What Could Go Right? - podcast cover

What Could Go Right?

The Progress Network with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucastheprogressnetwork.org
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.

Episodes

The Progress Report: The World Bank Goes Nuclear

In this week's episode of The Progress Report, Emma highlights positive news stories, including potential changes in the World Bank's nuclear energy policy, innovative cancer treatments, decreasing breast cancer mortality rates, and bipartisan efforts to combat ticket price gouging. 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://ww...

Apr 04, 202514 min

Are We the Real Fossil Fools? with Emily Atkin

Why doesn't the media name and shame the real villains of the climate change story? How can tobacco industry-like litigation impact fossil fuel companies? What are the obstacles of transitioning to a clean energy future? Zachary and Emma speak with journalist, author, and founder of the Heated Substack, Emily Atkin. They discuss the Trump administration’s impact on worldwide climate policy and financing, the power of 24 American states participating in fossil fuel lawsuits and Paris Agreement go...

Apr 02, 202554 min

The Progress Report: Ebola Scare and Obamacare

In this episode of The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss recent bipartisan agreements on U.S. gun laws including the Supreme Court’s upholding of Biden-era rule on ghost guns, the impact of Obamacare on healthcare access, and Uganda’s record-breaking rapid response to an Ebola outbreak. 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...

Mar 28, 202520 min

DOGE, Democracy, and Everything Between with Matthew Yglesias

Is Trump’s massive government reform necessary? Can the U.S. build better after DOGE? How efficient are government programs like food stamps and Medicaid? Zachary speaks with Vox co-founder and author of the Slow Boring Substack Matthew Yglesias. They discuss current Republican strategies, ideas for a Democratic response, American and Canadian relations, and the many changes that the federal government has seen in Trump’s second term. With an eye on both challenges and opportunities, they examin...

Mar 26, 20251 hr

The Progress Report: Construction: It’s Electric!

In this episode of The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss some encouraging developments around the world, including a new nasal surgery in London that restores smell for long COVID patients, promising advancements in HIV prevention with the lenacapavir injection, and Oslo’s push to electrify construction sites for a quieter, more sustainable future. The conversation underscores recent positive advances in technology. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglom...

Mar 21, 202514 min

Everything Is Tuberculosis, But It Doesn’t Have to Be with John Green

Today, Zachary and Emma are diving into a global health crisis that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—tuberculosis (TB). It’s one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, yet it has been largely ignored by wealthy nations and Big Pharma. But one person who refuses to let that stand is #1 New York Times bestselling author, YouTuber, and activist John Green. You probably know him for his bestseller The Fault in Our Stars or his YouTube series Crash Course, but he’s also been waging a p...

Mar 19, 202536 min

The Progress Report: Erasing Hidden Hazards

In this episode of The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma dig into the rape kit backlog, the long-term effects of war, and the idea that good news often arises from the resolution of past issues. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of recognizing progress and constructive stories to foster collective well-being. 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...

Mar 14, 202519 min

Tariffs, Trade, and TikTok with Noah Smith

Will the U.S. no longer be an economic superpower in the future? How dangerous is TikTok for Americans? And do tariffs necessarily lead to increased domestic manufacturing? In the midst of tariffs and counter-tariffs and lots of economic uncertainty, Zachary and Emma speak with Noah Smith, economist and writer of the "Noahpinion" Substack. They discuss President Trump's economic maneuvers, our fragmented media ecosystem, and how much of a threat China really is. What Could Go Right? is produced ...

Mar 12, 202554 minSeason 1Ep. 140

The Return to Trumplandia

Welcome to Season 7! This week, Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas discuss the duality of news, focusing on the positive amidst the negative. They explore the impact of the Trump administration on American politics, the importance of understanding diverse voter perspectives, and the role of information in shaping political decisions. The conversation emphasizes the disconnect between government actions and daily life, advocating for a deeper engagement with local politics. They explore the dy...

Mar 05, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 139

What Could Go Right: New Episodes March 5th

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 N...

Feb 27, 20251 min

BONUS: We want to hear from YOU

Can you do us a favor? We’re looking for your feedback on our show. If you’ve enjoyed listening to it, please take a moment to fill out this quick survey: theprogressnetwork.org/survey. Happy Holidays! We’ll see you in the New Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11, 202449 secSeason 1Ep. 138

Looking Back and Moving Forward

How many U.S. states have increased their minimum wage in 2024? Have greenhouse gas emissions gone down in the EU this year? Has the ozone layer begun to heal itself? Zachary and Emma wrap up 2024 by reflecting on positive developments around the world in the past year, one that many consider a year to forget. They revisit conversations with memorable guests and discuss their favorite conversations from this season, ranging from climate change to immigration to the many impacts of social media. ...

Dec 04, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 137

Introducing What’s Your Problem: The World Is Getting Better with Hannah Ritchie

Today we're bringing you an episode from our friends at Pushkin Industries. The show is called What's Your Problem. In this episode, host Jacob Goldstein sits down with data scientist Hannah Ritchie. Hannah is the deputy editor of Our World in Data, and the author of Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet. Hannah’s problem is this: How do you use data to get past the doomsday headlines and solve big problems to achieve sustainability? Listen to...

Nov 27, 202451 min

The Progress Report: Legislative Transplants

In this week's Progress Report, Emma discusses significant advancements in medical science, particularly in bone marrow transplants, highlighting a startup called Ossium that is innovating donor matching. She also covers Colombia's legislative success in banning child marriage after a long campaign, the discovery of the world's largest single piece of coral, and political changes in Gabon following a military coup, including the introduction of term limits for presidents. What Could Go Right? is...

Nov 22, 202413 minSeason 1Ep. 136

Election Reflection with Robert Wright

How do Americans overcome political polarization? Is not having a monolithic Latino or Black vote good for America? What are some benefits and drawbacks to a Trump presidency? Zachary and Emma speak with Robert Wright, author of "Why Buddhism is True” and host of the podcast and newsletter "NonZero.” They discuss Trump's possible impact and strategies, and the potential implications for U.S. relations with China and Iran. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomer...

Nov 20, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 135

The Progress Report: Recovered Life Expectancy

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various stories that highlight progress in society. They cover the cloning of the black-footed ferret as a conservation effort, innovations in breast pump technology, trends in American life expectancy, and the recent developments in sexually transmitted infections. 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 ...

Nov 15, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 134

The Throes of Trumplandia with Ana Marie Cox

How can Americans interact with the opposing political party after such a divisive election? Can community building help Americans look past what is happening at the federal level? Are there groups of people that should now be looking to leave the United States? In their first conversation since the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, Zachary and Emma speak with Ana Marie Cox, political commentator and host of her podcast, "Another Day with Ana Marie Cox." They discuss what campaign promises Trump ...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 133

The Progress Report: Here and Now

In this Progress Report, Zachary and Emma reflect on the recent election results, discussing the implications of Donald Trump's potential second term and the broader political landscape in the U.S. They emphasize the importance of moving beyond outrage and focusing on constructive governance while acknowledging the complexities of American democracy. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, v...

Nov 06, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 130

Maggots, Monkeys, and Mars with Mary Roach

Why are the elderly our top candidates for a Mars mission? How bad is sexual intercourse while researchers are asking questions? What's it like to be mugged by monkeys? Zachary and Emma speak with Mary Roach, the eclectic and quirky author of several books about what she calls "curious science," including "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" and "Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex." They discuss body decomposition, the psychological and physical challenges of a Mars mission, a...

Nov 06, 202448 minEp. 129

The Progress Report: Looming Changes

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various topics including the upcoming US presidential election, concerns about political violence, historical context of such violence, recent changes in citizenship rights in Malaysia, and innovations in aviation regulations. They emphasize the importance of focusing on positive developments in the world while acknowledging the challenges and fears surrounding political dynamics. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network an...

Nov 01, 202421 minSeason 1Ep. 128

Past and Present Power with Peter Frankopan

Has western civilization fallen behind the rest of the world? Should the United States and Great Britain establish better foreign policy with the rising Global South? What can history teach us about global viewpoints? Zachary and Emma speak with Peter Frankopan, global history professor at Oxford and author of several books including his recent title, "The Earth Transformed." They discuss the worldwide effects of the United States' recent domestic focus, what to learn from India's neutral stance...

Oct 30, 202457 minEp. 127

The Progress Report: Advancements and Deposits

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss positive developments in various sectors, including election insights, advancements in mRNA vaccine technology, the environmental impact of COVID-19 on flu strains, and the discovery of lithium deposits in the U.S. They emphasize the importance of focusing on constructive news amidst a landscape often dominated by negativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 25, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 126

Undertaking Utopia with Kristen R. Ghodsee

How does one define utopia? Is it a place, a plan, or a proposal? Have we come closer to utopia through progress in feminism? Zachary and Emma speak with Kristen R. Ghodsee, ethnographer, professor, and author of "Everyday Utopia: What 2,000 Years of Wild Experiments Can Teach Us About the Good Life." They discuss the history of utopian movements, the danger of fearing change, and how weirdos and dreamers help move society forward. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 125

The Progress Report: Improving Communication

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various positive developments in the world, including breakthroughs in drug development for schizophrenia and lung cancer, advancements in weather forecasting, and the importance of effective public communication during emergencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 18, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 124

The Beleaguered Club of Eternal Optimists with Bill Burke

Why is there a need for optimism? Are we really worse off than we were decades and centuries ago? How could the next generation be the "greatest generation"? Zachary and Emma speak with Bill Burke, founder of the Optimism Institute and host of its Blue Sky podcast. They discuss the world's shift from utopian technology glee to dystopian AI fear, the ways that pessimism could halt progress, and how looking back through history can brighten one's outlook. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Pr...

Oct 16, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 123

The Progress Report: Good Decreases

In this episode of the Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss positive news stories that highlight progress in various areas. They explore the recent stabilization of obesity rates in the US, the decline in fentanyl overdose deaths, conservation efforts for Florida manatees, and the global increase in marine protected areas as part of the UN sustainable development goals. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts, to join the newsletter, an...

Oct 11, 202421 minSeason 1Ep. 122

From Hamas to Hezbollah with Steven A. Cook

What is going on in the Middle East now that the conflict has expanded to include Hezbollah? How has the United States struggled to bring resolution and peace to this part of the world? And where does the region go from here? Zachary and Emma speak with Steven A. Cook, expert on U.S.-Middle East policy and Arab politics, and author of "The End of Ambition: America's Past, Present, and Future in the Middle East." They discuss politics, economics, and power across various states, not limited to Is...

Oct 09, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 121

A Community Fight in Wisconsin, From To See Each Other

Sharing an episode of To See Each Other, a show that complicates the narrative about small town Americans in our most misunderstood, and often abandoned, communities. This season, host George Goehl travels to Lincoln County, Wisconsin to follow a small town battle for the last remaining public nursing home in the community. It’s a heart-pounding roller coaster of a fight - in a swing state that could determine the election. Over the course of the show, a universal truth emerges: That in every co...

Oct 07, 202431 min

The Progress Report: Positive Innovation

In this week's Progress Report Zachary and Emma discuss positive developments in the world amidst grim headlines. They explore innovative energy solutions in urban transit, breakthroughs in diabetes treatment using stem cells, and the latest trends in global poverty, highlighting the resilience and progress being made in various sectors. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprog...

Oct 04, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 120

The Dish on Disinformation with Jiore Craig

How do we know which information on social media is real? How can we overcome campaigns of disinformation and misinformation? Zachary and Emma speak with Jiore Craig, global and political media strategist. They discuss the formats that disinformation campaigns use, how they target age groups differently, and various ways for users to combat these campaigns. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more informa...

Oct 02, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 119