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Optimist Economy

Optimist Economy

Written by: Kathryn Anne Edwards and Robin Rauzi
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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, less risky for retirees, and so on.

✨ Support the podcast at: optimisteconomy.com ✨

Ask questions or share your economic worries with us at: optimist.economy@gmail.com

Optimist Economy 2025 Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • We're Back with a Backlog of Optimism

    We're Back with a Backlog of Optimism
    Jan 20 2026

    Hey optimists! Season two of Optimist Economy is finally here. New episodes coming on Tuesdays starting January 27. More at www.optimisteconomy.com
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    1 min
  • What’s the Skinny on Laws that Make Salaries Public?

    What’s the Skinny on Laws that Make Salaries Public?
    Dec 10 2025

    Listener Max did his grad thesis on pay transparency laws in Colorado and found that they narrowed the gender wage gap by 8 cents on the dollar. But some big-name economists reported that such laws can actually reduce wages. So what’s the deal? Kathryn’s answer during our October Q&A was so overlong and multipart that we jokingly called it, “The Max Show.” So here it is, as a mini-episode.

    Holiday shopping for the optimists in your life? Check out our shirts and hats at optimisteconomy.com
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    16 mins
  • Thanksgiving Prep: An Optimist’s Guide to Dinner Table Debate

    Thanksgiving Prep: An Optimist’s Guide to Dinner Table Debate
    Nov 20 2025

    Your drunk uncle calls Social Security a Ponzi scheme. Your crypto-bro cousin thinks tariffs make China pay. Your grandfather blames working women for tanking wage growth. Economist Kathryn Edwards takes on a dozen hostile dinner-table challenges to help optimists everywhere prepare for dinner table debate. Robin plays every annoying relative you've ever argued with. Pass the [expletive] gravy.

    Ready to rep Optimist Economy with a shirt, hat or tote bag? Hit up our new website and merch store at optimisteconomy.com

    Take the listener survey first to get a code for a free Original Optimist sticker: https://tinyurl.com/op-econ-survey

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    53 mins
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