The Optimistic American

The biggest economic transformation in modern history may already be underway. Artificial Intelligence is changing the workforce, Elon Musk could become the world's first trillionaire, and debates over capitalism, socialism, income inequality, and economic opportunity are dominating politics. But are we witnessing the beginning of a new Golden Age of prosperity — or another Gilded Age where we...

Is America thriving or falling behind? The answer may surprise you. In this episode of New Frontiers, former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson sits down with Professor Douglas Harris of Tulane University, creator of the groundbreaking State of the Nation and State of the States projects. While America's economy continues to outperform much of the world, Americans are reporting lower levels of happine...

Arizona is running out of time. In this episode, Central Arizona Water Conservation District Chairman Terry Goddard joins Paul Johnson and Bob Robb to discuss the growing Colorado River crisis and what it could mean for Arizona’s future. The conversation begins with the federal government’s looming decision on water allocations and why Arizona could face some of the deepest cuts in the country. Fr...

Something BIG is shifting in American politics… In this episode of the Independent, we break down the growing cracks inside the America First movement — and what it means for Trump, the economy, and the future of the country. From rising inflation and controversial tariffs to the escalating Iran conflict and tensions with NATO, this conversation uncovers the reality behind today’s biggest headline...

In this episode of the Independent, we break down three of the biggest forces shaping the future of America and the world: space exploration, global conflict, and political power. We start with the exciting return of human space exploration through NASA’s Artemis II mission and the growing dominance of private companies like SpaceX and Elon Musk, who are dramatically lowering the cost of space tra...

The Iran war is unfolding in real time — and the consequences are already reshaping America’s role in the world. In this episode, we break down the biggest questions surrounding the conflict with Iran: Why did it happen, what are the risks, and what can the United States learn from it? From military strategy to global economics, this conversation goes beyond headlines to analyze what’s really at s...

Is the two-party system failing Arizona? In this episode of The Independent, host Paul Johnson sits down with Hugh Lytle, an Independent candidate running for Governor of Arizona, to discuss the growing divide in American politics and why millions of voters are abandoning traditional parties. With over 30% of voters in Arizona registered as Independents, Lytle argues that the future of American po...

In this episode of The Independent, Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Henry Thompson to break down the political, constitutional, and economic fallout from the SCOTUS ruling on Trump’s tariffs. Is this a major victory for checks and balances? Or does it expose deeper instability in American governance? Topic Discussed in this Video: - The Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s tariffs - The constitu...

In this episode of The Independent, Paul Johnson is joined by economist Elliott Pollack and columnist Bob Robb for a conversation about where the U.S. economy is headed — and what could derail it. The panel breaks down Trump’s Federal Reserve appointment, the importance of Fed independence, and whether interest rate cuts are coming sooner than expected. They explore why the stock market may be ove...

In this episode of Independent, Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Henry Thompson to react to the announcement speech of Hugh Lytle, the independent candidate for Governor of Arizona, a historic moment in a state that has never elected an independent governor. As voter frustration with polarization and partisan gridlock continues to grow, the panel examines whether an independent governor coul...

What will the United States look like in 2026? In this episode of Independent, Paul Johnson and a panel of economists and political analysts break down the four biggest forces shaping America’s future: the economy, housing affordability, immigration enforcement, and geopolitics. First, the panel makes economic predictions for 2026, debating whether the U.S. can sustain growth amid uncertainty surr...

America is facing a growing crisis — and it’s hitting young people the hardest. In this episode of Independent, Paul Johnson, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb dive into the real economic anxiety shaping politics today, from AI-driven job disruption and rising costs of living to declining faith in education, homeownership, and opportunity. We explore how artificial intelligence is changing the job mark...

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Bob Robb and Henry Thompson to break down the growing political earthquake reshaping the United States — the rise of independent voters and the increasing demand for a viable third party.  With nearly one-third of voters now registered as unaffiliated, frustration with Democrats and Republicans is reaching historic highs.  Topics Discus...

America’s affordability crisis isn’t just a headline — it’s the defining political and economic battle of our time. In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Henry Thompson and Bob Robb to uncover the real reasons why life is becoming harder to afford for working Americans.  From tariffs that secretly raise food prices, to inflation outpacing wages, to broken fiscal and monetar...

America is at a crossroads — politically, economically, and technologically. In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Eliott Pollack, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb to unpack the forces reshaping the country. - The conversation dives into Donald Trump’s tariffs and his clash with Ronald Reagan’s free-market legacy, exposing how protectionism, inflation, and political rage are re...

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson is joined by Republican strategist Sean Noble, columnist Bob Robb, and political scientist Henry Thompson to tackle some of the most pressing questions in American politics. Would Republicans really overturn a future election? Has Trump’s leftward shift pushed Democrats toward socialism? The panel also unpacks Kamala Harris’s failed campaign, Arizona’...

A historic peace deal abroad, chaos at home. From Trump’s historic peace mission in the Middle East to the possibility of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, this episode of New Frontiers dives into how Trump’s diplomacy reshaped global alliances and challenged decades of U.S. foreign policy. Paul Johnson and his panel explore the shifting Arab support for Israel, the media’s portrayal of Israel as the a...

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson is joined by Henry Thompson and Bob Robb to unpack the emotional and political fallout from Charlie Kirk’s tragic death. From attending the massive memorial service to hearing the powerful words of Charlie Kirk’s widow on forgiveness, Paul shares firsthand insights into a moment that shook the nation. Topics Discussed in this Video:  - The moving mess...

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Marty Dolan, a former Wall Street executive now running for New York City Public Advocate. From AOC and Zohran Mamdani to NYC’s $115 billion budget, Dolan explains why New York politics are broken and how he plans to fix them. Topics discussed: - From Wall Street to Politics – Dolan’s 40 years in finance, why he entered NYC politics, an...

America is facing one of the most critical moments in modern history. In this New Frontiers episode, Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Rob and Henry Thompson to uncover how both major parties are failing, how global power is shifting, and why independents could hold the key to America’s future. Topics Discussed in This Episode:  - Trump’s emergency powers & the collapse of democratic guardrails -...

The Democratic Party is facing a crisis like never before. With millions of voters leaving, independents on the rise, and Republicans gaining ground, is America ready for a third party revolution? In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb break down the shocking voter registration numbers, the challenges Democrats face with their base, and how Trump’s policies ar...

Are Democrats and Republicans failing the American people? Is a third-party revolution underway? In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson (Chair of Arizona’s No Labels Party) is joined by economist Elliott Pollack and professor Henry Thompson to break down the critical issues reshaping American politics and the economy. TOPICS COVERED - The rise of the No Labels Party and the alienated voter...

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson sits down with psychologist Dr. Emily Bashah, political columnist Bob Robb, and professor Henry Thompson to dissect the explosive impact of conspiracy theories in American politics and culture. This gripping discussion delves into the rise of QAnon, the Epstein file scandal, and how political figures from both the left and the right strategically...

Description:   In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb, Henry Thompson, and Elliot Pollack for a deep dive into the rising momentum behind third-party politics in America. With Elon Musk proposing a new “America Party,” the panel discusses the feasibility of such a movement, the entrenched resistance from both major parties, and the massive opportunity among indep...

President Donald Trump’s decision to support Israel in bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities shocked the world. In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson and columnist Bob Robb break down the legal, political, and moral dimensions of the strike – and its implications for America’s role in the Middle East. With thoughtful, candid analysis, they challenge the narratives from both ends of the politi...