Today, Explained

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Latest Episodes:

No ceasefire for Lebanon Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Israel and Lebanon are meeting for the first time in decades — even while Israel is still bombing Lebanon.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Smoke rising after Israeli airstrikes over Beirut. Photo by anwar amro / AFP via Getty Images.

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

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The Great American Tax Revolt Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Across the country, Americans of all political stripes are asking themselves: Why should I have to pay taxes?

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

A protester outside the Internal Revenue Service offices in Manhattan. Photo by Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images.

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

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No deal Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Trump sent his vice president, son-in-law, and an old business buddy to negotiate an end to the war in Iran. The war...is still going.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Vice President JD Vance after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran. Photo by Jacquelyn MARTIN / POOL / AFP via Getty Images.

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

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Why you have to be optimistic Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

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

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

Photo by Hasan Tacan/Anadolu via Getty Images.

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

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America Post-Trump Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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Why fan fiction is everywhere Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Publishing houses and entertainment studios have come for fan fiction, but writers and readers want to make sure it stays weird.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Photo by Michael Reichel/picture alliance via Getty Images.

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

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Kanye's comeback Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

The rapper, who sold swastika T-shirts and released a song called "Heil Hitler," says he's sorry. Ye or nay?

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Dustin DeSoto, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

UK newspaper front pages and articles about Kanye West after he was blocked by the government from entering the UK. Photo by Mark Case/Getty Images.

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

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Apocalypse Not Now Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump moved from an existential threat to a very tentative ceasefire.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

President Donald Trump mimics a Iranian protester being shot during a news conference about the war in Iran. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

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

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Mission accomplished? Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

The US war in Iran is reminding people, uncomfortably, of the US war in Iraq — a conflict that raged on for years after leaders declared victory.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

President George W. Bush addressing troops at MacDill Air Force Base in 2003. Photo by Chris Livingston/Getty Images.

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

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When nature calls in space Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Artemis II is a historic mission for a number of reasons, including the Orion capsule’s bathroom.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado and Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

NASA astronaut and Artemis II mission specialist Christina Koch peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft's main cabin windows, looking back at Earth, as the crew travels towards the Moon. Photo by NASA via Getty Images.

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

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