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The Optimistic American

Optimistic American
Donald Trump
Tariffs
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Israel
Arizona
Economy
Iran
Hamas
Political Polarization
Gaza
Joe Biden
Conspiracy Theories
Trump Administration
Ukraine
The Builders Program
Kamala Harris
Independent Voters
Inflation
United States Politics

The past, present, and future of the United States are full of promise. A promise sustained by the efforts of brave individuals and organizations who champion the pursuit of technology, improving the human condition, free markets, and a belief in who we are. We are losing the fact that we are a nation of dreamers, a catapult for those who have the heart to dare, a place that rewards ingenuity and ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes200Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsNews Commentary

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Latest Episodes

Arizona is running out of time.

In this episode, Central Arizona Water Conservation District Chairman Terry Goddard joins Paul Johnson and Bob Robb to discuss the growing Colorado River crisis and what it could mean for Arizona’s future.

The conver... more

Something BIG is shifting in American politics…

In this episode of the Independent, we break down the growing cracks inside the America First movement — and what it means for Trump, the economy, and the future of the country.

From rising inflation ... more

In this episode of the Independent, we break down three of the biggest forces shaping the future of America and the world: space exploration, global conflict, and political power.

We start with the exciting return of human space exploration through ... more

The Iran war is unfolding in real time — and the consequences are already reshaping America’s role in the world.

In this episode, we break down the biggest questions surrounding the conflict with Iran: Why did it happen, what are the risks, and what... more

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Recent Guests

Henry Thompson
Professor at ASU
Arizona State University
Episode: Iran War: Lessons in Real Time — And What It Means for America
Bob Robb
Columnist with long involvement in politics
Arizona Republic/Arizona politics
Episode: Iran War: Lessons in Real Time — And What It Means for America
Elliott Pollack
Economist known for predicting economic trends.
Episode: The Economy Looks Fine… So Why Does It Feel Like a Mess?
Hugh Lytle
Independent candidate for Governor of Arizona, entrepreneur, and founder of Quality Health
Quality Health
Episode: Arizona’s First Independent Governor? Hugh Lytle 2026
Sean Noble
Political strategist and commentator
Light Beard, Dark Money
Episode: Political Extremism, Dark Money, and Will Republicans Overturn the Next Election?
Marty Dolan
Running for City Public Advocate in New York City, with a background in finance and consulting.
Episode: Why Socialism Is Failing New York | Ft. Marty Dolan
Neil Ghosh
Author of Do More Good.
Episode: America 🇺🇸 Hero’s: Lessons For The Current Crisis
Dr. Stefan Sommer
College professor with expertise in community ecology, sustainability, and climate change.
Northern Arizona University
Episode: From BILLIONS to TRILLIONS – The Rising Cost of Climate Change
Mark Meckler
Founder of the Tea Party Movement and advocate for the Convention of States initiative
Episode: Changing the Constitution? Mark Meckler on the Convention of States

Host

Paul Johnson
Host of multiple political and policy-focused programs with a consistent emphasis on free markets, independent politics, and national progress.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 20 ratings
  • Water episode is must listening

    I’ve long thought Arizona has a water priesthood comprising the folks with the history, experience and brains to really understand the current crisis. That makes Terry Goddard, at the least, a cardinal. What he says about water policy and politics in our state is as close to Gospel-level wisdom as you’ll hear from anyone. In addition, Paul and Bob are exceptionally well-grounded and experienced, too, and ask great questions. Take an hour away from cable news and listen to this, instead, to gai... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PJDinAZ
    United States3 days ago

Listeners Say

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

Balanced discussions on economics and independence
Thoughtful exploration of third-party options
Engaging hosts with long-form policy analysis

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#184
Israel/News/News Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#224
Brazil/News/News Commentary

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Republicans and Democrats Are Failing Arizona | The Hugh Lytle Interview
Q: What makes you different from the two major candidates, and how would you govern?
I offer a vision-driven, independent approach that focuses on results and bipartisanship, backed by a plan to create a Department of Entrepreneurship, emphasize returns on investment for state programs, and recruit talent by making Arizona a technology and manufacturing hub rather than relying on partisan gridlock.
The Economy Looks Fine… So Why Does It Feel Like a Mess?
Q: Elliott, would you start by just kind of giving me your read of this appointment, how you see him?
I think this is a much better appointment than I had hoped for, to be honest with you.
A Generation Under Economic Pressure and Trump’s New National Security Plan
Q: What do you hear about job security from students?
Students express anxiety about their future job prospects despite having degrees, driven by economic pressures and rising infertility.
A Generation Under Economic Pressure and Trump’s New National Security Plan
Q: What are the trends among young voters given economic pressures?
Young voters, especially men, have shown shifts in political alignment, moving back toward Democrats primarily for economic reasons.
Is This Authoritarianism?
Q: Elliott, on the universities, I mean, I have a variety of different views, but I, you know, I would kind of start my thinking on this by saying that I do think that the universities have been out of line on anti-Semitism and by a cancel culture, woke ideology that seems to have permeated them.
The universities are crucial to the US, but they need to show accountability while addressing the legitimate concerns of the Trump administration.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Optimistic American

What is The Optimistic American about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The program frames itself around optimistic, pro-growth discussions about the United States, often centering on economics, technology, independent political movements, and free-market policy. Episodes commonly feature economists, political commentators, and policy thinkers who examine inflation, AI-driven productivity, housing affordability, tariff policy, and the potential role of third parties or independents in shaping future elections. Conversations tend to emphasize pragmatic approaches to public policy, market-driven solutions, and a belief in American innovation as a path to prosperity, while also addressing polarization and the challenges of bridging political divides. Noteworthy accents include a focus on independent candidates and... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Optimistic American?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Optimistic American:

1. KJZZ's The Show: Friday NewsCap
2. Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist
3. All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
4. WSJ's Take On the Week
5. The Journal.

How many episodes of The Optimistic American are there?

The Optimistic American launched 4 years ago and published 200 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 The Optimistic American?

Recent guests on The Optimistic American include:

1. Henry Thompson
2. Bob Robb
3. Elliott Pollack
4. Hugh Lytle
5. Sean Noble
6. Marty Dolan
7. Neil Ghosh
8. Dr. Stefan Sommer

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