Unexplainable is a new podcast from Vox about everything we don’t know. Each week, the team look at the most fascinating unanswered questions in science and the mind-bending ways scientists are trying to answer them. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Learn more: vox.com/unexplainable Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unexplainable/id1554578197 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PhoePNItwrXBnmAEZgYmt?si=Y3-2TFfDT8qHkfxMjrJL2g Learn more about your ad ...
Mar 14, 2021•29 min
Vox's Kelsey Piper joins Matt to talk about the future of artificial intelligence and AI research. Should AI research be more heavily regulated, or banned? What kind of future will the continued development of AI bring us? Will AI turn out to be more like Skynet, or... like Philip Morris? Resources: "The case for taking AI seriously as a threat to humanity" by Kelsey Piper, Vox/Future Perfect (Updated Oct. 15, 2020) Guest: Kelsey Piper (@KelseyTuoc), Staff Writer, Vox Host: Matt Yglesias (@matty...
Mar 12, 2021•57 min
Matt and Dara are joined by Vox Senior Correspondent Ian Millhiser to talk through the several ongoing legal challenges being initiated by the GOP to curtail and hinder the right to vote in America. They talk through what has become of the Voting Rights Act, H.R. 1, as well as landmark Supreme Court cases of the past few decades — including the ones yet to be decided. Then, some research is discussed that examines the effect of private equity on nursing home patient welfare. Spoiler alert: Matt ...
Mar 10, 2021•1 hr 12 min
Kate Klonick, law professor at St. John's University, joins Matt to talk about her investigation into Facebook's secret content moderation board. She talks about her inside-Silicon-Valley reporting, the problems of regulating content in general, and why Facebook both is and is not like a newsstand. Resources: "Inside the Making of Facebook's Supreme Court" by Kate Klonick, The New Yorker (Feb. 12, 2021) "The New Governors: The People, Rules, and Processes Governing Online Speech" by Kate Klonick...
Mar 05, 2021•51 min
Matt and Dara are joined by Vox Politics and Policy Fellow Jerusalem Demsas to talk about how to take on America's housing problem, exclusionary and discriminatory zoning restrictions, message against NIMBYs, and ultimately, to sue and destroy the suburbs. Then, research is analyzed that confronts the effects of rising prescription drug prices on patient behavior. Resources: "America's racist housing rules really can be fixed" by Jerusalem Demsas, Vox (Feb. 17, 2021) "How to convince a NIMBY to ...
Mar 03, 2021•1 hr
Author, researcher, and University of Pittsburgh professor of history Lara Putnam sits down with Matt to talk about the structure of local progressive political organization. They talk about the recent history of these movements in the wake of the 2016 election, the effect of these groups on downballot races in Pennsylvania and nationally, and look to the future of these groups in the Biden era. Resources: "Democrats are surging in special elections, and that's not what we've been used to in rec...
Feb 26, 2021•1 hr
Vox's Emily Stewart joins Matt and Dara to unpack what's in the Covid relief bill, now that it's out of committee. They talk about state & local relief, UI extensions, the $15 minimum wage, and why Congress is perma-hamstrung to effect real change. Plus, some research is analyzed about popular trading app Robin Hood, and its possible affect on stock prices. Resources: "The year that Congress just gave people money" by Dylan Matthews, Vox (Feb. 5, 2021) White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattygle...
Feb 23, 2021•59 min
Melissa Boteach of the National Women's Law Center joins Matt to have a discussion about the role of child care in the economy, which has been "made visible" in the Covid-19 pandemic, and exposed the economically marginalized care workers who perform this essential work in an industry on the verge of collapse. Resources: House Hearing on Child Care During COVID-19 (Feb. 19, 2021) "How COVID-19 Relief for the Care Economy Fell Short in 2020" by Julie Kashen (Jan. 27, 2021) "The COVID Relief Packa...
Feb 19, 2021•49 min
Vox's Emily Stewart joins Matt and Dara to wonder about whether and how Trump may rear his head in politics again, and about the future of the Republican party (zombie Paul Ryanism, or dynastic Trumpism?). Plus, a new study about the EITC is examined that leads to a broader discussion about the role of "nudges." Resources: White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Dara Lind (@DLind), Immigration Reporter, ProPublica Emily Stewart (@EmilyStewartM), Business and Politics rep...
Feb 17, 2021•56 min
Immigration advocate Ali Noorani of the National Immigration Forum joins Matt to discuss the future of immigration in America, including the oncoming "grey tsunami," the consequences of Trump's border and asylum policies, and the effects of the way we speak about immigration on immigration policy. Resources: "Room to Grow: Setting Immigration Levels in a Changing America" by Ali Noorani & Danilo Zak (Feb. 3, 2021) One Billion Americans by Matt Yglesias (2020) One Mighty and Irresistible Tide: Th...
Feb 12, 2021•55 min
White House reporter Ella Nilsen joins Matt and Dara to talk about the current state of the Covid-19 relief bill, and the implications of the debate for both Congress and the Biden Administration. Plus, research on the correlation between SNAP benefit timing and college entrance exam scores. Resources: "The Senate vote-a-rama gets Democrats closer to approving Covid-19 relief on their own" by Li Zhou & Ella Nilsen, Vox (Feb. 4, 2021) "The Biden stimulus is admirably ambitious. But it brings some...
Feb 10, 2021•1 hr
Economist Adam Ozimek from Upwork joins Matt to discuss the future of remote work, post-pandemic. They discuss the implications for migration, local governance, and the elusive concept of work/life balance. Resources: "Economist Report: Future Workforce" by Adam Ozimek (Dec. 2020) Guest: Adam Ozimek (@ModeledBehavior), Chief Economist, Upwork Host: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Credits: Erikk Geannikis, Editor and Producer As the Biden administration gears up, we'll help you unde...
Feb 05, 2021•59 min
Vox Senior Correspondent German Lopez joins Matt and Dara to discuss what went — and is still going — wrong with vaccine distribution, as well as to talk through some new research about the effects of implementing eviction moratoria on the spread of Covid-19. Resources: "What Biden can do to fix America's Covid-19 vaccine mess" by German Lopez, Vox (Jan. 22, 2021) "'We crushed it': How did West Virginia become a national leader in Covid vaccination?" by Laura Strickler and Lisa Cavazuti, NBC New...
Feb 03, 2021•1 hr 4 min
Matt is joined by author Molly Reynolds of the Brookings Institution to talk about the intricacies of the Senate filibuster, budget reconciliation, and the Byrd rule, with a view toward the prospect of getting legislation through a divided Senate. Resources: U.S. Senate rules on filibuster and cloture "The history of the filibuster" by Sarah Binder, Brookings Exceptions to the Rule: The Politics of Filibuster Limitations in the U.S. Senate by Molly E. Reynolds (2017). Guest: Molly Reynolds (@mol...
Jan 29, 2021•1 hr 8 min
Vox Senior Correspondent German Lopez joins Matt and Dara to discuss some of the motivations, obstacles, and oppositions to the Biden administration's early signals on immigration policy, as well as a white paper on a natural experiment in the effects of a reduction in the number of police staff on crime. Resources: "Biden's sweeping immigration bill, explained" by Nicole Narea, Vox (Jan. 20, 2021) "Biden's flurry of first-day executive actions, explained" by German Lopez, Vox (Jan. 20, 2021) UP...
Jan 27, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Matt is joined by author Mike Konczal, Director of Progressive Thought at the Roosevelt Institute, and author of the new book Freedom from the Market. They talk about the past, present, and future of public affordances in America, and discuss the shifts in political imagination that could inaugurate a new era of public programs in the earnest interest of benefitting Americans. Resources: Mike's new book, Freedom from the Market: America's Fight to Liberate Itself from the Grip of the Invisible H...
Jan 22, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Vox business and politics reporter Emily Stewart joins Matt and Dara to unpack what's in Biden's giant stimulus package, and to examine how the new Congress will handle the massive imperatives of economic recovery, on the eve of the commencement of the Biden administration. Resources: "Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion Covid-19 stimulus plan, explained" by Emily Stewart, Vox (Jan. 14, 2021) "Legislative Process 101 — The Senate's Byrd Rule" White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.co...
Jan 20, 2021•57 min
Matt is joined by antitrust and competition policy expert Charlotte Slaiman to discuss the ongoing antitrust cases against Google and Facebook, the basics of antitrust litigation, and their outlook for the future of regulatory efforts to rein in the power of Big Tech through pro-competition policy. Resources: "Only Regulation Can Jumpstart Competition in Big Tech" by Gene Kimmelman and Charlotte Slaiman, Fortune (July 16, 2019) "FTC Sues Facebook for Illegal Monopolization" (December 9, 2020) "C...
Jan 15, 2021•55 min
Vox Senior Correspondent Zack Beauchamp joins Matt and Dara to discuss some of the potential political ramifications of the insurrection of 1/6/21, as well as what this event might portend for addressing questions of police reform. Resources: "Capitol police officer praised as hero for diverting mob from Senate chamber" by Randi Richardson, NBC News (Jan. 11, 2021) "I experienced the heinous assault on Capitol; now, time to face reality" op-ed by Rep. Peter Meijer, Detroit News (Jan. 9, 2021) "O...
Jan 13, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 492
Matt is joined by Employ America policy advisor Elizabeth Pancotti for a detailed discussion about unemployment insurance. They take on the recent expansion of the benefits, explain some of the difficulties in distributing them, and outline a possible road toward meaningful reform. Resources: "Bennet Unveils Sweeping Proposal to Strengthen Unemployment Insurance Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic" (March 24, 2020) Guest: Elizabeth Pancotti (@ENPancotti), policy advisor, Employ America Host: Matt Yglesi...
Jan 08, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 491
Umair Irfan joins Dara and Matt to discuss some challenges and obstacles to prioritization and distribution of the Covid vaccine, in the U.S. and elsewhere. Resources: White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Dara Lind (@DLind), Immigration Reporter, ProPublica Umair Irfan (@umairfan), Science Reporter, Vox Credits: Erikk Geannikis, Editor and Producer The Weeds is a Vox Media Podcast Network production Want to support The Weeds? Please make a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/...
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 490
Mary Cunningham, vice president of Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy at the Urban Institute, joins Matt for part two of homelessness week to discuss the causes and potential solutions of homelessness. They dive deep into the data surrounding the issue, and take a look at President Trump's claim that homelessness is on the rise. More to explore: Subscribe for free to the Ezra Klein Show, a Vox podcast where Ezra brings you far-reaching conversations about hard problems, big ideas, illum...
Dec 22, 2020•56 min•Ep. 489
New America’s Kevin Carey explains loan forgiveness and the deeper problems with American higher education. Guest: Kevin Carey (@kevincarey1), Vice President, Education Policy and Knowledge Management, New America Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Credits: Jeff Geld, (@jeff_geld), Producer Jackson Bierfeldt, Editor The Weeds is a Vox Media Podcast Network production Want to support The Weeds? Please consider making a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts About Vox Vox is ...
Dec 18, 2020•57 min•Ep. 488
Dylan Matthews joins Matt and Dara to discuss Covid’s impact on poverty and the road to recovery. Resources: "Joe Biden is taking office amid a poverty crisis" by Dylan Matthews, Vox Income and poverty in the COVID-19 pandemic by Jeehoon Han, Bruce D. Meyer, and James X. Sullivan Kamala Harris's plan for $2,000 a month transfers to every man, woman, and child Plan to have the Fed give people money by making everyone a bank Who is Manasi Deshpande? White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias)...
Dec 15, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 487
Third Way’s Josh Freed and Jackie Kempfer explain a path forward for low-carbon policy in a time of divided government. Guest: Josh Freed (@ThirdWayEnergy), Senior VP, Climate and Energy Program, Third Way Jackie Kempfer (@JackieKempfer), Senior Policy Advisor, Climate and Energy Program, Third Way Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Credits: Jeff Geld, (@jeff_geld), Producer Jackson Bierfeldt, Editor The Weeds is a Vox Media Podcast Network production Want to support The Weed...
Dec 11, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 486
Alex Ward joins Dara and Matt to analyze the Biden national security team. Resources: "The revenge of the blob" by Alex Ward, Vox Why Nations Fall White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Dara Lind (@DLind), Immigration Reporter, ProPublica Alex Ward (@AlexWardVox), Staff Writer, International Security and Defense, Vox The Weeds is a Vox Media Podcast Network production Want to support The Weeds? Please make a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts About Vox Vox is a ne...
Dec 08, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 485
Kaiser’s Jennifer Kates joins Matt to explain the next steps in countering the pandemic. Guest: Jennifer Kates (@jenkatesdc), Senior VP/Director, Global Health & HIV Policy, Kaiser Foundation Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Credits: Jeff Geld, (@jeff_geld), Producer Jackson Bierfeldt, Editor The Weeds is a Vox Media Podcast Network production Want to support The Weeds? Please consider making a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts About Vox Vox is a news network that he...
Dec 04, 2020•53 min•Ep. 484
Dara and Matt on Biden’s choice to run Homeland Security and the many challenges he’ll face. Resources: "Biden picks Alejandro Mayorkas, a son of Jewish Cuban refugees, to lead the Department of Homeland Security" by Nick Miroff and Maria Sacchetti, Washington Post "How an Obama appointee helped influential Democrats get visas for rich immigrants" by Dara Lind, Vox White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Dara Lind (@DLind), Immigration Reporter, ProPublica Credits: Jeff ...
Dec 01, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 483
Emily Stewart joins Dara and Matt to discuss the prospects for Covid relief and Janet Yellen. Resources: "Janet Yellen's mistake" by Matthew Yglesias, Slowboring.com "Electoral politics on an unfair playing field" by Aaron Strauss, Slowboring.com White paper Hosts: Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Dara Lind (@DLind), Immigration Reporter, ProPublica Emily Stewart (@EmilyStewartM), Business and Politics Reporter, Vox Credits: Jeff Geld, (@jeff_geld), Editor and Producer The Weeds is ...
Nov 24, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 482
The Atlantic Council’s Emma Ashford joins Matt to explain the president-elect’s approach to national security. Guest: Emma Ashford (@EmmaMAshford), Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council Host: Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias), Slowboring.com Credits: Jeff Geld, (@jeff_geld), Producer Jackson Bierfeldt, Editor The Weeds is a Vox Media Podcast Network production Want to support The Weeds? Please consider making a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts About Vox Vox is a news network that helps you cut ...
Nov 20, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 481
