Recessions are unpredictable shocks, often linked to energy crises, says former White House economist Tyler Goodspeed.

Tyler Goodspeed, former acting chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, argues in his new book that recessions are fundamentally unforecastable because they result from unpredictable shocks, often involving energy sector disruptions. He highlights historical examples like the 1973 OPEC oil embargo and the 2008 financial crisis, where high energy prices played a key role. Goodspeed also notes that while government policies can't prevent recessions, targeted relief during downturns is crucial to help affected individuals. Despite economic expansions becoming longer, recessions will continue due to unavoidable shocks.