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 | 162 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsPolitics | |||
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Latest Episodes
Gen Z has been told a lot of things about loneliness: that it’s caused by phones, social media, remote work, dating apps, the pandemic, the decline of third places and a culture that makes staying home easier than ever. But what if the more uncomfort... more
For a lot of men, friendship doesn’t disappear all at once. It fades slowly: a missed call here, a canceled plan there, a few busy years that become a decade. Before you know it, the relationship has moved to the background of life, where it can feel... more
A trillion dollars seems like enough money to solve almost anything. We could end world hunger, wipe out medical debt, shrink the federal deficit and still have plenty left over. So when people talk about Elon Musk’s potential trillion-dollar fortune... more
Populist candidates have a way of making politics feel simple. They tell voters that the problem is obvious, the villains are known and the solution is to break through corrupt institutions standing in the way. That message can be emotionally powerfu... more
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Reviews
- Crisp, Careful, and Courageous Analysis
As to your recent episode on voter pushback, thank you for asking us to be decent when are leaders are not. The unscrupulous can be bought on the cheap or exploited when convenient.
Apple Podcasts5JP Carter in MT
United Statesa month ago - Great interview
Informative and entertaining
Apple Podcasts5BrianonQAUnited Statesa month ago - Complex to Simple
Very much appreciate how Megan simplifies the complex and always presents both sides equally.
Apple Podcasts5ChakotehUnited States2 months ago - Meh
Missing Post Reports
Apple Podcasts1that's some bullUnited States2 months ago - Rolling my Eyes
Listening to this episode on fertility rates, and this is absolutely conservative ideology packaged as something pseudo scientific. The premise that marriage and children are the source of happiness in life AND WHOLE SOCIETIES is absurd. Also it makes my skin crawl listening to this guy mansplain what women want and why they are having less babies. Fails to address the true social and economic strains that are influencing people’s decisions around family planning. Gross.
Apple Podcasts1Town802United States3 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #50 | United States/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #125 |  Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #71 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #149 |  Australia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #203 |  France/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #207 |  Italy/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 features thoughtful, policy-informed conversations hosted by a Washington Post Opinion columnist who consistently centers constructive governance and practical solutions. Across recent episodes, the show covers topics from prediction markets and AI governance to urban policy, health care design, and the role of institutions in a shifting political landscape. The tone tends toward centrist, data-driven analysis with careful attention to real-world trade-offs, making it a good fit for listeners who want nuanced perspectives on how to improve public policy without dwelling on doom and gloom. A notable strength is the host's ability to pair provocative questions with accessible explanations, often drawing on expert guests ... more
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. Central Air
2. The Dispatch Podcast
3. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
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5. The Opinions
How many episodes of Reasonably Optimistic are there?
Reasonably Optimistic launched 2 years ago and published 162 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. Richard Hanania
2. Shawn Grain Carter
3. Kat Rosenfield
4. Gad Saad
5. Adam Frank
6. Ed Elson
7. Leana Wen
8. Robin Hanson
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