The Uncertain Hour - Podcast Rankings and reviews

Wow. This is one of the most informative podcasts to which I’ve listened. It explores the politics behind “welfare to work” public policies and how politicians and private companies use the working poor as “inventory” to exploit and demonize while taking advantage of the perverse incentives of these programs to cash in. Since attending school is not considered work and job training for skilled jobs is seldom offered, this ultimately leaves most workers in an endless cycle of poverty working temporary or part time jobs lacking benefits. Temp agencies and private welfare to work agencies make millions off of tax payers while doing nothing to eliminate poverty.

I’m glad that this show helped expose the manipulative nature of the gig economy and apps like Uber and Doordash. I truly fear a future where an algorithm decides your fate as an employee. The term “independent contractor” is abused in the gig economy to mislead and manipulate workers. I hope legislation can soon intervene.

I find it jarring that the show advertises alcohol delivery services, when alcoholism and other kinds of substance addiction are a major cause/symptom of poverty. I also found it strange that the host, in season 6, shines a spotlight on the fact that the former director of a private welfare contractor is Jewish. Why did we need to know that? Was his religion relevant in some way? These questionable tactics detract from what is otherwise entertaining and educational journalism.

I love how well researched Season 6 is. It provides a very data-driven look into perverse incentives that apply to for-profit organizations.

My only gripe is that the research horsepower wasn’t split in half to investigate viable alternatives or organizations and policies that are working and should be leaned into.