Today, Explained

Ana Vanessa Herrero, a freelance reporter in Caracas, shares her firsthand insights on the chaos following Maduro's capture, detailing public shock and the complexities of daily life amid safety fears. Historian Greg Grandin provides a compelling analysis of U.S. interventions in Latin America, discussing the motives behind such actions and their historical context. The conversation also touches on the dangerous implications for regional sovereignty and how Trump’s rhetoric signals potential shifts in U.S. policy towards other Latin American nations.

Max Reed, a technology and culture writer, dives into the transformation of the internet, reflecting on its shift from a space of discovery to one dominated by toxic rage bait. He shares nostalgia for the early web and how algorithms have flattened serendipity. Activist Nick Plant discusses his personal journey of quitting major social apps on Delete Day, reclaiming time and spontaneity in life offline. Together, they explore the urgent need to revive a healthier online experience that's not driven by outrage.

Shante Joseph, a writer known for her insights on relationships, discusses her viral Vogue piece questioning the embarrassment of having a boyfriend. She explores themes like the performative nature of online relationships, privacy concerns, and how straight relationships can signal cultural alignments. Joining her is Jane Ward, a feminist studies professor who delves into the challenges and contradictions of heterosexuality, arguing for a shift toward embracing feminism as a way to improve connections. Their candid conversations spark new perspectives on love and culture.

Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post's Mexico City bureau chief focused on drug trafficking, and Amelia Petrarca, a freelance writer known for her cultural insights, dive into the remarkable resurgence of cocaine. They explore record production levels and the global trafficking networks that have emerged. Schmidt explains Colombia's shifting power dynamics in cocaine production, while Petrarca discusses the 'boom boom' aesthetic, a vibrant cultural echo of the 80s, blending fashion with historical complexities. The conversation highlights cocaine's cultural revival and its darker societal implications.

In this engaging discussion, Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City and a Democratic socialist, outlines his ambitious agenda focusing on affordability. He shares insights on connecting with the community through innovative events and emphasizes the importance of keeping public pressure on his administration post-inauguration. Mamdani highlights his priorities: freezing rent, implementing free buses, and providing universal childcare. He also stresses the need for a diverse team and the importance of delivering tangible results for working New Yorkers.

Yasmin Tayag, a staff writer at The Atlantic and host of How to Age Up, dives into the trend of baby Botox, linking it to cultural pressures fueled by reality TV and social media. She reveals a staggering 71% increase in Botox use among those in their 20s while cautioning about the unclear long-term effects and potential dependency. Dr. Michelle Hurie, a board-certified dermatologist, discusses the ethical concerns surrounding young cosmetic patients and the financial pressures within the industry, emphasizing patient safety over profit.

Ezra Klein, a journalist and co-author of 'Abundance,' teams up with Katie Wilson, Seattle's mayor-elect and former community organizer. They dive into the 'abundance' agenda, discussing its transformative potential for housing and governance. Klein emphasizes the challenges blue cities face in addressing housing shortages due to legacy regulations. Wilson reflects on her mayoral campaign, spotlighting affordability and the urgent need for bold leadership. Both highlight the importance of connecting with voters' material concerns to foster trust and drive change.

Haley Fuchs, a Congress and politics reporter for Politico, uncovers the controversy surrounding the DOJ's incomplete release of the Epstein files, sparking bipartisan outrage and legal threats from lawmakers. Investigative journalist Barry Levine dives into Ghislaine Maxwell's complex background and her critical role in grooming victims for Epstein's abuse network. Together, they discuss the implications of missing information, congressional accountability efforts, and the ongoing quest for justice in this tangled web of scandal.

Join Noam Hassenfeld, a host and reporter for Vox's Unexplainable series, and Pascal Walsh, a professor of data science and neuroscience at NYU, as they dive into the intriguing world of tinnitus. They explore how our brains create the sounds we hear and the implications of this 'superpower.' Discover how auditory illusions illustrate our brain's editing process, and learn about treatments that can help retrain our perception. Walsh emphasizes the brain's balancing act between speed and survival, reminding us to remain humble about our sensory experiences.

In this lively discussion, Elias Light, a music reporter for The Wall Street Journal, shares insights on the explosive rise of contemporary Christian music in the charts. He reveals how TikTok and streaming platforms have redefined genre boundaries, enabling Christian artists to reach wider audiences. Music professor Charlie Harding follows up with analysis on how gospel influences enrich secular music, emphasizing structures like the 'slow build' that echo religious experiences. Both predict a future brimming with inspirational crossover hits.