Make the Economy Work for Freelancers, Too (#askingforafriend) episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 9, 2026 · 48 MIN

Make the Economy Work for Freelancers, Too (#askingforafriend)

from Optimist Economy · host Kathryn Anne Edwards and Robin Rauzi

Thirty million Americans, more or less, work for themselves. They freelance, do gig work, have solo LLCs, or — as a certain economist says — participate in “ non-employee employment.” The economics of their situation is harder than it needs to be. Making self-employment more viable is good for everyone in the labor market, because when workers have options, they also have more power. Plus: Kathryn Anne Edwards testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, and a congressman implied she wasn't a real American. She has thoughts.Chapters:0:00 — Start/Announcements1:21 — Retcon: Bad banks, good overtime, and testifying before Congress (again)18:17 — Big Pilcrow: Freelancers & non-employer businesses44:42 — Executive orders: national anthem singing rules, Congressional attendance policy47:20 — Spiritual sponsors: Supportive listeners and horchada + cold brew coffee49:01 — Credits Donate to Optimist Economy: https://optimisteconomy.com Video-curious? Watch the Optimist Economy YouTube channel⁠⁠. We’re also on Instagram at ⁠⁠@optimist_economy or TikTok at ⁠⁠@optimist_economy.  Chat with other Optimists on Substack. Find utility with our merch: https://merch.ambientinks.com/collections/optimisteconomy Got economic questions, concerns, or executive orders?  Send them to [email protected]

Thirty million Americans, more or less, work for themselves. They freelance, do gig work, have solo LLCs, or — as a certain economist says — participate in “ non-employee employment.” The economics of their situation is harder than it needs to be. Making self-employment more viable is good for everyone in the labor market, because when workers have options, they also have more power. Plus: Kathryn Anne Edwards testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, and a congressman implied she wasn't a real American. She has thoughts. Chapters: 0:00 — Start/Announcements 1:21 — Retcon: Bad banks, good overtime, and testifying before Congress (again) 18:17 — Big Pilcrow: Freelancers & non-employer businesses 44:42 — Executive orders: national anthem singing rules, Congressional attendance policy 47:20 — Spiritual sponsors: Supportive listeners and horchada + cold brew coffee 49:01 — Credits Donate to Optimist Economy: https://optimisteconomy.com Video-curious? Watch the Optimist Economy YouTube channel⁠⁠. We’re also on Instagram at ⁠⁠@optimist_economy or TikTok at ⁠⁠@optimist_economy.  Chat with other Optimists on Substack. Find utility with our merch: https://merch.ambientinks.com/collections/optimisteconomy Got economic questions, concerns, or executive orders?  Send them to [email protected]

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Make the Economy Work for Freelancers, Too (#askingforafriend)

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Powering the Middle TJ Wilde The podcast that celebrates the backbone of America, our middle class and small businesses. We dive into the challenges that harm consumers. Threaten businesses and undermine our economy. How do we blend timeless values and traditions with modern technology to secure a brighter future? Come explore how middle class values and small businesses can keep driving the economy, creating jobs, and offering the American dream Psychos with Ryan Williams Ryan Williams This is a podcast on healthcare, trauma, and the future of mental health.On Psychos, Ryan welcomes storytellers, researchers, comedians, actors, teachers, writers, musicians to discuss their relationship with their health. Ryan's conversational interview style gives guests a place to discuss how they are connected to their health, which will be completely new to listeners. We also have a few breathwork classes, and some older episodes from Ryan's old Influencer Economy podcast. You can follow the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Newsic – The sound of the headlines Newsic Team Newsic – The sound of the headlines. Reading news is boring. Hear the headlines instead: 6am ET Economy, 8am ET Science, 12pm ET Entertainment, 4pm ET Tech, 8pm ET Politics. Daily AI-generated music from the latest news. Creator Landscape Jake Pearson Learn what successful creators and industry pros are doing to navigate the industry and build their brands. Discover how you can grow your personal brand & professional network inside the creator economy.

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How long is this episode of Optimist Economy?

This episode is 48 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 9, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Thirty million Americans, more or less, work for themselves. They freelance, do gig work, have solo LLCs, or — as a certain economist says — participate in “ non-employee employment.” The economics of their situation is harder than it needs to be....

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