Explain It to Me

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.

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.

Exploring the potential impact of reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug for more medical research, despite existing barriers. Discussing the evolution of marijuana policies, challenges in cannabis research, and implications for the United States. Exploring innovations in cannabis consumption, Eurovision controversy, and the shift in cannabis culture and legislation.

Darrick Hamilton discusses the concept of baby bonds as a tool to bridge the wealth gap, exploring how a race-neutral policy can address racial disparities. The episode delves into the impact of baby bonds on investments, retirement savings, and policy changes to promote economic equity.

Reporter Dana Mattioli, who covered Amazon extensively, discusses their rise to power and the FTC lawsuit for monopolistic practices. The podcast explores Amazon's growth, monopoly power, antitrust laws, the FTC lawsuit, and public sentiment towards breaking up Amazon. It also delves into the broader tech giants' antitrust scrutiny and Amazon's culture under Jeff Bezos.

Exploring the legal battles around homelessness and constitutional rights, the escalating homeless crisis, and the complexities of homelessness in the US. Addressing the need for more housing options and shelters instead of punitive measures, navigating legal, social, and practical perspectives on homelessness, and discussing sustainable forest management.