Today, Explained

Meme warfare

Have you seen the video of the US military bombing Iran spliced with clips of SpongeBob Squarepants? It’s an official video released by the US government and represents a new kind of wartime propaganda. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. A screenshot from a White House X post about the Iran war titled "Operation Epic Fury." 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attack of the drones

Iran's cutting-edge drones are changing how wars are fought, and the US is running out of munitions to combat them. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Missiles launched from Iran seen over Hebron in West Bank. Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Anadolu 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The book of Mormon influence

From TikTok to reality TV, Mormons are having a big moment in pop culture. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nancy Pelosi explains her optimism

Nancy Pelosi, the longtime speaker of the House, plans to retire later this year at age 86 after trailblazing a path for women in Democratic politics. This episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Shannon Mahoney and hosted by Astead Herndon. Rep. Nancy Pelosi marking the five year anniversary of the Jan. 6th attacks at the US Capitol. Photo by Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on video at 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. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The cult of abusive chefs

One of the most influential chefs in the world has been accused of tormenting his staff physically and psychologically. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Chef Rene Redzepi in Copenhagen. Photo by Thibault Savary / 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone’s vibe coding

AI code is here to stay. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Code generated by a prompt on Google AI studio. Photo by Sean Rameswaram. 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The rage bait candidate

James Fishback is racist, antisemitic, economically populist, and the longshot candidate for Florida governor. He might be where the Republicans are heading next. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Image courtesy of Fishback for Florida/fishback2026.com. 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Betting on the Iran war

Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are making it possible for just about anyone to profit off war. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A betting page on Kalshi about Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran's regime, unchanged

Iran's top leaders are dead, but regime change isn't in sight, and the US and Israel's attacks are dividing Iranians at home and abroad. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. A huge Iranian flag alongside damaged structures in Tehran. Photo by Atta KENARE / 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sugar crash

We’re obsessed with sugar. And Big Sugar is obsessed with us. How do we make a break? This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image courtesy of Jenny Lawton. If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. 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

Bernie vs. the billionaires

Senator Bernie Sanders has a whole new reason to go after the world’s billionaires. We ask him about his proposed annual wealth tax and how he plans to rein in AI. This episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Shannon Mahoney and hosted by Astead Herndon. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. at a confirmation hearing. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on video at 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. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One nepo baby to rule them all

David Ellison’s daddy won him Warner Brothers. The rest of us are probably losing. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel has lost Americans

The war with Iran is deepening divisions in the US-Israel alliance, on both the left and the right. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A billboard of President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The kids in ICE detention

The Trump administration's immigration policies are taking a toll on families. No sign that the new pick running the effort will be any more moderate. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Image courtesy of Mica Rosenberg/ProPublica. 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The price of the Iran war

Gas prices are spiking in the US. Markets are crashing. The whole world will pay for this war. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. Gas prices on Monday in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes. 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Cuba next?

If you take the president at his word, the answer is yes. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. An apple seller walking past a figure holding the Cuban flag with the word "Resilience" after a blackout in Havana. Photo by Yamil LAGE / 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your clutter is holding you back

You won’t wear those jeans again. Or use that pasta maker. So why can’t you get rid of them? This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru with Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.  Photo by Arthur Pollock/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images.  If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. 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

A pro-Israel case against Israel

Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s former Chief of Staff, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who's at the center of the Iran conflict, has isolated Israel like never before.  This episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Shannon Mahoney and hosted by Astead Herndon. Rahm Emanuel appearing before Congress. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on video at 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. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can we enjoy anything anymore?

It felt like everyone came together for a brief moment after the US men and women won gold in hockey, but not for long. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Members of the US Olympic hockey team receive a standing ovation as President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address. Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where is Nancy Guthrie?

No one knows. But that isn't stopping the true crime influencers. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A flyer that reads "Nancy Guthrie Desparecida" is taped to Nancy Guthrie's mailbox in Tucson, Arizona. Photo by Joe Raedle/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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI goes to war

The US military is using AI to wage war while AI companies are fighting about how their tech is used. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAHA moms are mad

An executive order regarding pesticides has infuriated some of the most powerful people in the MAHA movement. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Dustin DeSoto, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. A woman holds a sign reading "MAHA Moms" at a press conference with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Photo by OLIVER CONTRERAS/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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A man, no plan, Iran

President Trump got what he wanted in Iran: a change in leadership. But what he wants next isn't clear... and seems to change by the minute. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers and Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. Iranians protesting against attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States. Photo by Majid Saeedi/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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You, me, and ADHD

It’s not just for school kids anymore. Why more adults are getting diagnosed with the disorder. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.  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

The “Epstein class”

No one did enough to stop Jeffrey Epstein, including elected Democrats. Rep. Ro Khanna says they should be held accountable. The episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on video at 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. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The reality TV that made us

A new documentary about America's Next Top Model has people reckoning with its legacy and the industry that birthed it. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Supermodel Tyra Banks served as Executive Producer and host of America's Next Top Model. Photo by Hyungwon Ryoo/CBS Photo Archive 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conspiracy theory nation

The Epstein files are giving new life to the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. American political culture has long been built on conspiracy theorizing. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Jeffrey Epstein in 2004. Photo by Rick Friedman/Rick Friedman Photography/Corbis 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A toymaker who got tariffed

And then sued the president, and won. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. A worker producing toys for export at a workshop of a toy company in Shandong Province, China. Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The authoritarian hangover

Beating an authoritarian regime at the ballot box is hard, but rolling back its changes is harder. Just look at Poland. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King and Miles Bryan with special thanks to Grzegorz Sokol. It was supported by a grant from Protect Democracy. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting. Rafal Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw, at a campaign rally in Krakow. Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One Battle for Democracy After Another

For nearly 10 years, Poland's authoritarian government chipped away at the country's freedoms. Here's how Poles mobilized to get their democracy back before it was too late. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King and Miles Bryan. It was supported by a grant from Protect Democracy. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting. A march in Krakow, Poland to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising. Photo by Klaudia Radecka/NurPhoto 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices