In this episode, Alissa Quart discusses her latest book, "Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves from the American Dream." Quart and host Marina Gorbis take a deep dive into the origins and evolution of the "bootstrapping" myth, revealing the hypocrisies and hidden dependencies that underlie this pervasive narrative. From historical figures like Emerson and Thoreau to modern-day Silicon Valley icons, Quart exposes the cracks in the self-made success story. The conversation also delves into the precarious state of the middle class, the potential of mutualism as an alternative ethos, and the importance of fostering solidarity across diverse occupations in the face of increasing economic insecurity. Join us as we explore the liberating power of debunking toxic myths and envisioning a more interdependent American dream.

IFTF: https://iftf.org/podcast

Alissa Quart: https://www.alissaquart.com/

Bootstrapped: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/bootstrapped-alissa-quart

Future Now 015 — "Bootstrapped" author Alissa Quart

Brought to you by the visionary minds at Institute for the Future, this captivating series delves deep into the ever-evolving landscapes of science, technology, and culture. In each episode, IFTF's distinguished researchers engage in riveting conversations with the world's most innovative scientists, engineers, trailblazers, and thought leaders, who are redefining the course of our collective future - here and now. 

In this season, "Future Now" shines a spotlight on the bold endeavors to revolutionize enterprise and business practices. Our gripping discussions explore the pursuit of more humane, inclusive, and equitable outcomes, providing you with an exclusive front-row seat to the breakthroughs that will define tomorrow.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Natalie Foster, author of "The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America's Next Economy," is the president and co-founder of the Economic Security Project. She is also an alumna of IFTF's Future for Good Fellows program. Foster is a leading figure in the movement to create a more inclusive, resilient, and dignified economy for all Americans.

In this conversation with Marina Gorbis, IFTF's Executive Director, Foster discusses the hard-fought progress being made to establish a new "guarantee economy." This economy ensures that every citizen's basic needs for healthcare, housing, education, income, and more are met as birthrights.

We are excited to announce that our listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on Foster's book, "The Guarantee," by using the code GUARANTEED10 at checkout on the Reparations Club website (https://rep.club/discount/GUARANTEED10?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fthe-guarantee).

This special offer is valid until the end of June, so be sure to take advantage of it while you can.

Future Now 016 — "The Guarantee" author Natalie Foster

Our guest is Professor Neil Kraus from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the author of "The Fantasy Economy: Neoliberalism, Inequality, and the Education Reform Movement" In this episode, Marina Gorbis and Neil discuss the long-standing economic myths, diminishing returns on educational investments, the surplus of degree holders in low-wage job markets, and the misleading narrative of labor shortages.

The Fantasy Economy: https://tupress.temple.edu/books/the-fantasy-economy

Institute for the Future: https://iftf.org

Future Now 014 — "The Fantasy Economy" author Neil Kraus

In this episode of Future Now, author and journalist Nick Romeo discussed the themes of his latest book, "The Alternative: How to Build a Just Economy." (https://bit.ly/482m57j) Nick challenges the inevitability of the current economic status quo, offering a thought-provoking discourse on potential alternatives, from restructuring labor markets and corporate dynamics to innovative political interventions for city governance. If you enjoyed this episode, you should listen to Nick’s Book Talk discussion at the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program on Wednesday, January 24, from 2 to 3 p.m. EST. Visit this link for more information: https://bit.ly/3tVqVoR

Future Now 013 — Exploring economic alternatives with The New Yorker's Nick Romeo

Renowned economist and author Daron Acemoglu discusses insights and revelations from his latest book, "Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity," with IFTF Executive Director Marina Gorbis. The conversation explores the intricate relationship between technology, economic growth, and societal well-being, examining how innovations have shaped prosperity throughout history.

Future Now 015 — "Bootstrapped" author Alissa Quart

Download our free app to listen on your phone