Today, Explained

Vox
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133 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 32min

The Made in the USA myth

The podcast explores the decline of the U.S. garment industry through the experiences of workers like Maria from Puebla. It reveals the harsh labor conditions and economic pressures in American factories, contrasting the romanticized notion of 'Made in America.' The discussion includes the realities of piece rate pay and the significant wage disparities in California. It further questions whether American-made goods truly guarantee better treatment for workers, highlighting the struggle between retail prices and meager wages.
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101 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 26min

$250 million to work for Meta

Riley Griffin, a tech reporter for Bloomberg News, and Garrett DeVink, a tech writer for The Washington Post, discuss the rapidly evolving world of superintelligence at Meta. They dive into Meta's ambitious goals and its heavy investments in AI amidst fierce competition, particularly with OpenAI. The conversation touches on the tech industry's aggressive hiring practices and the financial stakes for job seekers. They also explore the promise and pitfalls of AI advancements, including the need for skepticism in the face of hype surrounding new technologies.
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70 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 26min

Fed up

Matt Grossman, an economics reporter at The Wall Street Journal, and Andrew Prokop, a journalist at Vox, dive into the contentious relationship between President Trump and the Federal Reserve. They explore Trump's attempts to exert influence over interest rates and his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Governor Lisa Cook. The conversation unpacks Lisa Cook's impressive credentials and the political ramifications of her scrutiny amid mortgage fraud allegations. They also discuss the implications of political maneuvers undermining the independence of the Fed and the broader democratic norms.
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69 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 26min

The future of vaccines

Lauren Weber, a health and science accountability reporter for The Washington Post, and Catherine Wu, a staff writer at The Atlantic focused on vaccines, dive into the world of vaccine discourse. They discuss the historic rapid development of COVID vaccines and the political maneuvers that threaten future accessibility. The ongoing battle against misinformation and rising vaccine hesitancy is highlighted, revealing the potential impacts on public health. The episode also critiques anti-vaccine activism, emphasizing the need for investment in ongoing vaccine development.
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209 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 26min

AI took your job

Colton Massey, a recent software engineering graduate, shares his frustrations about the job hunt, feeling lost amidst countless applications and little feedback. Lindsay Ellis, a writer for The Wall Street Journal who specializes in workforce issues, discusses how AI is reshaping hiring processes, often leaving entry-level roles vulnerable. They delve into the emotional toll of job searching, the pressure of societal expectations, and the struggle to remain optimistic in a competitive market where technology seems to close doors rather than open them.
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261 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 31min

The golden age of exercise

Hady Mawajdeh, a producer passionate about fitness trends, and Danielle Friedman, author of 'Let's Get Physical', delve into the evolution of exercise. They discuss America's fitness revolution, highlighting the rise of budget gyms and shifting motivations. The conversation spans the history of women's involvement in fitness, from early misconceptions to landmark moments, and examines the mind-body connection through practices like breathwork. Listeners gain insights into how societal changes have transformed our approach to health and wellness.
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64 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 27min

Good Bunny

Andrea González Ramírez, a senior writer at The Cut from Puerto Rico, and Jor-El Melendez Badillo, a Latin American history professor, dive into Bad Bunny's electrifying concert residency. They discuss how his performances elevate Puerto Rican culture and identity while addressing themes of diaspora grief. The duo highlights the significance of music in fostering community pride and resilience against colonialism, creating a powerful dialogue about identity through art. Fans' deep connection to Bad Bunny and his cultural impact is palpable.
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52 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 27min

Trump evicts homeless people

Kyle Swenson, a Washington Post reporter, and Alex Barnard, an NYU sociology professor, dive into the controversial issue of homelessness in D.C. They discuss recent government actions, including the removal of encampments and the challenges faced by the displaced. The conversation contrasts punitive measures with 'housing first' approaches. They also tackle the contentious topic of involuntary commitment for mental health issues, highlighting the implications of federal policies and the delicate balance between public safety and individual rights.
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154 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 26min

South Park is not your friend

Brian Stelter, Chief Media Analyst at CNN, and Nicholas Kwa, Culture Writer for Vulture, dive into the latest season of South Park, dissecting its razor-sharp satire targeting Trump and political figures alike. They explore the show's evolution, noting its bold critiques and refusal to align with any political faction. The discussion reveals how South Park maintains its status as a cultural touchstone, navigating the complexities of free speech and artistic expression in a changing media landscape.
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116 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 26min

Is America still capitalist?

In this enlightening discussion, Bhaskar Sunkara, President of The Nation magazine and founding editor of Jacobin, joins Tracy Alloway, co-host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast. They delve into Trump's unexpected embrace of socialist policies, like nationalizing steel and pressuring corporations for profit shares. The duo unpacks the implications of these moves, questioning if they signal a departure from traditional capitalism. They also examine shifts toward government intervention in a tech-driven landscape, exploring the growing allure of socialist ideas in America.

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