This week is the October edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society. Last month, they pondered the purpose of college in a world with AI. To follow up on that conversation, Justin invited his friend and colleague, David Firth, p…

This week’s guests are Alissa Quart and Anne Larson of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project. Alissa built the organization with the legendary Barbara Ehrenreich, whose landmark book, Nickel and Dimed, is now 25 years old. Alissa, Anne and several others recently published a retrospective in The Nation commemorating Ehrenreich’s enduring impact.In this conversation, Alissa and Anne touch on Barbara’s legacy and their wish for her to be remembered among the likes of Gloria Steinem and George Orwell. They discuss redefining the middle class, the broken social contract and the idea of collective action as a solution.

This week’s guest is Hilary Oliver, who recently published How to Stay You When Your Name Becomes Mom. This guided journal is designed to help new mothers reconnect with themselves. Hilary’s writing has appeared in Outside, National Geographic Adventure, The American Alpine Journal and many other prominent outlets.In this conversation, Hilary defines the word matrescence, a motherhood life phase. She talks about how she wasn’t big into journaling, but stumbling upon a guided journal she intended as a gift made her realize how useful it could be for a mom. Justin and Hilary also get into how the writing profession will square with AI development, and touch on both of their thoughts on aging.