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 | Weekly | Episodes | 126 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsPolitics | |||
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Latest Episodes
This week, we celebrated Presidents Day, which makes it a fitting time to recognize one of America’s most underrated presidents. Herbert Hoover presided over the onset of the Great Depression and is widely viewed as the inferior predecessor to Frankl... more
Want to win the dating game? Turns out business school has the playbook. Host Megan McArdle breaks down romance through Econ 101: addressable market, signaling, specialty products and sunk costs.
Whether you’re single, swiping or settled down, this ... more
Artificial intelligence is moving fast, with new tools changing how people work, create and compete. Whether you’re an AI doomer or AI boomer, it’s hard to ignore what’s coming. Economist and professor Tyler Cowen has spent years analyzing how these ... more
Walkable neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, the sheer bounty of it all. City living isn't for everyone, but it's amazing for the people who want it. Unless, that is, they also want a family.
Today's cities are designed for demographic churn — as a re... more
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Reviews
- Fig leaf
I was hopeful this would become an interesting feature. What it seems to be is “Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you.” Optimism is great but only when grounded by reality. The Post has dropped podcasts that delivered real insight and news and we are left with this escapist drivel. The Post can do so much better and often has. This is just a sad reflection of The Post’s decline.
Apple Podcasts2becket505
United States14 days ago - Again …
Again, the moderator asks the guest a question and then proceeds to answer it before the guest can!
Apple Podcasts3Kener500United States18 days ago - Great content
Just need an audio engineer to make sure the levels are more even.
Apple Podcasts4LelandJUnited States21 days ago - Independent listener
Turn up the volume
Apple Podcasts5independent listener!United Statesa month ago - We need more reasonable optimism
Best new podcast of 2025. Megan’s analysis is intelligent and insightful
Apple Podcasts5TarHeelJessUnited Statesa month ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #68 | United States/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #78 |  Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #223 |  United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #85 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #214 |  Italy/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #250 |  Australia/News/News Commentary |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reasonably Optimistic
What is Reasonably Optimistic about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This podcast focuses on fostering a spirit of hope and positivity in discussions surrounding contemporary challenges in America. It emphasizes the potential for progress and constructive conversation, countering the prevalent doom-and-gloom narratives found in much of today's media. Central topics include effective problem-solving, innovation, and community building, while also exploring prospective paths for overcoming obstacles facing the nation. Unique in its optimistic approach and commitment to actionable insights, the podcast engages listeners who are eager to hear about solutions and possibilities rather than only issues and frustrations.
Where can I find podcast stats for Reasonably Optimistic?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Reasonably Optimistic. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Reasonably Optimistic and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
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. Post Reports
2. The 7
3. The Opinions
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
How many episodes of Reasonably Optimistic are there?
Reasonably Optimistic launched 2 years ago and published 126 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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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Reasonably Optimistic?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Reasonably Optimistic?
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What guests have appeared on Reasonably Optimistic?
Recent guests on Reasonably Optimistic include:
1. Tyler Cowen
2. Katie Herzog
3. Matt Yglesias
4. Astrid Tuminez
5. Jared Polis
6. Neal Stephenson
7. Richard Reeves
8. Max Boot
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.