TikTok has a tendency to make products fly off the shelves. But then they flame out fast. Vox’s in-house TikTok expert Rebecca Jennings explains the phenomenon, the relationship between influencers and brands, and the inevitable pitfalls that come with a rapid rise to recognition. Read Rebecca’s story here. This episode of Vox Quick Hits was made by: Hosts: Adam Clark Estes (@adamclarkestes) and Meredith Haggerty (@manymanywords) Producers: Schuyler Swenson and Taylor Maycan Engineers: Paul Moun...
Aug 18, 2021•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tesla is in trouble. The US government is investigating Autopilot, a feature that Elon Musk says could turn Teslas into fully self-driving cars. Tesla has had numerous issues with the Autopilot program, but this investigation — the biggest one yet — is specifically looking at crashes involving emergency vehicles. What does this inquiry mean for the company? Andrew Hawkins (@andyjayhawk), a senior transportation reporter at The Verge, explains. Read some of Recode’s coverage of Tesla. And read mo...
Aug 17, 2021•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast We know that working mothers had a really hard time during the pandemic. It was untenable. Three million women left the workforce last year, and less than half have returned. But why was it so common for moms to quit instead of dads? Recode’s Rani Molla talks with sociologist Jessica Calarco about the structural and cultural forces that make it easier for women to quit their jobs to take care of the kids. Read Rani’s story here. If you’re interested in Jessica Calarco’s work, you can find her re...
Aug 16, 2021•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Through his infrastructure bill and recent executive orders, Biden is pushing for more Americans to start driving electric vehicles. The president has made the technology a cornerstone of his agenda to fight climate change. But with scientists urging immediate action, do Biden’s proposed reforms go far enough? The Verge’s Sean O’Kane (@sokane1) joins Recode’s Rani Molla to discuss the significance of electric cars. References: Read Sean’s story on Biden’s recent executive order here. Enjoyed thi...
Aug 13, 2021•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Senate just passed a massive, trillion-dollar infrastructure deal, and lawmakers are looking to cryptocurrency to help pay for it. But users of the new technology are worried a small provision in the bill may burden the wrong people with that responsibility. Makena Kelly (@kellymakena) with The Verge joins Recode’s Adam Clark Estes to break down senators’ crypto debate. ---------- References: Read Makena’s story on the bipartisan infrastructure package here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode...
Aug 12, 2021•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Apple announced new child safety features for the upcoming iOS 15 update. But, one of the measures has privacy advocates in an uproar: the ability to scan photos for child sexual abuse material on the iPhone itself. Recode’s Sara Morrison (@saramorrison) breaks down this new technology. Read Sara’s story about Apple’s new features here. And John Gruber wrote an excellent, in-depth analysis of the new updates. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Wha...
Aug 11, 2021•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast QR codes have been around for almost 30 years, but they’ve seen renewed interest during the pandemic. They’re convenient for customers, and they can help restaurant owners sell more. But they’re also a useful tool for collecting customers’ private data, and that’s raising red flags. Erin Woo (@erinkwoo) with the New York Times talks with Recode’s Adam Clark Estes about the privacy concerns behind QR codes. References: Read Erin’s story here Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave...
Aug 10, 2021•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast At this point, it’s old news that Facebook has a misinformation problem. Not just in user posts and comments, but within advertiser content, too. And a research team at the NYU Ad Observatory project has been studying exactly that — misinformation in ads on Facebook — since 2018. But then, last week, Facebook deleted their accounts. Recode’s Shirin Ghaffary (@shiringhaffary) talks to the lead researcher, Laura Edelson (@LauraEdelson2), about what happened. Read Shirin’s full Q&A with Laura Enjoy...
Aug 09, 2021•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Citizen, the controversial safety app, has a new feature called Protect. For $20 a month, you get extra security and access to Protect Agents, who can monitor your location and call for help. It’s kind of like OnStar, but not for your car. Is this service worth paying for? Recode’s Sara Morrison (@saramorrison) explains. Read Sara’s story about Citizen Protect. And read about the Citizen-led manhunt for the wrong guy. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podc...
Aug 06, 2021•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Square just announced they’re buying out Afterpay, a “buy now, pay later” app. The move could mean CashApp will soon offer the option to pay for everything in four easy payments. It’s a trend that’s gaining traction among young shoppers, but as Vox’s Terry Nguyen (@terrygtnguyen) explains, it comes with risks. Read Terry’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What do you want to learn about on Recode Daily? Send your requests and questio...
Aug 05, 2021•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Without a federal mandate in place, tech companies have started requiring their employees to get the Covid-19 vaccine before they return to work in person. First, it was Google and Facebook. Now, more companies in other industries are following suit. Recode’s Shirin Ghaffary (@shiringhaffary) joins Rani Molla to talk more about this trend. References: Read Shirin’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What do you want to learn about on R...
Aug 04, 2021•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hundreds of employees for the gaming studio Activision Blizzard are speaking out after the company was sued for sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination. The incident is highlighting the industry’s systemic issues of sexism and abuse. The Verge’s Zoë Schiffer (@ZoeSchiffer) joins the show today to discuss the latest developments. References: Read Zoë’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What do you want to learn about on Recod...
Aug 03, 2021•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The best place to watch the Olympics this year is TikTok. The videos – including behind-the-scenes clips of the Olympic Village, the training centers, and those cardboard beds that quickly went viral – have amassed billions of views on the popular social media app. As Vox senior reporter Rebecca Jennings (@rebexxxxa) wrote, “This year’s Olympics may be cursed, but on TikTok, they’re fun as hell.” Read Rebecca’s column here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Appl...
Aug 02, 2021•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this month, a Catholic media outlet published a story exposing a priest for using the dating app Grindr, costing him his job. The article was based on private location data that was traced to a phone belonging to the priest. The incident highlights the shortcomings of the country’s inadequate privacy laws. Recode’s Sara Morrison (@SaraMorrison) joins us today to break down what happened. References: Read Sara’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review ...
Jul 30, 2021•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Some of the country’s biggest retailers are being accused of using face recognition technology without customers’ knowledge. Stores can use this biometric data to predict people’s shopping habits and send targeted ads their way. Privacy advocates say the technology should be kept out of the hands of private companies. Recode’s Rebecca Heilweil (@rebheilweil) explains. References: Read Rebecca’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What d...
Jul 29, 2021•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Well over a year into the pandemic, and major social media platforms are still failing to moderate Covid-19 misinformation. With cases rising in all 50 states, the delta variant rapidly spreading, and the vaccination rate slowing… things appear to be getting worse. But, a new bill proposed in the senate targeting health misinformation online could change that. Recode’s Shirin Ghaffary (@shiringhaffary) explains. Read Shirin’s story here. For more information, check out Recode’s Section 230 expla...
Jul 28, 2021•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Netflix is betting on gaming to be its next big offering. The company saw lackluster growth as the world began to come out of the pandemic lockdown, so now it’s hoping a free library of video games will be enough to get users to stick around — and to bring in new ones. Recode senior correspondent Peter Kafka (@pkafka) talks with Rani Molla about the company’s latest venture. References: Read Peter’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. W...
Jul 27, 2021•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast When you were stuck at home last year, did you visit a doctor online? For some people, it was a convenient option; for others, it gave them potentially life-saving care from out of state. But what happens now that states are ending the lockdown-era provisions that made those telehealth visits possible? Katie Palmer (@katiempalmer), health tech correspondent at Stat News, explains. Read Katie’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What do...
Jul 26, 2021•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Roblox is one of the fastest growing games in the world right now. But depending on who you ask, some would say it’s more than a game. The app lets users not only play, but also join virtual birthday parties, attend real-time concerts, or just roam around a seemingly infinite digital world. Developers of Roblox say the app is more focused on creating “experiences” than “games.” The Verge’s Jay Peters (@jaypeters) joins Rani Molla to help explain what that means. References: Read Jay’s story here...
Jul 23, 2021•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The new documentary Roadrunner takes a look at the life of Anthony Bourdain, the late celebrity chef, author, and travel show host. But one decision by the filmmakers is raising questions: The film uses artificial intelligence to recreate Bourdain’s voice. Vox’s Alissa Wilkinson joins Recode’s Rani Molla to discuss the ethical dilemma the documentary poses. References: Read Alissa’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What do you want t...
Jul 22, 2021•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast iPhones have a reputation for being unhackable. But that’s not exactly the case. This weekend, we learned about Pegasus, software specifically designed to hack iPhones. This raises questions about who is using this software and why, but raises an even bigger question: are iPhones actually that secure? Recode’s Sara Morrison (@saramorrison) explains. References: Read Sara’s story here The Washington Post also had a great Q&A about Pegasus Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a ...
Jul 21, 2021•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Rich entrepreneurs have taken significant steps in recent weeks to make civilian space travel a reality. But that reality is only accessible to those who can afford the staggeringly expensive ticket. New York magazine’s Paola Rosa-Aquino (@prosaaquino) joins Recode’s Rani Molla to discuss billionaires’ latest space efforts and break down the cost to board a rocket to the stars. References: Read Paola’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts...
Jul 20, 2021•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast The pandemic changed where we work and how we work — and our work-life balance pretty much disappeared. That’s especially true for working mothers, who did more child care and household labor than their male partners. Now, as people start to reevaluate the meaning of work, American work culture is in the spotlight. Recode’s Rani Molla (@ranimolla) and Vox’s Anna North (@annanorthtweets) discuss. References: You can read Rani’s story about working mothers here. And Anna’s piece about the four-day...
Jul 19, 2021•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Social media has a problem with racism, and it knows it. But as social media giants like Facebook and Twitter promise to make things better, their users still have to deal with the consequences, whether that’s being exposed to racist trolls or having their content unfairly flagged. Today on Recode Daily we are talking about two recent events that highlight these problems: the European soccer championship and a recent accusation that Black creators are being censored on TikTok. Recode’s Shirin Gh...
Jul 16, 2021•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Lots of consumer products and services have gotten more expensive over the last year, when the pandemic threw prices out of whack. Some have worried this could signal a coming period of stagnation, or even an economic collapse. But economists say these unstable costs are likely just the economy working itself out. Vox’s Emily Stewart (@EmilyStewartM) and Rani Molla explain. References: Read Emily’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Wh...
Jul 15, 2021•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Social media has, in an incredibly short period of time, drastically restructured the way we communicate. But there's a problem: We know very little about its dangers. A new paper in the scientific journal PNAS argues that if left misunderstood and unchecked, we could see unintended consequences of new technology. Recode's Shirin Ghaffary spoke with Mirta Galesic and Jay Van Bavel, two co-authors of the paper, to learn more. References: Read Shirin’s original interview here. Want to read the pap...
Jul 14, 2021•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Recent extreme temperature events, like snowstorms in Texas and heat waves in Oregon and California, have put the United States’ power grid to the test. Recode’s Rebecca Heilweil (@rebheilweil) reports the country’s energy infrastructure is facing significant challenges as climate change persists. References: Read Rebecca’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What do you want to learn about on Recode Daily? Send your requests and questi...
Jul 13, 2021•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donald Trump filed lawsuits against Facebook, Twitter, and Google last week, accusing the companies of violating his and other conservatives’ First Amendment rights. The cases likely won’t hold up in court, but winning these lawsuits seems to be beside the point for the former president. Recode’s Shirin Ghaffary (@shiringhaffary) explains. Read her story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What do you want to learn on Recode Daily? Send your ...
Jul 12, 2021•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Crypto philanthropy is a burgeoning field, and one with lots of unique complications. Take the case of Vitalik Buterin, the programmer who co-founded the cryptocurrency ethereum, and his recent donation to a charity in India to help respond to the Covid-19 crisis there. He gave $1.5 billion in cryptocurrency, including $1 billion in a memecoin called Shiba Inu coin. And, well, that gift didn’t work out as planned. Former Recode senior reporter Teddy Schleifer discusses what happened with Buterin...
Jul 09, 2021•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast A special repost from the folks at Vox Quick Hits! While the Recode Daily team is out enjoying some vacation, Tell Me More host Emily Stewart and Vox senior correspondent Anna North are here to explore the ways the pandemic changed the way we work, and whether we can — and should — go back. This episode originally aired June 8, 2021 on Vox Quick Hits. Learn more: Read Anna’s story on bosses moving past the pandemic: https://www.vox.com/22455058/jobs-restaurants-office-employers-covid-pandemic-wo...
Jul 07, 2021•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
