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Explain It to Me

Explain It to Me

808 episodes — Page 1 of 17

Chems in your cosmetics

May 10, 202629 min

The cost of “I do”

May 3, 202629 min

Burnout sandwich

Apr 26, 202629 min

How to fight burnout

Apr 19, 202629 min

Why you have to be optimistic

Apr 12, 202629 min

Can someone explain these prices?

Apr 5, 202630 min

Your accent… explained

How you talk reveals where you’re from and who you’d like to be. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. A still from the movie "Clueless". Photo by CBS via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email [email protected]. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 29, 202630 min

The book of Mormon influence

From TikTok to reality TV, Mormons are having a big moment in pop culture. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Taylor Frankie Paul, who was going to be the first Mormon Bachelorette before the season was canceled, on the set of a special preview of The Bachelorette. Photo by John Fleenor/Disney via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email [email protected]. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 22, 202630 min

Sugar crash

We’re obsessed with sugar. And Big Sugar is obsessed with us. How do we make a break? This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image courtesy of Jenny Lawton. If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email [email protected]. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 15, 202630 min

Your clutter is holding you back

You won’t wear those jeans again. Or use that pasta maker. So why can’t you get rid of them? This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru with Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Arthur Pollock/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email [email protected]. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 8, 202630 min

You, me, and ADHD

It’s not just for school kids anymore. Why more adults are getting diagnosed with the disorder. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email [email protected]. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 1, 202630 min

Make credit cards work for you

America runs on credit. Those plastic cards we carry around can get us into big trouble — or score us free vacations. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Avishay Artsy and Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 22, 202630 min

No one will save us but ourselves

When crises hit, neighbors turn to mutual aid. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 15, 202630 min

Living in a winter bummerland

The days are shorter and colder, and can leave us feeling listless and drained of energy. When do the winter blues tip over into seasonal affective disorder, and how do we make the most of the season? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Avishay Artsy, it was also edited by Avishay alongside Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Thomas Warnack/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 8, 202630 min

Surviving online cringe

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The internet is forever. So how do we handle posts from our past selves? This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Hady Mawajdeh. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 1, 202629 min

Battling brain rot

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Bland colors, AI summaries, and declining literacy rates have lots of us worried that we’re losing our intelligence to the modern world. Can we get it back? This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 25, 202630 min

Sexy TV is back

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Why we’re obsessed with Heated Rivalry and hooking up on the small screen. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jenny Lawton and Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Heated Rivalry press photo by Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 18, 202630 min

Why everyone is sick right now

How this season’s flu got supercharged — and why viruses may make you healthier. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Elisa Schu/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 11, 202630 min

Internet bad

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Once a place of serendipity and discovery, the internet now thrives on feeding us toxic rage bait designed to piss us off. Can we get the good internet back? This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Fairfax Media via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 4, 202630 min

Is your brain lying to you?

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Our brain constructs the world we hear, see, and feel — but tinnitus shows how that superpower can backfire. This episode is made in collaboration with Vox's Unexplainable. Hear their series on sound here. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for the Hearing Health Foundation. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 21, 202530 min

Let AI replace you

If AI handles all our busy work and optimizes our resources, it may also give us the one thing there never seems to be enough of: time. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Simona Granati - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images. This story was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 14, 202528 min

The rise of the introverts

Turns out those personality tests you’re taking online are all wrong. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Khosrork/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 7, 202527 min

Talk turkey to me

How this big, lean bird became the staple of the most American of meals. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Hill and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of the National Thanksgiving turkey by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 23, 202529 min

The case for renting forever

Housing prices aren't coming down, and that's challenging us to redefine the American dream. Maybe renting isn't so bad? The episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of homes in Hercules, California by David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images. This story was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 16, 202529 min

Why your health insurance is so expensive

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It’s open enrollment season, and new health insurance premiums are causing sticker shock around the country. So how do you pick a health care plan that won’t break the bank? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 9, 202530 min

That text is a scam

You know those annoying scam texts offering an easy, remote job? We find out how they work, why they're so ubiquitous and the dark world behind them. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton with help from Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 2, 202530 min

Paging Dr. ChatBot

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Patients and doctors both are turning to AI for help with diagnosing ailments and managing chronic issues. Should we trust it? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lily and Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Vithun Khamsong/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 26, 202530 min

Why (some) food tastes better abroad

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We tell the stories of three ingredients that can shine outside the US: beef, bread, and tomatoes. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 19, 202530 min

Should we give toddlers phones?

What we know about early childhood and screens, including a surprising argument for introducing tech at a tender age. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images. You can find Dr. Jenny Radesky and her colleagues’ tool kit for parents here. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 12, 202529 min

Is empathy toxic?

Society teaches us empathy is a good thing. But some are now saying the opposite, and science is complicating our assumptions too. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Olga Pankova/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 5, 202530 min

Who is the modern American dad?

Young men are more interested in becoming parents than young women are, and there's a growing number of single dads by choice. A look at modern fatherhood. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Thanks to Jonquilyn Hill for sharing a family photo for our episode image today. Image of dad John and baby Jonquilyn courtesy of the Hill family. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 28, 202529 min

A nation of jerks

Americans seem to be getting ruder. Are our attempts at making ourselves better actually making us worse? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch and Isabelle Lichtenstein, engineered by Matthew Billy and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image: Francesco Carta Fotografo/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 21, 202529 min

Why horror kills at the box office

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Hollywood has always made money from vampires and brain-eating zombies. But this year's a record-breaker thanks to sequels, hilariously unlikely creators, and pure thrills. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. A detail from The Conjuring Museum Of The Occult based on "The Conjuring" films. Photo by David Benito/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 14, 202530 min

The United States is Southern now

From #rushtok to country music, American culture is getting more and more southern. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy and Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a Beyonce fan waiting to see her perform in LA by Rashida Zagon/For The Washington Post via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 7, 202530 min

The golden age of exercise

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Americans are flocking to gyms and fitness classes. It wasn't always that way. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy with help from Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of an outdoor group fitness class by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 24, 202530 min

Hacking our health

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We track our steps and our sleep, guzzle supplements and protein shakes, and even inject hormones – all in the name of wellness. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Naureen Khan and Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 17, 202530 min

What wellness costs us

Americans are investing billions in their health and wellness. What good do all these green powders and costly club memberships actually do? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of a guest floating in a saline sensory deprivation pool at the Chiva Som Health Resort by Peter Charlesworth/LightRocket via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 10, 202529 min

America’s high-speed rail fail

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The US is well behind much of the world in building passenger rail, especially high-speed trains. But we do have one major advantage. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note ⁠here⁠. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: ⁠vox.com/members⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 3, 202529 min

Is tipping fair?

From raising the tipped minimum wage to "no tax on tips," we look at the challenges of remaking tipped work. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 27, 202529 min

The summer I turned into a bookworm

Summer. Time for pools, BBQs, and the beach read. But why do we read "summer books"? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Further Reading: Bad Witches by H.B. Akumiah and Constance Grady's newsletter from Vox. Further listening: Limousine podcast. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 20, 202530 min

Chat BFF

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More and more of us are interacting with chatbots. Can we have real relationships with AI, and can AI teach humans to be better people? This episode was a collaboration with Vox's Future Perfect team. It was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Kim Slotterback, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Frank Rumpenhorst/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 13, 202530 min

Our complicated relationship with the flag

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Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar openly celebrate the American flag. But a lot of Black Americans feel differently. What does that tell us about identity today? This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of Kendrick Lamar performing at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 6, 202529 min

Can we ever know our dogs?

So many of us believe we understand what our pets are feeling. Are we fooling ourselves? This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy and Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered byPatrick Boyd and hosted by Noam Hassenfeld. Photo by Kylie Cooper for The Washington Post via Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 29, 202530 min

Sleepaway camp's nostalgia economy

Unpacking the American rite of passage that so many children love — but that isn't right for everyone. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by Matthew Billy and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Maskot/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 22, 202530 min

Let's fight over bike lanes

A caller asks why it's so hard to make biking safe in LA. We bike around different US cities to get the answer. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Colleen Barrett, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a cyclist in a bike lane intersection in Washington, DC by Kevin Carter/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 15, 202530 min

The recession indicator game

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Press-on nails, new music from Katy Perry, and an uptick in Klarna purchases: signs of an economic downturn or no? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of Katy Perry performing in Sydney, Australia by Nina Franova/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Help us plan for the future of Explain It to Me by filling out a brief survey: ⁠voxmedia.com/survey⁠. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 8, 202530 min

How Gen Z found religion

For the first time in decades, American Christianity is not in decline. What are young people looking for–and finding–at church? Further reading: The surprising chasm splitting Americans along religious lines by Christian Paz. Pew report: Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off. This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a parishioner praying at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral by Scott Olson/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545. Or send us a note ⁠here⁠. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Help us plan for the future of Explain It to Me by filling out a brief survey: ⁠voxmedia.com/survey⁠. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 1, 202529 min

Why are my allergies getting worse?

It feels like sneezing season lasts longer and takes more victims every year. An allergist and a public health specialist explain how to fight back. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Bernd Weißbrod/picture alliance via Getty Images. If you have a question for us, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Correction: This episode mentions Xarelto as a potential allergy medication. It is not. Help us plan for the future of Explain It to Me by filling out a brief survey: voxmedia.com/survey. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 18, 202528 min

The drama and trauma of 23andMe

With the at-home DNA testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to all the data millions of Americans handed over? And how should you approach the family you've found through sites like these? If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545. Or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Brandon MacFarland and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of 23andMe Ancestry + Traits Service DNA kit by Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg via Getty Images. Help us plan for the future of Explain It to Me by filling out a brief survey: voxmedia.com/survey. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 11, 202530 min

Why is personal style so hard?

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Fashion has made a big swing from a strict set of rules to the idea that we should all just wear what we want. But personal style is still dictated by outside forces. And a lot of people don't even know where to start. This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of Clinton Kelly and Stacy London by Donna Svennevik/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images. If you have a question for us, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Help us plan for the future of Explain It to Me by filling out a brief survey: ⁠voxmedia.com/survey⁠. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 4, 202530 min