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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 Progress Report: Green Steel Revolution

Featuring Zachary Karabell & Emma Varvaloucas

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 the potential for revolutionary changes in health and longevity.

The Wild Week

Featuring Bret Stephens

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 the political parties, and the potential impact of J.D. Vance as a vice presidential candidate.

The Progress Report: Calm Amidst Chaos

Featuring Zachary Karabell & Emma Varvaloucas

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 during the Independence Day weekend.