We tell the stories of three ingredients that can shine outside the US: beef, bread, and tomatoes. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto 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/mem...
Oct 19, 2025•30 min
What we know about early childhood and screens, including a surprising argument for introducing tech at a tender age. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images. You can find Dr. Jenny Radesky and her colleagues’ tool kit for parents here . If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here...
Oct 12, 2025•30 min
Society teaches us empathy is a good thing. But some are now saying the opposite, and science is complicating our assumptions too. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Olga Pankova/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 . New Vox m...
Oct 05, 2025•30 min
Young men are more interested in becoming parents than young women are, and there's a growing number of single dads by choice. A look at modern fatherhood. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Thanks to Jonquilyn Hill for sharing a family photo for our episode image today. Image of dad John and baby Jonquilyn courtesy of the Hill family. If you have a question, give us a cal...
Sep 28, 2025•29 min
Americans seem to be getting ruder. Are our attempts at making ourselves better actually making us worse? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch and Isabelle Lichtenstein, engineered by Matthew Billy and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image: Francesco Carta Fotografo/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 ....
Sep 21, 2025•30 min
Hollywood has always made money from vampires and brain-eating zombies. But this year's a record-breaker thanks to sequels, hilariously unlikely creators, and pure thrills. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. A detail from The Conjuring Museum Of The Occult based on "The Conjuring" films. Photo by David Benito/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us...
Sep 14, 2025•30 min
From #rushtok to country music, American culture is getting more and more southern. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy and Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a Beyonce fan waiting to see her perform in LA by Rashida Zagon/For The Washington Post 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 be...
Sep 07, 2025•30 min
Americans are flocking to gyms and fitness classes. It wasn't always that way. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy with help from Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of an outdoor group fitness class by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP 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 Vo...
Aug 24, 2025•30 min
We track our steps and our sleep, guzzle supplements and protein shakes, and even inject hormones – all in the name of wellness. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Naureen Khan and Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group 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...
Aug 17, 2025•30 min
Americans are investing billions in their health and wellness. What good do all these green powders and costly club memberships actually do? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of a guest floating in a saline sensory deprivation pool at the Chiva Som Health Resort by Peter Charlesworth/LightRocket via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618...
Aug 10, 2025•30 min
The US is well behind much of the world in building passenger rail, especially high-speed trains. But we do have one major advantage. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Robert Alexander/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 ...
Aug 03, 2025•30 min
From raising the tipped minimum wage to "no tax on tips," we look at the challenges of remaking tipped work. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group 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/me...
Jul 27, 2025•30 min
Summer. Time for pools, BBQs, and the beach read. But why do we read "summer books"? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Further Reading: Bad Witches by H.B. Akumiah and Constance Grady's newsletter from Vox . Further listening: Limousine podcast. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note he...
Jul 20, 2025•30 min
More and more of us are interacting with chatbots. Can we have real relationships with AI, and can AI teach humans to be better people? This episode was a collaboration with Vox's Future Perfect team. It was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Kim Slotterback, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Frank Rumpenhorst/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here . List...
Jul 13, 2025•30 min
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar openly celebrate the American flag. But a lot of Black Americans feel differently. What does that tell us about identity today? This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of Kendrick Lamar performing at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us...
Jul 06, 2025•30 min
So many of us believe we understand what our pets are feeling. Are we fooling ourselves? This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy and Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered byPatrick Boyd and hosted by Noam Hassenfeld. Photo by Kylie Cooper for The Washington Post 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 ...
Jun 29, 2025•30 min
Unpacking the American rite of passage that so many children love — but that isn't right for everyone. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by Matthew Billy and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Maskot/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 podc...
Jun 22, 2025•31 min
A caller asks why it's so hard to make biking safe in LA. We bike around different US cities to get the answer. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Colleen Barrett, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a cyclist in a bike lane intersection in Washington, DC by Kevin Carter/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 V...
Jun 15, 2025•30 min
Press-on nails, new music from Katy Perry, and an uptick in Klarna purchases: signs of an economic downturn or no? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of Katy Perry performing in Sydney, Australia by Nina Franova/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...
Jun 08, 2025•30 min
For the first time in decades, American Christianity is not in decline. What are young people looking for–and finding–at church? Further reading: The surprising chasm splitting Americans along religious lines by Christian Paz. Pew report: Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off . This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a parishioner pr...
Jun 01, 2025•30 min
It feels like sneezing season lasts longer and takes more victims every year. An allergist and a public health specialist explain how to fight back. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Bernd Weißbrod/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question for us, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here . Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by be...
May 18, 2025•29 min
With the at-home DNA testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to all the data millions of Americans handed over? And how should you approach the family you've found through sites like these? 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 This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd ...
May 11, 2025•31 min
Fashion has made a big swing from a strict set of rules to the idea that we should all just wear what we want. But personal style is still dictated by outside forces. And a lot of people don't even know where to start. This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of Clinton Kelly and Stacy London by Donna Svennevik/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images. If ...
May 04, 2025•30 min
With 401(k)s taking a hit and the fate of Social Security uncertain, we get some advice for how to talk to the elders in your life about work and retirement. This episode was produced by Carla Javier and Gabrielle Berbey, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo credit: Momo Productions/Getty Images. Call us with your questions about personal style: 1-800-618-8545. You can also send us a note at vox.com/as...
Apr 27, 2025•30 min
Many worry that the clean energy transition will be derailed by the Trump administration. But there's reason to believe otherwise. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members . Call in your question at 1-800-618-8545. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch and engineered by Matthew Billy. Photo of wind turbines in a storm in western Iowa by Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Learn m...
Apr 20, 2025•29 min
For decades, high schools and parents have prioritized college for all graduating seniors. Now, more students are asking if there's another way. This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Colleen Barrett, engineered by Matthew Billy and Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 13, 2025•30 min
Given the economy and interest rates, homebuying doesn't seem like it’s necessarily the way to go anymore. So consider this not your parents’ real estate advice. If you have a question about a story that matters to your life, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Carla Javier. It was edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images...
Apr 06, 2025•31 min
Vox Members now get all our podcasts, ad-free. If you become a member, you will also get unlimited reading on our website, member-exclusive newsletters, and more special perks as a thank you. If you’d like to support our work and get ad-free listening on our podcasts, go to vox.com/members today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 02, 2025•1 min
Drivers and passengers are right: Car headlights are brighter now. And the solutions aren't simple. If you have a question for us, please give a call at 1-800-618-8545 or send a note at vox.com/askvox . This episode was produced and sound designed by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by zhen li for Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 30, 2025•31 min
Gen X women are freeing themselves from the hangups of the '90s, and having the best sex of their lives. Media portrayals of middle-aged women are starting to catch up too. If you have a question for us, please call us at 1-800-618-8545 or send a note at vox.com/askvox . This episode was produced and sound designed by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Actress Demi Moo...
Mar 23, 2025•30 min
