Reasonably Optimistic
The Washington PostEnough 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.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 122 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryPoliticsNews | |||
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Latest Episodes
This month marks the 10-year anniversary of Jason Rezaian’s release from imprisonment in Iran. In 2014, Rezaian — then The Washington Post’s Tehran bureau chief — was arrested with his wife at their home and detained in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison. ... more
When Renée Good was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis, it reignited a familiar debate. Was this another case of police brutality, or an act of self-defense? Protests followed. Politicians and public fig... more
Journalist Katie Herzog was 12 years old when she first drank alcohol. It wasn’t until her 30s that she decided to quit. She tried everything — Alcoholics Anonymous, cleanses, therapy, yoga — but nothing stuck. Eventually, she turned to an unorthodox... more
Early on Jan 3, news broke that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured by U.S. troops and was being flown to New York to stand trial. Later that day, President Donald Trump said the United States would take control of Venezuela’s massi... more
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Apple Podcasts5independent listener!
United States13 days ago - We need more reasonable optimism
Best new podcast of 2025. Megan’s analysis is intelligent and insightful
Apple Podcasts5TarHeelJessUnited States23 days ago - Good idea, yet low quality audio in first two episodes
I like the idea of focusing on optimistic/constructive stories with interesting thought leaders. However, I encourage the team to improve the sound quality of the host and guests by getting them better microphones. Thank you for your consideration.
Apple Podcasts2Legal Beagle 8United Statesa month ago - Always good
Megan McArdle is always a good listen. She is always great at steesmaning the other side of any issue. A podcast highlighting optimist is needed now and nobody better to do it.
Apple Podcasts5Narrow DawnUnited Statesa month ago - Enjoy the balance
I just discovered this podcast and am enjoying it a lot so far. Her thoughts and interviewees provide some much needed perspective.
Apple Podcasts5VAMlk7United Statesa month ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #83 | United States/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #141 |  Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #220 |  United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #152 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #178 |  Australia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #48 |  Saudi Arabia/News/News Commentary |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reasonably Optimistic
What is Reasonably Optimistic about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This podcast focuses on fostering a spirit of hope and positivity in discussions surrounding contemporary challenges in America. It emphasizes the potential for progress and constructive conversation, countering the prevalent doom-and-gloom narratives found in much of today's media. Central topics include effective problem-solving, innovation, and community building, while also exploring prospective paths for overcoming obstacles facing the nation. Unique in its optimistic approach and commitment to actionable insights, the podcast engages listeners who are eager to hear about solutions and possibilities rather than only issues and frustrations.
Where can I find podcast stats for Reasonably Optimistic?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Reasonably Optimistic. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Reasonably Optimistic and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Reasonably Optimistic get?
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What are the audience demographics for Reasonably Optimistic?
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How many subscribers and views does Reasonably Optimistic have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Reasonably Optimistic?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Reasonably Optimistic:
1. Post Reports
2. The Opinions
3. Radio Atlantic
4. The 7
5. The Ezra Klein Show
How many episodes of Reasonably Optimistic are there?
Reasonably Optimistic launched 2 years ago and published 122 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Reasonably Optimistic?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Reasonably Optimistic?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Reasonably Optimistic?
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What guests have appeared on Reasonably Optimistic?
Recent guests on Reasonably Optimistic include:
1. Katie Herzog
2. Matt Yglesias
3. Astrid Tuminez
4. Jared Polis
5. Neal Stephenson
6. Max Boot
7. Kori Schake
8. Charlotte Marian Pearson
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.