dominguez, and edited by Matt Collette and host Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ukrainians (and Russians) meet US Border Patrol Mar 30, 2022

The US southern border remains closed to asylum seekers on account of Covid-19, unless you happen to be Ukrainian.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and edited by Matt Collette and host Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The National Guard is tired Mar 29, 2022

And in Texas, they’re trying to unionize.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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“The greatest night in the history of television” Mar 28, 2022

The Oscars were bordering on irrelevancy until Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Is the war in Ukraine unwinnable? Mar 25, 2022

One month in, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine isn’t going according to plan. Historian and retired Army colonel Andrew Bacevich explains how it might end.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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(Ukrainian) refugees welcome! Mar 24, 2022

As Poland welcomes almost 2 million Ukrainians in, it’s spending $4 million on a wall to keep Syrians, Iraqis, and Afghans out. Vox’s Sigal Samuel explains the myth of the “deserving” refugee.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Mariupol under siege Mar 23, 2022

The Russian military may have committed war crimes in its brutal attack on the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. International law expert Philippe Sands explains how Vladimir Putin could be held accountable.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Permanent daylight saving time? Mar 22, 2022

A bill to make daylight saving time permanent slipped through the Senate. Now, the real fight for time begins.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Americans fighting for Ukraine Mar 21, 2022

President Biden insists he won’t send American troops to join Ukraine’s war with Russia. Veterans like Alexander Szokoly joined the fight anyway.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, co-reported by Makena Kelly, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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South Korea’s incoming “anti-feminist” president Mar 18, 2022

With its neighbor distracted by domestic culture wars, North Korea is making new moves.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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“Don’t Say Gay” Mar 17, 2022

The furor over Florida’s latest culture-war legislation has Disney, among the state’s largest employers, turning red.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Ukraine won’t quit Mar 16, 2022

Millions of people have fled Ukraine since Russia’s war begin. We check back in with Kurii Vasyl, who stayed behind, and his niece Yulya, who fled.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Defunding Covid-19 Mar 15, 2022

The coronavirus pandemic isn’t over, but certain corners of Congress don’t want to spend a penny more on it. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel argues for $100 billion in new spending to fight Covid-19.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Beware the Madness of March Mar 14, 2022

Americans bet more than $50 billion on sports last year, and that record will likely be broken in 2022 as more states legalize the practice. A professional named Captain Jack and a novice named Emily Stewart explain the perils and glory of betting on the game.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, who also edited.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Radio, someone still loves you Mar 11, 2022

The BBC is bringing back shortwave radio broadcasts to counter censorship and disinformation in Russia and Ukraine. Professor D.W. Stupples explains.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Putin’s war spills into space Mar 10, 2022

Russia has threatened to let the International Space Station plummet. The Verge’s Loren Grush explains the Star Wars.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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From Kabul’s airport to Virginia’s burbs Mar 09, 2022

The world watched in horror as tens of thousands fled Afghanistan last August. Today, Explained’s Haleema Shah meets with an evacuee still stuck in immigration limbo.

This episode was reported and produced by Haleema Shah, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey and Efim Shapiro, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Banning Russian oil Mar 08, 2022

Gas prices hit a record high in the United States today. Then the White House put an embargo on Russian oil. The Atlantic's Robinson Meyer explains.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Haleema Shah, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, who also hosted.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Breaking Russia’s banks Mar 07, 2022

The US and EU are denying a handful of Russian banks access to SWIFT, a key tool in the global financial system.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Volodymyr vs. Vladimir Mar 04, 2022

Volodymyr Zelenskyy went from a middling peacetime president to a heroic wartime president. Kyiv Independent’s Oleksiy Sorokin explains from an undisclosed location in western Ukraine. Vox’s Emily VanDerWerff also explains, but from her home in Los Angeles.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Texas transgender panic Mar 03, 2022

Gov. Greg Abbott has instructed child protection officials to investigate the parents of transgender children. Dallas Morning News reporter Lauren McGaughy explains why.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Ukraine has to fight Russia alone Mar 02, 2022

And how the fight might end.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What Russians think of Putin’s war Mar 01, 2022

It depends a lot on where they get their news. Meduza’s Aleksey Kovalev reports from Moscow.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ketanji Brown Jackson Feb 28, 2022

President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court nominee is historic but may have little impact on American law. Vox’s Ian Millhiser explains.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Cristian Ayala, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The real and imagined history of Ukraine Feb 25, 2022

Vladimir Putin says Ukraine isn’t a country. He’s wrong.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A phone call from Ukraine Feb 24, 2022

Kurii Vasyl and his niece Yulya try to make sense of Russia’s invasion of their country. And Kyiv Independent reporter Igor Kossov explains the latest from Ukraine’s capital.

This episode was produced by Will Reid and Victoria Chamberlin, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Ukraine matters Feb 23, 2022

Vox’s Jonathan Guyer explains how a Russian invasion of Ukraine could affect me and you and everyone we know.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Olympics on thin ice Feb 22, 2022

This year’s weird Winter Olympics were overshadowed by politics, Covid-19, and the threat of war. But as NPR’s Tom Goldman explains, the biggest scandals were still about the sports.

This episode was produced by Will Reid with help from Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Weapons of cash destruction Feb 18, 2022

The US hopes the threat of sanctions will dissuade Russia from invading Ukraine. Historian Nicholas Mulder explains the surprising history of economic penalties as a weapon of war.

This episode was produced by Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette and Sean Rameswaram, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde Feb 17, 2022

A tech investor and his rapper wife were busted for a multi-billion dollar bitcoin heist. They couldn’t really spend any of the money.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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All-American divorce Feb 16, 2022

In her Today, Explained debut, co-host Noel King heads to Atlanta to find out why some people in one of its wealthiest neighborhoods are trying to secede from the rest of the city.

This episode was reported by Noel King and produced by Miles Bryan, with editing by Sean Rameswaram, fact-checking by Laura Bullard and Richard Sima, and engineering by Efim Shapiro.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What the truck is happening in Canada? Feb 15, 2022

A convoy of truckers angry over Covid-19 mandates is disrupting life in Canada’s capital city. Their movement is gaining traction in cities around the globe.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh with Haleema Shah and Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Richard Sima with Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Sarah Palin v. The New York Times Feb 14, 2022

The New York Times published an editorial that made false claims about Sarah Palin. A lawsuit over the error could change American media.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Richard Sima and Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The best and worst of Tom Brady Feb 11, 2022

Quarterback Tom Brady will retire as the winningest football player in NFL history. ESPN's Seth Wickersham explains why so many people are happy to see him go.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How Brett Kavanaugh views time Feb 10, 2022

When it comes to fixing discriminatory voting maps, nine months may not be enough for some justices. Ian Millhiser explains.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why America loves a Jackass Feb 09, 2022

The Oscar nominations are out, but the No. 1 movie in America features Johnny Knoxville and his friends hurting each other. He attempts to explain why, and Vox's Alissa Wilkinson picks up his slack.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How this Syria raid was different Feb 08, 2022

President Biden gave strict orders to avoid collateral damage during a raid on an ISIS leader. Civilians still died, but it might be a sign of a shift at the Pentagon.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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RIP SAT Feb 07, 2022

Why are colleges ditching the test? A) The SAT is biased B) Colleges want to admit more diverse students C) The pandemic D) All of the above

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Is everything trauma now? Feb 04, 2022

Psychologists are worried that "trauma" is losing its meaning. A trauma survivor says they shouldn't be.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The case against masks Feb 03, 2022

At least in schools.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Throwing money at the migrant crisis Feb 02, 2022

Vice President Kamala Harris just attended Honduras’s presidential inauguration. Her trip was really about the US-Mexico border.

February 4, 2022 correction:

An earlier version of this episode incorrectly stated that President Alejandro Giammattei of Guatemala was accused by U.S. prosecutors of taking drug money. It was actually the former President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández. We have removed the reference from the episode. Guatemalan prosecutors are investigating the claim that President Giammattei took a bribe from Russia.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Spotify’s Joe Rogan problem Feb 01, 2022

The podcast host built a massive audience by speaking to fringe figures in culture, business, and science. During the pandemic, that got him in trouble with Neil Young, among others.

This episode was produced by Will Reid and Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Honey, I shrunk the kids’ tax credit Jan 31, 2022

The US government let the expanded child tax credit expire ... just as researchers produced a study showing giving parents money might help improve brain development in kids.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Richard Sima, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ukraine’s pipeline problem Jan 28, 2022

The US is negotiating to stop Russia from invading Ukraine, but a Germany-backed natural gas project complicates things.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Breyer to Reteyer Jan 27, 2022

Vox’s Ian Millhiser says American politics shifted during Justice Stephen Breyer’s career, until he no longer had a place in them.

This episode was produced by Amina Al-Sadi and Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Joe Biden, r u ok? Jan 26, 2022

Build Back Blunders, and other presidential misadventures.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A Syrian war criminal is actually going to prison Jan 25, 2022

Crimes against humanity are rarely prosecuted successfully, but a Syrian colonel got a life sentence for just that. Documentarian Adithya Sambamurthy explains how Germany is spearheading the effort.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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China’s Winter Olympics (feat. Covid-19) Jan 24, 2022

The Games don’t begin until February 4, but the drama around the pandemic, free speech, and diplomatic boycotts has been building for months. NPR’s Emily Feng explains from Beijing.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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10 Downer Street Jan 21, 2022

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing political ruin because his aides partied while the UK locked down.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The man with a pig heart Jan 20, 2022

That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.

Today's show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The James Webb Time Machine Jan 19, 2022

To look into deep space is to look back in time. Ahead of the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, Unexplainable talked to scientists who hope to see “cosmic dawn,” a period long ago when the first starlight transformed the universe.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The James Webb Space Telescope Jan 18, 2022

This Sunday, the greatest telescope in the history of humanity is scheduled to reach its destination nearly a million miles away from Earth. Vox’s Unexplainable explored what it will do when it gets there.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Chile’s millennial president Jan 14, 2022

The 35-year-old president-elect in Chile loves tattoos, Taylor Swift, and progressive policies. Gabriel Boric will now try to overhaul the government as Chile rewrites its constitution.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why Russia sent its janky version of NATO to Kazakhstan Jan 13, 2022

The speedy arrival of CSTO troops in Kazakhstan is unprecedented in the 30-year history of the Russia-backed regional security alliance.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette and Noel King, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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"Break the Senate" Jan 12, 2022

President Joe Biden wants to change how the Senate works to pass voting reforms. Sen. Mitch McConnell is threatening hell if it happens.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, edited by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Novax Djokovic Jan 11, 2022

How the best-ranked men’s tennis player in the world went to Australia to become the greatest of all time and ended up being detained.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid with help from Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey with help from Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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No substitutes for the substitutes Jan 10, 2022

What happens when all the teachers get sick?

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The high cost of cheap clothes Jan 07, 2022

Fast fashion took over the apparel industry, but consumers are tiring of its poor labor and environmental standards. Vox’s Terry Nguyen explains.

Today’s show was produced by Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Life on the Russia-Ukraine border Jan 06, 2022

Russia has kept its military at Ukraine’s doorstep for almost a decade. But a recent escalation on the border is creating fears of a full-blown invasion.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Theranope Jan 05, 2022

A tech startup said it could start a medical revolution with a little machine and a drop of blood. It was a fraud, but research into smarter, less invasive blood testing is a reality.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Will omicron speed up the pandemic’s end? Jan 04, 2022

The omicron variant is very transmissible, but it might make Covid-19 less miserable.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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America still can’t agree on its insurrection Jan 03, 2022

One year later, the United States is still trying to wrap its head around what happened on January 6, 2021. (It was an insurrection.) This year, our democracy once again will be tested.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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2021 Dec 30, 2021

This song was written and performed by Sean Rameswaram and Noam Hassenfeld, produced by Noam, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and features additional vocals from Christina Animashaun.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s American dream Dec 29, 2021

Giannis Antetokounmpo went from hawking watches and DVDs on the streets of Greece to winning an NBA championship for the Milwaukee Bucks. In this repodcast, the Ringer’s Mirin Fader tells the story of his improbable rise.

Today’s show was produced by Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Taylor’s version Dec 28, 2021

One of the biggest pop stars in the world is rerecording her first six albums at the artistic peak of her career. In this repodcast, the Atlantic’s Shirley Li explains Taylor Swift’s strategy.

Today’s show was produced by Mooj Zadi, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and edited and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The spike in gun violence Dec 27, 2021

America's homicide rate rose by almost 30 percent in 2020. It was the biggest spike in 60 years, and the murder rate was even higher in 2021. In this repodcast, ProPublica’s Alec MacGillis explains what might be causing “The Great Regression."

Today’s show was reported and produced by Miles Bryan, Jillian Weinberger, and Alec MacGillis, with editing help from Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Four days of work? Dec 23, 2021

The pandemic changed how we think about work. In this repodcast, Vox’s Anna North says it might be time to change how much we work, too.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Good news Dec 22, 2021

2021 was better than 2020. Here's proof.

Today’s show was produced by Matt Collette, edited by Jillian Weinberger, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Vanessa Nakate’s climate optimism Dec 21, 2021

Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate has been ridiculed, erased, and let down by the world's most powerful people. She explains how she remains hopeful for her movement and our planet.

Today’s show was produced by Matt Collette, edited by Jillian Weinberger, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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We scored Biden’s first year Dec 20, 2021

We scored Biden’s first year

The New Yorker’s Evan Osnos evaluates President Biden’s first year in office and whether Biden managed to lower the temperature after the January 6 insurrection.

Today’s show was produced by Jillian Weinberger, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by EfimTranscript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Who killed Malcolm X? Dec 17, 2021

Nearly 60 years after the assassination of Malcolm X, some of the men wrongly put in prison for killing him are finally being redeemed. Abdur-Rahman Muhammad, from the documentary series "Who Killed Malcolm X?", explains whether the true killers will ever be brought to justice.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Haleema Shah and Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The blood diamond of batteries Dec 16, 2021

Cobalt is powering the electric vehicle revolution, but much of the world’s supply is mined under deadly conditions in Congo. Journalist Nicolas Niarchos explains Congo's resource curse.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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(Some) omicron answers Dec 15, 2021

Thanks to South Africa, the world now has some data on omicron’s severity, transmissibility, and whether or not the vaccines will protect us from it.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Operation Flex Dec 14, 2021

A bodybuilder posing as a Muslim convert was welcomed into a California mosque. When he showed signs of extremism, members reported him to the FBI, only to learn that he was their informant. Now, their story is before the Supreme Court.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Cristian Ayala and Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Will Reid and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why we still can't predict tornadoes Dec 13, 2021

Most people get about eight minutes' advance warning of a tornado. This episode of Vox’s Unexplainable podcast explores how scientists need to confront more of these storms, head on.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The new meth Dec 10, 2021

While the nation’s attention has been focused on the opioid crisis, a new, more dangerous form of methamphetamine has swept across the country.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Cristian Ayala, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The fastest economic collapse ever Dec 09, 2021

That’s what the United Nations says is taking place in Afghanistan right now.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Are you vaxxed, fellow kids? Dec 08, 2021

Today, Explained returns to Cramer Hill Elementary School to explore the challenges of vaccinating children against Covid-19.

Today’s show was reported by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette and Jillian Weinberger, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The shooter's parents Dec 07, 2021

The mass killing at Oxford High School in Michigan may seem comparable to those that preceded it, but the aftermath has taken several new turns.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and edited by Sean Rameswaram who also serves as host.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Africa wants its stuff back Dec 07, 2021

The world’s most illustrious museums are finally having to reckon with the stolen art in their collections.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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C is for Culture War Dec 03, 2021

Big Bird got vaccinated, an Asian American Muppet moved in, and conservatives got really mad at Sesame Street.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What happened to Peng Shuai Dec 02, 2021

A tennis star accused a former top Chinese official of sexual assault. Then she vanished. Now her case is changing sports in China.

Today's show was produced by Will Reid with help from Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Unraveling Roe Dec 02, 2021

The Supreme Court today heard oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. Vox’s Ian Millhiser explains how the Court could undo Roe v. Wade without overruling it.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Space trash Nov 30, 2021

Russia blew up a satellite and almost put the International Space Station in a precarious position. Recode’s Rebecca Heilweil explains how humans are trashing space. A space environmentalist (!) explains what cleanup might look like.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Omicron Nov 29, 2021

AA-muh-kraan or OH-muh-kraan

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan and Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Salmonella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh Nov 23, 2021

A deadly salmonella strain is spreading through American poultry, and there’s not much the government can do to stop it. ProPublica’s Bernice Yeung explains.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid with help from Grandma Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Kyle Rittenhouse and the “self-defense” defense Nov 23, 2021

After the Chicago Tribune’s Stacy St. Clair runs through the Rittenhouse trial and verdict, legal scholar Eric Ruben explains how “self-defense” can apply to shooting unarmed people in public.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Miles Bryan with help from Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Future of Work: Retirement should be fun Nov 19, 2021

But somehow it got very scary.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why it's hard to find rapid tests in the US Nov 18, 2021

And why they're easy to find in Europe (though they don't seem to be helping much at the moment).

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan with help from Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Is Zillow really buying all the houses? Nov 17, 2021

No. Vox's Jerusalem Demsas disproves a popular internet conspiracy theory.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Belarus manufactures a migrant crisis Nov 16, 2021

Belarus is promising migrants passage to Europe knowing the EU will turn them away.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah with help from Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Inflation nation Nov 15, 2021

Consumer prices are rising at their fastest rate in 30 years. Vox’s Emily Stewart explains why this is bad news for for drivers, shoppers, and President Biden.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan and Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Future of Work: The gig is up Nov 12, 2021

A third of American workers do gig work. In the third part of our series, The Future of Work, learn how the pandemic helped them discover their power.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Jillian Weinberger, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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China’s pursuit of ‘Zero Covid’ Nov 11, 2021

China’s 1.4 billion people are averaging fewer than 100 cases of Covid-19 a day. All it takes is the willingness to shut down anything at any time.

NPR’s Emily Feng explains from Beijing.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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So I elected an Oath Keeper Nov 10, 2021

Extremists in the right-wing militant organization known as the Oath Keepers are present in law enforcement and in the military. Now, thanks to reporting from ProPublica’s Isaac Arnsdorf, we know they’re in the government, too.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Astroworld Nov 09, 2021

How a music festival became a death trap, and what it would take for it never to happen again.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Trillion-dollar Biden Nov 08, 2021

You win some and you lose some. Just ask President Biden, who started last week with electoral setbacks and ended it with a big f***ing deal.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Future of Work: OOO Nov 05, 2021

They said the office would never be the same. In part two of our series, The Future of Work, what happens to your workplace when they're right.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The case for climate reparations Nov 04, 2021

While world leaders have descended on Glasgow to try to figure out how to slow emissions in the future, New York magazine’s David Wallace-Wells argues rich countries like the United States should also atone for their polluting past.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Cristian Ayala, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Sudan’s coup Nov 03, 2021

After a bloody fight for democracy, Sudan is sliding back into the hands of the military. CNN’s Nima Elbagir says a successful military coup could have dire consequences for democracies around the world.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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School board brawl Nov 03, 2021

It's Election Day in the USA. This time around, the nasty political fights and insurrections are going local. NPR's Anya Kamenetz explains.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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For whom the door bells Nov 01, 2021

While the doorbell recovers from Halloween, Nice Try explains how it’s an essential part of the American dream.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Future of Work: “I quit!” Oct 29, 2021

There are millions of job openings in America, and millions of Americans are still not able to find work that suits. In the first part of our series, The Future of Work, Recode’s Rani Molla explains “the great reassessment.”

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jillian Weinberger, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Facebook’s Meta-morphosis Oct 28, 2021

From the company that brought you alternate facts comes an alternate reality!

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Chappelle's Show(down with the trans community) Oct 27, 2021

Vox's Aja Romano explains how Dave Chappelle's latest standup special led to a reckoning at Netflix. Vulture's Craig Jenkins assesses whether there's anything funny in it.

Today’s show was produced by Amina Al-Sadi with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro and Cristian Ayala, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Alec Baldwin shooting Oct 26, 2021

Variety’s Brent Lang explains how cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died on the Rust film set—and how the tragic shooting might catalyze positive change in the entertainment industry.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh with help from Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Ruthless County, Tennessee Oct 25, 2021

For 11 years, a Tennessee judge sent kids to jail for a crime that doesn’t exist. Nashville Public Radio’s Meribah Knight explains why that judge is still in charge of “juvenile justice.”

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Supreme Court’s legitimacy crisis Oct 22, 2021

Since the Supreme Court’s "shadow docket" decision to allow the Texas abortion ban to go into effect, a growing chorus of politicians and legal experts have questioned the court’s legitimacy. Vox's Ian Millhiser says the justices aren’t taking the criticism well.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid with help from Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Steve Bannon in contempt Oct 21, 2021

The House is holding Steve Bannon in criminal contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena as part of its January 6 investigation. Journalist Andrea Bernstein explains.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Out of stock Oct 20, 2021

All I want for Christmas is a functional supply chain.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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What does Kyrsten Sinema want? Oct 19, 2021

Tim Murphy from Mother Jones explains how Sen. Kyrsten Sinema went from a left-wing activist to a Biden obstructionist.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Iran’s hostage industrial complex Oct 18, 2021

Iran is entering its fifth decade of taking hostages. One who made it out tells his story.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How the iPhone changed everything Oct 15, 2021

In 2007, Steve Jobs introduced a product that would change our lives forever. The new season of Land of the Giants explores “The Apple Revolution.”

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How Squid Game won Netflix Oct 14, 2021

And whether the show’s message is being lost in the shuffle.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Covid little pill Oct 13, 2021

Vox’s Umair Irfan explains how a new pill that might soon be authorized by the FDA could fill major gaps in treating Covid-19.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah and Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Why body cameras don’t work Oct 12, 2021

Body cameras were supposed to bring greater transparency to law enforcement. The case of Ronald Greene suggests police departments are still learning how to use, and even abuse, a new tool.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Fyre Festival of vaccine rollouts Oct 08, 2021

The city of Philadelphia put an opportunistic 22-year-old in charge of its vaccine rollout. Nina Feldman of WHYY’s Half Vaxxed podcast explains how it went just as badly as you’d expect.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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A vaccine for malaria Oct 07, 2021

But also, should we kill all the mosquitoes?

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid with help from Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Victoria Chamberlin was the mosquito.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Drill, baby, drill Oct 06, 2021

An energy expert explains why offshore oil spills keep happening and whether they’ll ever stop.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Cristian Ayala and Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Facebook whistleblower Oct 05, 2021

Facebook kicked off the week with an outage and followed that up today with a whistleblower testifying before Congress. The Wall Street Journal’s Jeff Horwitz explains how the company may have misled the public about the dangers of its social networks.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and edited and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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How do you do, fellow kids? Oct 04, 2021

School’s been back for a month. Today, Explained spent a month checking in with Cramer Hill Elementary to find out how it’s going.

Today’s show was produced and reported by Miles Bryan with help from Jillian Weinberger, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The $5,000 butt Oct 01, 2021

The Brazilian butt lift isn’t just a cosmetic surgery; it’s a lifestyle. Vox’s Rebecca Jennings explains how influencers gave a decades-old procedure new life.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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The humanitarian crisis at Rikers Island Sep 30, 2021

Twelve people at Rikers Island have died in custody so far this year. The pandemic is only part of the problem, explains Nick Pinto, who is covering the string of deaths for the Intercept.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Are boosters good science — or just good politics? Sep 29, 2021

Former CDC Director Nancy Messonnier and former White House Covid-19 adviser Andy Slavitt join Sean at Code Conference in Los Angeles to explain the back and forth on vaccine booster shots.

Today’s show was produced and hosted by Sean Rameswaram, with help from Dylan Scott and Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro and fact-checked by Laura Bullard.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Democrats play chicken Sep 28, 2021

Moderates and progressives are threatening to vote down different parts of their own party’s agenda, all while a government shutdown looms. Vox’s Li Zhou explains why.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid with help from Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Why is Guantanamo still open? Sep 27, 2021

A former Defense Department adviser says President Biden might succeed where President Obama failed, and the man formerly known as “Detainee 441” speaks.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Free college for everyone! Sep 24, 2021

President Biden wants to give Americans four more years of free school: two years of pre-K and two of community college. In a two-part series, Today, Explained’s Haleema Shah explores the challenges of expanding public education.

This episode was reported by Haleema Shah, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, edited by Matt Collette with help from Jillian Weinberger, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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The cost of free preschool Sep 23, 2021

President Biden wants to give Americans four more years of free school: two years of pre-K and two of community college. In a two-part series, Today, Explained’s Haleema Shah explores the challenges of expanding public education.

Today’s show was reported by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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The disappearance of Gabby Petito Sep 23, 2021

Vox’s Aja Romano explains why the internet stopped what it was doing to find one particular missing person.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Haitians at the southern border Sep 21, 2021

Vox’s Nicole Narea explains the latest border crisis, and Ayibopost’s Widlore Mérancourt documents deported Haitians’ return to Port-au-Prince.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Xi Jinping cracks down on everything Sep 20, 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping has kicked off a "rectification" campaign that’s affecting every sector of Chinese society and business. Lily Kuo, the Washington Post's China bureau chief, explains.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Zemari Ahmadi Sep 17, 2021

A US drone strike in Afghanistan was meant to take out an ISIS-K target. Reporting on the ground shows an aid worker and several children were killed. Matthieu Aikins, reporter at the New York Times, explains from Kabul.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Havana syndrome Sep 16, 2021

The US military is redoubling its efforts to figure out what’s behind reports of mysterious sonic attacks. So is Vox’s Unexplainable podcast.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Another bite at the Apple Sep 15, 2021

A California judge weighed in on whether Apple has a monopoly. NPR’s Bobby Allyn unpacks the ruling. Sen. Amy Klobuchar explains why she wants the government to get serious about regulating Big Tech.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Biden’s second shot Sep 14, 2021

President Joe Biden is taking a new approach to fight the pandemic. Former acting CDC director Richard Besser explains the vaccine mandates and the booster shot debate.

Today’s show was produced by Hady Mawajdeh with help from Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein Sep 13, 2021

Jeffrey Epstein has been dead for over two years, but his crimes and mysterious death still haunt his victims and friends. The Miami Herald’s Julie K. Brown explains.

Today’s show was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Paul Mounsey, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts

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The Jessica simulation Sep 10, 2021

A love story between a person who's alive and a person who is dead, told by the San Francisco Chronicle's Jason Fagone.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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School’s back. Covid never left. Sep 09, 2021

NPR’s Anya Kamenetz explains how America is sending its kids back to school while delta surges. Politico’s Lauren Gardner has the latest on vaccines for kids.

Today’s show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Horse paste? Sep 08, 2021

Neigh!

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid with help from Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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The cost of 9/11 Sep 07, 2021

The Department of Defense tracks how much US wars cost, but last week President Biden cited instead accounting from the Costs of War Project at Brown University. Its co-director, Stephanie Savell, explains why.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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The four-day workweek Sep 02, 2021

The pandemic has changed how we think about work. Vox’s Anna North says it might be time to change how much we work, too.

Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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The Texas abortion law Sep 01, 2021

Texas didn't just make it almost impossible to get an abortion, the state made it easy to sue somebody who gets one after about six weeks of pregnancy — and anyone who helps. KUT reporter Ashley Lopez explains.

Today’s show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, with help from Amina Al-Sadi, Hady Mawajdeg, and Jillian Weinberger, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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After the Afghan evacuation Aug 31, 2021

The United States’ 20-year war in Afghanistan is officially over. Vox’s Nicole Narea explains what’s next for the more than 100,000 refugees evacuated from Kabul.

This episode was produced by Will Reid and Amina Al-Sadi, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Recallifornia Aug 30, 2021

California could elect a Republican governor in a few weeks. KPCC reporter Libby Denkmann explains how. And the dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law argues the state's recall election process is unconstitutional.

This episode was produced by Amina Al-Sadi with help from Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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ISIS-K Aug 27, 2021

The attack outside the Kabul airport on Thursday was perpetrated by an extremist group that doesn't think the Taliban is extreme enough.

This episode was produced by Will Reid and Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Jeopardy! Aug 26, 2021

I’ll take public scandal for $1000.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Fleeing Afghanistan Aug 25, 2021

The Afghan refugee crisis started long before the US withdrawal. Al Jazeera English correspondent Ali Latifi explains from Kabul.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah with help from Jillian Weinberger, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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Booster shots Aug 24, 2021

Vox’s Umair Irfan explains why you might need one. The Atlantic’s Sarah Zhang says the coronavirus is here forever, but ultimately, it might not be so bad.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Addicted and alone Aug 23, 2021

The pandemic wiped out the slow but steady progress America had been making against another deadly disease: opioid addiction. The Washington Post’s Peter Jamison explains.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts.

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How to forgive Aug 20, 2021

In this episode of Vox Conversations, the Atlantic’s Elizabeth Bruenig shares forgiveness strategies built for unforgiving times.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Taliban 2.0 Aug 19, 2021

The Taliban last controlled Afghanistan 20 years ago. They may be more pragmatic now, but their ideology hasn’t changed.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Who counts as white on the census? Aug 18, 2021

Some recent analysis of America’s changing demographics is inaccurate and dangerous. NPR’s Hansi Lo Wang makes sense of the 2020 census.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Back-to-back crises in Haiti Aug 17, 2021

An assassination followed by an earthquake followed by a tropical storm strike a country where aid organizations often have more influence than Haitians.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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How the Taliban took back Afghanistan Aug 16, 2021

And did it faster than the US ever imagined.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Delta in the Delta Aug 13, 2021

Covid-19 is surging so high in several states, you’d think we didn’t have a vaccine. A Mississippi nurse who was initially skeptical explains her path to getting the shot.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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The allies left behind Aug 12, 2021

While the US withdraws from Afghanistan, the Taliban is surging, which is a likely death sentence for the thousands of Afghans who helped the US military. An interpreter who escaped explains.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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“Code red for humanity” Aug 11, 2021

A new UN report says humans are “unequivocally” causing climate change. Rich countries are to blame, but poorer ones, like Madagascar, are paying the price with an unprecedented climate-induced famine.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Oye Cuomo va Aug 10, 2021

People said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo would never resign. Then he did. New York magazine contributing writer David Freedlander explains.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Were the Olympics worth it? Aug 09, 2021

The pandemic Olympics have come to an end. NPR’s Tom Goldman provides a highlight reel and an evaluation from Tokyo.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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An MVP for the world Aug 07, 2021

Giannis Antetokounmpo went from hawking watches and DVDs on the streets of Greece to winning an NBA championship for the Milwaukee Bucks. The Ringer’s Mirin Fader tells the story of his improbable rise.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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The fight to ban evictions Aug 05, 2021

Democrats this week scrambled to extend a federal evictions moratorium amid the government's failure to deliver tens of billions of dollars to renters in need. Vox’s Ian Millhiser and Jerusalem Demsas explain.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Who owns Amanda Knox? Aug 04, 2021

The new Matt Damon movie, Stillwater, is based on Amanda Knox’s story. She wishes someone had asked her to tell it.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Collect $5 billion. Do not pay taxes. Aug 03, 2021

The Roth IRA was invented by Congress to incentivize middle-class retirement savings. ProPublica’s Justin Elliott explains how venture capitalist Peter Thiel ended up with $5 billion in his.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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The Provincetown cluster Aug 02, 2021

Vox’s Dylan Scott explains what an outbreak in a mostly vaccinated beach town taught the CDC about the delta variant.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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The spike in gun violence (Part II) Jul 30, 2021

A Philadelphia election tested progressive ideas on how to reduce shootings in America. ProPublica’s Alec MacGillis explains.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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