• 49 minutes 36 seconds
    The Democratic divide

    Progressives are racking up primary wins. Is the Democratic establishment getting the message?

    This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore, video edited by Frank Posillico, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Special thanks to Kasia Broussalian. 

    You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually 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

    11 August 2026, 8:02 pm
  • 27 minutes 52 seconds
    The gas price vote

    Will high gas prices actually change how people vote? We went to Pennsylvania 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.

    A customer refuels his van at a gas station in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania in July. Photo by Matthew Hatcher / 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. 

    Read more about gas prices: 

    Why Gas Prices Hit Differenthttps://julianzelizer.substack.com/p/why-gas-prices-hit-different 


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    8 August 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 43 minutes 13 seconds
    Fantasy draft: 2028 presidential race

    Journalists Astead Herndon, Don Lemon, and Kara Swisher hold a fantasy draft to find out who has the best shot at becoming president in 2028. 

    This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

    Flags are displayed on the lawn of the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol Building in the background. Photo by Kevin Carter/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

    1 August 2026, 1:50 pm
  • 36 minutes 18 seconds
    The Boomer politicians who won't retire

    Democratic Congressman James Clyburn turned 86 years old this week. He has no plans to retire.

    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. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) announcing he is running for a 18th term. Tracy Glantz/The State/Tribune News Service 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

    25 July 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 31 minutes 54 seconds
    Progressives take on the Rust Belt

    First there was New York, then Colorado. But can a progressive candidate win in the Rust Belt?

    This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder and Benjamin Stephen, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

    Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) with Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. Photo by Sarah Rice/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

    18 July 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 28 minutes 36 seconds
    Kamala, 2028

    The former vice president’s loyal base seems ready for another go, but Democratic donors are wary. 

    This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

    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

    11 July 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 24 minutes 8 seconds
    The lessons from Graham Platner’s implosion

    What should the progressive left take away from the collapse of Graham Platner’s campaign? 

    This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Sarah Schweppe, video edited by Frank Posillico, and hosted by Astead Herndon.  Special thanks to Kasia Broussalian. 

    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

    8 July 2026, 8:59 pm
  • 25 minutes 22 seconds
    America’s 250-year checkup

    Can the country’s founding ideals still unite a divided nation? This episode is presented by the Rockefeller Foundation.  

    This show was produced by Dustin DeSoto, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

    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

    4 July 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 29 minutes 34 seconds
    How Trump lost the bro vote

    The group of men that famously helped propel Trump to the White House in 2024 is having second thoughts. Here’s what that means for Republicans in the future.

    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.

    Fans at the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on the South Lawn of the White House where President Trump hosted Ultimate Fighting Championship matches. 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. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    27 June 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 33 minutes 43 seconds
    The young candidates shaking up the Dem Party

    AI, policing and generational change are among the issues influencing two primary races in New York that reflect the broader 2026 midterms.

    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.

    Voting signage at a polling location for the primary election in New York. Photo by Michael Nagle/Bloomberg 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

    20 June 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 35 minutes 12 seconds
    Hasan Piker vs. The Establishment

    Hasan Piker has become one of the most prominent leftist voices in the US. But his rapid rise has sparked a furious backlash from establishment Democrats -- specifically the Third Way think tank.

    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.

    Further reading: Third Way’s critique of Hasan Piker in the Wall Street Journal.

    The streamer Hasan Piker speaking at a conference in Vancouver. Photo By Florencia Tan Jun/Web Summit via Sportsfile 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

    13 June 2026, 12:00 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App