Today, Explained

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Can we ever know our dogs? Jun 29, 2025

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So many of us believe we understand what our pets are feeling. Are we fooling ourselves?

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy and Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered byPatrick Boyd and hosted by Noam Hassenfeld. Photo by Kylie Cooper for The Washington Post via Getty Images.

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

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Swole Girl Summer Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

Weightlifting is the fastest growing sport among women. It's challenging how we think about who is allowed to be strong and what fitness really means.

This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Further reading: How America's ideal woman got jacked Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

Photo of author and lifter Casey Johnston by Elena Mudd.

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Wars have rules Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

The legal architecture that would define and prosecute what’s happening in Gaza is failing. Reporter Suzy Hansen explains how 80 years of international humanitarian law is being tested. And professor Omer Bartov thought calling Israel's offensive in Gaza a genocide immediately after the October 7 attacks was inaccurate. He’s changed his mind.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Further reading: Crimes of the Century Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

Palestinians carrying aid packages in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

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Burrito now, pay later Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Americans are turning to "buy now, pay later" apps for purchases as small as a burrito—it’s a symptom of a larger national addiction to debt.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Gabrielle Berbey, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Further reading: In This Economy? by Kyla Scanlon.
Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

Photo of a Klarna holiday celebration by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Klarna.

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Elon Musk presents: Taxis Jun 24, 2025

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Elon Musk and Tesla launched their long-delayed robotaxi service this weekend in Texas. The Verge's Andrew Hawkins explains why so much is riding on its success.

This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Denise Guerra, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

A Tesla robotaxi in Austin, Texas. Photo by Tim Goessman/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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America First (unless Iran...) Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Vox's Josh Keating and author Vali Nasr explain what bombing Iran won’t accomplish.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Laura Bullard and Denise Guerra, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Further reading: Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History by Vali Nasr. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

Iranians protesting US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran. Photo by Getty Images.

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Sleepaway camp's nostalgia economy Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

Unpacking the American rite of passage that so many children love — but that isn't right for everyone.

This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by Matthew Billy and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Maskot/Getty Images.

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

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

Elon’s Boring town Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

We're revisiting an episode from earlier this year about the world's richest man and the company town he's developing outside of Austin, Texas. Like the industrialists who came before him, Elon Musk may learn it’s hard to create (and sustain) a utopia.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King. Photo of Elon Musk's Snailbrook town in Bastrop, Texas by Brandon Bell/Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

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Five boroughs. One mayor. Mad drama. Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

New York Public Radio icon Brian Lehrer breaks down the New York City mayor's race and New York magazine's David Freedlander explains what Democrats nationally can learn from the two leading candidates.

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

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo shaking hands with Zohran Mamdani. Photo by Yuki Iwamura-Pool/Getty Images.

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Iran, Israel, and Trump Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

The conflict between Israel and Iran is revealing a deep divide within the MAGA universe over whether to get more involved or stay on the sidelines.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Further reading: There’s a bitter clash on the right. It could determine whether Trump takes us to war. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

Photo of Tucker Carlson and President Trump by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

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