Today, Explained

Our Great Big AI Freakout

Fears of impending AI doom have burst into the mainstream. They still might not be enough for Washington to regulate AI. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Danielle Hewitt and Peter Balonon-Rosen, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. This episode was produced in partnership with Vox's Future Perfect. A robot in Parliament Square, London, during a photo-op for the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots. Photo by Nick Ansell/PA Images 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 anti-Muslim midterms

Republicans are stoking anti-Muslim sentiment in new ways ahead of the midterms. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Ariana Aspuru, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks on stage at the 2026 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas. 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

How to date IRL

People are getting tired of the dating apps and turning to a more old-fashioned way of finding love. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Known, an AI-driven dating app, has their branding plastered on a storefront in San Francisco, CA. Photo by Camille Cohen/For The Times. 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

Your midterms study guide

With the 2026 midterms fast approaching, we’re asking a simple question: What actually matters to voters right now? This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. A polling station at Colebrook Academy and Elementary School in Colebrook, New Hampshire, on Election Day, November 5, 2024. Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on 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. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How 9/11 became a meme

On the 25th anniversary of the deadliest attack on America, 9/11 has quite possibly become the most memed event in human history. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. President George W. Bush was reading to an elementary school classroom in Sarasota, Florida on September 11, 2001 when White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card informed him about the second plane hitting the World Trade Center towers. Photo by Paul J. Richards/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

Trump's mail-in meltdown

Restricting voting by mail is President Trump's latest obsession ahead of the 2026 midterms. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Dustin DeSoto, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Gabriel Dunatov and Ariana Aspuru, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. An election worker sorts ballots at a polling location in San Francisco. Photo by David Paul Morris/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

How to tax the (really) rich

Taxing billionaires is on the ballot in California. The measure has split Democrats — and may do more harm than good. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Supporters cheer at the Billionaire Tax Now rally where Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke on Feb. 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times 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

How private equity ate youth sports

Big investors are pouring money into kids' sports and parents say it’s ruining the game. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Hady Mawajdeh and Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King. The Curaçao Region from Willemstad celebrates winning the 2026 Little League Baseball World Series Championship against the Mountain Region from Henderson, Nevada at Lamade Stadium on August 30, 2026 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Photo by Emilee Chinn/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

Blame it on the inflammation

We are living in a time of inflammation information overload. Chronic inflammation is real, but Vox’s Unexplainable asks if it’s all bad. This episode was produced and hosted by Sally Helm, edited by Lissa Soep, with help from Joanna Solotaroff. Mixing and sound design from Cristian Ayala. Fact checking from Melissa Hirsch. A doctor assists a patient. Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous major health conditions. Photo via Me 3645 Studio/Getty Images. For Unexplainable transcripts, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com/unxtranscripts⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com/unexplainable⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Unexplainable ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com/members⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The farmers turning on Trump

As farmers and rural voters reel from moves made by the Trump administration, Democrats see an opening. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King. Guests attend a campaign event hosted by Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek in Westside, Iowa. Photo by Scott Olson/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 hates data centers

Data centers have become politically untenable, even in very Republican Texas. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King. People gather at the Texas Capitol to protest data center expansion. Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman 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

Meta cares about kids now?!

Meta is giving teens a curfew on Instagram and Facebook. And they want other social media sites to join them. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A 15-year-old boy looks at an iPhone smartphone screen in his bedroom. Photo by Anna Barclay/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

Is anything safe to eat?

It’s been a summer of food-safety scares and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new cooking show probably isn’t going to make things better. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. Packaged salad mixes are displayed in the refrigerated produce section of a Target store. Photo by Kevin Carter/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

How to survive a flop

In the streaming era, success is public, failure is viral, and everyone's one release away from a flop era. How do you come back? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton and Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Lizzo at the "Scary Movie" global premiere at the Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety 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 politics of Gen Z

What’s up with the kids these days? We asked a Gen Z researcher to explain her generation’s politics.  This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. An attendee wears a Vote hair accessory during a debate watch party with the Miami-Dade Young Democrats. Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images Read more about Gen Z: The Up and Up: https://www.theupandup.us/  You can also watch this episode on 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dolly Parton's platform

Dolly Parton never endorsed a party or candidate, but that doesn't mean she was apolitical. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Dolly Parton performs at the Glastonbury Festival in 2014. Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage. 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

Our $40,000,000,000,000 debt

The US debt keeps breaking records. Should we panic? This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. An electronic display shows the national debt in Washington, DC on August 19, 2026, after the US gross national debt surged past $40 trillion for the first time. Photo by Mandel NGAN / 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

Trump’s Ballroom Blitz

President Trump is racing to finish his ballroom, and if the Supreme Court doesn't stop him it will have major implications for conservation efforts around the country. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. President Donald Trump speaks to the media alongside posters of his proposed White House ballroom amid construction at the White House. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/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 human printer

Natalie Harp may be the most powerful executive assistant in the world, and her unusual relationship with her boss — the president — is getting a lot of attention. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. President Donald Trump and his executive assistant Natalie Harp at Dover Air Force Base on July 22, 2026. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/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

Medicare for All fever

A new crop of Democrats is running on an old slogan: Medicare for All. Now might be the moment it finally catches on. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. A protester holds a sign at a rally in New York calling on lawmakers to pass comprehensive healthcare for all, without exception. Photo by Erik McGregor/LightRocket 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 everyone's an introvert now

Move aside extroverts. In this episode — which aired last year — we explore personality types and whether they are set in stone. 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. Photo by We Are/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

Is MAGA still electable?

Left-leaning Democratic candidates have faced a lot of scrutiny in the last year about whether they’re “electable” in a general election. Why aren’t people asking the same about Republican candidates?  This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) departs after speaking to the press in the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pop girlies are sad

Ella Langley’s heartbreak anthem “Choosin’ Texas” is ruling the charts in this sad girl summer we’re having. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. Ella Langley performs at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Jason Kempin/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 tragedy of Jason Arday

What the death of a star Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism tells us about race, culture, and who we are. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A memorial for former Cambridge professor Jason Arday was set up by students and staff outside The Senate House in Cambridge, England. Photo by Nordin Catic/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

Trans Panic! At The WNBA

When WNBA player Sophie Cunningham recently said she wanted to protect girls in sports from "biological men," a new front in the culture wars opened up. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Denise Guerra, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever prepares to shoot a free throw. Photo by Paras Griffin/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

Flock cameras are watching you

Law enforcement agencies are using a vast network of AI-powered license plate cameras to track drivers. You may not have noticed them, but they have noticed you. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A Flock surveillance camera in a Lowe's parking lot in Lawnside, New Jersey. Photo by Hannah Beier/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

The last real place on the internet

Reddit is one of the last remaining websites where people are still talking to people. But brands and AI bots want in. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. The logo of the Reddit app can be seen on the display of a smartphone. Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance 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 can’t I remember being a baby?

Even if we have little to no memory of our first few years, our earliest experiences still matter. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noam Hassenfeld. A baby crawling on the floor. Photo 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

Hasan Piker’s challenge to the center

Democrats have been duking it out all summer. He’s at the center of it all. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Hasan Piker at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada in 2026. Photo By Florencia Tan Jun/Web Summit via Sportsfile via Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The influencer recession

An oversaturated internet filled with slop has made influencing a lot harder. It's left creators and brands scrambling for ways to regain our attention. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Influencers and crew seen at Black Bear Pictures "Spa Weekend" Burbank Southwest Airlines Spa Retreat. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Black Bear Pictures 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