Bryan Walsh, a Vox editor and author of "End Times," discusses existential threats that could impact humanity's future. Vivian Tu, a finance influencer and author of "Rich AF," offers practical advice for Gen Z financial strategies. They explore the balance between saving for retirement and immediate gratification amid global uncertainties. The conversation touches on the psychological burden of potential apocalypse scenarios and how they influence financial decisions. Ultimately, there’s hope for navigating these challenges with informed planning.

In this discussion, historian Stephanie Coontz, known for her expertise in marriage and family history, dives deep into the evolving landscape of love and divorce. She addresses whether younger generations are less likely to divorce compared to their parents and explores the societal shifts driving these trends. Coontz highlights the importance of egalitarian values and emotional well-being in marriages today, offering insights on how modern relationships differ in satisfaction and expectations. She also touches on the impact of personal choices in partner selection.

Kenny Torrella, a senior reporter at Vox who investigates the ethics of zoos, dives into a thought-provoking discussion on the morality of animal captivity. He contrasts the potential educational benefits and conservation efforts of zoos with the disturbing reality of animal welfare. The conversation highlights the emotional complexities of visiting zoos, the controversial impact of captivity on animal behavior, and the mixed messages about conservation they promote. Ultimately, Torrella urges listeners to reflect on their choices and consider more compassionate alternatives.

Sociolinguist Valerie Fridland and speech coach Rhonda Khan join the discussion on the frequent use of 'like' in modern language. They explore its historical roots, from 18th-century slang to contemporary usage, especially among young women. The conversation emphasizes the societal judgments tied to this seemingly trivial word and encourages embracing authentic communication styles. They also share tips for minimizing filler words without losing enthusiasm, promoting effective and personalized expression in both casual and professional settings.

Mary Otto, a journalist focused on dentistry, and Dr. Lisa Simon, a dual-degree dentist and physician, dive into the trust issues surrounding dental care. They explore how dental visits can be anxiety-inducing, revealing the historical divide between dentistry and medicine. The conversation highlights disparities in dental access, especially for marginalized groups, and shares a tragic story emphasizing systemic failures. Listeners get actionable advice on building trust with dental providers and understanding the complexities of insurance.

Life is complicated, and here at Vox, we love to explain it. Enter Explain It to Me: your go-to hotline for all the questions you can’t quite answer on your own. Give us a call, and we’ll do all the heavy lifting to get you the answers you need. Call 1-800-618-8545, send an email to askvox@vox.com, or submit a question here. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exciting news as big changes are announced for the podcast, introducing a new listener-driven show to answer questions on policy, personal finance, and pop culture. Listeners can submit questions via email or voicemail for upcoming episodes.

Explore the history and influence of milk in US schools, from promotion strategies dating back to the 1700s to the impact of USDA marketing campaigns. Uncover the controversial relationship between the dairy industry and schools, and question the health benefits and environmental implications of milk consumption.

Vox senior reporter, Whizy Kim, dives into the woes of food delivery apps - rising prices for customers, low wages for workers, and restaurant struggles. The podcast explores the gig economy's impact, cost breakdowns, and ways to order ethically. Guests discuss fee transparency, regulations, and the importance of tipping delivery workers generously.

Exploring the disconnect between public perception and actual crime data, the podcast discusses the impact of media coverage on crime rates, policies overreacting to crime, and the consequences of an aging prison population. The conversation dives into the need for data-driven policy-making and addressing root causes of crime, cautioning against knee-jerk tough on crime laws.