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
Feb 26, 2025 • 2min
We’ve got some news for you!
Tune in for exciting updates as the hosts announce a new Sunday schedule for content! They dive into the importance of women's representation in media and how listeners can engage by submitting questions. Don't miss out on insightful discussions and the chance to have your queries explored!
26 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 28min
Why can't I sleep?
Jade Wu, a behavioral sleep specialist, dives into the perplexing world of sleep challenges. She discusses the critical link between sleep and overall health, revealing how our unique sleep patterns influence our daily lives. Jade also explores the unsettling phenomenon of sleep paralysis, offering insights into its benign nature. Additionally, she highlights the benefits of napping and provides valuable tips for night owls seeking to align their routines with more conventional schedules, ultimately emphasizing the importance of quality sleep for wellness.
Feb 12, 2025 • 35min
Should I freeze my eggs?
Anna North, a senior correspondent at Vox specializing in reproductive health, joins the discussion on the realities of egg freezing. She challenges the notion that it’s a simple solution for women balancing career and family. The conversation dives into the emotional and financial implications, personal stories of heartbreak, and the complex truths behind the procedure's effectiveness. Listeners hear about the industry's growth and the importance of making informed choices in navigating fertility and family planning.
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.
35 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 28min
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.
Jan 22, 2025 • 39min
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.
8 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 30min
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.
8 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 40min
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!
Dec 11, 2024 • 53min
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.
34 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 43min
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!
