"Simplified" is an interview-style show where Morning Edition host Lacey Alexander takes complex topics and breaks them down so that everyone can better understand them. She enlists a new academic in the state of Alabama every week to simplify a big idea-- whether it's science, economics, media or anything in between. Contact the show at simplified@apr.org!Local support for Simplified is provided by The University of Alabama Online.
If the very mention of the phrase “retirement planning” makes you shudder, you’re definitely not alone—2026 survey data from the National Institute on Retirement Security says somewhere between 40 and 55 percent of Americans feel unprepared for or lack confidence in having stability in their retirement years. Another survey says 47% of America’s workers believe they’ll never be able to fully retire. Here to hopefully dispel some anxiety is Dr. Jesse Jurgenson, an Assistant Professor of Practice within the Texas Tech University School of Financial Planning. He formerly spent three years teaching at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa as a personal finance pro before heading to Lubbock.
23 Sept 2026
Relationships in the Digital Age with Dr. Leah E. LeFebvre
Today we’ll be talking about dating in the digital age and the new terms you may hear younger Americans using these days— ghosting, couple goals, soft launch, and the momentous “FBO” (that’s Facebook official, btw). How have mobile dating apps changed how hopeful singles engage with each other? Does social media put extra pressure on couples to put on the appearance of happiness? This is the research focus of Dr. Leah E. LeFebvre at the University of Alabama. She joins Lacey to discuss how technology and trends affect the dating landscape, for better OR for worse.
27 Aug 2026
Sports Media (College Football Edition) with Dr. Andrew Billings
Whether you were born and raised in the yellowhammer state or just moved to Pell City from Siberia, you are more than aware of Alabama's fascination with college football. Sure some die hard alums may watch high school football on Fridays, and some of us may tune in on Sundays to watch an NFL team or two. But it's not even worth debating that the collegiate version of the sport reigns supreme among the gridiron-enjoyers in our 67 counties. But what about this culture- the analysts, the sideline reporting, the athletes and coaches-- is almost addicting for us to engage with? What subtle tactics are the producers of The College Gameday show using to get your blood pumping on Saturday mornings, and what tricks does ESPN have up it's sleeve to keep us tuned in each and every weekend?
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