The folks at NPR's Planet Money have a good thing going. They describe complex financial subjects with ease. After listening to an episode, you can recall their helpful analogies as you describe global financial markets over cocktails. You could, in theory. I've never tried it.

As DC debates the future of government sponsored enterprises Fannie & Freddie, we need some clarity about what exactly they do and how they could be reformed. Planet Money has this in three parts:

Part 1: Kill Them, Bury Them: The Rise of Fannie and Freddie
Part 2: Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The Bailout of Fannie and Freddie
Part 3: Whats Next: Life After Fannie And Freddie

When you listen, notice how the journalists approach complex subjects in conversation ways. They avoid jargon and seek clear explanations. They don't gloss over difficult subjects or talk down to the audience. Communicators: emulate this.