Podcast
Explain It to Me
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
- 830
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 30 min
- On air since
- 2015
- Latest episode
- 2 days ago
Episodes
830 episodes, newest first
-
30 min
When hobbies take over your life
Show notes
If you've optimized your free time so much that it feels like work, maybe it’s time to rethink how you craft and kayak.
This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
A woman athlete catching her breath and holding a padel racket on a blue court. Photo via Noko LTD/Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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31 min
When AI agents run your life
Show notes
What you gain, and what you give up, when you let AI agents take control.
This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Various examples of avatars for Muse, Meta's AI agent, during the Meta Connect event in Menlo Park, California on Sept. 23, 2026. Photo by Minh Connors/Bloomberg via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
The quest for the perfect baby
Show notes
Men and women are trying to maximize their reproductive health due to anxieties around declining fertility trends. But are we taking “embryomaxxing” too far?
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
A surrogate mother undergoes an ultrasound scan at the Beta Fertility Clinic, where her pregnancy is being monitored, in Tbilisi in Georgia. Photo by Marie Audinet / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
The cost of loving your pet
Show notes
Our emotional relationships with our pets have only grown since the pandemic — and so has the financial price we pay.
This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Mackenzie Rullo, 4, waits ringside with golden retriever "Envy" at The Rocky Mountain Cluster All Breed Dog Show in Denver in 2016. Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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31 min
Mass-produced fashion slop
Show notes
How algorithms and instant fashion killed style — and how to get it back.
This episode was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
People search for clothes by sorting through piles of second hand textiles displayed on large tables during an Emmaus clearance sale in Poitiers, France. Photo by Jean-François FORT / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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31 min
The end of etiquette
Show notes
It’s not just about being nice. Manners allow us to peacefully coexist at work, in transit, and out in the wider world.
This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Manspreading is the practice of some men sitting on public transportation with legs wide apart, thereby covering more than one seat. Photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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31 min
We should party more
Show notes
We’re lonely, isolated, and bored. The solution may be as simple as an invite and killer playlist.
This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
A raucous loft party. Photo by Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
How to date IRL
Show notes
People are getting tired of the dating apps and turning to a more old-fashioned way of finding love.
This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Known, an AI-driven dating app, has their branding plastered on a storefront in San Francisco, CA. Photo by Camille Cohen/For The Times.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
How to survive a flop
Show notes
In the streaming era, success is public, failure is viral, and everyone's one release away from a flop era. How do you come back?
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton and Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Lizzo at the "Scary Movie" global premiere at the Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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27 min
Why everyone's an introvert now
Show notes
Move aside extroverts. In this episode — which aired last year — we explore personality types and whether they are set in stone.
This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by We Are/Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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29 min
Why can’t I remember being a baby?
Show notes
Even if we have little to no memory of our first few years, our earliest experiences still matter.
This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noam Hassenfeld.
A baby crawling on the floor. Photo via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
Vacation? In this economy?
Show notes
Gas is expensive and Europeans want us to stay home. How can you still make use of that precious PTO?
This episode was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Tourists take selfies in front of the Barcelona Cathedral. Photo by Paco Freire/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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31 min
Going broke on wellness
Show notes
Americans spend billions on healthcare products, from green powders and cold plunges to costly gym memberships. Last summer we asked: what good do they do?
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Visitors wear the Myblend myLEDmask2 "Anti-Aging" product at the FIBO trade show for health, fitness and wellness in Cologne, Germany. Photo by Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
The perimenopause moment
Show notes
Women’s health and hormones have been misunderstood by the medical establishment for decades. That’s changing.
This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Photo by Edwin Tan for Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
What's in a name?
Show notes
Jalen and Olivia and Liam and Ailany. We look at what makes a name top the popularity charts.
This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Two babies, just a few hours old, lie side by side in a hospital in Halle, Germany. Photo by Waltraud Grubitzsch/dpa-Zentralbild/ZB via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
30 min
Tanning is back
Show notes
Never mind skin cancer. Summer 2026 is all about tanmaxxing.
This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Young women sunbathing. Photo by Krisztian Elek/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
Can we cheat death?
Show notes
The trick to living a longer, happier life.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Michelle Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Iris Apfel celebrating her 100th birthday party in New York City. Photo by Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images for Central Park Tower.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
30 min
How to beat mosquitoes
Show notes
They’re the deadliest animal on the planet. Now even Google is getting into the extermination business.
This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Michelle Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
A tiger mosquito is crushed in the hand of a man after being bitten. Photo by MATTHIEU DELATY/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
-
31 min
The lost art of handwriting
Show notes
How our relationship with writing has changed, and how that’s changed us.
This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
A third grader practices his cursive handwriting at P.S.166 in Queens, N.Y. AP Photo/Mary Altaffer.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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30 min
DIY or don’t?
Show notes
YouTube has advice for how to do everything from plumbing to electrical work. Should you take it?
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Isabelle Lichtenstein, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Home improvement DIY-er Imani Keal painting her Washington, DC apartment.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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