Make the Economy Work for Freelancers, Too (#askingforafriend)

Make the Economy Work for Freelancers, Too (#askingforafriend)

From Optimist Economy by Kathryn Anne Edwards and Robin Rauzi

June 9, 2026 · 48 min · Season 2 · Episode 20

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges faced by freelancers and the importance of making self-employment more viable in the labor market.

Thirty million Americans, more or less, work for themselves. They freelance, do gig work, have solo LLCs, or — as a certain economist says — participate in “ non-employee employment.” The economics of their situation is harder than it needs to be. Making self-employment more viable is good for everyone in the labor market, because when workers have options, they also have more power. Plus: Kathryn Anne Edwards testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, and a congressman implied she wasn't a real American. She has thoughts. Chapters : 0:00 — Start/Announcements 1:21 — Retcon: Bad banks, good overtime, and testifying before Congress (again) 18:17 — Big Pilcrow: Freelancers & non-employer businesses 44:42 — Executive orders: national anthem singing rules, Congressional attendance policy 47:20 — Spiritual sponsors: Supportive listeners and horchada + cold brew coffee 49:01 — Credits Donate to Optimist Economy: https://optimisteconomy.com Video-curious? Watch the Optimist Economy YouTube channel⁠⁠ . We’re also on Instagram at ⁠⁠ @optimist_economy or TikTok at ⁠⁠ @optimist_economy . Chat with other Optimists on Substack. Find utility with our merch…

People in this episode

Hosts: Kathryn Anne Edwards, Robin Rauzi

Topics covered

  • freelancing
  • gig economy
  • self-employment
  • labor market
  • economic power

Keywords

  • freelancers
  • gig work
  • self-employment
  • labor market
  • economic power
  • Congress
  • testimony

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: House Ways and Means Committee

Places: America

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