This NPR Planet Money Indicator podcast episode explores the parallels between the Gilded Age (late 19th century) and the current economic climate. The hosts interview two Gilded Age historians, Edward T. O’Donnell and Rebecca Edwards, to discuss the rapid economic growth, technological advancements, wealth inequality, and political corruption characteristic of both eras. While acknowledging differences, the historians highlight recurring themes of economic disparity and the influence of money in politics, prompting discussion on whether the present day constitutes a "second Gilded Age" or a milder version. The podcast concludes by considering the possibility of a modern-day Progressive Era as a potential response to current economic imbalances.
