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The Progress Network is based at the organization New America.

Chicken little forecast

Still Chugging Along

Volcanoes are erupting in The Philippines, but on-fire Australia received some welcome rain. The Iran war cries have been called off and The Donald’s military powers are about to be hamstrung by the Senate. Meanwhile, his impeachment trial is starting, and we’re all on Twitter for a front-row seat.

What Could Go Right? Season 4

Featuring Zachary Karabell & Emma Varvaloucas

Season 4 of “What Could Go Right?” returns on February 15, 2023, continuing to examine the world and ask about the role of optimism vs. pessimism, hope vs. fear, and progress vs. regress. Each week we’re joined by contributors from diverse fields of business, tech, journalism, politics, and more—all united in their conviction that humanity’s ingenuity and willingness to cooperate for the common good is ultimately more potent than the forces pulling in the other direction.

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Prefer to read? Check out the Audio Transcript

Emma Varvaloucas: Hello doomscrollers, defeatists, and cynics…

Listen, we get it. We’re living in the same world you are: a world tipping toward authoritarianism and polarization, a world burning, freezing, or flooding, a world feeling increasing economic strife and struggle. But what if the constant barrage of bad news is disproportionately shaping the way we see the world. What if we’re not paying enough attention to what’s going right?

And there is plenty that is going right—from the decline of poverty to scientific breakthroughs to politicians actually passing good laws. It’s just that you don’t hear about it on the news. 

If you’re looking for a change, join us weekly on “What Could Go Right?” as we talk with leaders from across fields, including environmental experts, social and tech entrepreneurs, policy setters—anyone who challenges, with evidence, the negative narrative that we are so used to hearing. Plus we bring you the good news that is flying underneath the media’s radar. These are stories and conversations that will inspire and empower you—or at least walk you off the ledge.

Whether you need a pick-me-up or you are already an optimist looking for smart, new solutions to old problems, check out “What Could Go Right?” with Zachary Karabell and me, Emma Varvaloucas, wherever you listen to podcasts.

New episodes coming soon! Season 4 starts February 15th.

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Meet the Hosts

Zachary Karabell

Emma Varvaloucas

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The Honesty of Our Economy

Featuring 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.

A Colorblind Nation

Featuring 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 and Emma 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.

Introducing: What Could Go Right?

Featuring Zachary Karabell & Emma Varvaloucas

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.