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
The Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters is a mega cultural phenomenon. And the studio that used to own animation, Disney, is watching its dominance be tested...and maybe even fade. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. A fan during a KPop Demon Hunters dance and singalong event in Seoul. Photo by Jintak Han/The Washington Post via Getty Images. Listen to Today...
Oct 03, 2025•26 min
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered top military officials to DC for a surprise lecture on the "warrior ethos." Chaos ensued. With Hegseth, it usually does. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Devan Schwartz, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. Secretary Hegseth speaking to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained a...
Oct 02, 2025•26 min
We ask Sen Elizabeth Warren why. President Donald Trump is reportedly mostly worried about the midterms. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger with help from Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A sign advertising a government shutdown relief loan in the Hart Senate Office Building. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: ...
Oct 01, 2025•26 min
Murdoch has built a media empire that leads all the way to the White House. But nothing lasts forever. And at age 94, he finally has an official successor. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Denise Guerra, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Rupert Murdoch with his son Lachlan. Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/mem...
Sep 30, 2025•26 min
Murdoch started his media empire in Australia, sharpened his playbook in the UK, and became one of the most powerful people in the world once he came to the United States. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen with help from Denise Guerra, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Rupert Murdoch with some of his newspapers and magazines, at the offices of the New York Post in 1985. Photo by Roger ...
Sep 29, 2025•27 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
How TikTok reshaped the trend cycle. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A young woman holding an iced matcha latte. Photo by Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 26, 2025•27 min
With its announcement that an H-1B visa will now cost $100,000, the Trump administration is proving it's willing to wreak havoc on American industry in exchange for a flashy headline. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick delivering remarks as President Donald Trump signs an executive order introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B...
Sep 25, 2025•26 min
As Israel continues pushing into Gaza, a growing number of world leaders are saying they now recognize statehood for Palestine. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Denise Guerra with help from Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Avishay Artsy, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. Pro-Palestine demonstrators rally in New York, where the United Nations is meeting Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images. List...
Sep 24, 2025•26 min
The US and China have a plan for American TikTok. It involves a Trump-aligned billionaire whose family is building a new media empire. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. Photo by Mike Campbell/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast. Learn more about your a...
Sep 23, 2025•27 min
Noted vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced a key board of vaccine advisers at the CDC. After a chaotic meeting, they just handed down their first set of new recommendations. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. A "Vaccines Work" sign at a news conference on vaccine safety and efficacy with Sen. Bernie Sanders. Photo by Kent Nishimur...
Sep 22, 2025•26 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
ABC’s “indefinite” suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show has people worried about the First Amendment under President Trump. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Denise Guerra, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram and Noel King. Donald Trump appearing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" when he was running for president in 2016. Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty...
Sep 19, 2025•26 min
The FBI director's handling of the Kirk assassination proves knowing the ropes isn't as important as being the president's bestie. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. FBI Director Kash Patel preparing to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox...
Sep 18, 2025•26 min
The motives behind Charlie Kirk’s killing are still unclear, but the Trump administration is mounting a crackdown on people and groups he says are part of the problem. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra with help from Devan Schwartz, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Danielle Hewitt, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Tyler James Robinson attending a virtual court hearing from Utah County Jail. Photo by Utah State Courts vi...
Sep 17, 2025•26 min
Jubilee Media has figured out a way to make the issues that divide Americans go viral - for better or worse. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Devan Schwartz, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Vice President JD Vance hosting a podcast episode of The Charlie Kirk Show. Photo by Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcri...
Sep 16, 2025•26 min
Democrats are debating whether a government shutdown is a way to push back on Trump’s authoritarian impulses or a bad idea made worse by the killing of Charlie Kirk. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Danielle Hewitt with help from Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. Young men carrying a cardboard that says ''The Democrats Killed Charlie Kirk'' in Orem, Utah, near where conservativ...
Sep 15, 2025•26 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
Many far-right conservatives think The Lord of the Rings is about them. They may love Tolkien, but it's very possible Tolkien would not have loved them back. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen with help from Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Ian McKellen as Gandalf with Elijah Wood as Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring." Photo by New Line/WireImage. Listen to Today, Expl...
Sep 12, 2025•26 min
The fatal shooting of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk has reignited a debate about political violence, even as authorities search for his killer. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Rebeca Ibarra with help from Jolie Myers, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Miles Bryan, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King. The activist Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University before he was shot in the neck and killed. Photo by Trent...
Sep 11, 2025•27 min
Christopher Rufo is leading a ruthless — and successful — counterrevolution against American elite culture. What does the country look like if he wins? This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly and hosted by Noel King. A sign for a Cracker Barrel restaurant, whose logo sparked a controversy on the right, led by Christopher Rufo. Photo by Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images. Further reading: Rigober...
Sep 10, 2025•26 min
A new report that links increased alcohol consumption to cancer was supposed to help inform the government's new dietary recommendations. Instead, it hasn't been published. This episode was produced by Rebeca Ibarra, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. testifying before the Senate Finance Committee. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. Listen to ...
Sep 09, 2025•26 min
President Donald Trump promised to crack down on illicit drugs. Then, he blew up a Venezuelan vessel in international waters. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Tatasciore and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. A still from a video the White House released showing the U.S. military strike against what it called "Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists." Listen to Today, Explained ad-fre...
Sep 08, 2025•26 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
The smash hit musical Hamilton is now in a movie theater near you. But in the decade since it came out, Hamilton — and much of Obama-era culture — is feeling a little dated. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Lin-Manuel Miranda unveils his Madame Tussauds Wax Figure in honor of the "Hamilton" 10th Anniversary on Broadway. Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images. Listen to Toda...
Sep 05, 2025•26 min
India’s prime minister was so tight with Donald Trump that they held hands during public appearances. But the two strongmen are on the outs, and Narendra Modi has found a new hand to hold. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Tatascriore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the hand of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in China. Photo by Suo Takekuma...
Sep 04, 2025•26 min
The US government is trying to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia again. It's part of a larger war on immigrants that could lead to a smaller, poorer America. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Rebeca Ibarra, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Matthew Billy, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Kilmar Abrego Garcia and his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura after a prayer vigil before entering an ICE field office. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Ima...
Sep 03, 2025•27 min
President Donald Trump thinks he solved crime in the nation's capital. Let’s take a look at the data (which he says is dubious). This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast. The National Guard on patrol carrying rifles near the Lincoln Memorial i...
Sep 02, 2025•26 min
This special feed drop of NPR's Planet Money examines the United States' dwindling domestic garment industry and whether it is ever likely to come back. This episode was reported and hosted by Sarah Gonzalez, produced by Willa Rubin with help from Emma Peaslee, edited by Marianne McCune, fact-checked by Sierra Juarez, and engineered by Robert Rodriguez. Find more about Planet Money here . Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-ex...
Sep 01, 2025•32 min
