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 f...

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 thro...

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...

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...

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 adv...

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 unch...

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 meanin...

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 fis...

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...

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:...

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...

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) Horizon...

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 Fisca...

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 Crisi...

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 (19:2...

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...