Today, Explained

At least if we want to stop the next pandemic. Vox's Kenny Torrella explains.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Empty shelves of eggs in a New York City supermarket. Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and President Donald Trump struck up an unlikely friendship. Then, the Trump administration ordered prosecutors to sidestep DOJ norms and drop corruption charges against Adams so that he could focus on cracking down on immigration.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Devan Schwartz, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

New York City Mayor Eric Adams as he arrived for a court hearing earlier this month. Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party won its best ever results this weekend. We hear why an anti-immigrant, fascist-curious party is surging in the land that gave birth to Nazism.

This episode was produced by Travis Larchuk with help from Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A poster of Alice Weidel, who co-leads the Alternative for Germany (AfD), behind a "Make Duisburg great again" cap. Photo by LOUIS VAN BOXEL-WOOLF/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boomers are the wealthiest generation ever. And they're funneling trillions to their adult children for down payments, school tuition, even monthly allowances. The Great Wealth Transfer is upon us.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Devan Schwartz, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Image of candy hearts by Erica Thostesen/Shutterstock.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kremlin defender Tulsi Gabbard is the US’s new spy chief, while the US and Russia are holding peace talks without European and Ukrainian officials at the table. The vibe has officially shifted.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump at the G20 Summit in Osaka in 2019. Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration’s effort to purge government websites is accelerating digital decay. It’s a trend that imperils our record of ourselves.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A photo illustration of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) website. Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russell Vought is the architect and legal scholar behind the Trump administration’s attempt to reshape the federal government. Simon Rabinovitch, US economics editor for the Economist, explains how he got all that power.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

President Trump's Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, at his Senate confirmation hearing last month. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Funding cuts and research censorship have shaken the foundations of America’s health and science agencies, leaving researchers shocked, confused, and afraid. In this episode of Unexplainable, we ask, what does this mean for the future of science?

This episode was hosted and produced by Noam Hassenfeld with help from Byrd Pinkerton, Thomas Lu, and Amanda Llewelyn, edited by Jorge Just and Meradith Hoddinott, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, and engineeered by Cristian Ayala. 

Broken lab beakers. Image by robuart for Shutterstock.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sephora revolutionized high-end beauty and turned tiny brands into household names. Now, comes the reckoning. Fast Company’s Liz Segran on whether Sephora is too powerful.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Facade of Sephora store in Concord, California. Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is offering to resettle white South Africans in the US, and his white South African bestie may have something to do with it.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Travis Larchuk, edited by Miranda Kennedy and Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Tech billionaire Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House. Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The prices of all kinds of things have stayed stubbornly high even as inflation has cooled. And a spate of lawsuits point to algorithmic price fixing as the culprit. Just look at frozen potatoes.

This episode was produced by Peter Balanon-Rosen with help from Devan Schwartz, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Bpyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Chef Jay Murray at Grill 23 in Boston shows off a dish of tater tots. Photo by MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon Musk promised to feed "USAID into the wood chipper." The way he's dismantling the agency provides a roadmap for the administration moving forward.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Devan Schwartz, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Flowers are left at the USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C. Astrid Riecken for The Washington Post via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration has begun detaining migrants at Guantanamo Bay. For more than 40 years, the US has sent immigrants to Gitmo, explains Jeffrey Kahn of UC Davis, who interviewed asylum-seekers there.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A 1992 image of a refugee camp at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay where Haitians were detained. Photo by © Steve Starr/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendrick Lamar is celebrating his latest album, GNX, on the biggest stage in American music. But everyone wants to know if he’s bringing the beef. NPR’s Sidney Madden and Stephen Thompson explain.

This episode was produced by Travis Larchuk, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A handmade t-shirt celebrating Kendrick Lamar's hit song "They Not Like Us." Photo by Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is at war. Again. Sixty-five years of mismanagement began with a CIA assassination plot that condemned millions of Congolese to unending conflict.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Miles Bryan, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Rebel soldiers with a group called M23 who have taken control of the Congolese city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo by MICHEL LUNANGA/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBC News reporter Sahil Kapur and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) try to explain if the Democrats are, like, dead.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Democratic lawmakers protest against Elon Musk outside Treasury Department. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first battles have now been fought in the new North American trade war. President Donald Trump came out on top. Companies that make things across multiple borders are still holding their collective breath.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Peter Balonon-Rosen, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

The Canadian, Mexican and Chinese flags displayed. Multiple exposure illustration photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LA Times reporter Liam Dillon assesses the damage now that the fires are fully contained. Torched editor Alissa Walker explains how the 2028 Olympics might impede rebuilding efforts.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Flea, Chad Smith, Anthony Kiedis, and John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at the LA28 Olympic Games Handover Celebration. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for LA28.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turkey has become the hair transplant capital of the world. And it's part of a global boom in medical tourism.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Top view of a scalp after hair transplant surgery. Photo by ridvan_celik/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The emergence of DeepSeek — a Chinese AI model that was developed for a fraction of the cost of leading Western ones, but seems to perform on par with them — caused chaos in the markets and electrified the tech industry.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Victoria Chamberlin with help from Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

The DeepSeek logo on a phone in front of a flag of China. Photo illustration by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RFK Jr. adviser Calley Means explains why so many Americans are suspicious of food and pharma companies, and what the HHS secretary nominee plans to do about it if he's confirmed.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Avishay Artsy, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump is remaking the federal government in his name, says Vox’s Andrew Prokop. Efforts at a more efficient government may have a point, says Jennifer Pahlka, who co-founded the precursor to DOGE.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Travis Larchuk, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

An Elon Musk X post about DOGE displayed on a phone screen. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump pardoned Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht and launched his own memecoin, signaling a new attitude toward cryptocurrency in his second term.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A supporter of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road underground market who was serving life in prison until President Trump pardoned him on his first full day in office. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TikTok's uncertain future has driven a flood of users to a fully Chinese social media app full of opportunities for genuine cultural exchange. And it's given fresh fodder for proponents of a decentralized social media ecosystem known as the fediverse.

This episode was produced by Travis Larchuk, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A logo for Xiaohongshu, aka RedNote, and a TikTok logo displayed on smartphone screens in China. Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump says he wants Greenland for America. Greenlandic government minister Naaja Nathanielsen says the country's not for sale but it's open for business.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

An aircraft allegedly carrying Donald Trump Jr. after it arrived in Nuuk, Greenland earlier this month. Photo by EMIL STACH/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RFK Jr. is the latest in a long line of reformers who have tried to clean up school lunch. The history of those attempts illustrates how hard it is to change the American food system.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Healthy cafeteria food options at IDEA Public Charter School in northeast Washington, DC. Photo by Miles Bryan.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump kicked off his second term with a flurry of executive actions. Vox’s Andrew Prokop and Nicole Narea explain.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order during the inauguration events at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New Yorker’s Susan B. Glasser says Donald Trump’s second inauguration is very different from his first. Vox’s Ian Millhiser explains how the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity has changed executive power.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram and Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Salesmen on Independence Ave in Washington, DC hawking Confederate flags and flags celebrating the 47th president, Donald J. Trump, on his Inauguration Day 2025.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many millennials are pushing back against traditional parenting styles used by their boomer parents. We explore the confusion and chaos in today's parenting with a mom and her mom.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

James Austin Johnson as a gentle parenting father during an "Airport Parade" sketch on SNL. Photo by Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meta is going MAGA. New York magazine’s John Herrman explains Mark Zuckerberg’s makeover. Writer Ben Wofford introduces Meta’s policy puppet master.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn with help from Travis Larchuck, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms Inc. during an event. Photo by David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Americans were told “diet and exercise” was the key to better health, but lifestyle changes were never that life changing. Medication is.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Semaglutide (GLP-1) weight-loss drug Wegovy, made by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk -- designed to treat type 2 diabetes, but widely known for their effect on weight loss. Photo by James Manning/PA Images via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wildfires overtook Los Angeles, firefighters ran out of water, and the political finger-pointing began.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Travis Larchuck, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Peter Balonon-Rosen, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A fire hydrant burning during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county. Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biden’s lack of leadership and priorities means he will leave office without any real lasting policy achievements, says Vox's Dylan Matthews.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Matt Collette and Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Laura Bullard, mixed by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

President Joe Biden riding his bike in Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two Amazon influencers are in a legal battle over whether or not one has appropriated the other’s aesthetic. The Verge’s Mia Sato breaks down the claims, and legal intellectual property expert Alexandra Roberts tells us what the lawsuit could mean for the future of content creation.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Sydney Nicole Gifford and her mother, Laura, film a video promoting autumn decor from Amazon. Photo by Liam James Doyle. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The TikTok ban lands at the Supreme Court on Friday. Turns out ByteDance is far from the only Chinese company in the US government’s crosshairs.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Travis Larchuk, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Illustration of President Donald Trump expressing support for TikTok in Shanghai, China. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Korean lawmakers impeached not only their martial-law-declaring president but also the guy who stepped up to replace him. The Wall Street Journal's Korea bureau chief Timothy Martin explains the political K-drama.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Protesters with both American and South Korean flags and 'Stop the Steal' placards gather to show support for the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul. Photo by Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAGA is fighting over immigration. Vox’s Andrew Prokop tells us what happened, and the Wall Street Journal’s Tim Higgins explains why it isn’t the first time Elon Musk has split the party — and won’t be the last.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Co-Chair of the new Department of Government Efficiency, arrives on Capitol Hill. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

January 6 is always a big day in the DC jail where many alleged insurrectionists are awaiting trial and sentencing. It's even bigger this year, with "Patriot Wing" inmates preparing for a promised pardon from incoming President Trump.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A right-wing demonstration in support of protestors arrested during the January 6 insurrection of the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More Americans are now daily weed smokers than daily drinkers. To better understand this public health experiment, we turn to Canada, which has federally legalized marijuana.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

An unlicensed smoke shop selling marijuana in New York City. Photo by Deb Cohn-Orbach/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world's richest man is developing a company town outside Austin, Texas. Like the industrialists who came before him, Elon Musk may learn it’s hard to create (and sustain) a utopia.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

An aerial view of Elon Musk's Snailbrook community in Bastrop County, Texas. Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1979, Jimmy Carter delivered his “Crisis of Confidence” speech, a tirade against American individualism and consumerism. Historian Kevin Mattson says the speech helps make sense of Carter the president, Carter the American, and even the state of the US today.

This episode was produced by Jillian Weinberger, edited by Matt Collette and Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Serena Solin and Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

President Jimmy Carter about to address the nation from the White House on his energy proposals. Photo credit: Bettmann/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The appeal of "Country Roads" extends far beyond West Virginia or even the United States. We're revisiting an episode from this summer that examines the global popularity of the John Denver classic.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christmas is over and now comes the financial hangover. In an episode from earlier this year, guest host Jonquilyn Hill looks into the root causes of America's record-high credit card debt.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amina Al-Sadi, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sports betting is a costly mistake, says addiction researcher Charles Fain Lehman. He and NBA great Danny Green discuss how it's changed sports for the worse, and whether there's a way to fix it.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact checked by Laura Bullard with help from Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Special thanks to Steven Delaney, host of Fantasy or Reality? The Gambling Problem Podcast.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Las Vegas Sphere was supposed to be the future of live entertainment. But just over a year into its run, New York Post writer Josh Kosman explains why the math ain’t mathin’.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

The realistic eyeball that kept watch over Las Vegas was one of Sphere's early breakout hits. Photo by K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Name and likeness rights are fundamentally changing college sports at a rapid pace. SB Nation’s JP Acosta and sports commentator Pablo Torre explain.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

The Georgia Bulldogs celebrate their victory in the 2024 SEC Championship game in Atlanta this month. Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He'd love to take credit for a deal, although Israel and Hamas are still deadlocked. But Amir Tibon of Haaretz and Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations say peace may be closer than ever.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Matt Collette with help from Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

President-elect Donald Trump after speaking at a "Fighting Anti-Semitism in America" event earlier this year. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A growing number of countries are legalizing assisted suicide, mostly for terminally ill patients. The Washington Post's Karla Adam and Vox's Marin Cogan explain the debate over right-to-die policies.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A "suicide pod" in the Netherlands. Photo by AP Photo/Ahmad Seir, File.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Trump says he can see Justin Trudeau becoming governor of “the great state of Canada.” It’s part of a pressure campaign to get big concessions on trade and immigration from Canada and Mexico.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Plaster figurines of Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum for sale at a crossing in Tijuana, Mexico. Photo by GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trad wives are having a moment. A new conservative women’s magazine promising to be the anti-Cosmo is capitalizing on the trend.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

The archetype of a 1950s housewife. Photo by Debrocke/Classicstock/Getty Images.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices