Today, Explained

Taylor Swift reaches new heights with her latest album, which is both divisive and record-breaking.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King.

Fans posing with Taylor Swift's latest album 'The Life of a Showgirl." Photo by Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images.

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You can. And ICE's aggressive tactics are inviting legal challenges from protesters. But some recent court rulings will make it hard for them to win.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King.

A federal immigration enforcement agent sprays Rev. David Black as he and other protesters demonstrate outside the ICE facility in Broadview, Ill. Photo by Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP.

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We visit New Jersey, where there are cracks emerging in Trump's gains with Latinos.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Miles Bryan.

Democratic candidate for governor Representative Mikie Sherrill posing with local Latino supporters of her campaign in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Photo by Christian Paz for Vox.

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When the private messages of Young Republican leaders leaked, it exposed an antisemitism problem that is dividing the GOP. And the online world that is fostering it.

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

Paul Ingrassia, White House Liaison to the Justice Department, who made racist and pro-Nazi comments in a recently revealed group chat. Photo by Pete Kiehart for The Washington Post via Getty Images.

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The Trump administration is making an effort to systematically exclude trans people from public life. For many trans Americans, it feels like an existential threat.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King.

Photo courtesy of Carma Bell Marshall, a Louisville-based transgender activist.

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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/members. 

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The lingerie brand was tarnished by its connection to Jeffrey Epstein, and by fading cultural appeal. With the relaunch of its once-iconic fashion show, Victoria's Secret is fighting for relevance.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Gigi Hadid at the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Read more from Amy Odell on her substack: https://amyodell.substack.com/.

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Over two weeks in, the government shutdown is exposing fault lines on both sides of the aisle. Perhaps the most surprising one: the political left turn of the MAGA darling from Georgia.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., outside the U.S. Capitol. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

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The 1965 Voting Rights Act enfranchised millions of Black voters in the Jim Crow era. The Supreme Court may be about to decide it's no longer needed.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King.

Demonstrators outside the Supreme Court. Photo by Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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What happens next in Gaza now that a ceasefire has been reached and how the last two years might have taught the world the wrong lessons about war.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Hady Mawajdeh, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

A bus carrying Palestinians released from Israeli prisons arriving in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

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Getting a cancer diagnosis at any age is life changing. But when you’re in your 20s or 30s, it can feel like hitting the pause button on life. That’s how some young cancer survivors described it in this episode that originally ran earlier this year.
Since the episode first aired, research has come out about cancer in young people. You can read Dylan Scott’s reporting on the research here.

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

A meeting of the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer awareness organization. Photo by JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images.

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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. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.

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In this special feed drop of On with Kara Swisher, Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber talks about standing up to Donald Trump and what free speech on campus really looks like.

This episode was produced by Cristian Castro Rossel, Kateri Jochum, Michell Eloy, Megan Burney and Kaelyn Lynch. It was engineered by Fernando Arruda and Rick Kwan. Theme music is by Trackademicks and Vox Media's executive producer of podcasts is Nishat Kurwa.

Students and faculty staging a walkout at American University demanding an end to President Trump's "occupation of DC." Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images.

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The Riyadh Comedy Festival was billed as “two weeks of laughs in the desert” but has comics asking, “At what cost?”

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King.

A poster for the The Riyadh Comedy Festival shared by the Visit Saudi social media feed.

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The president is attempting to send the National Guard into two American cities for two (seemingly) different reasons with two (for now) different results.

This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Kelli Wessinger, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King.

Anti-ICE demonstrators marching in downtown Chicago. Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images.

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Meta just dropped Vibes and OpenAI just dropped Sora 2. Both social media platforms are filled with AI videos that warp our sense of reality.

This episode was made in collaboration with Vox's Future Perfect. It was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images.

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President Trump wants to put his stamp on health care. But TrumpRx is no Obamacare.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

President Trump after announcing a deal with Pfizer to lower Medicaid drug prices. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

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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 members get $20 off their membership right now. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Ressmeyer/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images.

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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 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. 

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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.

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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 visas. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

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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.

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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.

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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 Nishimura/Getty Images.

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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. 

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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 Images.

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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.

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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 via Getty Images.

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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.

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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 conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed. Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images.

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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 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. 

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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.

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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 Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images.

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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: Rigoberto Gonzalez' painting Refugees Crossing the Border Wall into South Texas; America's Cultural Revolution by Christopher Rufo

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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.

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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."

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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 becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. 

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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.

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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 - Pool/Getty Images.

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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 Images.

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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 in Washington, DC. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

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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-explained-podcast.

"Made in USA" on the label on a pair of jeans. Photo by Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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Meta Mark is going all-out to put his superintelligence lab on superdrive. What is superintelligence, you ask?

This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey with help from Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Matthew Billy, 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.

Mark Zuckerberg, head of Meta, showing off a prototype of computer glasses. Photo by Andrej Sokolow/picture alliance via Getty Images.

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President Donald Trump wants to control interest rates. To do that, he needs to control the Federal Reserve. So he's turned to a toady to dig up dirt on Fed governor Lisa Cook.

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

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

President Trump mocking Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at a recent event. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

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Trump 1.0 got us safe COVID vaccines in record time. Trump 2.0 is trying to take the vaccines away.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Denise Guerra, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Tatasciore and Andrea Kristinsdottir with help from Patrick Boyd, 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.

Photo of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

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