We're diving into a hot topic today: student loans and why I think we're never going to pay them back—like, ever! It's a wild ride through the history of student loans, from their inception back in the 1960s to the current state of a $1.6 trillion mountain of debt. I’m breaking down how this system turned into what I call an “unfeedable beast,” and trust me, it’s not just because we’re lazy or dodging our responsibilities. We’ve got millions of borrowers, skyrocketing tuition rates, and a plan from the Trump administration that I frankly think is just a recipe for disaster. So grab a comfy chair and a snack, because we're going to unpack all this and have a few laughs along the way while we question whether garnishing wages is really the answer or just a band-aid on a much bigger problem!

Takeaways:

1. In this episode, we discussed how student loans have ballooned into a massive issue, affecting millions of borrowers who often feel trapped by their debt.
2. James A. Brown argues that the current student loan system is fundamentally broken and unsustainable, leading to widespread frustration among borrowers.
3. The podcast touches on the Trump administration's plan to garnish wages from borrowers, which many believe will only worsen the financial strain on those already struggling.
4. We explored the historical context of student loans, tracing back to the 1960s and the unintended consequences of federal financial aid policies on tuition costs.
5. Listeners were encouraged to think critically about the cultural shift that equates college education with success, despite many graduates facing financial hardship.
6. Finally, the conversation highlighted the idea of a potential student loan debt jubilee, suggesting that we may need to reconsider how we handle this growing crisis.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. jamesabrown.net
2. newsbreak.com