Today, Explained

Latest Episodes:

The Price is Rigged Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

On Instacart, food brands can use buyer behavior to charge people different prices for the exact same products. It's called surveillance pricing.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Dustin DeSoto, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

The Instacart delivery bear in Minneapolis. Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images.

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GOP women are over it Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Some Republican women in the House are so frustrated with the leadership of speaker Mike Johnson that they're turning on him.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene at the US Capitol after President Trump addressed Congress last March. Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images.

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Let AI replace you Dec 14, 2025

Show notes

If AI handles all our busy work and optimizes our resources, it may also give us the one thing there never seems to be enough of: time.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Simona Granati - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images.

This story was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting.

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here.

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Pop culture is conservative now Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Why books, movies, music, and fashion all took a turn to the right.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Actors Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in the movie "Rush Hour 2," circa 2001. President Trump reportedly has been lobbying for another installment of the movie. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/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 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ economy Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Trump calls the idea of “affordability” a hoax. Nonetheless, he pressured the Fed to fix it. It's just one example of Trump prizing loyalty over economic expertise.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Dustin DeSoto, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

President Donald Trump during an event on inflation in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. Photographer: Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

This show was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting.

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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Everyone’s fired now Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a case that could give President Donald Trump the power to fire…just about anyone.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Kelli Wessinger, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

A demonstrator outside the Supreme Court as it heard arguments in the case over President Donald Trump's dismissal of FTC commissioner. Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images.

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The Republicans bucking Trump Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

From a redistricting fight in Indiana to a wave of GOP retirements from Congress, there are signs MAGA's chokehold on the Republican Party may be loosening.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

President Donald Trump. AP Photo/Alex Brandon.

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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Fear and uncertainty in Venezuela Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

It's a waiting game inside the country, where the US is threatening military action.

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

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro gestures to his supporters in Caracas. Photo by Jesus Vargas/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 rise of the introverts Dec 07, 2025

Show notes

Turns out those personality tests you’re taking online are all wrong.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Khosrork/Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here.

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I fell in love with my AI Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Two humans — and their AI lovers — spill it all.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

An AI rendering made using the NightCafe software that Chris Smith made of his AI lover, Sol.

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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