Slate Academy: The United States of Debt

Slate Academy: The United States of Debt

The United States of Debt takes an in-depth look at the reality of owing money in America: how we get into debt, and how we can get out.

Episodes

The United States of Debt | Ep. 5 | The Collapse Of the American Dream

November 10, 2016 • 38 mins
In the wake of the housing crash and foreclosure crisis, millions of Americans lost their homes. Today, many people are still wrestling with the fallout of the crisis, with their credit all but destroyed. In Episode 5, Helaine explores the depth of America’s housing crisis. Why did so many people lose their homes to foreclosure? Who was responsible for the crisis anyway—individual home owners or bigger institutions? And if the cris...
Mark as Played

The United States of Debt | Ep. 4 | Drowning In Medical Debt

August 11, 2016 • 36 mins
Your health may be your most valuable asset, but for many Americans, it comes at a huge cost. Medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States. In episode 4, host Helaine Olen dives into the pile of bills surrounding America’s healthcare system. Why is going to the doctor such an expensive proposition for so many people? Has the Affordable Care Act changed any of that? And is there a realistic way to avoid ...
Mark as Played

The United States of Debt | Ep. 3 | The High Cost of Student Loans

July 12, 2016 • 39 mins
Today, Americans owe about 1.3 trillion dollars in student loans. But how does the impact of those student loans affect our economy?  In episode 3, Helaine takes on America’s student loan crisis. Just how many of us are really burdened by the cost of pursuing a higher education, and is there a way out? Are student loans more common now, and why? Why are student loans such a mess in the United States, compared to other countries? An...
Mark as Played

The United States of Debt | Ep. 2 | The Trouble With Credit Cards

May 19, 2016 • 29 mins
Whether you’re struggling to get by on $30,000 a year or living off of a comfortable six-figure income, credit cards have become an inevitable part of American life.  In this second episode of the United States of Debt, a Slate Academy, host Helaine Olen explores why so many of us run up more charges than we can easily pay off. What factors have allowed credit card companies to lend us money so indiscriminately, and could a 1978 Su...
Mark as Played

The United States of Debt | Ep. 1 | Why Do We Borrow So Much?

May 2, 2016 • 14 mins
Credit card debt is on the rise, student loan debt is at record levels, and millions of Americans continue to experience difficulty with housing and medical bills.  In this first episode of the United States of Debt, a Slate Academy, host Helaine Olen begins to explore the state of debt in America. How much debt do we have, and what historical and cultural factors have influenced the recent rise of it? Is there a way that debt can ...
Mark as Played

The United States of Debt | Ep. 0 | Introduction

May 2, 2016 • 3 mins
This is a preview of The United States of Debt, our third Slate Academy. In this series, Slate columnist Helaine Olen will take an in-depth look at the realities of debt in America and explore why debt has become a shadow in so many lives—no matter how well things are going in the greater economy. Listen to this introductory episode to find out more.  Access to all Slate Academies is included in your Slate Plus membership. To learn...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.