Explain It to Me - podcast cover

Explain It to Me

Should I buy a house? Why do I say “like” so much? Should Gen Z bother to save for retirement? Explain It to Me is the hotline for the issues that matter to your life. Send us your questions about health, personal finance, relationships, and anything else that matters to you. Host Jonquilyn Hill will take you on a journey to find the answers, whether it's to the halls of Congress or the local bar. You’ll get the answers you were looking for, and sometimes ones you didn't expect — and always with a dose of humor. New episodes every Sunday. Part of Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Episodes

Will the economy bounce back?

Dara, Jane, and Matt on the road ahead for the worst labor market since the Great Depression. Resources: "As deaths mount, Trump tries to convince Americans it’s safe to inch back to normal" by Josh Dawsey, Ashley Parker, Philip Rucker and Yasmeen Abutaleb, Washington Post "Get ready for a second wave of economic pain" by Matthew Yglesias, Vox "The economy is in free fall. So why isn’t the stock market?" by Emily Stewart, Vox White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior Correspondent...

May 12, 20201 hr 7 minEp. 420

Reopening without a plan

Ezra and Matt on America's lost month and what happens next. Resources: "April was another lost month for Trump’s coronavirus response" by German Lopez, Vox "Flattening the curve isn’t good enough" by Matthew Yglesias, Vox "COVID-19: The CIDRAP Viewpoint" by Peter M. Sandman & Jody Lanard, Cidrap "Canada succeeded on coronavirus where America failed. Why?" by Zack Beauchamp, Vox "US coronavirus data is at odds with Trump’s push to get the economy back up and running" by Aaron Rupar, Vox Hosts: M...

May 08, 202054 minEp. 419

How to win elections

Dara, Jane, and Matt break down the great mobilization vs persuasion debate. Resources: "What Happened in the Georgia Gubernatorial Election?" Catalist Analytics, Medium "The case for taking Trump’s black outreach seriously" by Matthew Yglesias, Vox "Michelle Obama Is Mad at ‘Our Folks,’ Not Trump Voters: ‘That’s My Trauma’" by Kevin Fallon, Daily Beast White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior Correspondent, Vox Jane Coaston (@cjane87), Senior politics correspondent, Vox Dara Lin...

May 05, 20201 hr 9 minEp. 418

Are Democrats getting rolled?

Ezra and Matt on congressional bargaining strategy and the China blame game. Resources: "Congressional Democrats are governing from the minority" by Ezra Klein, Vox "Many world leaders have seen double-digit polling surges amid coronavirus. Trump isn’t one of them." by Roge Karma, Vox Hosts: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox Ezra Klein (@ezraklein), Editor-at-large, Vox Credits: Jeff Geld, (@jeff_geld), Editor and Producer Want to support The Weeds? Please consider maki...

May 01, 202055 minEp. 417

A faster Covid-19 vaccine

Jane, Dara, and Matt discuss the possibility of "human challenge trials" to speed vaccine development. Resources: "How Anthony Fauci Became America’s Doctor" by Michael Specter, The New Yorker "What Each Side of the COVID-19 Debate Should Understand About the Other" by Brian Doherty, Reason "Special Report: Peruvian coca farmers to Paris pushers, coronavirus upends global narcotics trade" by Gabriel Stargardter, Drazen Jorgic, Reuters White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior Corr...

Apr 28, 202054 minEp. 416

Who models the modelers?

Ezra and Matt on the failures of some popular epidemiological forecasts and a viral Silicon Valley essay urging America to build again. Resources: "The US has a national service for predicting the weather. It needs one for predicting disease." by Brian Resnick, Vox "What happens next in the coronavirus outbreak? We mapped 8 scenarios." by Julia Belluz, Vox "It's time to build" by Marc Andreessen, a16z "Why we can’t build" by Ezra Klein, Vox Hosts: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior corresp...

Apr 24, 20201 hr 5 minEp. 415

Opening up

Dara, Jane, and Matt on conservatives’ desire for a rapid reopening of American businesses, and a 'feel good' white paper about air pollution. Resources: "This is where all 50 states stand on reopening" by Alaa Eslassar, CNN The Heritage Foundation's plan. The American Enterprise's plan. The Center for American Progress's plan "The legal scholar who shaped Trump’s coronavirus response defends his theory" by Jane Coaston, Vox "Inclined to Putrefaction" by Erin Maglaque, London Review of Books The...

Apr 21, 202059 minEp. 414

Help is on the way (sort of)

Ezra and Matt break down the implementation problems that have bedeviled the CARES Act. Resources: "Policy by no other means" The Weeds Hosts: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox Ezra Klein (@ezraklein), Editor-at-large, Vox Credits: Jeff Geld, (@jeff_geld), Editor and Producer Cold open courtesy of NBC News More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on...

Apr 17, 202048 minEp. 413

The corporate bailout watchdog

Congressional oversight committee member Bharat Ramamurti joins Matt to explain his new job and what's wrong with shareholder capitalism. Guest: Bharat Ramamurti (@BharatRamamurti), Member, Congressional Oversight Commission Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox Credits: Jeff Geld (@jeff_geld), Editor & Producer More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay up...

Apr 14, 202058 minEp. 412

How does this end?

Ezra and Matt review four major plans for after social distancing; plus the Democratic primary finally ends. Resources: Dan Hopkins' tweet "National coronavirus response: A road map to reopening" by Scott Gottlieb, AEI "A National and State Plan To End the Coronavirus Crisis" By Zeke Emanuel, Neera Tanden, Topher Spiro, Adam Conner, Kevin DeGood, Erin Simpson, Nicole Rapfogel, and Maura Calsyn, Center for American Progress COVID-19 Response White Papers, Harvard University "Simulating Covid-19: ...

Apr 10, 20201 hr 7 minEp. 411

Covid-19 and the border

Dara, Jane, and Matt on the intersection between the pandemic and Trump's border crackdown, and a white paper about happiness. Resources: "It’s Impossible to “Distance” in ICE Detention. Doctors Say Free All Detainees." by Jack Herrera, Truthout "How ice operations in New York set the stage for a coronavirus nightmare in local jails" by Ryan Devereaux, The Intercept "Leaked Border Patrol Memo Tells Agents to Send Migrants Back Immediately — Ignoring Asylum Law" by Dara Lind, ProPublica "The Real...

Apr 07, 20201 hr 2 minEp. 410

Coronavirus meets health reform

Ezra and Matt discuss Covid-19's impact on insurance premiums, the case for single-payer, and more. Resources: "Coronavirus May Add Billions to U.S. Health Care Bill" by Reed Abelson, NYTimes "The coronavirus crisis hasn't changed Joe Biden's mind on 'Medicare for All'" by Sahil Kapur, NBC News Briahna Joy Gray Tweet "Fighting coronavirus won’t help struggling Maine hospitals pay the bills" by Charles Eichacker, BDN "California’s rural hospitals can’t handle a coronavirus wave. ‘People will die,...

Apr 03, 20201 hr 2 minEp. 409

The mask fiasco

Jane, Dara, and Matt on the evidence for mask wearing, and a totally non-coronavirus white paper. Resources: "Why America ran out of protective masks — and what can be done about it" by German Lopez, Vox "Why Telling People They Don’t Need Masks Backfired" by Zeynep Tufekci, NYTimes "It's Time to Face Facts, America: Masks Work" by Ferris Jabr, Wired "Masks for Coronavirus Will Not Last Long in the West" by Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review "FACE MASKS: MUCH MORE THAN YOU WANTED TO KNOW...

Mar 31, 20201 hr 1 minEp. 408

When $2 trillion isn’t enough

Ezra and Matt analyze the huge but inadequate stimulus bill Hosts: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox Ezra Klein (@ezraklein), Editor-at-large, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Fo...

Mar 27, 202058 minEp. 407

Fighting coronavirus with corporate conscription

Jane, Dara, and Matt on the Defense Production Act, wartime mobilization, and pandemic-induced autarky. Resources: "Trump’s excuses for not using the Defense Production Act are wrong — and dangerous" by Alex Ward, Vox "“We are desperate”: Trump’s inaction has created a crisis with protective medical gear" by Caroline Hopkins, Vox "The Defense Production Act, the law Trump is using to boost coronavirus supplies, briefly explained" by Alex Ward, Vox "How Ford's Willow Run Assembly Plant Helped Win...

Mar 24, 202057 minEp. 406

The story of Trump's swamp

Jane talks to Asawin Suebsaeng and Lachlan Markay about their new book "Sinking in the Swamp" on chaos at the White House and how President Trump differs (and doesn't) from prior administrations. As a note - this episode was recorded on February 26, 2020. Resources: "Too Many Trump Books Are Like Eagles Records. These Daily Beast Reporters Wanted Theirs to Feel Like a Mudhoney Album" by Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian Sinking in the Swamp by Asawin Suebsaeng and Lachlan Markay Guests: Lachlan Mark...

Mar 21, 202059 minEp. 405

Devaluing black assets

Brookings’ Andre Perry explains his research on how racism cripples black entrepreneurs and homeowners Guest: Andre Perry, (@andreperryedu) Fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut ...

Mar 20, 202051 minEp. 404

Rescuing the economy from coronavirus

Jane, Dara, and Matt discuss President Trump’s new more serious tone and competing economic stimulus proposals. Resources: "Coronavirus’s threat to the global economy — and what to do about it" by Matt Yglesias, Vox "Dear Congress: Send Americans cash. Send it now." by Dylan Matthews, Vox "Mitt Romney’s coronavirus economic plan: $1,000 to each American adult" by Dylan Matthews, Vox "Restaurants Are Fucked — Unless They Get a Bailout" by Hillary Dixler Canavan, Eater "A family of 4 could get $18...

Mar 17, 202054 minEp. 403

Weeds 2020: The coronavirus election

Ezra and Matt on dueling pandemic response plans from Sanders and Biden, and Trump's disastrous speech. Resources: President Trump's oval office address Joe Biden's coronavirus address Bernie Sanders' coronavirus address Hosts: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox Ezra Klein (@ezraklein), Editor-at-large, Vox About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Follow Us: Vox.com Facebook gro...

Mar 14, 202055 minEp. 402

Meet the YIMBYs

Conor Dougherty on his new book "Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America" Guest: Conor Dougherty, (@ConorDougherty) Economics reporter, New York Times Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand wha...

Mar 13, 20201 hr 7 minEp. 401

Mayor Pete and the state of LGBTQ politics

Jane, Dara, and Matt on queer politics after marriage equality. Resources: "Before Stonewall" by Jane Coaston, MTV News "My Mayor Pete Problem" by Dale Peck, New Republic "Last Men Standing" by Erin Allday, SF Chronicle "You Wanted Same-Sex Marriage? Now You Have Pete Buttigieg." by Shannon Keating, BuzzFeed "The Struggle for Gay Rights Is Over" by James Kirchick, Atlantic Census & LGBT Demographic Studies Archive, The Williams Institute White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior C...

Mar 10, 202052 minEp. 400

A "titan" of social conservatism on the courts and his battles ahead

Conservative thinker Robert George joins Jane to talk about abortion, marriage, the Supreme Court, and wielding the power of the federal government. Guest: Robert George, (@McCormickProf) Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University Host: Jane Coaston (@cjane87), Senior politics reporter, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About Vox Vo...

Mar 07, 20201 hrEp. 399

Behind the Covid-19 curve

The Kaiser Foundation's Josh Michaud explains what the US is — and should be — doing to fight coronavirus. Guest: Josh Michaud, (@joshmich) Associate Director, Global Health Policy, The Kaiser Foundation Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About Vox Vox is a news network that hel...

Mar 06, 20201 hr 5 minEp. 398

Coronavirus 101

Jane, Dara and Brian Resnick talk about COVID-19 -- how it started, its potential impact, and where we go from here. Resources: "11 questions about the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, answered" by Julia Belluz, Vox "If the coronavirus hits America, who’s responsible for protecting you?" by Brian Resnick, Vox "“This is not the bat’s fault”: A disease expert explains where the coronavirus likely comes from" by Brian Resnick, Vox "The coronavirus diagnostic testing snafu, explained" by Julia Belluz ...

Mar 03, 202046 minEp. 397

Weeds 2020: The Bernie electability debate

Welcome to Weeds 2020! Every other Saturday Ezra and Matt will be exploring a wide range of topics related to the 2020 race. Since the Nevada caucuses, Bernie Sanders has become the clear frontrunner in the 2020 Democratic primary, spurring lots of debate over whether he could win in the general election. We discuss where the electability conversation often goes off-the-rails, why discussing electability in 2020 is so different than 1964 or 1972, the case for and against Bernie’s electability pr...

Feb 29, 202058 minEp. 396

Going nuclear

Jessica Lovering joins Matt to discuss nuclear power's role in combatting climate change. Guest: Jessica Lovering, (@J_Lovering) Fellow, Energy for Growth Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand what'...

Feb 28, 20201 hr 4 minEp. 395

Black voters take the stage

The New Republic's Osita Nwanevu joins Jane and Matt to discuss black voting patterns and the South Carolina primary. Hosts: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox Osita Nwanevu (@OsitaNwanevu), Staff writer, New Republic Jane Coaston (@cjane87), Senior politics correspondent, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About V...

Feb 25, 202057 minEp. 394

The year of housing reform

Mercatus' Emily Hamilton on what's working and what isn't to increase housing abundance. Guest: Emily Hamilton, (@ebwhamilton) Research Fellow, Mercatus Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's ...

Feb 21, 20201 hrEp. 393

Mike can get what done?

Jane, Dara, and Matt on Michael Bloomberg’s record as mayor of New York City. Related material: "National education ratings show NYC student test scores stagnant since 2013, ranks them about average for big cities" by Michael Elsen-Rooney, New York Daily News "Boost for Congestion Pricing in Manhattan as de Blasio Supports Cuomo Plan" by Emma G. Fitzsimmons and Jesse McKinley, NYT "The quiet, massive rezoning of New York" by Sarah Laskow, Politico White paper Hosts: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesi...

Feb 18, 20201 hr 5 minEp. 392

Private equity, explained

Vox business and politics reporter Emily Stewart on the mysteries of one of America's most powerful industries. Guest: Emily Stewart, (@EmilyStewartM) Reporter, Vox Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Senior correspondent, Vox More to explore: Subscribe to Impeachment, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app to get stay updated on this story every week. About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and unders...

Feb 14, 202053 minEp. 391