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
8 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 30min
Should I buy antibacterial soap?
Keren Landman, a Vox senior reporter and former doctor, dives into the debate on antibacterial versus regular soap. They explore the effectiveness of different soaps, revealing that regular soap is often just as effective for everyday use. Keren discusses FDA regulations and concerns over antibacterial ingredients. The conversation also touches on broader cultural issues, including women's reproductive rights and shifts in societal attitudes towards health. It's an eye-opening discussion that blends hygiene with a look at contemporary social topics.
8 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 40min
Is cuffing season real?
Michael Kaye, head of brand for OKCupid, reveals intriguing dating app data while Devyn Simone, Tinder's dating expert and matchmaker, provides essential tips for navigating the dating scene. They analyze cuffing season—its cultural significance and the psychological motivation to find intimacy as temperatures drop. The discussion highlights relationship trends, seasonal dating spikes, and the unique behaviors of users during this time. Expect playful anecdotes and eye-opening insights about modern romance!
Dec 11, 2024 • 53min
Bite-sized questions
Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley, the dynamic duo behind Gastropod, bring their passion for the history and science of food to the table. They tackle listener-submitted questions about hush puppies, exploring their cultural roots and transformation over the years. The conversation shifts to the lavish world of wedding cakes, revealing their evolution and the socio-economic implications behind them. Lastly, the duo dives into the A1 vs. A2 milk debate, discussing new findings about A2 milk’s digestive benefits for lactose-intolerant individuals.
34 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 43min
Why is it so hard to make new friends?
Join Allie Volpe, a Vox senior reporter who focuses on friendship, and Keren Landman, MD, also from Vox, as they tackle the tricky terrain of making friends as adults. They discuss the isolation many feel in post-pandemic life and the importance of shared values. Discover practical strategies for initiating connections, the art of small talk, and even how to navigate friend-making apps. With personal anecdotes and relatable advice, this conversation is packed with insights to help you break down barriers to friendship!
21 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 45min
Could ranked choice voting fix our elections?
Dylan Matthews, a senior correspondent at Vox, dives into the intriguing world of ranked choice voting. He explores how this system could reshape elections by allowing voters to rank their preferences rather than choosing just one candidate. The conversation touches on its potential to reduce political polarization and enhance representation. Dylan also shares quirky insights from Hollywood voting mishaps and the pressing question: why hasn’t ranked choice voting gained wider traction? It's a mix of political critique and entertaining anecdotes!
9 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 30min
Why can’t I tell my left from my right?
Meredith Hodinot, a supervising producer for the Unexplainable podcast, joins the discussion about the quirky science behind distinguishing left from right. They tackle why some people struggle with this conundrum and explore the fascinating world of handedness, including biological and genetic influences. The conversation dives into the mysterious concept of homochirality and its significance for life's molecular structures. Expect laughs as they share their own left-right mix-ups while reflecting on the connections between science and everyday life.
Nov 8, 2024 • 50min
What just happened, and what comes next
Joining the conversation are Christian Paz, a Vox correspondent breaking down election results, Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent interpreting Supreme Court implications, and Zack Beauchamp, who analyzes Republican dynamics and Trump's future policies. They dive into the surprising rightward shift of Latino voters and the implications for the Democratic Party. The panel discusses Trump’s legal challenges, the unpredictable impact of his proposed agenda, and how shifting voter sentiments shape the political landscape ahead.
Nov 4, 2024 • 1min
It’s election week. Ask us anything.
The excitement and tension of election week takes center stage. Listeners are encouraged to share their questions and personal experiences. The hosts create an engaging atmosphere filled with insights and reflections on the electoral process. It's a mix of anticipation and interaction as they delve into the nuances of this pivotal moment in democracy.
13 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 47min
Why can I buy Halloween candy that would be banned in other countries?
Join Kimberly Mas, a Vox producer and science reporter, alongside Melanie Benesh, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Environmental Working Group, as they unravel the mystery of why certain food additives are banned in other countries but remain legal in the U.S. They delve into the health implications of Halloween candy, specifically concerning synthetic dyes, and discuss the regulatory gaps that allow these harmful substances to slip through the cracks. The conversation also highlights California’s proactive stance on food safety, setting the stage for national change.
Oct 23, 2024 • 52min
Why do I keep getting these weird fundraising texts?
Lloyd Cotler, founder of Banter Messaging, specializes in SMS strategies for political campaigns, while Christian Paz is a Vox senior politics reporter focused on election polling. They dive into the overwhelming number of fundraising texts voters receive, dissecting their bizarre language and manipulative tactics. The duo reveals how text messaging is taking over political communication, the potential scams involved, and the challenges in managing unwanted messages. They also shed light on polling accuracy and its significant role in shaping public opinion during elections.
