In this episode of the Political Economy Forum Podcast, James Long hosts  Victor Menaldo and Ben Glasner. They discuss the gig economy and the future of work. The topics range from Ben's dissertation on the role of labor market protections and the social safety net among the self-employed and independent contracts, Victor’s hobby horse of automation and the future of work, and the role COVID-19 might play in it all. The conversation bounces around as James, Victor, and Ben debate the changing nature of work, and what it might mean for the modern  American economy.  The session ends after consideration of what role a  Keynesian response to the current economic turmoil might play in the coming months and years.