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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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The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Worker
Episode 33
Tuesday, 10 November, 2026
Working from home, a new study in the journal Science says, leaves employees lonelier, sadder, and more likely to be depressed. So does that mean everybody get back to your office desks so morale improves? The authors looked at rates of mental distress among people in jobs that could be done remotely or not before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and concluded that remote work is responsible for about a third of the overall increase, with the worst results for people who live alone. But before-and-after is not cause-and-effect. Isolation is real. Chaining everyone to a desk for friendship is not the only fix.Chapters:00:01:44 Announcements00:02:27 Retcon: Immigrants work in every occupation; occupational crowding; sports betting scandals00:07:21 Terms & Conditions: Procedural; remotable vs. non-remotable jobs00:10:00 Big Pilcrow: Does Work From Home Make Us Sad?00:37:21 Executive Orders: News alerts; more brass!00:38:28 Spiritual Sponsors: Animal conservation workers; Andrew Bird We are entirely listener supported! Join the Optimist donors here: https://optimisteconomy.com Watch clips on the Optimist Economy YouTube channel. We’re also on Instagram at @optimist_economy or TikTok at @optimist_economy. Want full video? See above about donating. Chat with other Optimists on Substack. Sale on T-shirts: https://merch.ambientinks.com/collections/optimisteconomy Got economic questions, concerns, or executive orders? Send them to optimist.economy@gmail.com
