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<rss version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd"><channel><title>Plain English with Derek Thompson (Ad-Free)</title><description>Ad-free version of Plain English with Derek Thompson

Longtime Atlantic tech, culture and political writer Derek Thompson cuts through all the noise surrounding the big questions and headlines that matter to you in his new podcast Plain English. Watch Derek and guests engage the news with clear viewpoints and memorable takeaways. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday, and if you've got a topic you want discussed, shoot us an email at plainenglish@spotify.com! Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PlainEnglishwithDerekThompson</description><link>https://feeds.megaphone.fm/plain-english</link><itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8cd95598-4190-11ec-8fed-076eee281250/image/4bf72fe7bb71c7e2b39d74b901ce654a.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress" /><item><title>The Whole World Is Fighting About Energy</title><guid>407828c4-2f06-11f1-bff6-f7e6c2f59b56</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate><itunes:duration>3848</itunes:duration><enclosure url="https://alfarolabs-macbook-pro.tailf5737a.ts.net/audio/plain-english-with-derek-thompson/407828c4-2f06-11f1-bff6-f7e6c2f59b56/processed.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" length="60182612" /><description><![CDATA[This episode includes a discussion on the intertwined nature of energy, geopolitics, and technology, particularly focusing on how the war in Iran and the rise of AI are fundamentally linked through their reliance on energy. The conversation highlights the disruptions caused by blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil and gas supplies, and how AI's energy demands are reshaping global tech and economics. Additionally, insights are shared on how China’s electric vehicle industry is rapidly advancing, posing challenges and opportunities for the American automotive sector.]]></description></item><item><title>‘The Job Market for Young People Is Brutal’</title><guid>401df3f4-2f06-11f1-bff6-5f0b369547af</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate><itunes:duration>4031</itunes:duration><enclosure url="https://alfarolabs-macbook-pro.tailf5737a.ts.net/audio/plain-english-with-derek-thompson/401df3f4-2f06-11f1-bff6-5f0b369547af/processed.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" length="63362864" /><description><![CDATA[This episode includes a discussion on the puzzling state of the labor market for young people, especially recent college graduates, amid rising unemployment rates in this group. The hosts explore various theories, including the potential impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs, the broader experience of economic uncertainty, and demographic shifts that lead to fewer job openings for younger workers. They also delve into the notion of 'economic vibes' and how feelings of being stuck and uncertain can influence both individual economic experiences and broader market trends.]]></description></item><item><title>America's Religious Revival Is a Mirage</title><guid>4061400a-2f06-11f1-bff6-9ffb61f712ff</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate><itunes:duration>4133</itunes:duration><enclosure url="https://alfarolabs-macbook-pro.tailf5737a.ts.net/audio/plain-english-with-derek-thompson/4061400a-2f06-11f1-bff6-9ffb61f712ff/processed.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" length="64551122" /><description><![CDATA[This episode includes an examination of the state of religion in America, discussing the significant rise of religiously unaffiliated individuals since the 1990s and a recent "secularization pause" driven more by older conservatives than a youth revival. It explores the growth of anti-institutional, personality-driven non-denominational churches, and how disengagement from religious communities often correlates with broader social challenges and reduced happiness, emphasizing the importance of community and a "vertical" purpose.]]></description></item></channel></rss>