Today, Explained

Let AI replace you

If AI handles all our busy work and optimizes our resources, it may also give us the one thing there never seems to be enough of: time. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Simona Granati - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images.  This story was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting. 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

Pop culture is conservative now

Why books, movies, music, and fashion all took a turn to the right. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. Actors Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in the movie "Rush Hour 2," circa 2001. President Trump reportedly has been lobbying for another installment of the movie. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/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 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ economy

Trump calls the idea of “affordability” a hoax. Nonetheless, he pressured the Fed to fix it. It's just one example of Trump prizing loyalty over economic expertise. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Dustin DeSoto, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. President Donald Trump during an event on inflation in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. Photographer: Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images. This show was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting. 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 fired now

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a case that could give President Donald Trump the power to fire…just about anyone. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Kelli Wessinger, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. A demonstrator outside the Supreme Court as it heard arguments in the case over President Donald Trump's dismissal of FTC commissioner. Photo by Jim WATSON / 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

The Republicans bucking Trump

From a redistricting fight in Indiana to a wave of GOP retirements from Congress, there are signs MAGA's chokehold on the Republican Party may be loosening. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Astead Herndon. President Donald Trump. AP Photo/Alex Brandon. 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

Fear and uncertainty in Venezuela

It's a waiting game inside the country, where the US is threatening military action. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Danielle Hewitt, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro gestures to his supporters in Caracas. Photo by Jesus Vargas/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 rise of the introverts

Turns out those personality tests you’re taking online are all wrong. 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. Image credit Khosrork/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

I fell in love with my AI

Two humans — and their AI lovers — spill it all. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. An AI rendering made using the NightCafe software that Chris Smith made of his AI lover, Sol. 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

Fishy business

Fish farms promise to grow massive amounts of seafood to feed a hungry planet, and to do it ethically. But what’s good for the humans isn’t always good for the salmon. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Kelli Wessinger and Laura Bullard, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. The seafood counter at a Ralphs grocery store in Los Angeles. Photo by Avishay Artsy/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

Bettor living through Polymarket

Polymarket is making it easier than ever to bet billions on anything — including politics. But should we be able to? This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Miles Bryan and Kelli Wessinger, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tasciore, and hosted by Noel King. A Polymarket billboard displaying New York City mayoral election odds in Times Square. Photo by Adam Gray/Bloomberg 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

Can Rubio end the Ukraine war?

The Trump administration is trying to sell its latest peace plan to Russia — and it's enlisted the help of former Russia hawk Marco Rubio. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Hady Mawajdeh and Miles Bryan, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Astead Herndon. 
 Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office of the White House. Photo by Win McNamee/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

Data center backlash!

AI data centers are driving up the cost of energy — and it's starting to get political. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. This show was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting. The Google Midlothian Data Center in Texas, one of three new data centers in which Google plans to invest $40 billion. Photo by Ron Jenkins/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 DOJ's revenge agenda

A judge just threw out indictments against some of Trump's sworn enemies. It's part of a long year of chaos and confusion at the Justice Department. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. Interim US attorney Lindsey Halligan at the Oval Office. Photo by Al Drago/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

MAGA’s other immigration battle

The debate over high-skill work visas is revealing cracks between President Trump and his base. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Astead Herndon. President Trump at the Resolute desk after signing an executive order establishing the "Trump Gold Card" and introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. Photo by Andrew Harnik/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

Trump's new billionaire bestie

Nvidia is the most valuable company in the world. Major parts of the economy hinge on its success. CEO Jensen Huang and President Trump have become inseparable. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Danielle Hewitt, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. President Trump speaking alongside Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Photo by Andrew Harnik/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

Talk turkey to me

How this big, lean bird became the staple of the most American of meals. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Hill and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of the National Thanksgiving turkey by Andrew Harnik/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

Attention deficit television

The screens are getting smaller, and so are our attention spans. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Miles Bryan and Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. Image credit vladans/Getty. 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

How antidepressants got political

More young people are taking antidepressants. And there's a brewing backlash to the meds on the right. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Image credit Mahsun YILDIZ/Getty. 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 Trump help Sudan?

Two military generals are responsible for Sudan's brutal civil war. The American president just pledged to get involved. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina al-Sadi and Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Hady Mawajdeh and Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. The two generals -- former allies -- who are now at war in Sudan, seen together at a military ceremony in Khartoum in 2021. Photo by Mahmoud Hjaj/Anadolu Agency 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

Trump's Epstein flip

President Donald Trump told Congress to vote to release the Epstein files. That shows just how eager he is to close the growing gap within his MAGA movement. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Ariana Aspuru and Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Epstein abuse survivor Lisa Phillips at a news conference with lawmakers on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Heather Diehl/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

Trump can't bring prices down

The affordability crisis is not entirely the president's fault. But he promised lower prices, and now it is his problem. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch and Ariana Aspuru, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. Shoppers looking at a canned fish display at a store in South Burlington, Vermont. Photo by Robert Nickelsberg/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 case for renting forever

Housing prices aren't coming down, and that's challenging us to redefine the American dream. Maybe renting isn't so bad? This story was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. The episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of homes in Hercules, California by David Paul Morris/Bloomberg 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

The billionaire backlash

The number of billionaires is growing. So is the call to abolish them. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. A protest sign in Washington, DC. Photo by Eric Lee/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 bet that's ruining sports

Another week, another sports betting scandal. This time, it's the MLB. It's all happening because of an increasingly popular way to bet on games. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Danielle Hewitt , edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Astead Herndon. The pitcher Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, who was indicted on charges related to manipulating bets on individual pitches. Photo by Tanner Gatlin/MLB Photos 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

Republicans have a Nazi problem

An antisemitic influencer went on Tucker Carlson's show. What happened next is fracturing the American right. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. The right-wing podcaster Nick Fuentes greeting supporters. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File. 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 end of dieting

The Trump administration is making GLP-1s more affordable. This class of drugs seems to have forever changed the game on diet and exercise for Americans. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King. A pharmacist holds a box of Ozempic brand semaglutide medication. Photo by George Frey/Bloomberg 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

Why Democrats caved

Enough Democrats joined the GOP to strike a deal that could end the government shutdown. And now they're feeling the heat. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger with help from Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Ariana Aspuru, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Our guest was David Axelrod, host of the podcast Hacks on Tap. Listen at http://vmpod.co/hacks Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries speaking to the press about the shutdown. Photo by Alex Wong/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

Why your health insurance is so expensive

It’s open enrollment season, and new health insurance premiums are causing sticker shock around the country. So how do you pick a health care plan that won’t break the bank? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg 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

The art of the breakup album

Lily Allen's West End Girl is a scorched-earth tell-all about the end of her celebrity marriage. It's the breakup album for our parasocial age. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. The singer Lily Allen dressed as "Madeline," the name she gives to the "other woman" character on her new breakup album. Photo by Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC 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 flights will be canceled

The government shutdown is making flying even worse. And maybe more dangerous. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. A security checkpoint line at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Photo by MARK FELIX/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