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Artwork for Optimist Economy
Social Security
Labor Market
US Economy
Minimum Wage
Income Inequality
Economic Inequality
Poverty
Economic Policy
Paid Family Leave
Health Insurance
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
U.S. National Debt
Fair Labor Standards Act
Housing Affordability
Childcare
Paid Sick Days
Economic Growth
Immigration
Inflation
Youth Unemployment

Optimist 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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes57Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Government

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Artwork for Optimist Economy

Latest Episodes

A certain kind of wealthy American has been griping out loud lately — about taxes, about progressive cities, about how unappreciated they are for the jobs they create, the stuff they buy, and the tips they hand out. A narrative is coalescing around t... more

YouTube

It wasn’t just hourly factory jobs that were supposed to come with a 40-hour workweek. Even salaried jobs were supposed to get overtime pay, though very few do do anymore. Overtime protections are the only legal mechanism enforcing work-hour limits, ... more

YouTube

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

YouTube

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

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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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
Host and economist on Optimist Economy (economist)
Robin Rauzi
Editor and host on Optimist Economy (editor)

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 840 ratings
  • Good podcast

    Fits very neatly into my favorite niche of very wonky and nerdy but also unapologetically empathetic and progressive. Demonstrating that economics isn’t just a tool for the worst people in the world to justify their greed.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tatara21
    United Statesa month ago
  • Positive

    You two are so positive. It makes me smile.

    Intelligent great discussions.

    Add more history. Maybe add a historian common guest.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alleydrive
    United Statesa month ago
  • Really good, could be great

    Katherine is brilliant and articulate. Robin asks great questions. The duo is complimentary and it works. There is also great humor, like retcons and “terms and conditions” that are truly entertaining. I love the personal stories too, which I often can connect with as an ex-Houstonian. Most importantly, the show presents well reasoned points of view that have challenged my thinking time and time again.

    My only complaint, and what I feel could move the show from good to great, is if the team co... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Alfman91
    United Statesa month ago
  • Overdue Learning

    I'm always eager to listen (or re-listen) to Kathryn and Robin. I'm learning about economics, our country, and all kinds of small side quests. Y'all are smart and funny and so very thoughtful. Love Retcon and Executive orders!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dhxusndb
    United Statesa month ago
  • My emotional support economics podcast

    I love your dynamic and approach, even where there are areas that I personally disagree with the framing or ultimate conclusion of an issue. I’ve been burning through the back catalogue to fend off existential dread. Frankly worried about what will happen when I run out.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lonzoooooooooooo
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

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

The humor and personal stories help translate complex topics without losing rigorous analysis.
The show is optimistic, clear, and approachable, with wonky economics made relatable for daily life.
Listeners praise the host dynamic and practical policy ideas, with calls for more diverse historical context.
Audience notes that episodes are thoughtful, data-driven, and accessible even on stubborn economic topics.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#16
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#45
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#86
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#92
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#107
France/Government
Apple Podcasts
#196
Italy/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Optimists Have Questions…
Q: Erin Johnson in New York asks about rent caps as a policy tool to address affordability.
They acknowledge rent caps can distort markets and reduce supply, but discuss nuances about locality, depreciation, and caps tied to inflation or costs so policy is better tailored to different housing markets; emphasize careful design to avoid reducing maintenance or new units.
The Optimists Have Questions…
Q: Sarah McCrory in Eugene asks for explanation of the federal $1,700 tax credit scholarship program and whether it's a good idea.
The hosts describe it as a voucher-like mechanism with potential for fraud and low upfront take-up; they expect Treasury rules to clarify implementation and express skepticism about its short-term viability as a policy tool.
The Optimists Have Questions…
Q: Amber Edmanson in Tacoma asks about the first-time homebuyer tax credits and whether such subsidies would help today.
They argue the upfront subsidy can boost prices and become a subsidy for current homeowners; views differ on targeted credits, with concern that broader subsidies could fuel housing price escalation, suggesting more targeted or alternative forms of support.
The Optimists Have Questions…
Q: Max Deakin in Portland, Maine asks how dire retirement savings are and whether it's a generational issue.
The hosts emphasize that while Social Security looks solid, private retirement savings depend on automatic enrollment and employer involvement; they see strong potential to improve outcomes through auto-enrollment and government-led auto-IRAs, with some policy design debates remaining.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Optimist Economy

What is Optimist Economy about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hopeful, data-driven look at economic policy and everyday life, with a focus on practical solutions to real-world problems like inflation, housing, retirement security, and wage growth. Episodes blend history, statistics, and accessible explanations to unpack how rules, taxes, and public programs shape households and work, while keeping a pragmatic, optimistic tone. Notable for its banter, clear storytelling, and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom with policy levers that could improve outcomes for a broad audience.

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Which podcasts are similar to Optimist Economy?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Optimist Economy:

1. Pivot
2. On with Kara Swisher
3. Prof G Markets
4. Throughline
5. Let's Appreciate

How many episodes of Optimist Economy are there?

Optimist Economy launched a year ago and published 57 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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