In this week's episode of The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss positive news stories, including New Mexico’s free childcare program that has lifted 120,000 people out of poverty, an FBI initiative addressing unresolved crimes in Indian Country across the US, and the signs of life on a distant planet that NASA just detected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does the future of the Middle East look like? Zachary and Emma speak with Dr. Jon Alterman, senior vice president and director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he holds the Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy. They discuss the complexities of achieving peace between Israel and Palestine, the evolution of a new Syria, and the socioeconomic growth of many Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia. Dr. Alterman also touches on...
In this episode of the Progress Report, Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas dig into some seriously overlooked good news. Brazil and South Korea have both pushed back against anti-democratic power grabs—and won. From Bolsonaro facing trial to South Korea's president getting the boot after a wild six-hour martial law stunt, democracy is holding its ground. Emma also pulls a gem from a dense World Bank report: more people than ever now have some form of social protection, like pensions or cash t...
What can be done to change United States foreign policy? Zachary and Emma speak to US foreign policy experts and co-hosts of the American Prestige podcast, journalist Daniel Bessner and historian Derek Davison. Daniel is the author of Democracy in Exile and Derek runs the Foreign Exchanges newsletter. They discuss the American public’s engagement with foreign policy, the impacts of US global dominance, potential for a reformed policy that considers global interests, and why we shouldn’t call Don...
In this week’s Progress Report, Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas highlight some truly global good news—stories that are too often buried under the avalanche of daily doomscrolling. Emma brings data from the World Health Organization showing that maternal mortality has dropped by over 40% since 2000, with real success stories in sub-Saharan Africa. Then they shift to Japan, where the world’s first 3D printed train station was built and installed in just a week. Also, electric buses are quiet...
What would the U.S. look like after a corporate breakup? Zachary and Emma speak with author of the BIG newsletter, host of the Organized Money podcast, and director of research at the American Economics Liberties Project, Matt Stoller. They discuss the major political issues from concentrated economic power, the bipartisan movement against monopolies, the ways in which big tech has influenced the healthcare system, and the power of a fair market for Americans. What Could Go Right? is produced by...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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
