Explain It to Me

The excitement and tension of election week takes center stage. Listeners are encouraged to share their questions and personal experiences. The hosts create an engaging atmosphere filled with insights and reflections on the electoral process. It's a mix of anticipation and interaction as they delve into the nuances of this pivotal moment in democracy.

Join Kimberly Mas, a Vox producer and science reporter, alongside Melanie Benesh, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Environmental Working Group, as they unravel the mystery of why certain food additives are banned in other countries but remain legal in the U.S. They delve into the health implications of Halloween candy, specifically concerning synthetic dyes, and discuss the regulatory gaps that allow these harmful substances to slip through the cracks. The conversation also highlights California’s proactive stance on food safety, setting the stage for national change.

Lloyd Cotler, founder of Banter Messaging, specializes in SMS strategies for political campaigns, while Christian Paz is a Vox senior politics reporter focused on election polling. They dive into the overwhelming number of fundraising texts voters receive, dissecting their bizarre language and manipulative tactics. The duo reveals how text messaging is taking over political communication, the potential scams involved, and the challenges in managing unwanted messages. They also shed light on polling accuracy and its significant role in shaping public opinion during elections.

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.

In this insightful discussion, Mary Otto, an independent journalist and author of 'Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America,' and Dr. Lisa Simon, a general dentist and internal medicine physician, tackle the question of dental trust. They dive into the historical divide between dentistry and medicine, exploring how this affects patient care. The conversation highlights the challenges of dental insurance and accessibility, especially for underserved populations, while sharing personal anecdotes that illuminate the complexities of oral health.

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.