The Ezra Klein Show

I have been in social work my whole career and currently work as a Medicaid Case Manager for older adults and adults with disabilities. I have been a recipient of almost every form of welfare (section 8 snap, tanf, WIC, child care subsidies) when I was a single mom with two children with no degree. I have navigated the system and now see the devastating effects the system has on the most vulnerable with another lens. This is an episode people who have never navigated the “welfare” system need to listen to because it is not a handout, it’s a humiliation ritual.

It’s a stimulating show, one I manually refresh on my feed because I look forward to it that much. It’s my last remaining connection to The NY Times. I wish the theme music with the low piano keys had not been replaced with a new and unremarkable jingle. I’m telling myself the suits at the Times ordered that change not Mr. Klein.

I am smitten and delighted with this show. Political mostly, but with tons of engaging topics and guests. I finish each episode smarter, more motivated, and more humble. Ezra is intellectual and thoughtful. Highly recommend!

I really enjoy the Ezra Klein show. I love the variety of guests he has on and the way he interviews guests shows that he is listening, interested and wants to hear a variety of perspectives even if he doesn't agree. He seems to truly try and understand where people are coming from and why they think the way they do which is not common in our political climate. Great show no matter what your political beliefs are.

I’ve effectively stopped listening to this shown given Ezra’s faux-progressive pontifications, but wanted to hear what he has to say about Coates’ new book. As expected, the smooth dance around morality and subtle distortion of certain historical facts as truth, all voiced in such a convincing way if you didn’t know better. A master of framing issues in his favor. Appreciate the moments when Coates matter-of-factly pointed out the false premises that shaped some questions and him not capitulating to bothsideism designed to flattening the issues. The conversation is a sharp contrast between Coates’ genuine grappling rooted in moral principles and Ezra’s seeming nuance as a veneer for his biases and cowardice.

Until today, I was a fan of this show. Then I listened to the brief paywall announcement. I was not upset about the paywall itself, but by the argument you made from a position of economic privilege. You essentially said that people would be willing to pay the amount if they really cared. That argument is an insult to anyone who enjoys your show but is in a bad economic position. It really sends a message that only middle class and higher listeners are allowed to care about the perspective you share. Is it really that hard to understand that some of your listeners may be living on a social security income or no income at all? Are you really that far removed from the real world where people have to struggle? I hate it when conservatives accuse progressives of elitism. Unfortunately, you just walked right in to their ridiculous stereotype.