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.

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.

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.