Yevgeny Prigozhin rose from hot dog seller to top chef to Russia’s leading mercenary. Journalist Paul Wood and Harvard’s Timothy Colton explain why he turned on Vladimir Putin this weekend.This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh with help from Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplainedSupport Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Wood discusses the alarming resurgence of ISIS and the US's strange partnership with the Taliban in combating this threat. Philip Hensher reviews a new biography of the Brothers Grimm, emphasizing how words can wield immense power and shape cultures. Damian Thompson shares his unconventional way of handling election anxiety—watching videos of plane crashes to distract himself from the chaos. Together, these guests paint a vivid picture of contemporary challenges and cultural reflections.

Paul Wood, a former BBC foreign correspondent, and Dr. Limor Simhony, a defense and security researcher, dive into the escalating Middle East tensions following the October 7th Hamas attacks. They discuss Israel's military strategies and the complex dynamics with Iran, spotlighting potential paths to de-escalation. The conversation shifts as Fraser Nelson reflects on his 15-year editorial journey, while Philip Womack mourns the decline of physical invitations, sparking a nostalgic debate on their cultural significance.

Rachel Johnson shares witty insights from her week, highlighting the nuances of modern life. James Heale dissects the significance of Labour peer Lord Alli amid financial controversies. Paul Wood provocatively questions whether Israel is pulling America into a deeper conflict with Iran. Rowan Pelling reviews 'Want: Sexual Fantasies,' reflecting on changing perceptions of women’s desires over decades. Graeme Thomson explores the ethical implications of releasing music posthumously, delving into authenticity and artist intent.

In this lively discussion, Paul Wood delves into the complexities of Israel and Hezbollah’s escalating tensions, revealing the stakes involved. Ross Clark analyzes Ireland's unexpected windfall in tax benefits and its broader European implications. Andrew Lycett reviews Ben Macintyre's gripping account of the Iranian embassy siege, shedding light on its lasting impact on British counter-terrorism. Laura Gascoigne passionately argues that Van Gogh would endorse a new exhibition of his work, exploring his artistic struggles and inspirations.