

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

Mar 4, 2020 • 24min
Thanks, Obama
Laura McGann, Politics editor at Vox, and Andrew Prokop, a Vox journalist, dive into the drama of Super Tuesday. They dissect Biden's unexpected rise, dubbed 'Joementum,' contrasting it with Sanders' struggles. The duo explores crucial endorsements that reshaped the race and how Biden's moderate stance aims to unify the Democratic Party against Trump. They analyze Biden's evolving candidacy, including past decisions that could influence voters, and what his resurgence means in the turbulent political landscape.

Mar 3, 2020 • 26min
Covid-19, explained by Carl (who has it)
Carl Goldman, owner of KHTS Radio and recent COVID-19 survivor from the Diamond Princess cruise, shares his gripping personal odyssey aboard the quarantined ship. He discusses the emotional toll of isolation and his symptoms while quarantined in Omaha. Kelsey Piper provides insights on the broader pandemic impact, highlighting the complexity of community transmission and public health responses in the U.S. Together, they blend serious reflections with humor, touching on everything from vaccine developments to the unexpected fame of Crocs and even misunderstandings surrounding Corona beer.

Mar 2, 2020 • 24min
Tuesday, Explained
Andrew Prokop, a political analyst at Vox, dives into the significance of Super Tuesday, shedding light on its historical backdrop and impact on the primary election landscape. He discusses key candidates who have exited the race and the potential for a contested convention. Prokop expertly navigates the complex delegate math, emphasizing California's crucial role and the unique proportional allocation system in the Democratic primaries. Tune in for insightful commentary on how these dynamics could shape the future of the nomination process!

Feb 28, 2020 • 27min
Make America Doubt Again
McKay Coppins, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for his incisive political analysis, takes us on an intriguing journey into the world of political misinformation. He built a fake Facebook profile to experience Trump’s 2020 digital strategy firsthand, leading to unexpected doubts about reality. Coppins delves into how micro-targeting and disinformation tactics shape beliefs, revealing the emotional toll these experiences have on one's worldview. He also discusses the urgent need for political strategies to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of misinformation.

Feb 27, 2020 • 21min
The last stronghold in Syria
Omar al-Haraqi, an orthopedic surgeon, provides medical care on the frontlines in Idlib, while Jen Kirby, a Vox journalist, covers the grim realities of the Syrian civil war. They discuss the dire humanitarian crisis facing the region, emphasizing the struggles of overwhelmed medical staff amidst constant attacks. The conversation highlights the plight of one million refugees feeling neglected by the international community and calls for urgent global intervention as Idlib remains a last stronghold against Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Feb 26, 2020 • 29min
Pandemic?
Julia Belluz, a Senior health correspondent at Vox, joins Brian Resnick, a Senior reporter at Vox, to discuss the looming threat of COVID-19 turning into a pandemic. They analyze the rapid global spread of the virus and the challenges in effectively responding to an outbreak in the U.S. Key insights include the shift from containment to mitigation strategies and the impact of misinformation on public trust in health agencies. Together, they explore the complexities of public health and the urgent need for preparedness in these uncertain times.

Feb 25, 2020 • 21min
Putin his thumb on the scale
Alex Ward, a journalist for Vox covering Russian election interference, dives into the intriguing world of foreign influence on American democracy. He discusses how Russia aimed to support both Trump and Sanders in the 2020 elections, revealing a chilling glimpse into electoral manipulation. The fallout from controversial intelligence briefings is examined, shedding light on President Trump’s strained relationship with intelligence agencies. Ward highlights the strategic complexity of Russia’s geopolitical maneuvers and the potential consequences for U.S. national security.

Feb 24, 2020 • 24min
Weekend at Bernie’s
Ellen Nilsen, a politics reporter at Vox, shares her insights on Bernie Sanders' remarkable win in the Nevada caucus. She discusses the diverse coalition that propelled Sanders to victory, emphasizing the critical role of Latino and Hispanic voters. Nilsen also delves into the implications of this win for Joe Biden, who faces mounting pressure in South Carolina. The conversation highlights how Sanders' triumph reshapes campaign strategies and the political landscape as candidates navigate the upcoming Super Tuesday and seek vital demographic engagement.

Feb 21, 2020 • 25min
The sixth sense (the real one)
Discover the mysteries of the mind with insights from a groundbreaking NIH study. Explore how humility can transform our perceptions and relationships. Dive into the fascinating world of proprioception, our sixth sense, and learn about its role in body awareness. Unravel the complexities of sensory perception and how our brains construct reality, while examining biases that influence our judgment. Engage with innovative ideas for enhancing customer experiences and tackling global problems through understanding individual preferences.

Feb 20, 2020 • 21min
Ok, Bloomberg
Emily Stewart, a Vox journalist, dives deep into the complex landscape of Michael Bloomberg's presidential candidacy. She discusses how Bloomberg's billionaire status reshapes Democratic debates and sparks critical conversations about wealth in politics. The conversation highlights his aggressive advertising strategy and public reception leading to Super Tuesday. They also tackle his controversial history, accountability in politics, and the crucial role of debates in shaping candidate viability against rivals like Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden.


