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Reasonably Optimistic

The Washington Post

Enough with the doom and gloom — we’re ready to talk about how America can thrive. Hosted by Washington Post Opinion columnist Megan McArdle, “Reasonably Optimistic” is your weekly conversation about how America can get unstuck and build a better future. Stop feeding your rage and start embracing our possibilities. Episodes drop Wednesdays.

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166 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes166

Apr 17, 2024 · 22 min
What the 'tradwife' trend says about modern life
Some women are retreating to stereotypical, retro gender roles that embrace the patriarchy. Known as “tradwives,” they are all over TikTok. We discuss how this trend exposes a continued struggle over equality for men and women in modern society.
Apr 10, 2024 · 19 min
How to cope with the absurd, high-stakes 2024 election
America is entering a grueling presidential election season that’s also a rematch of the one from four years ago. Many Americans report feeling exhausted by politics and the news. So how do we stay engaged? What can journalists do to help?
Apr 3, 2024 · 20 min
What we saw on the ground in Ukraine
Post columnists David Ignatius and Jim Geraghty just returned from Ukraine. They detail the mood on the ground, how much U.S. aid actually matters and whether the war seems winnable. Plus, Ignatius talks about his meeting with President Zelensky.
Mar 27, 2024 · 19 min
Biden is pushing EVs. Who actually wants them?
The Biden administration wants America to transition to electric cars. But who’s actually opting in? Post Opinions columnists talk about how to navigate the speed bumps and what needs to happen to rev up this revolution.
Mar 20, 2024 · 20 min
What to expect when you’re expecting an abortion pill argument
When SCOTUS overturned Roe, it indicated that abortion was an issue to be relegated to the states. Instead, it has blown up American politics. Post columnists discuss the post-Dobbs world and what’s at stake in the upcoming mifepristone arguments.
Mar 6, 2024 · 1 min
A fresh new 'Impromptu'
Smart when you need it, fun when you want it — with hosts who feel like friends. "Impromptu" is your twice-a-week conversation with Washington Post columnists who bring fresh insight and perspective to the stories shaping the week.