# How the government wastes our time

An episode of [Fresh Air](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/214089682), 31 Aug 2026, 46 min.

Audio: https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-381444908/npr.simplecastaudio.com/49850946-31c1-4953-8129-0d718420c400/episodes/be466c35-6b30-4d55-a767-3f3dc91dadfa/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=49850946-31c1-4953-8129-0d718420c400&awEpisodeId=be466c35-6b30-4d55-a767-3f3dc91dadfa&feed=jBsBZBHh&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5950414&p=381444908&d=2747&size=43960198

Atlantic journalist Annie Lowrey explores the administrative burdens people face applying for government benefits like unemployment and food assistance. It's not just about wasted time: "When the government treats us like this, we don't trust it," she says. She spoke with Tonya Mosley about her book, The Time Tax: How the Government Wastes Our Time—and How to Fix It. Ken Tucker reviews a new album by the trio The Womack Sisters, nieces of R&B great Bobby Womack. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our YouTube channel Check out the Fresh Air Archives See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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