Iceberg PR: Communicating a Slow-Motion Fiscal Disaster in the High-Speed World

Iceberg PR: Communicating a Slow-Motion Fiscal Disaster in the High-Speed World

With Austin Berg and Ryan Green,

Co-Founders, Iron Light

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, William is joined by Austin Berg and Ryan Green from Iron Light. During the conversation, the group discusses America's national debt, likening it to a hidden iceberg threatening the economy. They delve into innovative strategies to address this issue, emphasizing the importance of direct voter engagement and understanding public concerns. Austin and Ryan highlight their experiences in government affairs, focusing on storytelling and digital marketing to bypass traditional power brokers. They also stress the need for clear messaging and accountability, urging a shift in public perception to drive meaningful fiscal reforms. You won’t want to miss this episode.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

Background of Austin and Ryan (1:39)
Breaking Traditional Rules (4:13)
Innovative Engagement Strategies (6:14)
Product Market Fit in Politics (8:27)
Understanding Voter Attention (10:53)
Applying SCARF in Policy Context (12:31)
Influence Campaign Successes (15:31)
Leveraging Voter Sentiment (17:41)
Debt and Political Strategy (20:58)
Chicago’s Debt Crisis (23:55)
DOGE and Government Accountability (25:23)
Connecting the Dots (29:01)
Publicizing Government Missteps (33:59)
The Importance of Individual Accountability (37:21)
Momentum Shift (38:44)
State-Level Focus (41:35)
Risk for Established Politicians (43:55)
Final Thoughts and Takeaways (44:32)

Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.

About the Show

William Glass

William Glass is a leader in the national conversation on fiscal responsibility, serving as a key voice for the Millennial Debt Foundation. As a passionate advocate for responsible government spending and debt reduction, William works to engage policymakers, young professionals, and thought leaders in addressing America’s growing national debt crisis. Through his work with the Foundation, he champions bipartisan solutions and fosters meaningful dialogue on the economic challenges facing future generations. William brings a fresh perspective to fiscal policy, emphasizing the importance of long-term financial stability and responsible governance.

The Millennial Debt Foundation was launched in mid-2019 by Tennessean Weston Wamp and other millennial entrepreneurs to lead a generational conversation about fiscal stewardship, the role of the federal government and America’s deficit spending crisis. Inspired by the work of our early advisor, the late U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., the Foundation’s first major project was the Millennial Debt Commission. The business-led Commission is made up of 20 millennial business leaders from across the country working towards a framework for long-term deficit reduction and stabilization of the national debt. The business leaders have been advised by a cohort of current and former members of Congress, leading economists and policy experts. MDF is a nonpartisan, Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by individual donors, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, and Arnold Ventures.

Learn More at millennialdebt.org