Words & Numbers

In this episode, we challenge claims about economic stagnation by examining how interest, investing, and long-term saving actually shape wealth and retirement outcomes, including what it takes to reach a million dollars on different income levels. We then turn to public health, discussing the failures of the original food pyramid, the rise of snacking and carbohydrates, and the proper role of government as an information provider rather than an enforcer. In the “foolishness of the week,” we look at New York City’s expanding housing bureaucracy and why rent control continues to worsen affordability. We close with an in-depth discussion of Iran’s nationwide protests, internet shutdowns, water shortages, and the geopolitical consequences of a potential post-theocratic Iran for the Middle East and beyond. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:25 The “52 Years to Escape the Middle Class” Myth 02:29 What It Takes to Retire With $1 Million 04:25 Saving on Median vs. Bottom-Income Earnings 06:15 Narratives About