New Study: Iowa and the Rat King of Unhappiness

What happens when a community’s worries get so tangled up that it becomes one giant crisis? On the latest episode of The Altum Insight Podcast, hosts Adrianne Marsh and Frank A. Spring dive into a new study of Iowans, revealing what they call the Rat King of Unhappiness.

Frank explains what a "rat king" is and shares why the pain Iowa voters are feeling is greater than the sum of its parts. Four major anxieties have fused into one overwhelming feeling of systemic collapse:

• The Economy: It costs too much to live, and wages aren't keeping up.
• Eroding Democracy: A fear that political institutions are actively failing.
• Social Division: A painful loss of community civility and mutual respect.
• Foreign Policy: Growing anxiety over global conflicts like the war involving Iran.

Download the full report here:

The study shows 86% of respondents feel things have worsened over the last two years. While many blame Donald Trump, his support is fraying.

But the real warning is for Democrats: voters aren’t just angry, they are grieving. Promising financial quick-fixes won't cut it. To build real trust, leaders need to come to terms with voters' experience of moral injury and show they actually understand why people feel left behind. It's a tall order.

Tune in on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

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