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Optimist EconomyOptimist Economy Author: 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: optimist.economy@gmail.com Language: en Genres: Government Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Young Americans Should Be Raising Hell About Social Security
Episode 25
Tuesday, 14 July, 2026
Nobody has more riding on any changes to Social Security than people under 40. The trust fund is currently projected to run dry in the fourth quarter of 2032, but it could be sooner. Every election, starting in November, selects the lawmakers who will shape the program’s future. Neglecting to fix its finances will mean an automatic 22% cut to everyone's benefit. But for Millennials and Zoomers, what’s at stake isn't your elders’ monthly check — it’s the only life insurance, disability insurance, and old-age poverty insurance guaranteed to follow you through every job you'll ever have.Chapters:1:21 Announcements — Unbleeped feed, subscribe reminders.2:23 Retcon — Seed OK savings accounts follow-up.4:36 Terms & Conditions — Social insurance vs. private insurance.8:42 Big Pilcrow — Under 40? Time to tune in to the Social Security debate.11:51 Youth Skepticism — Why young people have always doubted Social Security, and how that's politically exploited.16:56 OBBA Impact — How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act cut Social Security's revenue.18:37 Immigration Trends — Deportations and lower immigration also hurt.21:11 Elections Have Begun — Social Security as a live political battleground.22:35 First Beneficiaries — What studies of early recipients tell us.30:36 Otherwise Uninsurable Risks — Death, disability, savings, longevity, inflation.33:17 Paid Family Leave — Could Social Security's model extend to paid leave?34:21 Claim Ownership — Youth should own this program.37:08 Cuts by Geography — Rural states will get hit hardest if cuts come.38:27 Executive Orders — Casting ages, cosmetic disclosure.40:22 Spiritual Sponsors — World Cup, Jeopardy! triumph. Donate to Optimist Economy: https://optimisteconomy.com Video-curious? Watch the Optimist Economy YouTube channel. We’re also on Instagram at @optimist_economy or TikTok at @optimist_economy. Chat with other Optimists on Substack. Find utility with our merch: https://merch.ambientinks.com/collections/optimisteconomy Got economic questions, concerns, or executive orders? Send them to optimist.economy@gmail.com
