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Artwork for Optimist Economy
US Economy
Social Security
Labor Market
Economic Policy
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
U.S. National Debt
Paid Sick Days
Childcare
Student Debt
Federal Policy
Workers
Families
Discrimination
Workplace Policies
Fair Labor Standards Act
Economic Growth
Tax Cuts
Tariffs
Taxes
Target

Economist Kathryn Anne Edwards and co-host Robin Rauzi talk about the fundamentals of the economy and how to build a better future one problem and solution at a time. Our premise is that the United States has remarkable economy — and yet for tens of millions of Americans it is not performing up to its potential. It could be more open to aspiring workers, less hostile to change, safer for workers, ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes46Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Government

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Artwork for Optimist Economy

Latest Episodes

Switchboard operators. Typists. Secretaries. Lots of factory workers. The economy has a long history of technology slowly eliminating not just jobs but entire occupations. The U.S. also has a long history of not doing a lot to help those thrown out o... more

The popular narrative is that baby boomers rode cheap houses and 401(k)s to wealth, dismantled the welfare state behind them, and left everyone else to fight over scraps. But conflating boomers and conservatives lets the latter off the hook for 25 ye... more

YouTube

“Trump Accounts” might evoke the president’s other side hustles, like gold-plated mobile phones or meme crypto coins. But these investment accounts for children are one of the actually beautiful things to come out of the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Mor... more

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Economist Kathryn Anne Edwards is a Social Security fan girl. Would it be possible for her to love it even more? Yes, if the old-age insurance program got some updates to handle the messy, gradual and interrupted way that retirement truly transpires.... more

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Recent Guests

Max Tejera
Listener who posed a question about pay transparency laws
Episode: What’s the Skinny on Laws that Make Salaries Public?

Hosts

Kathryn Anne Edwards
Economist with focus on policy implications and economic reform; co-host and frequent commentator.
Robin Rauzi
Editor and co-host, known for accessible explanations and engaging banter.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 763 ratings
  • Highly recommended

    If anyone can make economics interesting and highly comprehendible, it’s Katheryn Anne Edward’s. What better way learn about US economics; what didn’t and did work in the past, what isn’t working now, and what changes the US could make to improve our current moral and economic status.

    When in Rome, I choose to learn from its successes and its demise. Kathryn is my Rome.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Melanie Moro
    United Statesa month ago
  • Best Podcast Ever

    Katherine explains economics in a way that is relatable and engaging. I get the “big picture” from listening to her, and due to the banter with her friend Robin, I find myself laughing while driving to work. This podcast is the best part of my drive! Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WarriorSecrets
    United Statesa month ago
  • Fab

    I am mid binge and not yet caught up. But these 2 are in full swing laughing about themselves and politicians. Love the content.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JwM..
    United States2 months ago
  • Great Show!

    Serious yet lighthearted and always entertaining. Both very smart and informative and *tries* to be positive.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lavelle1987
    United States2 months ago
  • So grateful yall are back

    Thanks for being a bright spot in my day! Great way to learn about economics and also have a good laugh.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OkWeens!
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many praise the show's ability to tackle complex topics without doom scrolling and with practical policy ideas.
Listeners describe it as informative, optimistic, and entertaining with banter that makes economics approachable.
Audience appreciates data-driven insights and relatable explanations, often noting the hosts' chemistry and humor.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#6
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#8
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#140
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#45
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#113
Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts
#165
France/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Optimist Q&A: Evidence for UBI, What to Do About Billionaires, and Where Will the U.S. Economy Be After Trump?
Q: What combination of policy reforms would most effectively reduce tax disparity among the ultra-wealthy?
We need to implement robust IRS audits and redesign tax laws for wealth to ensure compliance and reduce tax evasion.
Optimist Q&A: Evidence for UBI, What to Do About Billionaires, and Where Will the U.S. Economy Be After Trump?
Q: How would the overall economy be affected if there were no exemptions to the minimum wage?
Ending minimum wage exemptions could help some workers, but might disrupt industries reliant on low-cost labor, like prison labor and tipped workers.
Optimist Q&A: Evidence for UBI, What to Do About Billionaires, and Where Will the U.S. Economy Be After Trump?
Q: Why aren't dollar amounts in legislation automatically indexed to inflation?
It's either a deliberate choice or an unintentional overlook by Congress members, who might want to keep costs down.
Optimist Q&A: Evidence for UBI, What to Do About Billionaires, and Where Will the U.S. Economy Be After Trump?
Q: Is this a wow new data we have to rethink things situation regarding UBI?
The expectation of UBI studies is often miscontextualized, and while cash assistance can help households meet basic needs, it does not resolve systemic issues like child care.
Can We Fix America's Broken Unemployment Insurance System?
Q: What type of reforms would you envision for unemployment insurance?
A tiered unemployment system and grant program for businesses during economic disruptions should be developed.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Gender Skew
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Age Range
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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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1. On with Kara Swisher
2. Prof G Markets
3. The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. The Daily

How many episodes of Optimist Economy are there?

Optimist Economy launched a year ago and published 46 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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Recent guests on Optimist Economy include:

1. Max Tejera

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