Optimist Economy
Kathryn Anne Edwards and Robin RauziOptimist Economy is the anti-doomscroll economics podcast. Work rules, tax fairness, healthcare, housing costs, retirement security — the economic forces shaping American life have real problems. But also real solutions. Each week, economist Kathryn Anne Edwards and editor Robin Rauzi break down one problem and solution with data, history, humor, and a belief that tools to build a better economy e... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 54 | Founded | a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Government | |||
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Latest Episodes
Cash is dirty, inconvenient, and so last century. Some 70% of Americans under age 50 think its days are numbered. But we still need those greenbacks, if as an alternative to banks. More than 4% of households are “unbanked,” and three times as many ar... more
Consumer sentiment is in the basement. Jobs aren't being added. Prices keep climbing. GDP barely grew at the end of 2025, and a ‘meh’ 2% last quarter. Shouldn’t this be a recession? Not so far. Economist Kathryn Anne Edwards walks through the clear c... more
Average U.S. wages have barely budged since the early '80s — and if you account for today's labor force being older and more college-educated, wage growth basically disappears. Economists have cycled through explanations: workers lacked technical ski... more
From California to Washington to New York, states are trying to tax the very rich. The press keeps rehashing whether millionaires and billionaires will flee those states. Wrong question. The more important one is why we’re improvising tax policy stat... more
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- Please don’t stop giggling!
I love this show. Goofy, fun, wonky, and insightful. Y’all do you.
Apple Podcasts5mulkmonster
United States2 months ago - A+ for Substance
Big fan of this show! I have been listening for several months now and can confirm that this show does make me more optimistic about our economy and our potential. While it is not the most polished podcast, the substance is brilliant and I appreciate the authenticity of the hosts. I especially have loved the episodes about Social Security, Health Insurance, 401k’s and Poverty, the Fed, and Boomers (even as a 20-something). I enjoy sending episodes to friends and family on each side of political ... more
Apple Podcasts5indy#572United States2 months ago - Love this podcast!
You’ve made me a lover of social security. Thank you for busting myths and explaining economics & policy in easy to understand ways. Conservative policy is the reason not boomers! Needed to hear that.
Apple Podcasts5Definitely- Maybe-United States2 months ago - Avid podcast consumer (since early 1930s) inspired to leave first review EVER!
THANK you Kathrine and Robin for demystifying the big words thrown around in the news. I feel disproportionately cooler for actually understanding how social security works now. What a gift that you are sharing your expertise and lovable personalities for us to get smarter. Couldn’t recommend this show more and bring it up at ALL the parties now. Xo
Becky from Annandale, VA
Apple Podcasts5BDubsVAUnited States2 months ago - Love this show!
This is a great show. I learn a lot from every episode plus Kathryn is hilarious.
Apple Podcasts5SecularityUnited States2 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #16 | United States/Government |
Apple Podcasts | #97 |  Canada/Government |
Apple Podcasts | #136 |  United Kingdom/Government |
Apple Podcasts | #26 |  Australia/Government |
Apple Podcasts | #33 |  France/Government |
Apple Podcasts | #118 |  Germany/Government |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Optimist Economy
What is Optimist Economy about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Bright, data-driven conversations about the U.S. economy with a hopeful, solutions-focused bent. The show consistently covers how macroeconomic forces touch everyday life, from Social Security and unemployment insurance to housing affordability, healthcare, and tax policy, while mixing rigorous analysis with accessible humor. Episodes frequently thread in policy proposals (like paid family leave, decoupling health care from employment, or universal child care) and practical reforms, all aimed at giving listeners a clearer pathway to a fairer, more resilient economy. A standout trait is the blend of warm banter between the co-hosts with evidenced-based context, which makes complex topics approachable for educated, policy-minded listeners who... more
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How many listeners does Optimist Economy get?
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Which podcasts are similar to Optimist Economy?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Optimist Economy:
1. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
2. Prof G Markets
3. Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer
4. Pivot
5. The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
How many episodes of Optimist Economy are there?
Optimist Economy launched a year ago and published 54 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on Optimist Economy?
Recent guests on Optimist Economy include:
1. Max Tejera
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