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 | 129 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | NewsNews CommentaryPolitics | |||
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Latest Episodes
How can the U.S. lead in rebuilding industrial capacity? Christian Keil believes the answer lies with American dynamism. He is a partner at a16z, who sees technology as a key to our future. Even through uncertain times and sharp competition from Chin... more
On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes on Iran. What comes next? Host Megan McArdle sits down with Washington Post Columnist David Ignatius to discuss Iran's response, whether the U.S. can sustain a prolonged conflict, what the war signals... more
We hear a lot about what artificial intelligence can do. We hear a lot less about what it takes to run it. The explosion of AI depends on massive data centers — and massive amounts of energy. Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) joins host Megan McArdle t... more
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
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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 Statesa month ago - Again …
Again, the moderator asks the guest a question and then proceeds to answer it before the guest can!
Apple Podcasts3Kener500United Statesa month ago - Great content
Just need an audio engineer to make sure the levels are more even.
Apple Podcasts4LelandJUnited Statesa month ago - Independent listener
Turn up the volume
Apple Podcasts5independent listener!United States2 months ago - We need more reasonable optimism
Best new podcast of 2025. Megan’s analysis is intelligent and insightful
Apple Podcasts5TarHeelJessUnited States2 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #50 | United States/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #214 |  Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #237 |  United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #195 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #226 |  Italy/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #21 |  Saudi Arabia/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 contrasting narratives surrounding current events and societal progress, often challenging pessimistic views prevalent in media. With engaging discussions spanning a variety of topics from economics and American history to personal growth and the influence of technology, listeners are invited to explore how innovative ideas can lead to a more optimistic outlook on the future of America. The host, known for her perspective and insights, often interviews a range of guests including politicians, economists, and cultural commentators, making for diverse and thought-provoking episodes that aim to inspire hope rather than despair, while addressing significant issues affecting society.
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. Post Reports
2. The Opinions
3. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. The Political Scene | The New Yorker
How many episodes of Reasonably Optimistic are there?
Reasonably Optimistic launched 2 years ago and published 129 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. Christian Keil
2. David Ignatius
3. Jake Auchincloss
4. Tyler Cowen
5. Katie Herzog
6. Matt Yglesias
7. Astrid Tuminez
8. Jared Polis
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.