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
Oct 5, 2025 • 30min
Is empathy toxic?
In this engaging discussion, Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor, delves into the science of empathy, breaking it down into three components: emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, and empathic concern. Roxanne Stone, an executive editor, critiques the notion of 'toxic empathy' arising from some evangelical voices, exploring its political implications. They tackle whether empathy hinders objectivity and discuss the societal shifts reducing our incentives to empathize. Zaki also shares tips on cultivating empathy and recovering from burnout.
38 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 29min
Who is the modern American dad?
Phil Macyak, an academic exploring the evolution of fatherhood, reveals how post-WWII media shaped modern dad personas. Journalist Faith Hill discusses the rise of single fathers by choice, highlighting their motivations for seeking parenthood later in life. Zach Rosen, a podcaster and dad, shares his personal transformation in friendships post-parenthood and the social challenges men face. Together, they delve into shifting definitions of masculinity, the dynamics of modern parenting, and how these changes influence men’s lives today.
24 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 30min
A nation of jerks
Join Allie Bolby, a Vox writer exploring the dynamics of relationships, as she dives into the alarming trend of rising rudeness in society. She’s joined by Jessica Lam Shapiro, author of Promise Land, who outlines the ups and downs of the self-help industry. Nedra Glover-Tawab, a licensed therapist, shares valuable insights on defining and maintaining healthy boundaries. Together, they question whether the quest for self-improvement could actually be making us more antisocial and offer practical tools for reconnecting.
47 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 30min
Why horror kills at the box office
Join Paul Daguerrebedian, Head of Marketplace Trends for Comscore, as he dives into the booming horror film industry. Discover the psychological pull of horror movies and why they dominate the box office this year. Paul discusses the quirky success of sequels and the blend of humor with horror, showing how laughter can enhance fear. The conversation also touches on nostalgia and the evolution of horror cinema, exploring its cultural significance and lasting impact on audiences across generations.
25 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 30min
The United States is Southern now
In this engaging discussion, Amanda Moll, a Senior reporter at Bloomberg focused on Southern topics, and Elizabeth Bronwyn Boyd, author of Southern Beauty, dive into the shifting cultural landscape of the U.S. They explore why more students from the Northeast are flocking to Southern colleges, fueled by vibrant campus cultures and social media trends like 'Rush Talk.' The conversation also touches on the evolution of Southern womanhood and how historical changes have shaped modern identity, making the South a potent influence on American culture.
26 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.
6 snips
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.
