Gross Domestic Problem

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, William Glass talks with Daniel Hall, creator of the app Taxes Wrapped, which turns your federal tax bill into a personalized, Spotify Wrapped-style “receipt” showing where your money hypothetically goes. Daniel shares how his background in economics, curiosity, SaaS, and digital experiences led to building the app as a way to make the national debt and federal spending more tangible and engaging. They discuss the psychology of engagement, the deliberate tongue-in-cheek design and randomization of profiles, and how the app itemizes spending down to oddly specific line items to close the distance between “me” and “us” as taxpayers. William uses the app to explore bigger themes: the $39 trillion national debt, the difference between discretionary and mandatory spending, the bipartisan nature of fiscal dysfunction, and the lack of honest public debate about entitlements and interest on the debt. The key takeaway is that tools like Taxes Wrapped can make abstract, overwhelming fiscal issues concrete and personal, nudging citizens to become more informed and engaged in how their government spends on their behalf. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Where Does Your Money Go and What Taxes Wrapped Tries to Show (0:40) Daniel Hall Introduction and His Path From AP Economics to Software (2:32) Spotify Wrapped Analogy and Turning Tax Data Into a Personal “Receipt” (4:12) Psychology of Engagement and Inspiration From Mischief’s Provocative Projects (5:39) Framing Taxes as the Price Of Living in a Society and Bridging Citizen and State (7:52) William’s “Permanent Under Secretary” Profile and How Randomization Works (10:06) Under the Hood of ‘Taxes Wrapped’ and Hyper Specific Line Items in the Receipt (15:10) Using the App to Grapple With the $39 Trillion Debt and Voter Accountability (17:18) Discretionary vs Mandatory Spending (23:37) Bipartisan Failure on Deficits and the Need for Honest Fiscal Conversations (28:36) Daniel’s Future Plans for Highlighting Mandatory Spending and National Debt (33:47) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (35:05) Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, William Glass talks with professor and former regulator Jill Cetina about the hidden “plumbing” of the financial system and how policy since 2008 has reshaped risk. They unpack how quantitative easing (QE) worked, why the Fed’s balance sheet exploded, and how QE inflated asset prices, especially housing, while quietly creating banking vulnerabilities through uninsured deposits. Cetina argues that aggressive quantitative tightening (QT) now risks new bank stress, especially in a stagflation scenario where inflation stays high as growth and employment weaken. They explore how energy shocks and potential oil spikes could fuel stagflation, why America’s rising debt and unfixed entitlement promises are pushing us toward fiscal dominance, and how stablecoins and nonbank finance can drain deposits from banks and crowd out real-economy lending. The key takeaway is that the current mix of monetary and fiscal policy is accumulating systemic risk, and younger and mid-career generations need to engage politically, professionally, and by building real-economy businesses and families, if they want the “deal” of the American Dream to remain viable. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Introducing Professor Jill Cetina & the Core Question: “Is the Deal Still Real?” (3:32)   What the Fed’s Balance Sheet Does & How QE Began in 2008 (8:04)   QE’s Side Effects: Codependency with Fiscal Policy (10:26)   Housing Affordability Crisis, 3% Mortgages, and “Locked-In” Homeowners (13:32)   Asset Inflation Beyond Housing: Stocks, Tech, and the AI Boom (15:53)   Jill’s Sharp Critique: Why Current QT Thinking Is Dangerous (17:52)   Critique of “Use the Discount Window Instead of Keeping Liquidity” Idea (20:44)   Introducing Stagflation: Weak Growth + Sticky Inflation (24:47)   Three Vectors of Recession Risk: Oil, Falling Assets, Private Credit Stress (29:30)   The Fed’s Policy Shift: Tolerating Higher Inflation Post-COVID (33:16)   Why Extending Fed Liquidity to Nonbanks & Stablecoins Is Dangerous (35:59)   Defining Fiscal Dominance and How It Warps Policy & Regulation (47:42)   AI and Productivity: Why Counting on a Tech Moonshot Is “Nonsense” (50:06)   Stablecoins Draining Bank Deposits to T‑Bills = Government Crowding Out (54:26)   Why Congress Focuses on Crypto Instead of Fixing Fiscal Policy (57:08)   Generational Power Imbalance and “Gambling for Resurrection” (1:00:41)   Investing in the Real Economy: Building Useful Businesses (1:05:51)   Family Formation as a Real (Non‑Financial) “Asset” for the Future (1:05:06)   Closing Thoughts and Mutual Thanks (1:06:12) Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, William Glass speaks with Congressman Lloyd Smucker about America’s growing national debt, the bipartisan resolution to reduce the deficit to 3% of GDP, and what fiscal stability means for the country’s future. Smucker shares his journey from an Amish upbringing and 17-year-old business owner to Congress, explaining how running a company shaped his views on government spending and regulation. They unpack why the 3% target was chosen, the difference between stabilizing and eliminating debt, and how high deficits crowd out private investment and drive interest costs above core priorities like defense and Medicare. The conversation highlights the risks of a potential sovereign debt crisis, the looming Social Security trust fund shortfall, and the links between fiscal policy and national security. Key takeaways: the debt problem is serious but still solvable if tackled gradually, it will require bipartisan commitment and public understanding, and doing nothing virtually guarantees lower prosperity and reduced strategic flexibility for future generations. Key topics in today’s conversation include: How Deficits Became Normal Outside of Crises (0:57)   Introducing the 3% of GDP Deficit Target & Resolution (1:34)   Congressman Lloyd Smucker’s Background & Amish Upbringing (2:27)   Becoming a 17-Year-Old Business Owner & Living the American Dream (4:30)   How Regulation and Government Growth Pushed Him Into Politics (6:04)   Why Builders and Business Owners Become Fiscal Hawks in Congress (8:31)   Who the Audience Is: Entrepreneurs in the “Squeeze of Life” (9:43)   Why Aim for a 3% Deficit Target Instead of a Balanced Budget (11:34)   Post–World War II Debt History and Gradual Debt Reduction (13:37)   Empires, Debt, and the Risk of Losing U.S. Dominance (17:47)   Sovereign Debt Crises: “Gradually, Then Suddenly” (21:13)   The Limits of Targets Without Enforcement & “Teeth” (28:32)   Fiscal Commissions, Public Engagement, and Building Bipartisan Will (30:39)   Entitlements as the Main Drivers: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid (38:24)   Social Security as a “Math Problem” That Can Still Be Fixed (40:24)   Debt, Fiscal Space, and U.S. National Security Risks (42:05)   Why U.S. Military Strength Is Not Guaranteed Forever (44:17)   Closing: The Most Predictable Crisis — and Why It’s Still Solvable (47:15) Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcoming Brittany Madni to the Show (0:57)   Brittany’s Background and EPIC’s Work on Federal Budget Policy (2:12)   Founders’ Obsession with Public Debt (Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton) (3:23)   Why Brittany Framed Her Testimony Around the Constitution and the Founders (5:07)   How the Hearing Went: Partisan Dynamics and Resistance to Spending Talk (7:45)   Is It Really a Spending Problem? Brittany’s Publix/Credit Card Analogy (13:07)   Autopilot Spending: 80% of the Budget Not Reviewed Annually by Congress (18:22)   CBO 10‑Year “Window”: $94.6T in Spending vs. $70T in Revenue (23:20)   Debt‑to‑GDP Surpassing World War II Levels and What That Means (26:07)   Exploding Interest Costs and What “Half of Income Taxes to Interest” Means (28:33)   Losing Fiscal Space to Handle Crises (Wars, Pandemics, Disasters) (31:19)   Interest Payments Rivaling All Discretionary Spending by Decade’s End (33:01)   National Debt as National Security and a Threat to Freedom (36:25)   What a Good Balanced Budget Amendment Must and Must Not Do (43:56)   Why Brittany Changed Her Mind on a BBA over the Last Decade (47:14)   Limited Government, Future Generations, and Where to Follow EPIC’s Work (49:52)  Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, Congressman Blake Moore joins the show to discuss America’s mounting national debt, the challenges it poses to economic stability, and the critical need for fiscal responsibility. Topics include the origins and consequences of the debt crisis, the importance of bipartisan action, the role of tax and spending policy, and the formation of commissions to advise fiscal reform. Key takeaways for viewers are highlighting the urgent necessity for economic growth, reducing government spending, fostering bipartisan cooperation to secure a sustainable financial future for the next generation, and so much more. Key topics in today’s conversation include:Welcoming Congressman and Setting the Context (0:58)Congressman Moore’s Motivation for Fiscal Focus (2:27)Consequences of Unchecked Debt (3:47)Appropriations and Deficit Breakdown (4:45)Impact on Younger Generations and Business Environment (5:42)Debt’s Inflationary Effects and Recent Economic History (7:04)Retirement Demographics and Deficit Growth (8:10)Discussion on "Reconciliation Moment" and Bipartisan Opportunities (10:08)Defense of Tax Policy, Revenue, and International Impact (13:36)Challenges of Workforce and Productivity, Immigration Potential (15:34)Task Force Origins and Role (16:05)Policy Recommendations, Chain CPI, and Political Challenges (19:13)Measuring Success and Key Metrics (25:30)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (26:45)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, Mayor Glenn Jacobs (also known as WWE’s Kane) joins the show to discuss America’s national debt crisis, the impact of federal fiscal policy on local governments, and the challenges of balancing budgets without raising taxes. Glenn shares real-life stories about how property tax increases and inflation affect everyday citizens, explains the dangers of unchecked government spending, and advocates for fiscal responsibility, sound money, and a balanced budget amendment. Drawing on his interest in Austrian economics, he emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and the risks of central planning, leaving listeners with a clear message: responsible economic policy at every level of government is essential to safeguarding the future. Don’t miss this great conversation.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Introduction And Framing The National Debt Crisis (0:38)Welcoming Glenn Jacobs and Setting Up The Discussion (1:53)Property Taxes, Local Budgets, and Tax Burden On Citizens (3:01)Reappraisals, Tax Increases, and Real-Life Impact Stories (5:42)Economic Margins, Middle-Class Strain, and Government Responsibility (6:54)The National Debt’s Impact On Local Government and Inflation (9:35)Interest On The National Debt and Existential Fiscal Threats (12:26)Local Leaders’ Challenges: Inflation, Tax Base, and Service Cuts (14:44)The Feedback Loop: Inflation, Productivity, and Stagflation Risks (15:58)Hyperinflation, Reserve Currency Status, and Global Economic Shifts (17:39)Congressional Incentives, “Bringing Home The Bacon,” and Systemic Issues (21:10)Policy Solutions: Balanced Budget Amendment and Sound Money (26:00)Austrian Economics: Jacobs’ Intellectual Journey and Key Insights (29:10)Individual Freedom, Economic Planning, and Human Action (33:20)Comparing Political Regimes, Deregulation, and Economic Policy (36:24)Closing Reflections, Wrestling Memories, and Farewell (41:34)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, William is joined by Robert Bluey, President and Executive Editor of The Daily Signal. William and Rob talk about the critical challenge of reporting on the national debt. They explore the media's struggle to make the $37 trillion debt a compelling story, discussing how consumer behavior, click-driven journalism, and complex economic issues prevent meaningful coverage. Rob acknowledges the Daily Signal's limitations in addressing the debt crisis, while William emphasizes the existential threat posed by mounting national debt. The conversation reveals the perverse incentives in media that discourage in-depth reporting on fiscal policy, highlighting the need for more innovative storytelling and a generational approach to understanding the long-term consequences of government spending. Key takeaway: The national debt is a critical issue that requires sustained attention and creative communication strategies to engage the public effectively. Don’t miss this episode.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Media Incentives and Challenges in Debt Coverage (1:00)Why the Debt Isn’t Front Page News (3:43)Origins and Mission of The Daily Signal (6:20)Conservative Media’s Institutional Challenges (9:53)How Newsrooms Prioritize Coverage During Crises (10:50)Resource Allocation and the Debt’s “Always Happening” Nature (15:47)Audience Behavior and Click Incentives (18:00)Who Benefits from the National Debt? (22:27)Political Realities and Entitlement Reform (27:33)Media Trust and the Rise of Personal Brands (31:16)The Daily Signal’s Approach to Trust and Transparency (33:23)Generational Shifts in News Consumption (36:37)Competing with Influencers and Personal Brands (38:18)Maintaining Mission Integrity Amid Financial Pressures (43:19)The Need for Persistent, Compelling Debt Coverage (45:11)Advice for Advocacy Groups: Competing for Attention (49:23)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (50:32)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, William is joined by Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute. Romina addresses the growing fiscal crisis and argues that the United States is on a dangerous economic trajectory, with unsustainable government spending, entitlement programs, and a political system that prioritizes short-term benefits over long-term fiscal stability. She proposes a BRAC-style commission to overcome political gridlock, similar to the Base Realignment and Closure process, which would create an independent mechanism to make tough budgetary decisions. The discussion also highlights how current policies effectively transfer wealth from younger generations to older, wealthier populations, risking future economic collapse through potential currency devaluation, inflation, and reduced private sector investment. Romina emphasizes that the fiscal crisis is not a future problem, but a current reality that requires immediate, creative solutions to prevent the United States from undermining its own economic strength and global standing. Don’t miss this great conversation!Key topics in today’s conversation include:Romina’s Background and Motivation (3:08)The Importance of Fiscal Policy and Economic Stability (9:25)American Exceptionalism and the Free Rider Problem (11:27)Why Good Fiscal Policy Lacks Political Support (15:20)The Limits of Political Solutions and the Need for New Approaches (18:18)The Simpson-Bowles Commission and Political Obstacles (20:42)International Examples and Constitutional Restraints (23:47)The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Model (27:57)Feasibility of a BRAC-Style Fiscal Commission in the U.S. (31:49)Recent Attempts at Fiscal Commissions and Special Interest Opposition (35:37)Intergenerational Transfers and Social Security Inequities (38:51)Objections to Delegating Congressional Authority (42:14)The Growing Political Power of Older Generations (47:31)The Danger of Peacetime Deficits and Future Crises (51:09)Risks of Foreign Divestment and Treasury Auctions (55:08)Conclusion and Final Thoughts (1:00:04)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:Congressman William Timmons Joins the Discussion (1:42)Government Spending and Debt (3:15)Improper Payments Overview (4:06)Examples of Improper Payments (6:03)Enhanced Income Verification Technology (7:36)Potential Savings from Technology (9:05)TABs Act Proposal (13:06)Challenges of Current Safety Nets (14:17)Improper Payments During COVID (17:05)Understanding Government Spending (20:20)Technology and Verification (22:06)Reconciliation Package Challenges (25:41)Final Thoughts and Conclusion (26:41)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:William’s Background and Journey (1:02)National Debt Perception (3:28)Social Safety Net Importance (8:02)Long-term Implications of Debt (9:13)National Security Concerns (11:36)Inflation and Fiscal Crisis (14:16)Taxation and Spending Issues (15:25)Mandatory Spending Challenges (17:28)Urgency of Action (19:46)Political Will and Responsibility (21:44)Personal Motivation for Advocacy (23:22)Closing Remarks and Future Conversations (24:27)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:Current State of U.S. Healthcare (1:01)Introduction of Guest Marc Goldwein (3:15)Government's Role in Healthcare Spending (5:57)Medicare Advantage Overview (9:43)Cost Control in Traditional Medicare (12:07)Incentives and Risks in Medicare Advantage (15:12)Upcoding in Medicare Advantage (18:24)Risk Adjustment in Medicare Advantage (21:17)Estimates of Medicare Advantage Overpayment (25:17)Deficit Reduction Strategies (29:20)Waste in the Healthcare System (33:55)The Need for Comprehensive Budget Reforms (36:24)Understanding Medicare Cuts (38:24)Bipartisan Solutions for Healthcare (42:13)The Importance of Shared Pain (46:04)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (48:11)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:Andrew's Background and Expertise (1:39)Understanding Tax Policy (4:15)Purpose of Taxation (6:36)Political Challenges of Taxation (9:25)Consumption as Economic Driver (16:12)Taxing Paper Gains (20:07)Impact of Market Fluctuations (23:24)Understanding National Debt (28:14)Tax Code Improvements (31:11)Employer Benefits vs. Salaries (34:05)Horizontal Equity in Taxation (38:37)Trade-Offs in Tax Reform (40:45)Current SALT Cap Debate (42:04)Impact of SALT Cap on Taxpayers (46:16)Philosophical Tax Questions (53:57)Final Thoughts and Resources (56:19)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America's biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:Welcoming Lura to the Show (1:00)Fiscal Health and Individual Well-Being (2:26)Connecting Government Spending to Personal Impact (4:44)Visualizing the Fiscal Problem (8:21)Understanding the Scale of Spending (10:08)Millennials' Views on Entitlement Reform (13:53)The Political Challenge of Fiscal Reform (16:01)Generational Misunderstanding in Fiscal Conversations (19:42)Research on Voter Segmentation (23:57)Polarization vs. Shared Values (26:31)Demographic Shifts in Voting (31:15)Non-Ideological Voting Trends (34:34)Party Leadership and Direction (41:05)Engagement in Local Government (46:34)Understanding Political Dynamics (48:06)Bridging Political Divides (51:47)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (52:16)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from the Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America's biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:Background of Austin and Ryan (1:39)Breaking Traditional Rules (4:13)Innovative Engagement Strategies (6:14)Product Market Fit in Politics (8:27)Understanding Voter Attention (10:53)Applying SCARF in Policy Context (12:31)Influence Campaign Successes (15:31)Leveraging Voter Sentiment (17:41)Debt and Political Strategy (20:58)Chicago's Debt Crisis (23:55)DOGE and Government Accountability (25:23)Connecting the Dots (29:01)Publicizing Government Missteps (33:59)The Importance of Individual Accountability (37:21)Momentum Shift (38:44)State-Level Focus (41:35)Risk for Established Politicians (43:55)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (44:32)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America's biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:Zach’s Background and Journey to Third Way (0:48)Misconceptions About Party Fiscal Responsibility (3:09)Health Care Spending Reforms (6:30)Understanding the Ten-Year Budget Window (8:17)Defense Spending and Waste Concerns (10:35)The Federal Budget Breakdown (13:21)Program Integrity and Government Efficiency (16:05)Avenues for Spending Reform (19:29)Political Perspectives on Spending (22:11)Tax Revenue and Political Landscape (24:05)Current Law vs. Current Policy (26:00)Complexities of Tax Revenue Solutions (28:10)Future of Tax Policy Changes (30:27)Challenges in Addressing National Debt (32:05)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (34:22)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from the Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America's biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:Kurt’s Background and Expertise (1:03)The Budgeting Process (2:11)Understanding Appropriations (5:15)Mandatory vs. Discretionary Spending (7:32)Impact of Automatic Spending (11:01)Historical Context of Fiscal Policy (13:22)No Do-Nothing Option (15:53)Debt Crisis and Reconciliation Legislation (17:54)Consequences of a Full-Blown Debt Crisis (20:30)Congressional Dysfunction and Reform (24:56)Opposition to Comprehensive Budget Act (27:17)Improving the Federal Budget Process (29:15)Fixing Congressional Shutdowns (31:19)Committee Process and Budgeting (34:04)Effective Communication with Legislators (36:55)Optimism for Congressional Reform and Parting Thoughts (38:40)Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from the Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America's biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.