Freakonomics Radio

I learned so much from this episode. Thank you to Jessica Reidl for being one of a few remaining people brave enough to research and speak the truth, regardless of which political party it benefits.

Freakonomics Radio will change your life... for the better

It’s been a fun ride, but more and more episodes recently are ‘facts only, bipartisan explanations’ where right wing talking points are the only thing discussed. My breaking point was ep 626 where the guest explained that Republicans spend twice as much as Democrats and her solve is to cut down government programs. No data based explanation of why, no follow up questions, just a ‘it’s a big number, it must be bad’…what are we doing here? Have a nuanced discussion on the value of those programs, by all means. At this point, I can’t hear any more dishonesty from the right and freakonomics is platforming them without any journalistic integrity.

Listening since around 2013 and love this pod, but This is about the Jessica Reidle episode. While I get what the purpose was in explaining that most Americans don’t have a clue about what the deficit is or how it works (myself included), the thing is that the deficit means nothing to most of us IRL. SO YES, the top 1% may technically pay most taxes, but then why is it virtually impossible for a typical middle class person to ever amass that much wealth? That’s a rhetorical question BTW. Also, she gave a very understandably personal response to her experience transitioning, but again tone deaf. Her experience seems positive in a place in our society where the public message is the opposite. Why? Bc she brings some direct value to these politicians. Not bc of equality which is SUPPOSED to be the American way.