Today, Explained

Stop the press!

From Stephen Colbert to Rupert Murdoch, powerful media figures are in President Trump’s crosshairs. And in many cases, Trump is getting his way. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by 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. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Photo by Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re setting fire to food aid

The Trump administration is dismantling — or quite literally burning up — both domestic and international food aid programs. The actions will likely usher in a new era of hunger. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Gabrielle Berbey, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, 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 discarded USAID wheat sack outside a shelter in Mekele, Ethiopia. Photo by XIMENA BORRAZAS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The summer I turned into a bookworm

Summer. Time for pools, BBQs, and the beach read. But why do we read "summer books"? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.  Further Reading: Bad Witches by H.B. Akumiah and Constance Grady's newsletter from Vox. Further listening:  ⁠Limousine⁠ podcast. 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

Super mad about Superman

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a bunch of pundits acting like Superman was ever anything but an immigrant and a humanitarian. This episode was produced by Rebeca Ibarra, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, 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 Dairy Queen ad promoting the Superman movie. Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How the YIMBYs won

Yes in My Backyard-ers are celebrating reforms to California's landmark environmental laws, which they say will bring much-needed housing. Nationwide, the revolution might finally be here. This episode was made in collaboration with Vox’s Future Perfect. It was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd 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. Former LA City Councilmember Joe Buscaino showing off a "YIMBY" (Yes In My Back Yard) shirt. Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump's Epstein problem

You probably shouldn't expect to see the Epstein Files anytime soon. That's because the Department of Justice belongs to President Trump. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Matthew Billy, 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. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks alongside President Donald Trump. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s dork philosopher

Curtis Yarvin began as an anonymous blogger arguing esoteric ideas about how America would be better off as a monarchy. He’s now the Trump administration’s favorite philosopher. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Further reading: Curtis Yarvin's plot against America; Liberalism's enemies are having second thoughts. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast. Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon's party in the USA

Elon Musk says he wants to launch a new political party. Voters consistently say they want more choices. But history is littered with failed third-party candidates. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Rebeca Ibarra, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Matthew Billy, 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. Photo by ALEX WROBLEWSKI, ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chat BFF

More and more of us are interacting with chatbots. Can we have real relationships with AI, and can AI teach humans to be better people? This episode is a collaboration with Vox's Future Perfect team. It was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Kim Slotterback, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.  Photo by Frank Rumpenhorst/picture alliance 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plastic rain

We're revisiting an episode from earlier this year about how we were mostly able to get the acid rain problem under control...only to find ourselves with a plastic rain problem. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Victoria Chamberlin, 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 handful of small plastic pellets, which are used as the raw material for nearly all plastic products, and wash up all over the world. Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Alligator Alcatraz to South Sudan

The Trump administration is not happy with their deportation numbers. They're turning to more extreme strategies to hit 1 million by year's end. This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, 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. The entrance to the Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention center in Ochopee, Florida. Photo by Pedro Portal/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I was told there would be deals

After pressing pause on the steepest tariffs, the Trump Administration promised 90 tariff deals in 90 days. That deadline is nearly here but the deals are not. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, 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. Photo of President Donald Trump on the South Lawn by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump's Nobel Peace Prize

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Donald Trump he has nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize for his Middle East efforts. We hear what he's done to deserve it. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Gabrielle Berbey, 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. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a dinner hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Texas blame game

Dozens of people were swept away by flash floods in Texas this weekend. The finger-pointing has already begun. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Peter Balanon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabrielle Berbey and Miles Bryan, 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. A search and rescue worker looks through debris along the Guadalupe River in central Texas. Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our complicated relationship with the flag

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar openly celebrate the American flag. But a lot of Black Americans feel differently. What does that tell us about identity today? This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of Kendrick Lamar performing at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show by Gregory Shamus/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

Disney's America

There’s no shortage of fights over American history right now, but let’s see what we can learn from that one time in the '90s when Disney tried to build a theme park that tackled slavery. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Laura Bullard, 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. Photo of Minnie Mouse at Disneyworld in Orlando by Peter Bischoff/Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Make America Uninsured Again

If the Senate's massive tax and immigration bill passes the House it will be the biggest cut to Medicaid since the program began and could fracture the GOP's 2024 base. This episode was produced by 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. U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune at the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unmasking ICE

ICE agents are showing up to immigration raids masked. The Trump administration says it's for the protection of the agents, but how does it impact accountability? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Miles Bryan with help from Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Gabrielle Berbey, 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. Residents surround federal and Border Patrol agents after an immigrant raid in Bell, CA. Photo by Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Porn on the docket

The Supreme Court has a long history of taking on cases about porn, including one they decided on Friday. Vox's Ian Millhiser explains how that history of First Amendment rulings once meant the justices had to watch porn in a basement. This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey and Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Devan Schwartz, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, 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. Photoillustration of Pornhub logo by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can we ever know our dogs?

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

Swole Girl Summer

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

Wars have rules

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

Burrito now, pay later

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

Elon Musk presents: Taxis

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

America First (unless Iran...)

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

Sleepaway camp's nostalgia economy

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

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

Five boroughs. One mayor. Mad drama.

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

Iran, Israel, and Trump

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

America the extreme

This weekend saw a shocking act of political violence, a military parade in DC, and political protests across the US. What's going on? This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy with help from Jolie Myers, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Matthew Billy, 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. Protestors forming the words "No King" gathered in San Francisco. Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices