

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

Dec 6, 2023 • 46min
Can Black churches lead the way on teen mental health?
Sherry Molock, a researcher and retired pastor, runs a suicide prevention program out of Black churches in NY. They discuss the mental health crisis among black youth, the lack of research on suicide risk for black adolescents, and the importance of integrating mental health and faith communities. The chapter also explores the impact of identity and historical trauma on mental well-being.

Nov 29, 2023 • 41min
The Devil wears fast fashion
Learn about the social and environmental impacts of fast fashion, including worker exploitation and clothing waste. Discover the controversies surrounding fast fashion, such as classism and overconsumption. Understand the importance of mindful clothing purchases and the need for change in the fashion industry. Explore the origins of American consumerism and the impact of NAFTA on the fashion industry. Delve into global efforts to combat clothing waste. Compare EU due diligence laws with US policies. Hear about the negative effects of fast fashion on the environment and other podcast recommendations.

Nov 22, 2023 • 49min
Barack Obama on AI, free speech, and the future of the internet
Former President Barack Obama discusses the impact of AI on democracy, the challenges of regulating social media, and the importance of smart regulatory framework. They explore the implications of generative AI on free speech and the need for alternative platforms to avoid bias.

Nov 15, 2023 • 43min
Why everything is (still) so expensive
Exploring why everything still feels expensive despite the economy being in a good spot. Analyzing factors contributing to inflation, the Federal Reserve's plan, and the impact on the economy. Delving into the slow recovery, uncertain future trajectory of inflation, and cautiousness surrounding the labor market. Examining government interventions to mitigate inflation and the challenges of the supply chain crisis. Discussions on potential interest rate cuts, impact on consumer sentiment, and upcoming elections.

23 snips
Nov 8, 2023 • 47min
BDS and the history of the boycott
Jonquilyn Hill, host of The Weeds, sits down with Vox senior reporter Whizy Kim to explain the controversial BDS movement and with Cornell professor and author Lawrence B. Glickman to discuss the history and effectiveness of boycotts. They explore the core demands of BDS, the power of consumer activism, and the political nature of boycotts. They also touch on the Bud Light boycott and the evolution of Twitter.

5 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 46min
Will school choice change the future of education?
The school choice movement is gaining popularity due to the pandemic, but does it come at the expense of public schools? This podcast explores the origins of school choice, the impact on public education, and the political strategy behind it. It also discusses the approval of a religious charter school, the tension between policy and parental concerns, and the disparities between public and private schools.

Oct 25, 2023 • 38min
The sandwich generation: Caring for kids and seniors
Vox senior correspondent Ann discusses the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, caring for children and aging loved ones at the same time. They explore the gaps in eldercare policy, the emotional challenges of caregiving, the declining ratio of caregivers, and the limitations of Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, they discuss the difference in costs and care between nursing homes and at-home caregiving, the challenges faced by caregivers, and the need for better elder care policies and support.

8 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 45min
Why your health insurance is tied to work
This podcast explores why health insurance is tied to work in the United States, delving into the history of health insurance, the importance of Obamacare, the attempt at single-payer healthcare, and the potential for states to experiment with healthcare policies.

24 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 56min
Conservative socialism?
Sohrab Ahmari, conservative intellectual, discusses his book "Tyranny, Inc." with Sean Illing about mapping out a post-Trump future for the Republican Party. They explore the concept of conservative socialism and the potential for a broader coalition. They also discuss topics such as the Republican Party's use of culture war politics, the impact of neoliberalism on democracy and politics, and the importance of countervailing power in rebalancing imbalances.

Oct 4, 2023 • 46min
How (not) to budget
This podcast explores the recent infighting among House Republicans and the potential government shutdown. It discusses the different types of federal funding affected by shutdowns, the consequences of a government shutdown, the history of shutdowns, challenges in the budgeting process, and potential solutions to improve it.


