Episodes

  • The data center war

    The data center war
    May 16 2026
    There’s a growing disconnect between a local community that says it’s being treated as the "guinea pigs" in a new industrial revolution, and Washington politicians. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder and Shelby Smith, and hosted by Astead Herndon. A massive new data center in Vineland, New Jersey. Photo by Alex Peterson. You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • "Affordability" is the new progressive

    "Affordability" is the new progressive
    May 9 2026
    What do buzzwords like “progressive” and “affordability” mean to voters? We went to one of the most Democratic congressional districts to find out. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) rolling out out a new affordability strategy along with other House Democrats from the Progressive Caucus. Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained 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
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    25 mins
  • Grading America's first 250 years

    Grading America's first 250 years
    May 2 2026
    America at 250 years old may need a new founding document. Historian Heather Cox Richardson drafts a new social contract. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. In this episode, Richardson references a tweet of Boebert's, not a text. A protester holds a copy of the Declaration of Independence and a US flag at a rally. Photo by ANDREW HOLBROOKE/Corbis via Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • This Senator has an Eric Swalwell problem

    This Senator has an Eric Swalwell problem
    Apr 25 2026
    We were set to talk to Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego about solving our immigration crisis. Then Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Rep. Eric Swalwell and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Why both sides fail on immigration

    Why both sides fail on immigration
    Apr 18 2026
    Immigration might be President Donald Trump’s signature issue, but what do Americans actually think about border security and enforcement? This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. A migrant climbs over the border fence into the US after fetching groceries for other migrants waiting to be processed by authorities on the US-Mexico border. Photo by GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • America Post-Trump

    America Post-Trump
    Apr 11 2026
    What does US politics look like when Donald Trump is no longer at the center of it? In 2028, voters will get to decide. But for now, we explore. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact-checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney and hosted by Astead Herndon. Christopher Snyder is our video editor, and Koon Nguy is our senior art director. Our executive producer is Christina Vallice. Additional support from Miranda Kennedy, David Tatasciore, and Nisha Chittal. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump step on an escalator as they arrive for the 80th session of the UN’s General Assembly. Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on video at youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Introducing: America, Actually with Astead Herndon

    Introducing: America, Actually with Astead Herndon
    Apr 5 2026
    America, Actually is a new podcast from Vox where host Astead Herndon explores what US politics looks like without Donald Trump at the center. It’s been a one-man show for more than a decade, but now, the US is heading towards the first open presidential election since 2016. It will play out in a country that feels inherently different. Every Saturday, America, Actually will be in your feed with interesting interviews on politics, culture, and the economy. Watch at Youtube.com/Vox or listen in your favorite podcast app for new episodes starting April 11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 mins