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Michael Lewis Unveils the Real MVPs of Government—And It's Not Who You Think
Who Is Government? Michael Lewis Exposes the Unsung Heroes Keeping America Running
Hey, Whttries!
We're back to our regularly scheduled programming, and this week we're diving into the intricate world of public service with Michael Lewis's latest work, Who Is Government?. If you thought government jobs were all red tape and endless meetings, think again.
In this compelling collection, Lewis, along with a team of esteemed writers, sheds light on the often-overlooked individuals who keep the wheels of our nation turning. From a cybercrime expert at the IRS to a dedicated archivist at the National Archives, these stories reveal the dedication and impact of civil servants who rarely make headlines but are essential to our daily lives.
What’s the Buzz?
Who Is Government? is a follow-up to Lewis's 2018 bestseller, The Fifth Risk, continuing his exploration of the inner workings of federal agencies.
✍️ Contributors include renowned authors like Dave Eggers and Sarah Vowell, each profiling a different public servant, bringing diverse perspectives to the narrative.
📰 The book arrives at a critical time, highlighting the importance of government roles amidst ongoing debates about the size and scope of federal agencies.
🎧 Critics praise the book for its engaging storytelling and timely relevance, calling it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the backbone of our democracy.
Why You Should Listen
In today's episode, we delve into:
🕵️♂️ The Unsung Heroes: Exploring the lives and contributions of federal employees who work behind the scenes to keep the country safe and functional.
🧠 Challenging Stereotypes: How the book confronts common misconceptions about government workers and highlights their essential roles.
📈 The Bigger Picture: Understanding the implications of undervaluing public service and the potential risks of dismantling critical institutions.
Whether you're a policy wonk, a civics enthusiast, or just curious about the inner workings of government, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the people who make it all happen.
About the Author
Michael Lewis is a bestselling author known for his ability to turn complex subjects into compelling narratives. With works like The Big Short and Moneyball, he's tackled topics ranging from finance to sports analytics. In Who Is Government?, Lewis continues his tradition of illuminating the hidden corners of American institutions, this time focusing on the dedicated individuals within our government.
✨ Fun Fact ✨
Lewis once worked as a bond salesman on Wall Street, an experience that inspired his first book, Liar's Poker.
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“The government is a vast, complex system that Americans pay for, rebel against, rely upon, dismiss, and celebrate.”
Bureaucracy isn't just red tape—it's the unsung symphony keeping the nation in tune.
Stay Connected
We're back with more thought-provoking reads and discussions to keep your mind sharp and your bookshelf stocked.
📅 Tune in every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for new episodes exploring the stories behind the stories.
📲 Follow us @whttr_podcast on Instagram and Threads for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
💌 Share this newsletter with friends and family who appreciate a deeper dive into the workings of our world.
Because understanding the machinery of our government isn't just for civics class—it's for everyone.
Stay curious, stay informed, and remember: the real power lies not just in the halls of Congress, but in the dedication of those who serve behind the scenes.
Until then:
📖 Who has time to read? We do—and we're bringing the stories that matter to you.
The WHTTR Team

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