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
7 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 30min
Retire? In this economy?!
Noah Scheidloher, an economy reporter focusing on older Americans, and Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist with The Washington Post, tackle the pressing concerns around retirement in today's turbulent economy. They share personal stories about financial anxieties, explore the precarious state of 401(k)s and Social Security, and emphasize the importance of communication between generations. Practical strategies for navigating retirement planning and understanding workplace dynamics for older workers also highlight the need for empathy and collaboration.
9 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 29min
Is climate progress doomed?
Many worry that the clean energy transition will be derailed by the Trump administration. But there's reason to believe otherwise.Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.Call in your question at 1-800-618-8545.This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch and engineered by Matthew Billy. Photo of wind turbines in a storm in western Iowa by Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
8 snips
Apr 13, 2025 • 30min
What if college isn't for everyone?
Chelsea Waite, an education policy expert, joins Kristen Bennett, executive director of Service Year Alliance, and Megan Drummond, assistant director at Northland Career Center, to discuss the shifting perspectives on higher education. They explore the growing acceptance of vocational training and trade schools as viable alternatives to college. The conversation highlights the importance of hands-on experiences and the benefits of service years, addressing the need for inclusive pathways that empower students to define their own success.
41 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 31min
Is a house still a good investment?
In this engaging discussion, real estate reporter James Rodriguez and Brown Ambition podcast host Mandy Woodruff-Santos unpack the current housing market challenges. They explore the shifting perspectives on homeownership as a viable investment, especially for younger generations, highlighting economic factors and rising interest rates. The duo also tackles the impact of climate change on home insurance and property values, emphasizing the long-term financial considerations for prospective buyers. Tune in for essential insights on navigating the complex landscape of homeownership!
Apr 2, 2025 • 1min
Explain It to Me can be ad-free!
Discover exciting updates about ad-free listening benefits for members. Learn about the perks of exclusive content and unlimited access to articles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of supporting independent journalism to keep the quality content flowing.
14 snips
Mar 30, 2025 • 31min
Blinded by the headlights
In this enlightening discussion, John Bullough, a research scientist focused on lighting and health, joins Nate Rogers, author and critic of bright headlights, and automotive journalist Tim Stevens. They dive into the rise of intense headlights and their impact on road safety. The conversation reveals how LED technology, while bright, poses challenges for specific drivers, including those with astigmatism. They also explore the tension between manufacturers and regulators, highlighting the complexities of ensuring safety amidst flashy innovations.
20 snips
Mar 23, 2025 • 30min
Gen Sex
Marae Silkoff, an author known for her viral piece on aging and sex, and Lisa Whittington-Hill, writer of "Girls Interrupted," discuss the vibrant sexual renaissance of Gen X women. They explore the freedom from '90s hangups, new dynamics in dating after 40, and the empowerment of women embracing their sexuality in midlife. The conversation also critiques the portrayal of middle-aged women in media, highlighting the shift towards more positive and authentic narratives. Get ready for an enlightening take on aging, love, and liberation!
Mar 16, 2025 • 31min
Did diversity ever work...at work?
There's a backlash against corporate DEI efforts, and it’s not just from the right. It's everywhere. What does that mean for employees? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, mixed by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.Photo credit: jeffbergen for Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
11 snips
Mar 9, 2025 • 30min
Why does dating suck for guys?
In this discussion, Charlie McKeever, The Happy Man Coach from Austin, Texas, shares insights on modern dating challenges for men. He explores how dating rules have evolved, examining the impact of dating apps and societal expectations. Charlie highlights the struggles of communication in a disconnected dating landscape, the emotional toll of ghosting, and the balance between assertiveness and judgment. He also emphasizes the value of supportive men's groups and the importance of fostering genuine connections beyond physical intimacy.
44 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 34min
Ok for real, what is a REAL ID?
Carla Javier, a supervising producer at Explain It To Me, teams up with Justin Oberman, one of TSA's first employees, to unravel the ongoing saga of the REAL ID Act. They delve into the cultural implications and logistical hurdles of its delayed implementation, exploring how airport security has evolved post-9/11. The conversation touches on public resistance regarding civil liberties, the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what the future might hold as the new enforcement deadline approaches.
