Coffee House Shots Reasons to be optimistic | with Michael Gove, Tim Stanley, Steve Baker & David Goodhart
Jan 24, 2026
Michael Gove opens a wide-ranging conversation with David Goodhart, journalist on demography and social trends; Tim Stanley, historian and cultural commentator; and Steve Baker, policy writer on markets and liberty. They debate AI, trade and prosperity. They discuss social and religious revival, fertility and family life, and the case for shifting power from managerial states to citizens and markets.
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Episode notes
Tech And Trade Make Optimism Rational
- Artificial intelligence and cheap solar are driving measurable global improvements in health, energy and trade.
- Steve Baker argues these technological and institutional changes make optimism rational despite political turmoil.
Look Beyond Headlines For Evidence
- Actively seek out data sources like Our World in Data to counter negative news bias.
- Steve Baker urges citizens to look beyond headlines and engage with evidence of progress.
Glasses, Eviction And Pessimism Turned Hopeful
- Tim Stanley recounted losing his glasses and meeting a newly evicted man, which reframed his pessimism.
- He uses the moment to argue that public recognition of failure can spur grassroots renewal.
