Explain It to Me cover image

Explain It to Me

Latest episodes

undefined
23 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 9min

We have some questions for you

Diving into the gaming industry's perplexing layoffs despite profits, the discussion unpacks factors like AI and consumer trends. They also tackle food safety concerns surrounding mayonnaise amid recent recalls and explore the challenges of different sleep patterns, including sleep paralysis. The conversation expands to personal relationships and societal definitions, inviting listener engagement. Additionally, they weigh in on curiosities about car headlights and the collectible card market, offering tips on building adult friendships through social apps.
undefined
35 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 30min

Is flying ethical?

Sigal Samuel, a senior reporter at Vox and author of the ethical advice column 'Your Mileage May Vary', dives into modern dilemmas. She tackles questions like whether flying is ethical in the context of climate change and our responsibilities. Sigal discusses the impact of social media on personal ethics and the struggle between self-care and community care. Her insights on value pluralism help listeners navigate complex moral terrain, encouraging a healthier dialogue about sustainability and personal values.
undefined
Jan 22, 2025 • 41min

Why can I make a citizen's arrest?

David Sklansky, a Stanford Law School professor and author of Criminal Justice in Divided America, dives into the often misunderstood topic of citizen's arrests. He clarifies who has the legal authority to detain someone and the historical context behind these actions. The discussion highlights the ethical responsibilities of individuals and the risks of vigilantism, especially in light of recent societal tensions. Listeners gain insights into the balance between community involvement and professional law enforcement, reframing notions of justice and personal safety.
undefined
7 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 32min

Should I buy antibacterial soap?

Keren Landman, a Vox senior reporter and former doctor, dives into the debate on antibacterial versus regular soap. They explore the effectiveness of different soaps, revealing that regular soap is often just as effective for everyday use. Keren discusses FDA regulations and concerns over antibacterial ingredients. The conversation also touches on broader cultural issues, including women's reproductive rights and shifts in societal attitudes towards health. It's an eye-opening discussion that blends hygiene with a look at contemporary social topics.
undefined
8 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 42min

Is cuffing season real?

Michael Kaye, head of brand for OKCupid, reveals intriguing dating app data while Devyn Simone, Tinder's dating expert and matchmaker, provides essential tips for navigating the dating scene. They analyze cuffing season—its cultural significance and the psychological motivation to find intimacy as temperatures drop. The discussion highlights relationship trends, seasonal dating spikes, and the unique behaviors of users during this time. Expect playful anecdotes and eye-opening insights about modern romance!
undefined
Dec 11, 2024 • 55min

Bite-sized questions

Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley, the dynamic duo behind Gastropod, bring their passion for the history and science of food to the table. They tackle listener-submitted questions about hush puppies, exploring their cultural roots and transformation over the years. The conversation shifts to the lavish world of wedding cakes, revealing their evolution and the socio-economic implications behind them. Lastly, the duo dives into the A1 vs. A2 milk debate, discussing new findings about A2 milk’s digestive benefits for lactose-intolerant individuals.
undefined
34 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 45min

Why is it so hard to make new friends?

Join Allie Volpe, a Vox senior reporter who focuses on friendship, and Keren Landman, MD, also from Vox, as they tackle the tricky terrain of making friends as adults. They discuss the isolation many feel in post-pandemic life and the importance of shared values. Discover practical strategies for initiating connections, the art of small talk, and even how to navigate friend-making apps. With personal anecdotes and relatable advice, this conversation is packed with insights to help you break down barriers to friendship!
undefined
21 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 47min

Could ranked choice voting fix our elections?

Dylan Matthews, a senior correspondent at Vox, dives into the intriguing world of ranked choice voting. He explores how this system could reshape elections by allowing voters to rank their preferences rather than choosing just one candidate. The conversation touches on its potential to reduce political polarization and enhance representation. Dylan also shares quirky insights from Hollywood voting mishaps and the pressing question: why hasn’t ranked choice voting gained wider traction? It's a mix of political critique and entertaining anecdotes!
undefined
9 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 32min

Why can’t I tell my left from my right?

Meredith Hodinot, a supervising producer for the Unexplainable podcast, joins the discussion about the quirky science behind distinguishing left from right. They tackle why some people struggle with this conundrum and explore the fascinating world of handedness, including biological and genetic influences. The conversation dives into the mysterious concept of homochirality and its significance for life's molecular structures. Expect laughs as they share their own left-right mix-ups while reflecting on the connections between science and everyday life.
undefined
Nov 8, 2024 • 52min

What just happened, and what comes next

Joining the conversation are Christian Paz, a Vox correspondent breaking down election results, Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent interpreting Supreme Court implications, and Zack Beauchamp, who analyzes Republican dynamics and Trump's future policies. They dive into the surprising rightward shift of Latino voters and the implications for the Democratic Party. The panel discusses Trump’s legal challenges, the unpredictable impact of his proposed agenda, and how shifting voter sentiments shape the political landscape ahead.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode