93 episodes

What if instead of being on the brink of disaster, we’re on the cusp of a better world? No one can deny the challenges the world faces, from pandemics to climate change to authoritarianism. But pessimism and despair are too easy a response. Each week, Progress Network Founder Zachary Karabell and Executive Director Emma Varvaloucas convene a diverse panel of experts to discuss the central issues of our era, including sustainability, polarization, work, and the economy, and make the case for a brighter future. They emerge from their conversations with a counterintuitive but informed take: progress is on its way.

What Could Go Right‪?‬ The Progress Network with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas

    • Society & Culture

What if instead of being on the brink of disaster, we’re on the cusp of a better world? No one can deny the challenges the world faces, from pandemics to climate change to authoritarianism. But pessimism and despair are too easy a response. Each week, Progress Network Founder Zachary Karabell and Executive Director Emma Varvaloucas convene a diverse panel of experts to discuss the central issues of our era, including sustainability, polarization, work, and the economy, and make the case for a brighter future. They emerge from their conversations with a counterintuitive but informed take: progress is on its way.

    Veterans and Invisible War with Phil Klay

    Veterans and Invisible War with Phil Klay

    In the modern age of warfare, what does it mean for Americans to enter the armed forces? Zachary and Emma speak with veteran and author Phil Klay about the disconnect many people who serve in our current wars feel when they return back home, as well as the lack of understanding that American civilians have toward the complexities of these conflicts. Yet the military remains a major factor in the government’s budget and in Americans' patriotic pride. This discussion leads to questions about the morals of modern warfare and the care the nation owes to the veterans who have provided their service and the allies who have assisted in our efforts.
    What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate.
    For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.org
    Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theprogressnetwork
    And follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk
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    • 59 min
    The Honesty of Our Economy with Allison Schrager

    The Honesty of Our Economy with Allison Schrager

    Many news stories tend to focus on the doom and gloom of our current economy. Zachary and Emma speak with economist and author Allison Schrager, who tends to see things differently. Climbing wages, retirement planning, and even the current state of inflation are all positive elements of today's economy. TikTok and the rise of younger generations living at home are also hot button topics in today’s conversation.
    What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate.
    For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.org
    Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theprogressnetwork
    And follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 54 min
    A Colorblind Nation with Coleman Hughes

    A Colorblind Nation with Coleman Hughes

    Can the idea of America looking beyond race work in such a divided time? Are there reasons we should still use race as a basis for public policy? Have colleges gone too far in their actions to confront racist actions in the past? Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas talk to Coleman Hughes, the author behind the new book 'The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America' to look at a modern approach to race that seems to be making waves.

    What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate.
    For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.org
    Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theprogressnetwork
    And follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Introducing: What Could Go Right?

    Introducing: What Could Go Right?

    Negative news can be overwhelming, but it's important to question whether it accurately reflects our world. Join "What Could Go Right?" to hear positive stories from various experts and challenge the negative narrative. Let's strive for a more balanced view of what's happening today.
    Whether you need a change of perspective or change of heart, check out "What Could Go Right?" from The Progress Network, with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas.

    What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate.
    For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.org
    Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theprogressnetwork
    And follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 2 min
    Introducing The Ongoing Transformation: Finding Collective Advantage in Shared Knowledge

    Introducing The Ongoing Transformation: Finding Collective Advantage in Shared Knowledge

    While we are hard at work on season six of What Could Go Right, we wanted to share another show we think you’ll really enjoy – The Ongoing Transformation. 

    The Ongoing Transformation is produced by our friends at Issues in Science and Technology. Each episode features conversations about science, technology, policy, and society. This episode explores the CHIPS and Science Act, which aim to secure American competitiveness and innovation by investing $280 billion in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, scientific innovation, and regional development. 

    But if past government investments in science and technology are any guide, this will affect American life in unexpected and profound ways—well beyond manufacturing and scientific laboratories. Hear Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University, and host Lisa Margonelli discuss these initiatives in the context of previous American security investments. 

    Find more episodes of The Ongoing Transformation wherever you listen to podcasts!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 38 min
    Progress Check: Season 5 Recap with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas

    Progress Check: Season 5 Recap with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas

    Are our fears about the future grounded in facts on the ground today? Will conflict and war wax or wane this century? And what global progress can we look to as examples of unexpected good occurring? Today, for our season finale, Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas reflect on lessons gleaned from this season's episodes.
    What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate.
    For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.org
    Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theprogressnetwork
    And follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 58 min

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