99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life

99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

Nearly 40% of Americans say they’re NOT getting ahead, even though they’re doing everything right. That’s not a work ethic problem. That’s a system problem.  ADAM CHANDLER

Hard work ≠ Success anymore. New episode: The grind is failing us. 🎙️ Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler | 99% Perspiration

Welcome, everyone, to another powerful episode of The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. I’m your host, and today we’re diving into one of the most explosive, eye-opening conversations we've had in some time.

Let me ask you: Have you ever worked your fingers to the bone, only to feel like you’re standing still? You're not alone. In fact, nearly 40% of Americans now say they’re failing to get ahead despite working hard. And here’s the kicker—many of us, especially those of us over 60, were raised to believe that success was a matter of effort. 

 

Grit. Determination. The “perspiration” part of the American Dream.

 

But what if that dream is actually… a myth?

 

My guest today, journalist and author Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler. Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up, and the title of his presentation is 99% Perspiration: Does America’s Work Culture Still Work? Check out our show notes today for more details about Smithsonian Associates, links, and details about Smithsonian Associate Adam Chandler. But we have Adam Chandler today and he is here to blow the lid off the “work hard, get ahead” narrative in his brand-new book, available at Apple Books, 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life. Chandler argues that what we’ve been sold about work, opportunity, and success may actually be hurting us—and dividing our country.

He takes us coast to coast, from fast food fryers to Fortune 500 execs, revealing a nation at war with itself over work. We’ll talk about the gig economy, loneliness, political extremism, and how America stacks up against countries like France and Denmark where people work less—and live more.

If you’ve ever questioned why “the grind” is glorified, why retirement feels further away, or why we tie our worth to our work—this conversation is for you.

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