

Today, Explained
Vox
Today, Explained is Vox's daily news explainer podcast. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King will guide you through the most important stories of the day.Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 8, 2021 • 31min
CAHOOTS
Rowan Moore Garrity, a journalist and author, discusses the innovative CAHOOTS program in Eugene, Oregon. This mobile crisis response service assists individuals in mental health emergencies, providing compassionate care without police involvement. Garrity highlights how CAHOOTS focuses on de-escalation and community connection, showcasing its effectiveness compared to traditional policing. The conversation also explores the collaboration between CAHOOTS and local police, revealing both benefits and tensions in redefining emergency response.

Jul 7, 2021 • 23min
Let’s talk about terror (Part II)
Documentary filmmaker Deeyah Khan, known for her powerful explorations of extremism, dives deep into the complexities surrounding jihadism and white supremacy. She shares insights from her experiences with both groups, revealing the allure of extremist ideologies and the emotional struggles faced by those caught between cultural identities. Khan highlights the importance of understanding individual stories and vulnerabilities to counter radicalization. Ultimately, she advocates for empathy and community engagement as vital tools in addressing societal hate.

Jul 6, 2021 • 26min
Let’s talk about terror (Part I)
Deeyah Khan, a Norwegian-British filmmaker and human rights activist, delves into the haunting world of extremism. She shares her personal journey confronting white supremacists after receiving death threats, discussing the complexities of empathy and identity. Khan reveals how young people's feelings of inadequacy can be exploited by hate groups, while also highlighting a former neo-Nazi's transformative path towards understanding. The conversation powerfully underscores the importance of human connection in combating hate and prejudice.

29 snips
Jul 2, 2021 • 29min
The case for drinking
Kate Julian, a Senior editor at The Atlantic, delves into the role of alcohol in shaping civilization. She discusses how drinking has served as a social bonding tool throughout history, comparable to early religions. Julian highlights the stark differences in drinking cultures between the U.S. and Southern Europe, and how America's relationship with alcohol has evolved, especially during the pandemic. She also invites listeners to reflect on their personal drinking habits amidst rising consumption trends and the cultural implications that follow.

Jul 1, 2021 • 22min
Law & Order: Special POTUS Unit
Exploring the indictment of the Trump Organization's CFO reveals a web of tax fraud accusations. The serious implications of this case could reshape American politics amidst the looming 2024 election. Delving into the former president's 15 felony counts, the podcast highlights the role of nepotism and controversial tax practices. It also examines the complexities of prosecuting high-profile figures for tax evasion and the ongoing investigations surrounding hush money payments, uncovering the tenuous line between financial dealings and legal consequences.

Jun 30, 2021 • 23min
Unfair housing
Aaron Carr, the Executive Director of Housing Rights Initiative, and Jerusalem Demsys, a policy reporter for Vox, dive into the pressing issue of housing discrimination. They discuss a lawsuit against real estate companies for discriminatory practices against low-income tenants using Section 8 vouchers. The conversation uncovers systemic barriers, including biases faced by tenants and the challenges posed by bureaucratic housing authority processes. Together, they highlight the urgent need for reforms to create a more equitable housing landscape.

Jun 29, 2021 • 27min
Canada’s residential schools
Connie Walker, an investigative journalist and member of the Cree Nation, delves into the dark legacy of Canada's residential schools. She discusses the shocking discoveries of mass graves of Indigenous children and how these findings have ignited crucial conversations about accountability and healing. Walker shares personal narratives from survivors, emphasizing the emotional toll endured by families and the quest for justice. The discussion parallels the injustices faced by Indigenous communities in the U.S., shedding light on a painful history that demands recognition.

Jun 28, 2021 • 35min
The doctors are not all right
Julia Belluz, a Vox reporter who examined the mental health struggles of doctors during the pandemic, sheds light on a silent crisis. She discusses the stigma surrounding mental health treatment in the medical field, revealing that seeking help can jeopardize careers. Personal narratives illustrate the emotional toll of high-stress situations and the growing rates of burnout and suicide among healthcare professionals. Belluz advocates for systemic changes to provide better support for those who care for others, emphasizing the urgent need for compassion.

Jun 25, 2021 • 35min
Food fight
Restaurant delivery apps have made it possible to order pretty much anything we want to eat with the click of a button. The latest season of the Land of the Giants podcast explores the cost of that convenience.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 24, 2021 • 27min
Bish, don't kill my vibe
Emma Green, a political and religious journalist for The Atlantic, dives into the contentious clash between President Biden and a faction of Catholic bishops over communion eligibility. The discussion reveals the complex dynamics within the Church, highlighting Pope Francis's contrasting views. Green explores how personal faith and partisanship shape the Church's role in politics today. She also touches on the historical parallels with past elections, emphasizing the ongoing debates surrounding abortion and LGBTQ+ rights within the Catholic community.


