How has the Democrats' shift to Kamala Harris upended the election cycle? Zachary and Emma speak with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author Evan Osnos to discuss the current state of the Biden presidency and the rise of Kamala Harris. They look at the factors that led to Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race and the impact of his decision on the Democratic Party. They discuss the role of social media and the potential impact of this energy on the election for both candidat...
Aug 28, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 110
Where should humans draw the line with gene editing? Is CRISPR the "holy grail" of science, or is editing human DNA ethical at all? Zachary and Emma speak with Kevin Davies, executive editor of The CRISPR Journal and author of "Editing Humanity." They discuss gene editing, specifically CRISPR, and its implications for mankind's future, the successes of gene editing for agriculture and treating sickle cell disease, and Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui's unlawful meddling in the DNA of three embryo...
Aug 21, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 109
In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various news stories, highlighting both the good and bad news. They cover topics such as the development of smart insulin, Europe warming faster than the rest of the globe, human adaptation to heat, and a decrease in opioid overdose deaths in the US. 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 podcas...
Aug 16, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 108
Why have leading publications been obsessed with Donald Trump for so long? What's the master thesis behind political and cultural schisms in the US? And why are the nation's elite all talk and no walk about social justice? Zachary and Emma speak with Musa Al-Gharbi, sociologist and author of "We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite." They discuss The New York Times and other publications' fascination with Donald Trump as a politician over the years, the journey of "ju...
Aug 14, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 107
In this episode of The Progress Report, Emma discusses three news stories: the pro-democracy protests in Bangladesh, the projected peak of world population, and state-level initiatives in the United States. The main themes include political unrest and democratic movements, population growth and sustainability, and state-level experimentation and regulation. The takeaways include the power of grassroots movements, the potential positive impact of declining population growth, and the importance of...
Aug 09, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Should psychedelics be legal nationwide? Are they a bipartisan topic? And if they become a retail product like marijuana, how would screening and licensing work? Join Zachary and Emma as they speak with Oshan Jarow, a staff writer at Vox's Future Perfect. Oshan discusses psychedelics in politics, cultures using these drugs therapeutically and spiritually, and both the controversial history and legal future of psychedelics. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglome...
Aug 07, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In this episode, Zachary and Emma discuss various news stories related to the Olympics. They talk about the opening ceremonies, the inclusion of new sports like breakdancing and kiteboarding, gender parity in the games, the introduction of a nursery in the Olympic Village, and the impact of technology on shooting scores. They also reflect on the significance of the Olympics as a peaceful global event. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts,...
Aug 02, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 104
Can anyone truly read a poker face? Join Zachary and Emma as they speak with Maria Konnikova, who takes us on her journey from earning a PhD in psychology to becoming a professional poker player. Maria sheds light on the gender disparities within poker, detailing the unique challenges women face in this male-dominated arena and sharing her triumphs that have garnered her respect and recognition beyond the poker table. Beyond the cards, Maria's fascination with the darker aspects of human behavio...
Jul 31, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 103
In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma delve into the hidden positive stories often overshadowed by mainstream news. They discuss the groundbreaking discovery of a deep cave on the moon, which could pave the way for future human habitation. The conversation then shifts to the exciting advancements in green steel production, promising a more sustainable industrial future. Finally, they explore a new study on a drug that could extend women's fertility and overall lifespan, highlighting t...
Jul 26, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 102
What does an assassination attempt mean for the United States in an already emotionally charged presidential campaign? Zachary and Emma speak with Bret Stephens, a columnist at The New York Times, about the current political climate and the rush to assumptions about political violence. They discuss the cultural temperature, the degradation of civility, and the connection between civic culture and violence. The conversation also touches on the resilience of Trump's support, the changing nature of...
Jul 24, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 101
In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump and its implications for society. They highlight the response from both leaders and ordinary Americans, noting the overall unity and calmness in the aftermath of the event. They also discuss other news stories, including Gambia upholding the ban on female genital cutting and the decreasing global poverty rates. The conversation ends with a positive note about the decrease in gun violence dur...
Jul 19, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 100
Does there need to be a change in the way we approach mental health and therapy? Zachary and Emma speak with Abigail Shrier about the evolving landscape of mental health narratives among younger generations. Abigail's new book 'Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up' challenges the orthodoxy that more therapy is the solution to our rising mental health problems. From the use of trauma as metaphor to the impact of therapeutic trends on adolescents, we explore how societal perceptions and par...
Jul 17, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 99
Has social media peaked? How is media different now compared to the early days of Twitter and Facebook? Are there too many social media options? Zachary and Emma speak with Ben Smith, editor-in-chief of Semafor, founding editor-in-chief of Buzzfeed, and author of "Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral." Journalism's recent online progression, social media fragmentation, and the Facebook news evolution are discussed here today. What Could Go Right? is produ...
Jul 10, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 98
This week we’re sharing an episode of a podcast we think you’ll really like – The Boston Globe’s Say More. We are living in a time of deep uncertainty, marked by global conflicts, economic anxiety, and societal divisions. No wonder we're so uneasy. Progress Network member, and host of the “On Being” podcast Krista Tippett sits down with host Shirley Leung to explain why these uncertain times require a larger spiritual quest for meaning and stillness in modern life. We inhabit a noisy, distractin...
Jul 03, 2024•32 min
In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss the emotional state of the world, the decriminalization of marijuana in Brazil, and the surprising resilience of small islands to rising sea levels. They highlight the disconnect between individual experiences and collective perceptions, as well as the need for more positive stories in the media. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information,...
Jun 28, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 97
What does the surprising outcome of the Indian elections mean for the state of democracy there? Zachary and Emma delve into the failure of polling predictions and discuss the implications of the election results with Ravi Agrawal, the editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy. The conversation looks towards India's future growth and the challenges it faces. While India has the potential to attract companies and become a destination for business, average incomes remain low, and further reforms are needed...
Jun 26, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 96
In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma look at a recent study that people are choosing to avoid the news due to its focus on negative stories. Efforts to repair the ozone hole have been successful, demonstrating the potential for positive change in environmental issues. The use of drones in agriculture can reduce pesticide use and have positive environmental and social impacts. Thailand's legalization of same-sex marriage is a positive development for LGBTQ rights in Southeast Asia. Wh...
Jun 21, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 95
How meaningful are our discussions with others? Are we truly listening to the other person? What are supercommunicators? Zachary and Emma speak with Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection." Supercommunication methods, listening skills, and tools for measured responses are discussed here today. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts, to join the new...
Jun 19, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 94
In the first episode of our new weekly news podcast, Emma and Zachary look into the recent EU elections, school lunches in America, and how a YouTuber in Cyprus possibly won a seat in European Parliament by accident. 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, Fac...
Jun 14, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 93
When we hear the word ‘revolution,’ we often think of the bloody conflicts of the past. But what constitutes a modern-day revolution within our current economic system and forms of government? Both parties within American politics have seen cultural revolutions and shifting value sets with each decade. Zachary and Emma discuss these changes with CNN host, journalist, and author Fareed Zakaria. His latest book, ‘Age of Revolutions,’ explores past and present conflicts that define the polarized an...
Jun 12, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Is social media safe for children? How old do kids need to be to have smartphones? Is Gen Z's mental health declining because of TikTok? Zachary and Emma speak with Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Anxious Generation." Social media's effect on brain development, TV Parental Guidelines and the internet's lack thereof, and the influence of video games on young men are discussed here today. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For tran...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Why do people hate taxes but seem proud to pay them? When did taxation in the US become such a lightning rod issue? And are American feelings about taxes unique? Today Zachary and Emma talk to Vanessa Williamson, senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and a senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. The discussion weaves through taxation, redistribution, and political participation. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomera...
May 29, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 91
How do we properly mine for public opinion? Can we trust polls again? And is there a "secret Biden voter" out there? Zachary and Emma speak with John Gerzema, CEO of The Harris Poll and columnist. The 2024 US presidential election, the mood of America, and major flaws of polling are discussed here today. 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 ...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 90
What does it mean to be a modern Jew? How do Jews in America handle their relationship to Israel, especially after the atrocities of October 7 and the subsequent war with Hamas? Zachary and Emma speak with Noah Feldman, Harvard professor and author of the new book 'To Be a Jew Today: A New Guide to God, Israel, and the Jewish People.' The Israel-Hamas war, levels of Jewishness, and how Gen Z sees things are talked about in today's conversation. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Ne...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 89
What is the cost of not investing in families in America? How can economic security be guaranteed? Zachary and Emma speak with Natalie Foster, President of the Economic Security Project and author of the new book ‘The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America’s Next Economy.’ Baby bonds, student loans, why so many Americans dislike dealing with the government, and raising the economic floor are among the topics discussed today. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podgl...
May 08, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 88
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 m...
May 01, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 87
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 tr...
Apr 24, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 86
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 Progre...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 85
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 manufactu...
Mar 20, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 84
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 ...
Feb 21, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 83
