Optimist Economy
Kathryn Anne Edwards and Robin Rauzi
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 exist. We just haven't tried them. New episodes on Tuesdays.✨ Support the podcast at: optimisteconomy.com ✨Ask questions or share your economic worries with us at: [email protected]
Episodes
Mentioned books
22 snips
Oct 27, 2026 • 41min
Immigration Economics Part II: Smaller is Worse
What happens when immigration falls sharply? This discussion explores why fewer arrivals have not improved outcomes for U.S.-born workers, how occupational mismatches and labor-market frictions complicate substitution, and why shrinking population growth scrambles the meaning of jobs and GDP statistics. It also touches on Social Security, media coverage, and the serious economic cost of getting smaller.
30 snips
Oct 20, 2026 • 48min
Americans Feel Awful About the Economy
Americans’ economic mood has fallen below levels seen during recessions, inflation, the financial crisis, and the pandemic. Explore what the five-question Consumer Sentiment Index reveals about household finances, tariffs, major purchases, and collapsing trust in government economic management. The discussion also examines partisanship, childcare, healthcare, and why historic pessimism may signal demand for bold change.
48 snips
Sep 1, 2026 • 52min
The U.S. is in the Hole. Will We Stop Digging?
The U.S. national debt has reached $36 trillion, but how did we get here? This discussion traces the roles of tax cuts, wars, social programs, recessions, and pandemic relief. It explores credit downgrades, rising interest costs, the purpose of government borrowing, and Modern Monetary Theory. The conversation also touches on climate-risk disclosures and civility on social media.
10 snips
Aug 11, 2026 • 38min
Occupy! An Unfinished Uprising: The Invitation (Ep. 1)
Astra Taylor, author and filmmaker who helped shape movement debates, offers first-hand reflections on organizing and assembly dynamics. Nalini Stamp, an Afro-Latina New Yorker who faced eviction after 2008, shares personal hardship that drove her to action. They discuss Zuccotti Park’s communal experiments, people's mic assemblies, the raid night, and how the 2008 crash propelled a new wave of protest.
10 snips
Aug 4, 2026 • 50min
Stop Donating Your Vacation Days to Your Boss
A lively look at why Americans leave paid time off unused and how workplace guilt, thin staffing, and PTO bundling drive that trend. They compare U.S. norms to Europe’s guaranteed leave and explore whether statutory vacation could create jobs. The conversation also covers short getaways versus longer restorative trips and argues workers should actually take the time they earn.
31 snips
Jul 28, 2026 • 48min
The Government is Already Paying for Your Health Insurance, Buddy
They map how half of U.S. health spending already comes from the government and argue that system-wide rebuilding could yield universal basic coverage with no tax hike. They contrast health care delivery with insurance mechanics and survey existing public programs. They outline a proposal for a single public basic plan plus optional private top-ups and discuss what Americans might love or resent about it.
10 snips
Jul 21, 2026 • 49min
Mr. Justin Time Sets a Cruel Work Schedule
They dig into just-in-time scheduling and how unpredictable shift rules leave retail and food workers with volatile pay and chaotic lives. They explain clopening, how the Bureau of Labor Statistics misses schedule instability, and a Gap study showing stable schedules can lift sales. They outline fair workweek laws, federal reform ideas, and low-cost regulatory fixes to protect hourly workers.
20 snips
Jul 14, 2026 • 44min
Young Americans Should Be Raising Hell About Social Security
A fast-paced look at why Social Security matters most to people under 40. They unpack how recent policy changes and immigration trends sped up projected shortfalls. The conversation highlights what would happen if the trust fund runs dry and why young voters should make it a political priority. They also explore extending social-insurance ideas to paid leave and other gaps in employer coverage.
34 snips
Jul 7, 2026 • 52min
Simple Immigration Economics: Bigger is Better
A clear economic take on immigration’s role in growing GDP and stabilizing the workforce. Short discussion of why wage effects are often negligible in data. A critique of a $185 billion enforcement proposal and alternative spending priorities. Exploration of who immigrants are, their fiscal contributions, and how tougher enforcement can harm labor standards.
11 snips
Jun 30, 2026 • 53min
America at 250: Case for the Defense
They debate whether America at 250 is in decline or transformation. They trace the “melting pot” origin and discuss shifting demographics and cultural change. They unpack why Congress feels broken and how widespread policy consensus could matter. They also explore identity, immigrant stories, and small cultural reasons to feel hopeful.
