Today, Explained

Latest Episodes:

How gangs took over Haiti Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Haiti’s latest crisis is being driven by something new: The country’s gangs have united, and they are demanding political power. Financial Times journalist Joe Daniels and peace activist Louis-Henri Mars explain.

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

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Conned into the Russian army Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Desperately low on troops for its protracted war with Ukraine, the Russian military is relying on men from countries like India to fill its ranks. Journalist Shalu Yadav tells the story of a man who was tricked into joining the army and managed to escape.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers, and guest-hosted by Haleema Shah.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Live from SXSW: Noel King interviews Charlamagne tha God and Angela Rye Mar 17, 2024

Show notes

In this no-holds-barred interview from the SXSW stage, Vox's Noel King asks comedian and radio host Charlamagne tha God and political commentator Angela Rye whether Black voters are turning away from Joe Biden and toward Donald Trump.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Hollywood’s still not back Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

Covid and last year’s strikes delivered a one-two punch that the entertainment industry still hasn’t recovered from. Entertainment journalists Mark Harris and Diane Haithman explain why this is bad news for the people who make movies and the people who watch them.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh with help from Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers, and guest-hosted by David Pierce.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Lip gloss, gum, and the Pill Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Soon you can buy them all at your local drugstore. The FDA approved an over-the-counter birth control pill that will be available later this month. Journalist Lux Alptraum and Megan Kavanaugh of the Guttmacher Institute explain why available doesn’t necessarily mean more accessible.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and guest-hosted by Alana Casanova-Burgess.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Where's Kate?!? Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Two grainy paparazzi shots and an edited Mother’s Day photo are the only “sightings” of the Princess of Wales the public has had since Christmas. The Palace says she is recovering from abdominal surgery, but the internet … has some other theories.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Jesse Alejandro Cottrell, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and guest-hosted by Alana Casanova-Burgess.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The real fight over fake meat Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Americans are eating more meat than ever, and it’s wreaking havoc on the environment. Vox’s Kenny Torrella explains how lab-grown meat could be the solution — if only manufacturers can overcome technological setbacks and political blowback.

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

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Charlamagne tha God on Biden v. Trump Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

A recent poll shows almost a quarter of registered Black voters would vote for Donald Trump. We ask Charlamagne tha God, author and radio host of “The Breakfast Club,” about Black voters’ dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party.

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

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Bringing back the SAT Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

Four years after a pandemic pause, some colleges and universities are again requiring applicants to submit standardized test scores. Inside Higher Ed’s Liam Knox and the University of Delaware’s Dominique Baker explain.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers, and guest-hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Can Reddit survive going public? Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

It’s the first major social media IPO since 2017. CNN’s Clare Duffy breaks down what is at stake, and New York magazine’s John Herrman explains why Reddit may not survive it.

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

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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