logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
30m 45s

The drama and trauma of 23andMe

Vox
About this episode
With the at-home DNA testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to all the data millions of Americans handed over? And how should you approach the family you've found through sites like these? If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545. Or send us a note here.  Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox. ... Show More
Up next
Nov 23
Talk turkey to me
How this big, lean bird became the staple of the most American of meals. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Hill and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of the National Thanksgiving turkey by Andr ... Show More
29m 37s
Nov 16
The case for renting forever
Housing prices aren't coming down, and that's challenging us to redefine the American dream. Maybe renting isn't so bad? This story was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. The episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by ... Show More
29m 18s
Nov 9
Why your health insurance is so expensive
It’s open enrollment season, and new health insurance premiums are causing sticker shock around the country. So how do you pick a health care plan that won’t break the bank? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Me ... Show More
30m 24s
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
The drama and trauma of 23andMe
With the at-home DNA testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to all the data millions of Americans handed over? And how should you approach the family you've found through sites like these? If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545. Or send us a ... Show More
30m 45s
Jun 2024
Elisa Roberson - USA
The Missing Podcast travels to North America - and in this first episode we tell the story of the baffling and tragic disappearance of Elisa Roberson. Elisa was born in Nicaragua, but settled in Texas with her mother, in search of a better life. But her story comes to an end in A ... Show More
43m 11s
Jun 2025
When a home DNA testing company fails...
What happens to our data once it's been handed over to DNA testing companies? One such firm, 23andMe, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. The company was set up to help people could track their ancestry - one of a number of similar sites using DNA data to create links and mat ... Show More
17m 28s
Dec 2024
the DNA match
Hiii shooshies!  Today, we’re tracing the family tree. Yep, we’re talking DNA tests, baby. And oh my god, do we have family drama to unpack!!!  What happens when you discover a secret half-brother on your paternal side? Do you question your dad about it? And how do you support a ... Show More
41m 26s
Jun 2025
Can we ever know our dogs?
So many of us believe we understand what our pets are feeling. Are we fooling ourselves? This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy and Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered byPatrick Boyd and hosted by Noam Hassenfeld. Photo by Kylie C ... Show More
30m 54s
Jun 2025
Baby’s first gene edit
For the first time ever, experimental gene editing technology has been used to treat a baby with a fatal condition. Just don’t mess with the embryos. This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Avishay Artsy, engineered by Patrick ... Show More
25m 57s
Sep 13
Ancestors and Identity: Unraveling the Genetics of the Levant with Dr. Pierre Zalloua
<p>What do our genes really reveal about who we are? In this episode, Dr. Pierre Zalloua, geneticist and author of Ancestors, takes us deep into the DNA of the Levant. We explore how personal experience, history, and science intersect to shape identity. From Phoenician expansion ... Show More
43m 34s
Sep 28
Who is the modern American dad?
Young men are more interested in becoming parents than young women are, and there's a growing number of single dads by choice. A look at modern fatherhood. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene ... Show More
29m 27s
Sep 7
The United States is Southern now
From #rushtok to country music, American culture is getting more and more southern. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy and Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a Beyonc ... Show More
30m 10s