Reeder for Mac is a beautiful looking app, but I too get the 'empty' lists. I know there are feeds to be viewed, but Reeder simply refuses to display them. I created a video to illustrate my problems and tweeted the developer @reederapp with the link and explanation, but have had no response. I'm surprised not more people are having this problem, but it is a serious one.
Oh, and I'm not behind a proxy.