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
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 • 33min
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.
7 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 30min
Let's fight over bike lanes
Miles Bryan, a producer with Today Explained and Explain It to Me, dives into the turbulent world of bike lanes across America. He discusses the rich history of biking advocacy and the dramatic increase in federal funding for cycling infrastructure. The conversation highlights successes in Washington, D.C. versus the ongoing struggles in car-centric Los Angeles. Miles shares personal anecdotes about biking and the importance of community coalitions, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs in making cities more bike-friendly.
18 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 30min
The recession indicator game
In this engaging discussion, Hannah Aaron Lang, a market reporter at The Wall Street Journal, dives into quirky recession indicators like press-on nails and musical trends. She explores how inflation and consumer behavior reflect economic realities. The conversation reveals the rise of 'recession pop' music, analyzing its themes of nostalgia amidst struggles. Hannah shares insights on the importance of recognizing downturns and preparing for potential recessions, making the complex economic landscape relatable and entertaining.
26 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 30min
How Gen Z found religion
In this engaging discussion, Ryan Burge, an Associate Professor studying America's religious landscape, joins producer Gabrielle Berbey, who shares her experience at St. Dominic's Catholic Church. They explore the surprising resurgence of Christianity among Gen Z, highlighting their search for deeper community and spirituality. The conversation reveals a shift towards traditional practices, emphasizing how young Catholics are embracing their faith to find authenticity and connection in a secular world. Together, they delve into the evolving dynamics of faith in today's society.
