Explain It to Me
Vox
Should I buy a house? Why do I say “like” so much? Should Gen Z bother to save for retirement?Explain It to Me is the hotline for the issues that matter to your life. Send us your questions about health, personal finance, relationships, and anything else that matters to you. Host Jonquilyn Hill will take you on a journey to find the answers, whether it's to the halls of Congress or the local bar. You’ll get the answers you were looking for, and sometimes ones you didn't expect — and always with a dose of humor. New episodes every Sunday. Part of Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books
14 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 30min
The golden age of exercise
Hady Mawajdeh, a producer with a flair for storytelling, dives into the booming fitness culture in America. From the rise of community-focused gyms to personal transformations, he illustrates how motivations for exercise have evolved. Discussions touch on the historical shifts in women’s roles in fitness, the impact of influential figures like Jane Fonda, and the mental health benefits of physical activity. Mawajdeh also emphasizes innovative wellness practices, such as breathwork, highlighting their significance in modern holistic health.
Aug 17, 2025 • 30min
Hacking our health
In this engaging discussion, Adam Clark Estes, a Vox Tech reporter, shares his personal experiences with health wearables, detailing their pros and cons. Anahad O'Connor, a Washington Post health columnist, dives into the murky waters of supplement regulation and safety concerns. Ruth Wood, a neurobiologist, discusses the rise of hormone replacement therapy and its impact on fitness. The trio humorously unpacks health trends while critiquing the supplement industry's pitfalls, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of modern wellness culture.
10 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 30min
What wellness costs us
Hady Mawajdeh, a wellness producer, shares her journey at Kuya Wellness, where she tests various treatments like cold plunges and saunas. Joining her is journalist Amy LaRocca, who critiques the commercialization of wellness and its ties to affluent lifestyles. They discuss the gap between wellness spending and real health improvements, revealing how trends often rely on pseudoscience. Personal anecdotes spotlight the societal pressures behind wellness choices, ultimately advocating for inclusive health practices that prioritize genuine well-being over luxury.
11 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 30min
America’s high-speed rail fail
Michael Kimmelman, Editor-at-large at Headway, and Chris Holen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum, explore the decline of American passenger rail. They compare U.S. challenges with successful international systems, dissecting the historical rise and fall of railroads. The discussion highlights California's high-speed rail difficulties and envisions future connections between major cities. They also delve into freight rail's dominance, uncovering its environmental advantages and examining the crucial need for improved passenger infrastructure in the U.S.
Jul 27, 2025 • 30min
Is tipping fair?
Sophie Miyoshi, the executive director of the Restaurant Opportunities Center of Washington, D.C., and Richard Rubin, a tax policy reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dive into the complexities of tipping in the service industry. They explore the push for raising the tipped minimum wage and the implications of tax exemptions on tips. The duo discusses the historical roots of tipping in America and its link to wage disparities, shedding light on the ongoing debates around fair compensation for workers and the impact of recent legislative changes.
20 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 30min
The summer I turned into a bookworm
Join Donna Harrington Luker, the author of 'Books for Idle Hours', as she dives into the fascinating world of summer reading. She explores the cultural significance of light novels and their evolution post-Civil War, shedding light on their role in fostering escapism and personal growth. Discover insights from the Silver Lake Reading Club on the changing landscape of book marketing and the modern embrace of classic literature. Engaging anecdotes about community reading habits make this a delightful discussion for book lovers.
21 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 30min
Chat BFF
Angela Chen, an editor at Vox specializing in AI ethics, and Jacqueline Carter, author of 'More Human', dive into the intriguing relationship we have with AI chatbots. They discuss whether real emotional connections with AI are possible and how these interactions could enhance our humanity. The conversation explores the implications of AI in leadership, emphasizing the need for authentic human connections. Funny anecdotes about pet food and the evolution of cat domestication add a light-hearted touch while tackling profound topics.
10 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 30min
Our complicated relationship with the flag
Ted Johnson, a retired U.S. Navy commander and columnist for The Washington Post, delves into the complex relationship between Black Americans and the American flag. He explores how artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar navigate patriotic symbols, reflecting broader conversations about identity. Johnson emphasizes the dual nature of the flag as a symbol of pride and oppression, highlighting historical struggles alongside personal narratives. The discussion also reexamines the significance of figures like Betsy Ross in shaping America’s identity.
16 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 30min
Can we ever know our dogs?
Join Alexandra Horowitz, a leading expert in canine cognition, and Holly Molinaro, a passionate dog researcher, as they explore the complexities of understanding our furry friends. They discuss the pitfalls of anthropomorphism and share hilarious insights on how dogs express emotions. From the unique perspective of a dog's sense of smell to the nuances of canine communication, they advocate for a deeper appreciation of dogs beyond our human projections. Their engaging anecdotes and research findings will make you rethink how you relate to your pets!
6 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 31min
Sleepaway camp's nostalgia economy
Leslie Paris, a UBC professor and author of 'Children's Nature,' teams up with Anna North, a Vox senior correspondent, to delve into the nostalgia surrounding summer camps. They explore how these rites of passage shape childhood memories and personal growth, while discussing cultural portrayals in films and shows. The duo also navigates the pressures parents face while planning summer activities, weighing the merits of sleepaway camp against alternatives like day camps. Their conversation blends fond nostalgia with contemporary perspectives on childhood experiences.
