Today, Explained

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Dolly Parton's platform Aug 28, 2026

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Dolly Parton never endorsed a party or candidate, but that doesn't mean she was apolitical.

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

Dolly Parton performs at the Glastonbury Festival in 2014. Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage.

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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Our $40,000,000,000,000 debt Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

The US debt keeps breaking records. Should we panic?

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

An electronic display shows the national debt in Washington, DC on August 19, 2026, after the US gross national debt surged past $40 trillion for the first time. Photo by Mandel NGAN / 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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Trump’s Ballroom Blitz Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

President Trump is racing to finish his ballroom, and if the Supreme Court doesn't stop him it will have major implications for conservation efforts around the country.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

President Donald Trump speaks to the media alongside posters of his proposed White House ballroom amid construction at the White House. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/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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Trump's human printer Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

Natalie Harp may be the most powerful executive assistant in the world, and her unusual relationship with her boss — the president — is getting a lot of attention.

This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

President Donald Trump and his executive assistant Natalie Harp at Dover Air Force Base on July 22, 2026. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/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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Medicare for All fever Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

A new crop of Democrats is running on an old slogan: Medicare for All. Now might be the moment it finally catches on.

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

A protester holds a sign at a rally in New York calling on lawmakers to pass comprehensive healthcare for all, without exception. 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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Why everyone's an introvert now Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

Move aside extroverts. In this episode — which aired last year — we explore personality types and whether they are set in stone.

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. Photo by We Are/Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
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Is MAGA still electable? Aug 22, 2026

Show notes

Left-leaning Democratic candidates have faced a lot of scrutiny in the last year about whether they’re “electable” in a general election. Why aren’t people asking the same about Republican candidates?

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

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) departs after speaking to the press in the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images.

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

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The pop girlies are sad Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Ella Langley’s heartbreak anthem “Choosin’ Texas” is ruling the charts in this sad girl summer we’re having.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Ella Langley performs at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Jason Kempin/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 tragedy of Jason Arday Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

What the death of a star Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism tells us about race, culture, and who we are.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

A memorial for former Cambridge professor Jason Arday was set up by students and staff outside The Senate House in Cambridge, England. Photo by Nordin Catic/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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Trans Panic! At The WNBA Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

When WNBA player Sophie Cunningham recently said she wanted to protect girls in sports from "biological men," a new front in the culture wars opened up.

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

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever prepares to shoot a free throw. Photo by Paras Griffin/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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