Today, Explained
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Today, Explained

Today, Explained is Vox's daily news explainer podcast. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King will guide you through the most important stories of the day. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Episodes 766
Books 340

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Latest Recommendations

Sunseekers' Greek Islands cover

Sunseekers' Greek Islands

sunseekers

Mentioned 1 week ago

Tanning is back

The host noted that writer Lyra Kilston had covered the historical sunseeking movement in her book, highlighting its relevance to the modern tanmaxing trend.

Writer Lyra Kilston wrote all about it in her book, Sunseekers, The Cure of California.

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Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War cover

Black Hawk Down

Mark Bowden

Mentioned 2 weeks ago

Trump’s secret war

The hosts referenced the 1993 Black Hawk Down incident as historical context for U.S. involvement in Somalia.

Somalia has been in effectively a state of civil war since the early 1990s. And the U.S. has been involved almost since the beginning. You know, the Black Hawk Down incident was 1993.

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We Are the World (Cup): A Personal History of the World's Greatest Sporting Event – Soccer's Triumphs, Heartbreaks, and the Passion That Unites Fans Worldwide cover

We Are the World (Cup)

Roger Bennett

Mentioned 3 weeks ago

The World Cup is healing us

The podcast noted that Roger Bennett authored "We Are The World Cup", a personal history of the world's greatest sporting events, covering soccer's triumphs, heartbreaks, and the passion that unites fans worldwide.

Roger Bennett is the author of We Are The World Cup, a personal history of the world's greatest sporting events, soccer's triumphs, heartbreaks and the passion that unites fans worldwide.

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More Rules for Aging: Making the Most of Your Ridiculous, Wondrous Life cover

More Rules for Aging

Roger Rosenblatt

Mentioned 3 weeks ago

Can we cheat death?

He had just released More Rules for Aging, a sequel to his earlier work, reflecting his current insights on growing older after living through the experience himself.

So you recently published a book called More Rules for Aging. It's the sequel to a book you wrote 25 years ago called Rules for Aging.

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The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un cover

The Great Successor

Anna Fifield

Mentioned 4 weeks ago

North Korea's girl dad dictator

Anna Fifield mentioned that she authored a book titled The Great Successor, focusing on Kim Jong-un's rise and rule.

I'm Anna Fifield. I am a journalist and I wrote a book called The Great Successor. The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong-un.

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Chosen Land: How Christianity Made America and Americans Remade Christianity cover

Chosen Land

Matthew Avery Sutton

Mentioned 1 month ago

Why the Antichrist is back

The host introduced Sutton as a history professor and noted that his most recent book examined how Christianity shaped America and how Americans reshaped Christianity.

I can't believe you figured it out. Matthew Avery Sutton, and I'm a professor of history at Washington State University. I teach courses on religion and politics, and my most recent book is called Chosen Land, How Christianity Made America and Americans Remade Christianity.

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History Comes Alive: Public History and Popular Culture in the 1970s (Studies in United States Culture) cover

History Comes Alive

M. J. Rymsza-Pawlowska

Mentioned 1 month ago

America's birthday blues

The host noted that the historian had written a book about the bicentennial, which is titled History Comes Alive.

M.J. Rimshia Pavlovska teaches history at American University, wrote a book about the bicentennial.

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Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century cover

Power Play

Tim Higgins

Mentioned 1 month ago

AI goes IPO

The hosts noted that Tim Higgins authored a book about Elon Musk titled Power Play, Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century.

Tim Higgins wrote a book about Elon. It's called Power Play, Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century.

Buy on Amazon
The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity cover

The State of Affairs

Esther Perel

Mentioned 1 month ago

Why people cheat

The host expressed strong enthusiasm for the book, noting it explores the meaning of cheating for both the cheater and the cheated, emphasizing its focus on delving into the motivations behind affairs.

I really love the book The State of Affairs By Esther Perel

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Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set: Books 1-7 (Slipcase) cover

Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set

J. K. Rowling

Mentioned 1 month ago

Dating my AI

It was mentioned when describing a trip where participants visited a replica of Platform 9, referencing the Harry Potter universe.

They went and visited Platform 9 and 3 quarters, the replica of the train station in Harry Potter.

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Fifty Shades Trilogy Shrinkwrapped Set (Deckle Edge) cover

Fifty Shades Trilogy Shrinkwrapped Set (Deckle Edge)

E L James

Mentioned 1 month ago

Dating my AI

It was cited as a comparison to AI companions, describing them as a personalized interactive romance novel tailored to the user's tastes.

Some people sort of view their AI companions as almost like a personalized interactive romance novel. As one of my sources makes the comparison, like Fifty Shades of Grey, it's just tailored exactly to her tastes.

Buy on Amazon
Attention Span: The Science of Focus in the Digital Age cover

Attention Span

Gloria Mark

Mentioned 1 month ago

Ew, are we post-literate?

The hosts noted that the psychologist authored the book on attention span, which discusses how modern media have shortened viewers' attention to about 47 seconds.

the psychologist who literally wrote the book on attention span. The book is called Attention Span.

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Most Recommended

Blue: The History of a Color Cover

Michel Pastoureau

Blue

The History of a Color

This 1971 album was highlighted as a classic example of a breakup album where she ruminated on her relationships with Graham Nash and James Taylor, though she was very kind to her exes in the lyrics.

"

A classic example is Joni Mitchell's Blue from 1971, in which she ruminates on her relationship with Graham Nash, which had just ended, her relationship with James Taylor, even looks...

— Episode: The art of the breakup album

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Episode: The art of the breakup album

This 1971 album was highlighted as a classic example of a breakup album where she ruminated on her relationships with Graham Nash and James Taylor, though she was very kind to her exes in the lyrics.

"

A classic example is Joni Mitchell's Blue from 1971, in which she ruminates on her relationship with Graham Nash, which had just ended, her relationship with James Taylor, even looks back to her first marriage there.

she ever so kind to her her exes in that album

Injustice: How Politics and Fear Vanquished America's Justice Department Cover

Carol Leonnig

Injustice

How Politics and Fear Vanquished America's Justice Department

Investigative reporters Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis were featured guests, joining Preet Bharara to discuss their new release, Injustice. The authors detailed their findings on how political influence and widespread fear have undermined and compromised America's Justice Department. The episode served as a significant deep dive into this critical piece of investigative journalism.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Your flights will be canceled

Investigative reporters Carol Lennig and Aaron Davis joined Preet Bharara to discuss their new book about how politics and fear vanquished America's Justice Department.

"

I'm Preet Bharara. In this week, investigative reporters Carol Lennig and Aaron Davis join me to discuss their new book, Injustice, How Politics and Fear Vanquished America's Justice Department.

Phases & Stages: The Terri Clark Journals Cover

Terri Clark

Phases & Stages

The Terri Clark Journals

This country music breakup album was noted for its unique structure, presenting the woman's side of the breakup on Side A and the man's side on Side B.

"

You have Willie Nelson putting an album called Phases and Stages, which is an album which on side A presents the woman's side in the breakup. And before you wake up I'll be gone On side B, the man's s...

— Episode: The art of the breakup album

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The art of the breakup album

This country music breakup album was noted for its unique structure, presenting the woman's side of the breakup on Side A and the man's side on Side B.

"

You have Willie Nelson putting an album called Phases and Stages, which is an album which on side A presents the woman's side in the breakup. And before you wake up I'll be gone On side B, the man's side of the breakup.

Fatal Abstraction: Why the Managerial Class Loses Control of Software Cover

Darryl Campbell

Fatal Abstraction

Why the Managerial Class Loses Control of Software

While appearing on the show as an aviation safety writer for The Verge, guest Daryl Campbell briefly mentioned that he was the author of Fatal Abstraction. This mention occurred during his introduction, and the book's contents were not discussed or formally recommended during the episode.

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Episode: Your flights will be canceled

Daryl Campbell, an aviation safety writer for The Verge, mentioned that he wrote this book.

"

My name's Daryl Campbell. I'm an aviation safety writer for The Verge, and I also wrote the book Fatal Abstraction.

Hear My Sorrow: The Diary of Angela Denoto, a Shirtwaist Worker, New York City 1909 (Dear America Series) Cover

Deborah Hopkinson

Hear My Sorrow

The Diary of Angela Denoto, a Shirtwaist Worker, New York City 1909 (Dear America Series)

This double album was described as perhaps the strangest breakup album, detailing his divorce and its painful nature, and was dedicated to his ex-wife, even including a Star Wars fantasy about them hooking up centuries later.

"

Marvin Gaye put an album called Hear My Dear. And this album is just really about his divorce and just like how painful that divorce has been. And the album is dedicated to her.

— Episode: The art of the breakup album

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The art of the breakup album

This double album was described as perhaps the strangest breakup album, detailing his divorce and its painful nature, and was dedicated to his ex-wife, even including a Star Wars fantasy about them hooking up centuries later.

"

Marvin Gaye put an album called Hear My Dear. And this album is just really about his divorce and just like how painful that divorce has been. And the album is dedicated to her.

Star Crossed, Volume 2 Cover

Crimson Chains

Star Crossed, Volume 2

This album, about her breakup with Rustin Kelly, was praised for its beautiful conclusion, which featured the song 'Gracias a la Vida' expressing gratitude for life's blessings despite the breakup.

"

I really love the Casey Musgraves album because it does get bitter at times but then it has this beautiful clothes to it it's actually a song she did not write it's called Gracias a la Vida a Chilean...

— Episode: The art of the breakup album

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The art of the breakup album

This album, about her breakup with Rustin Kelly, was praised for its beautiful conclusion, which featured the song 'Gracias a la Vida' expressing gratitude for life's blessings despite the breakup.

"

I really love the Casey Musgraves album because it does get bitter at times but then it has this beautiful clothes to it it's actually a song she did not write it's called Gracias a la Vida a Chilean singer in the 1960s and it's really just about all we should be grateful for in life

I'll give Casey Musgraves the award for the best conclusion to a breakup album.

That's Not What This Book Is About Cover

Joanna Johnson

That's Not What This Book Is About

The guest, Molly O'Toole, was mentioned as currently writing a book about the topics discussed in the episode concerning immigration.

"

Molly O'Toole, immigration reporter. She's writing a book right now about all of this. Keep an eye out for it.

— Episode: Trump’s ICE shakeup

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Trump’s ICE shakeup

The guest, Molly O'Toole, was mentioned as currently writing a book about the topics discussed in the episode concerning immigration.

"

Molly O'Toole, immigration reporter. She's writing a book right now about all of this. Keep an eye out for it.

In the Long Run We're All Dead: The Lives and Deaths of Great Economists Cover

Björn Frank

In the Long Run We're All Dead

The Lives and Deaths of Great Economists

The book's title, which is derived from a famous quote by John Maynard Keynes, was invoked during an episode discussing the fragility of the AI market bubble. Guest Paul Kedrosky used the phrase, "in the long run, we're also all dead," to counter the argument that waiting for market recovery is a practical solution for those facing immediate economic damage.

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Episode: The AI bubble

This quote, attributed to John Maynard Keynes, was used to counter the argument that markets eventually recover after a bubble bursts, suggesting that waiting for the long run is not a practical solution for those affected by the immediate damage.

"

And as the famous line in economics goes, in the long run, it may work out. But in the long run, we're also all dead.

Taylor Swift - The Life of a Showgirl Cover

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift - The Life of a Showgirl

The hosts of Today, Explained used "Taylor Swift - The Life of a Showgirl" as a central case study to critique modern music capitalism. The discussion focused on how the album broke sales records, including 1.2 million vinyl copies sold in 24 hours, by employing a controversial strategy of releasing numerous physical and digital variants. Noel King and the contributors analyzed the divisive nature of this marketing approach and its effect on record-keeping standards, rather than recommending the content itself.

Critiqued
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Episode: Capitalism (Taylor’s Version)

This was Taylor Swift's latest album that caused division and record-breaking sales due to numerous physical and digital variants being released.

"

Fans posing with Taylor Swift's latest album 'The Life of a Showgirl."

So Taylor has released a bunch of albums since Adele released 25. This was the first one that beat the record. And what you're saying is it beat the record because there were so many different variants you could buy.

Breaking news! Taylor Swift is back, and she's breaking records. And when I say records, 1.2 million copies of vinyl alone in the first 24 hours.

So I bought every single vinyl and CD variant for Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl, so you don't have to.

25 Days Cover

Per Jacobsen

25 Days

This album set a previous sales record that Taylor Swift's new release surpassed. Adele controversially kept the album off streaming services for about seven months.

"

The previous record was around 3.5 million set by Adele. Hello It's me

— Episode: Capitalism (Taylor’s Version)

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Episode: Capitalism (Taylor’s Version)

This album set a previous sales record that Taylor Swift's new release surpassed. Adele controversially kept the album off streaming services for about seven months.

"

The previous record was around 3.5 million set by Adele. Hello It's me

And when Adele dropped that album, she kept it off streaming, not just for the first week, but for something like seven months.

Bold N’ Sweet Coloring Book: Relax and Unwind with Playful and Cute Fashion Moments (Bold and Easy) Cover

Vicky Noir

Bold N’ Sweet Coloring Book

Relax and Unwind with Playful and Cute Fashion Moments (Bold and Easy)

This album was mentioned in the context of a tight sales competition against Travis Scott, where Sabrina Carpenter released several digital variants to secure a win.

"

Hey, it's Sabrina. You can pre-save my new album, Short and Sweet, on Spotify now.

— Episode: Capitalism (Taylor’s Version)

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Capitalism (Taylor’s Version)

This album was mentioned in the context of a tight sales competition against Travis Scott, where Sabrina Carpenter released several digital variants to secure a win.

"

Hey, it's Sabrina. You can pre-save my new album, Short and Sweet, on Spotify now.

PEOPLE Beyonce: Cowboy Carter Cover

The Editors of PEOPLE

PEOPLE Beyonce

Cowboy Carter

This album was brought up as an example where a line about being overworked and overwhelmed triggered a pushback from the audience.

"

So I remember when Cowboy Carter came out, and there was this line in one of the songs where Beyonce talks, 16 characters, that was it, where she talks about being overworked and overwhelmed. And that...

— Episode: Capitalism (Taylor’s Version)

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Episode: Capitalism (Taylor’s Version)

This album was brought up as an example where a line about being overworked and overwhelmed triggered a pushback from the audience.

"

So I remember when Cowboy Carter came out, and there was this line in one of the songs where Beyonce talks, 16 characters, that was it, where she talks about being overworked and overwhelmed. And that line really triggered people. They were like, no, girl, you're not.

Sourdough Culture: A History of Bread Making from Ancient to Modern Bakers Cover

Eric Pallant

Sourdough Culture

A History of Bread Making from Ancient to Modern Bakers

The author was featured to discuss breadmaking and the reasons why French bread often tastes better than American counterparts, highlighting the legal requirements for traditional French bread ingredients.

"

I am the author of a book called Sourdough Culture, A History of Breadmaking from Ancient to Modern Bakers.

— Episode: Why (some) food tastes better abroad

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Episode: Why (some) food tastes better abroad

The author was featured to discuss breadmaking and the reasons why French bread often tastes better than American counterparts, highlighting the legal requirements for traditional French bread ingredients.

"

I am the author of a book called Sourdough Culture, A History of Breadmaking from Ancient to Modern Bakers.

Steak: The Whole Story Cover

Hayward Tim

Steak

The Whole Story

The author mentioned this book while discussing how industrial practices led to a degradation of flavor in American tomatoes compared to their original ancestors or those grown in places like Italy.

"

I am the writer in residence at the Modern Diet and Physiology Research Center, which is based at McGill University. And I'm the author of three books, Steak, The Dorito Effect, and T...

— Episode: Why (some) food tastes better abroad

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Episode: Why (some) food tastes better abroad

The author mentioned this book while discussing how industrial practices led to a degradation of flavor in American tomatoes compared to their original ancestors or those grown in places like Italy.

"

I am the writer in residence at the Modern Diet and Physiology Research Center, which is based at McGill University. And I'm the author of three books, Steak, The Dorito Effect, and The End of Craving.

Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon Cover

Lauren Sherman

Selling Sexy

Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon

Co-author Lauren Sherman joined the podcast as a guest expert to discuss the history and decline of Victoria’s Secret, using her book, Selling Sexy, as the foundational material. The episode focused on the factors that led to the unraveling of the American icon, drawing heavily on the investigative reporting within the text. The book provided a comprehensive look at the brand's shift away from its once-dominant cultural position.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Victoria’s Secret wants you back

The speaker, Lauren Sherman, who co-authored this book, was featured in the podcast to discuss the history and unraveling of Victoria's Secret.

"

Lauren Sherman is a fashion correspondent at Puck. She's co-author of the book Selling Sexy, Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon.

Lauren Sherman is a fashion correspondent at Puck. She's co-author of the book Selling Sexy, Victoria's Secret, and the Unraveling of an American Icon.

The Agenda: How a Republican Supreme Court is Reshaping America Cover

Ian Millhiser

The Agenda

How a Republican Supreme Court is Reshaping America

Ian Millhiser was mentioned as the author of this book about the Supreme Court. The book was referenced in the context of his legal analysis regarding the court's direction.

"

Ian Millhiser, he covers the Supreme Court and the law for Vox. Ian's the author of two books about the court, including The Agenda, How a Republican Supreme Court is Reshaping Americ...

— Episode: Is voting doomed?

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Episode: Is voting doomed?

Ian Millhiser was mentioned as the author of this book about the Supreme Court. The book was referenced in the context of his legal analysis regarding the court's direction.

"

Ian Millhiser, he covers the Supreme Court and the law for Vox. Ian's the author of two books about the court, including The Agenda, How a Republican Supreme Court is Reshaping America.

Terms of Respect: How Colleges Get Free Speech Right Cover

Christopher L. Eisgruber

Terms of Respect

How Colleges Get Free Speech Right

This new book, written by Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber, pushed back against the notion that American universities were liberal bastions unwelcoming to conservatives. He defended universities against allegations that they betray free speech, indoctrinate students, and censor civil discussion in the book.

"

Eisgruber is a constitutional scholar, a man of many degrees, and also the author of a new book about the First Amendment, which is out this week, Terms of Respect, How Colleges Get F...

— Episode: The campus resistance

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Episode: The campus resistance

This new book, written by Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber, pushed back against the notion that American universities were liberal bastions unwelcoming to conservatives. He defended universities against allegations that they betray free speech, indoctrinate students, and censor civil discussion in the book.

"

Eisgruber is a constitutional scholar, a man of many degrees, and also the author of a new book about the First Amendment, which is out this week, Terms of Respect, How Colleges Get Free Speech Right.

But first, let's talk about your book. It's called Terms of Respect, How Colleges Get Free Speech Right. A lot of people in the Trump administration don't think that.

But in it, you defend universities against allegations that they are betraying free speech, indoctrinating students, and censoring civil discussion.

One of the things I say in the book is that you've got to let those storms die down and you've got to respect due process and you've got to respect academic freedom for the faculty members.

In Defense of Partisanship Cover

Julian E. Zelizer

In Defense of Partisanship

Christopher Eisgruber cited Julian Zelizer's work to provide a nuanced perspective on political division, noting the author is a colleague. Eisgruber emphasized that the book argues partisanship is an ordinary and functional aspect of American political life, offering a defense of its historical role. This defense was crucial in differentiating healthy division from the current, damaging state of "hyper-partisanship."

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The campus resistance

The book discussed how partisanship is an ordinary and functional part of American politics, although the current period is marked by 'hyper-partisanship' which is damaging.

"

My friend and colleague Julian Zelizer in the Princeton History Department has a book out called In Defense of Partisanship where he talks about how partisanship and the division into competing parties is, you know, an ordinary part of American life and a functional part of our politics.

230 Nacktfotos verschiedener Frauen: Vollkommen nacktes Fotobuch mit schönen Mädchen und reifen Frauen (German Edition) Cover

Nadia Fuchs

230 Nacktfotos verschiedener Frauen

Vollkommen nacktes Fotobuch mit schönen Mädchen und reifen Frauen (German Edition)

A mention was made of photo books from a last vacation as an example of items one could print with VistaPrint.

"

Visitenkarten, Aufkleber, T-Shirts, Broschren, Werbeschilder oder auch Fotobcher von Ihrem letzten Urlaub.

— Episode: We're in our AI slop era

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Episode: We're in our AI slop era

A mention was made of photo books from a last vacation as an example of items one could print with VistaPrint.

"

Visitenkarten, Aufkleber, T-Shirts, Broschren, Werbeschilder oder auch Fotobcher von Ihrem letzten Urlaub.

Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion Cover

Allie Beth Stuckey

Toxic Empathy

How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion

Toxic Empathy was introduced on the podcast as a key source for the argument that empathy itself can be toxic or sinful, written by podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey. The discussion highlighted the book's central thesis, noting that the author claimed progressives exploit Christian compassion by using biblical language to "pervert them" and "morally extort" believers into adopting specific political positions. The book was cited to frame a wider conversation about the political weaponization of compassion.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Is empathy toxic?

This book was mentioned as one of the two most prominent works arguing that empathy is toxic or sinful, written by a podcaster and former Fox News personality.

"

They use Toxic Empathy by employing our language, our Bible verses, our concepts, and then pervert them to morally extort us into adopting their position.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.