Radical Optimism Radical Optimism

Three recent popular books on the state of kids and families came out recently: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, Family Unfriendly by Tim Carney, and Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier. They each grapple with the same societal problems of record rates of anxiety, depression, medication, treen suicide, and loneliness. They also discuss the decline of the “play-based childhood” since the 1980s. Each give slightly different prescriptions aimed at less anxiety for parents and more resiliency for children. Join us for a discussion of how these authors approach the issues and how Christians might think about it all.

It’s hard to watch the news and the conflicts around the globe lately. It begs the question of where we are in history and what America’s place in the world should be. This week the Senate debated and passed a foreign aid package to Ukraine, Taiwan, Gaza, and Israel. We give a very non-expert look into what’s happening and why we can still be optimistic for freedom’s future.

It’s been over two months since out last episode! We had a deeper topic in mind but pivoted to something lighter: checking in our theme of the last year (and near future), “enjoy,” and discussing some of the spiritual and family Christmas practices and traditions in our family. We talk Advent, Santa, and, of course, our Stinkers and Thinkers too.

Check out the books and resources Rachel recommends:
She Reads Truth Advent devotionals
Jesse Tree Ornaments
Sacred Seasons by Danielle Hitchens

The Barkleys parse out what happened this week when Speaker Kevin McCarthy got ousted by a faction of Republicans. We break down what happened, who did what, why it is structured like it is, and what happens next on this wild Congressional ride. Thanks to Danny for the question that inspired this episode!

The societal trends for men are troubling. Men are graduating college with degrees at much lower rates than women. Prime-age working men are… not working. The number of black men in prison is particularly alarming, and 3 out of 4 deaths of despair are men. It’s hard to deny that something isn’t right. Taylor and Rachel discuss what’s happening with men and what the Bible has to say about masculinity.

Is this generation better off than our parents were in 1985? That is the debate in Washington, and it reflects a greater malaise felt by Americans. Rachel and Taylor discuss the Cost of Thriving Index debate between think tankers Oren Kass and Scott Winship, as well as the broader beginnings of the presidential debate. We finish up with how we should think about our politics on these issues in a new way, instead.