Podcast · 558 episodes
Today, Explained
by Vox · English
Today, Explained is Vox's daily news explainer podcast. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King will guide you through the most important stories of the day. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Latest episodes
The limits of free speechA Texas Tech law student, Ellie Fisher, is accused of “over-exuberantly” celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, leading to an honor-council finding, a First Amendment…30 Sep 2026 · 27 min
The coming oil shockDiesel prices are spiking due to disruptions in global oil supply, especially the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.29 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Our AI Cold WarThe “AI Cold War” between the U.S. and China, framed through Trump’s AI policy and China’s AI adoption plans, and whether AI safety can realistically be prioritized amid competition.28 Sep 2026 · 26 min
All episodes
The limits of free speechA Texas Tech law student, Ellie Fisher, is accused of “over-exuberantly” celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, leading to an honor-council finding, a First Amendment…30 Sep 2026 · 27 min · 12 chapters
The coming oil shockDiesel prices are spiking due to disruptions in global oil supply, especially the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.29 Sep 2026 · 27 min · 10 chapters
Our AI Cold WarThe “AI Cold War” between the U.S. and China, framed through Trump’s AI policy and China’s AI adoption plans, and whether AI safety can realistically be prioritized amid competition.28 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 11 chapters
The end of etiquetteThe episode “The end of etiquette” argues that “manners” are part of a social contract that keeps strangers safe and trustable, but people are increasingly incentivized to act individually—leading to…27 Sep 2026 · 31 min · 13 chapters
The AI electionThe episode “The AI election” argues that AI panic is politically driven and that voters’ real concerns are tied to economic insecurity and loss of control, not abstract “rogue AI” fears.26 Sep 2026 · 29 min · 14 chapters
Everything is gambling nowThe episode argues that live-shopping and mobile games increasingly use gambling-like mechanics (random rewards, countdowns, social pressure) that can drive compulsive spending and addiction.25 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 12 chapters
Why we're still arming IsraelThe episode argues the U.S. continues arming Israel despite stated “red line” limits tied to civilian protection in Gaza.24 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 16 chapters
Ruining a young woman’s life for sportA Vox “Today Explained” investigation into the Burnerverse—anonymous college sports fan accounts that coordinate or amplify misogynistic, racist harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate…23 Sep 2026 · 28 min · 12 chapters
What the AI doom debate missesThe episode argues that the “AI doom” debate over-focuses on Hollywood-style scenarios (AI killing humanity) and misses nearer-term, more likely harms and benefits.22 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 11 chapters
Trump’s temper tantrumThe episode argues that Donald Trump’s administration is using legal pressure and public insults to force the John F. Kennedy Center to restore his name, and that this obsession extends to other D.C.21 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 10 chapters
We should party moreHow to throw and attend better parties to fight isolation, using history, psychology, and practical hosting/guest tactics.20 Sep 2026 · 31 min · 10 chapters
Latino voters swing backLatino voters’ political shift since 2024, why it’s happening, and how campaigns should reach them; includes a Colorado battleground campaign applying those lessons.19 Sep 2026 · 33 min · 15 chapters
Miss Piggy, feminist divaHow Miss Piggy and Bravo’s Real Housewives reflect changing portrayals of middle-aged and older women—moving from mockery or “sunsetting” to unapologetic femininity, agency, and sexuality.18 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 10 chapters
Speaking up for GazaThe episode discusses “NASA,” a grim Israeli documentary about the Gaza war, and how it has sparked boycotts, threats, and government backlash.17 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 13 chapters
Good news about Alzheimer’sThe episode explains why Alzheimer’s has had so few effective treatments, then delivers “good news” about recent progress.16 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 12 chapters
Our Great Big AI FreakoutAI safety “freakout” after viral warnings that advanced AI could cause catastrophic harm, alongside debate over whether the panic is genuine or politically motivated.15 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 11 chapters
The anti-Muslim midtermsIslamophobia is being used as political “currency” by some Republicans ahead of the midterms, portraying Muslims and Islam as dangerous and tying them to threats like “Islamism” and terrorism.14 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 11 chapters
How to date IRLDating and romance are in a “slump,” with people increasingly abandoning dating apps for in-person events and new approaches to connection.13 Sep 2026 · 30 min · 12 chapters
Your midterms study guideThe episode is a “midterm study guide” answering audience questions and summarizing reporting trends.12 Sep 2026 · 32 min · 13 chapters
How 9/11 became a memeHow and why 9/11 became a meme online, and what that means for humor, politics, and generational memory; includes a contrasting example of “25 Years Ago Live,” live-tweeting the attacks as history.11 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 12 chapters
Trump's mail-in meltdownThe episode discusses two election-related threads: Trump’s push to restrict mail-in voting and the broader role of 2020 election denial in 2026 races.10 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 6 chapters
How to tax the (really) richCalifornia’s Proposition 40 “Billionaire Tax Act” and the broader question of how to tax the “really rich,” including arguments about revenue, economic effects, and tax loopholes.9 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 12 chapters
How private equity ate youth sportsYouth sports have become “pay-to-play” and costly as private equity and club/travel leagues expanded after COVID-era rec leagues shut down.8 Sep 2026 · 26 min · 13 chapters
Blame it on the inflammationThe episode explains “inflammation” and whether chronic low-grade inflammation can contribute to many modern diseases.4 Sep 2026 · 27 min · 9 chapters