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It's easy to be pessimistic, especially with headlines dominated by global challenges like a changing geopolitical landscape, the rise in authoritarianism, and a seemingly unstable global economy. But what if, despite all that, humanity is actually making progress?Join Progress Network Founder Zachary Karabell every Wednesday as he chats with leading experts like Ian Bremmer and Anne Marie Slaught... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes256Founded5 years ago
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Artwork for What Could Go Right?

Latest Episodes

What do anarchist hippies and police officers have in common? We dive into a fringe hippie experiment that turned into a template for police departments across the country. Additionally, we’re talking about a historic trip to the International Space ... more

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As modern society grows wealthier and more technologically advanced, our increasing obsession with safety is quietly stalling human progress. Economist and author Allison Schrager joins host Zachary Karabell to break down the hidden costs of our incr... more

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Why are researchers and doctors who treat dementia so happy right now? Experts think we're in a new optimistic age for Alzheimer's research with new treatments and new diagnostic tools that are changing the landscape. That’s our main story on the Wh... more

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There was a time in American history when everything was about ships. For centuries, power on the seas was necessary for economic success, but U.S. maritime power isn’t what it used to be. That change has never been more important than in the growing... more

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Recent Guests

Allison Schrager
Economist, author, and Bloomberg columnist
Manhattan Institute
Episode: Are We Becoming Too Afraid to Take Risks? | With Allison Schrager
Rana Foroohar
Financial Times columnist, author, and economic analyst.
Financial Times
Episode: The Race for the Arctic Has Already Begun. Is America Ready? | With Rana Foroohar
Brendan Dwyer
Dr. Brendan Dwyer, professor and director of research at the Center for Sport Leadership, Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Episode: The Science of Sports Betting: How Gambling Apps Are Changing Our Brains | with Dr. Brendan Dwyer and Isaac Rose-Berman
Isaac Rose-Berman
Gambling research and policy fellow at the American Institute for Boys and Men
American Institute for Boys and Men
Episode: The Science of Sports Betting: How Gambling Apps Are Changing Our Brains | with Dr. Brendan Dwyer and Isaac Rose-Berman
Dorothy Brown
Professor of Law at Georgetown University, expert on reparations
Georgetown University Law Center
Episode: Could Reparations Actually Happen in America? With Prof. Dorothy Brown
Ari Wallach
Author; head of Longpath; creator of A Brief History of the Future
Longpath; Protopias / Futurific
Episode: Why We Can't Picture a Good Future Anymore | With Ari Wallach
Adam Furestein
Biotech reporter
Stat News (as referenced)
Episode: AI Designed a Cancer Therapy, Cyborg Bugs Are Saving Lives, and the Farmworkers Who Fought Back
Stéphane Bancel
CEO of Moderna
Moderna
Episode: AI Designed a Cancer Therapy, Cyborg Bugs Are Saving Lives, and the Farmworkers Who Fought Back
Dakotah Tyler
Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Astrobiologist
Dr. StarKid podcast host
Episode: Alien Civilizations, Mars Colonization & Humanity in the Age of AI | With Dr. Dakotah Tyler

Hosts

Emma Varvaloucas
Executive Director of the Progress Network; host of the weekly good-news segment and co-host of the show.
Zachary Karabell
Founder of the Progress Network; host of What Could Go Right? discussions.

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars from 166 ratings
  • Her Screechy Voice

    While the topics are kind of interesting and positive I cannot bear the high-pitched squeaky voice of Emma.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MissTerripus
    United States4 months ago
  • Keep it Coming!

    Been receiving your newsletters for ages (I have them archived!) but forgot you also have a podcast. Lovely to hear your voices and dive into your content through this medium.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    et ipsa scientia potestas est
    United States8 months ago
  • See you in 2026!!

    Can’t wait for more GOOD NEWS!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    artist/anne
    United Statesa year ago
  • Makes me feel Hope!

    I adore this duo! Both have great minds and sound quips- my hope is that are back for many more months of shows, I need it more than ever!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    artist/anne
    United Statesa year ago
  • View the upside of all topics except… that one

    Your newest episode starts out claiming Harris lost the election because America is racist and misogynist. Seriously? Every episode I have listened to a tempered analysis, finding truth in the hyperbole. But this episode the content creators revealed themselves as unserious. This is the epitome of why the election went the way it did: a refusal to deal in reality and a focus on charactering other people in hateful and untrue ways. Then, you allow your guest to go on to justify cutting others out... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Advocacy instead of excuses
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners critique perceived political bias or voice quality, highlighting a divide in reception.
Many value constructive conversations with actionable takeaways for policy and business.
Listeners appreciate data-driven optimism and thoughtful analysis on big issues.
Positive feedback frequently mentions the hosts' balanced approach and long-term perspective.

Top Society & Culture Podcasts

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Stuff You Should Know
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This American Life
This American LifeThis American Life
METRO with Sarah Koenig
METRO with Sarah KoenigSerial Productions & The New York Times
The Builders
The BuildersiHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Race for the Arctic Has Already Begun. Is America Ready? | With Rana Foroohar
Q: Do we want to build giant multi-million dollar pieces of steel in the water at a time when an $800 Turkish drone can take out a piece of equipment?
Foroohar said the risk makes adaptable, dual-use maritime capacity more important, since drones cannot carry freight and commercial vessels transport most wartime freight. She contrasted China's flexible approach with U.S. reliance on costly, outdated ships and concentrated defense contractors.
The Race for the Arctic Has Already Begun. Is America Ready? | With Rana Foroohar
Q: How does one convince the Defense Department and the Coast Guard that they should let you spend 10 days on a ship?
Foroohar traced her access to relationships with labor leaders and Biden administration officials, her research on industrial strategy, and the administration's interest in an icebreaker agreement with Finland and Canada.
Are We Becoming Too Afraid to Take Risks? | With Allison Schrager
Q: So someone comes to you with two options that they're considering, they're trying to weigh, which they want to do. What's your template for them?
Schrager recommends clarifying what safety means to the person and identifying their long-term goals, then comparing the risks and considering which option brings them closer to those goals.
Are We Becoming Too Afraid to Take Risks? | With Allison Schrager
Q: So do you think of yourself as a risk taker?
Schrager says she has made quirky choices but avoids some risks, such as skiing or riding a bike in the city. She argues that people usually take risks in some domains and avoid them in others, depending on their experience and ability to manage the uncertainty.
The Science of Sports Betting: How Gambling Apps Are Changing Our Brains | with Dr. Brendan Dwyer and Isaac Rose-Berman
Q: What role does sport fandom play in sports betting behavior?
Fandom intensifies emotional engagement, which can lead to hedge bets or bets on outcomes that align with team loyalties, making gambling more personal and potentially riskier.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About What Could Go Right?

What is What Could Go Right? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hopeful, progress-oriented discussion show that features conversations with experts across science, policy, technology, and culture to explore long-term improvements in society. Episodes cover AI safety and governance, gambling regulation, reparations, future thinking, biotech and ethics, space and exploration, media dynamics, and environmental progress, all framed around constructive perspectives and data-driven optimism. The format combines host-led analysis with guest insights to surface practical takeaways, guardrails, and pathways toward positive change. Notable is the recurring focus on how policy, innovation, and public discourse can steer toward better outcomes while avoiding doomism, making it a compelling listen for decision-mak... more

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Which podcasts are similar to What Could Go Right??

These podcasts share a similar audience with What Could Go Right?:

1. Freakonomics Radio
2. Honestly with Bari Weiss
3. Civics 101
4. You Might Be Right
5. Hidden Brain

How many episodes of What Could Go Right? are there?

What Could Go Right? launched 5 years ago and published 256 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on What Could Go Right??

Recent guests on What Could Go Right? include:

1. Allison Schrager
2. Rana Foroohar
3. Brendan Dwyer
4. Isaac Rose-Berman
5. Dorothy Brown
6. Ari Wallach
7. Adam Furestein
8. Stéphane Bancel

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