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 | 132 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PoliticsNews CommentaryNews | |||
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Latest Episodes
From AI-generated scams that cost Americans hundreds of dollars to voice cloning schemes, the line between real and fake is becoming harder to detect. At the same time, technology companies are setting their own limits on how these artificial intelli... more
When UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed on a Manhattan sidewalk in December 2024, the nation was stunned. But the act of violence exposed the fury simmering beneath America’s health care debate. For many, the system feels impossibly expen... more
Until recently, universities were widely seen as places for asking questions, debating ideas and accessing upward mobility. Now, they’re just as likely to be seen as battlegrounds in the culture wars. As public trust eroded and political scrutiny int... more
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
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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 States2 months ago - Again …
Again, the moderator asks the guest a question and then proceeds to answer it before the guest can!
Apple Podcasts3Kener500United States2 months ago - Great content
Just need an audio engineer to make sure the levels are more even.
Apple Podcasts4LelandJUnited States2 months ago - Independent listener
Turn up the volume
Apple Podcasts5independent listener!United States3 months ago - We need more reasonable optimism
Best new podcast of 2025. Megan’s analysis is intelligent and insightful
Apple Podcasts5TarHeelJessUnited States3 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #62 | United States/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #207 |  United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #247 |  Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #84 |  Italy/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #169 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #208 |  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 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. The Opinions
2. Central Air
3. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. The 7
How many episodes of Reasonably Optimistic are there?
Reasonably Optimistic launched 2 years ago and published 132 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. Ashish Jha
2. Daniel Diermeier
3. Christian Keil
4. David Ignatius
5. Jake Auchincloss
6. Tyler Cowen
7. Katie Herzog
8. Matt Yglesias
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.