Reasonably Optimistic
The Washington PostEnough with the doom and gloom — we’re ready to talk about how America can thrive. Hosted by Washington Post Opinion columnist Megan McArdle, “Reasonably Optimistic” is your weekly conversation about how America can get unstuck and build a better future. Stop feeding your rage and start embracing our possibilities. Episodes drop Wednesdays.
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 180 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsPolitics | |||
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Latest Episodes
No one likes the idea of being surveilled. That concern is fueling a nationwide backlash against Flock cameras, the automated license plate readers police use to find stolen vehicles, track suspects and locate missing people. Critics see their rapid ... more
Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than many expected. So much so that some of the experts who understand it best are sounding the alarm. Are their warnings exaggerated, or are we approaching a point of no return? And what can we do now to s... more
More than six centuries ago, the Black Death wiped out nearly half of England’s population. Suddenly, workers had more power, wealthy landowners had less, and the old social order began to crack. When the ruling class tried to force that order back i... more
It doesn’t take much to ignite a new wave of alien conspiracy theories on social media. But beyond the internet speculation lies a serious scientific question: If billions of planets could support life, why haven’t we found any?
Host Megan McArdle r... more
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Reviews
- My brain just shrivelled
What in the goop.. Listening to the episode on the arguments for erecting data centres I feel like my brain just atrophied. Main argument seems to be the net positive impact will be economical and money is a well known food group and water alternative isn’t it
Apple Podcasts1Mollymollypop
United Kingdom18 days ago - Arday
Truly enjoyed Thais episode. Good questions marched clarification by the guest. He was a fraud and he was found. Sad that this is his way out.
The credibility of scholarship is important and it should be color neutral.
Apple Podcasts5Nldv890
Philippinesa month ago - Good analysis and interesting guests
Megan is a good interviewer-and a good analyst in her own right. I really enjoyed her interview with Ryan Burge. I have to admit it was a bit jarring to go from talking about church to a full-blown, aggressive casino ad.
Apple Podcasts5MusicCityEngineer
United Statesa month ago Interesting
Podcast Addict5a month agoPhilip- Took a while to warm up to but glad I did.
This has turned out to be a fun and engaging listen. Wide range of topics and guests, some unconventional takes - but sincere ones, not clickbait. I agree with some, not others, but I’m not looking for an echo chamber.
Apple Podcasts5JeffR2United States2 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #54 | United States/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #201 |  Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #209 | United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #38 |  Italy/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #84 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #86 |  Australia/News/News Commentary |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reasonably Optimistic
What is Reasonably Optimistic about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Reasonably optimistic weekly conversations explore practical paths for how America can thrive, balancing analysis with constructive takes. Across episodes, expect thoughtful discussions on policy, economics, culture, and social dynamics, often featuring scholars, journalists, and practitioners who challenge status quo thinking with pragmatic reform ideas. Noteworthy is a consistent emphasis on bipartisan or cross-ideological approaches and accessible, real-world implications for everyday life and long-term prosperity.
Where can I find podcast stats for Reasonably Optimistic?
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How many listeners does Reasonably Optimistic get?
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What are the audience demographics for Reasonably Optimistic?
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How many subscribers and views does Reasonably Optimistic have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Reasonably Optimistic?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Reasonably Optimistic:
1. The Dispatch Podcast
2. The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg
3. Central Air
4. Advisory Opinions
5. Interesting Times
How many episodes of Reasonably Optimistic are there?
Reasonably Optimistic launched 3 years ago and published 180 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Reasonably Optimistic?
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What guests have appeared on Reasonably Optimistic?
Recent guests on Reasonably Optimistic include:
1. Dan Jones
2. Adam Frank
3. Andy Masley
4. Tim Carney
5. Gabriel Rossman
6. Ryan Burge
7. Tyler Austin Harper
8. Josh Barro
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.