What Could
Go Right?
The Podcast

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The Progress Report: Ancient Scrolls Decoded by AI!

Featuring Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas

This week on The Progress Report, Emma and Zachary dive into the mysterious world of ancient Herculaneum scrolls—charred by Vesuvius, now decoded by AI and particle accelerators. Maryland smashes its conservation goals, becoming the first U.S. state to hit “30 by 30.” And, are we really past peak alcohol consumption? We unpack what it means for the world (and Zachary’s distillery).

The Supreme Court vs. Donald Trump

Featuring Stephen Vladeck

It’s time for a lesson on the U.S. Supreme Court. Zachary and Emma speak with Stephen Vladeck, CNN's Supreme Court analyst, law professor at the University of Texas, and author of the newsletter One First. The Supreme Court is at a crucial historical moment as it clashes with the Trump Administration. Stephen, Zachary, and Emma dive into the controversy around Trump’s emergency powers, the judicial pushback against presidential overreach, and the pivotal role of balance among the branches of federal government. Stephen highlights tariffs, immigration, and the nerdy nature of legal battles.

The Progress Report: Science Tastes Like Chicken

Featuring Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas

This week on The Progress Report, hosts Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas share a roundup of positive news from around the globe. Starlink has surged to become Nigeria’s second-largest internet provider, offering much-needed fast and reliable connectivity despite government concerns about foreign control. Japanese scientists have made a breakthrough by growing an 11-gram, nugget-sized chunk of lab-grown chicken, promising a more scalable and eco-friendly future for meat production. In Singapore, conservationists are creating a pangolin sperm bank to help save this heavily trafficked, endangered mammal, highlighting innovative efforts to preserve biodiversity.

ALL EPISODES

Featuring Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas

The Progress Report: Ancient Scrolls Decoded by AI!

This week on The Progress Report, Emma and Zachary dive into the mysterious world of ancient Herculaneum scrolls—charred by Vesuvius, now decoded by AI and particle accelerators. Maryland smashes its conservation goals, becoming the first U.S. state to hit “30 by 30.” And, are we really past peak alcohol consumption? We unpack what it means for the world (and Zachary’s distillery).

Featuring Stephen Vladeck

The Supreme Court vs. Donald Trump

It’s time for a lesson on the U.S. Supreme Court. Zachary and Emma speak with Stephen Vladeck, CNN's Supreme Court analyst, law professor at the University of Texas, and author of the newsletter One First. The Supreme Court is at a crucial historical moment as it clashes with the Trump Administration. Stephen, Zachary, and Emma dive into the controversy around Trump’s emergency powers, the judicial pushback against presidential overreach, and the pivotal role of balance among the branches of federal government. Stephen highlights tariffs, immigration, and the nerdy nature of legal battles.

Featuring Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas

The Progress Report: Science Tastes Like Chicken

This week on The Progress Report, hosts Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas share a roundup of positive news from around the globe. Starlink has surged to become Nigeria’s second-largest internet provider, offering much-needed fast and reliable connectivity despite government concerns about foreign control. Japanese scientists have made a breakthrough by growing an 11-gram, nugget-sized chunk of lab-grown chicken, promising a more scalable and eco-friendly future for meat production. In Singapore, conservationists are creating a pangolin sperm bank to help save this heavily trafficked, endangered mammal, highlighting innovative efforts to preserve biodiversity.

MEET OUR
HOSTS

Zachary Karabell

Zachary Karabell is the founder of the Progress Network. He is an author, columnist, and investor and president of River Twice Capital. He is also the author of 13 books, most recently Inside Money: Brown Brothers Harriman and the American Way of Power.

Zachary Karabell

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Emma Varvaloucas

Emma Varvaloucas is the Executive Director of The Progress Network. An editor and writer specializing in nonprofit media, she was formerly Executive Editor of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and is the editor of two books from Wisdom Publications.

Emma Varvaloucas

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Testimonials

This podcast is optimistic without being naive. Deeply historically based reflections met with global comparisons on the troubling issues we face today. Excited for the next conversation!

Katelyn

Love this fresh perspective—a welcome listen during these transitional times.

Lara

What Could Go Right? is one of the best projects on the Internet. Chin up, people—believe it or not, we're somehow moving in the right direction in many ways.

Chris

Your podcast with Anne-Marie Slaughter was fabulous. . . . More things like this and thank you for your platform of caring, brilliant leaders. We need your perspective to heal!

Cheryl