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Climate Change
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Economy
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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 weeklyEpisodes236Founded5 years ago
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Artwork for What Could Go Right?

Latest Episodes

There is a massive chasm between what official data tells us about the financial landscape and how average Americans actually experience their daily lives. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's, joins Zachary Karabell to break down why this disconne... more

While the severity of North American wildfires and their deadly smoke has undeniably increased, humanity is quietly winning an invisible technological arms race against our changing atmosphere. Emma Varvaloucas, Executive Director of The Progress Net... more

We live in an era of limitless options, but infinite choice might actually be paralyzing our ability to make decisions and find satisfaction. David Epstein, bestselling author of Range and the new book Inside the Box, joins host Zachary Karabell to a... more

Researchers just used machine learning to read a carbonized Roman scroll that hasn't been opened in 2,000 years. In this week’s progress report, Emma Varvaloucas dives into a technological breakthrough that is unlocking an ancient library buried by v... more

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Recent Guests

Alex Duran
Executive at Galaxy Gives, formerly incarcerated, Bard College Prison Initiative alum
Galaxy Gives / Bard College Prison Initiative
Episode: The Era of Mass Incarceration May Actually Be Ending | with Alex Duran
Greg Jackson
Professor at Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University
Episode: The Case Against Cynicism | with Greg Jackson & Steven Johnson
Steven Johnson
Author of The Infernal Machine and other works
Author/Speaker
Episode: The Case Against Cynicism | with Greg Jackson & Steven Johnson
Zachary Karabell
Host and founder of The Progress Network
The Progress Network
Episode: The Case Against Cynicism | with Greg Jackson & Steven Johnson
Alexis Coe
Historian and author; fellow at New America
New America
Episode: Can We Please Celebrate America's 250th Without Whitewashing the Past? | with Alexis Coe
Alex Mayyasi
Author of Planet Money, contributor to Planet Money, author of Planet Money, A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life
Planet Money / Books
Episode: How to Read Economic News Without Spiraling | with Alex Mayyasi
Dina Mengestu
Professor at Bard College; novelist; PEN America president
PEN America; Bard College
Episode: Is Free Expression Actually Under Attack? | with Dinaw Mengestu
Anthony Scaramucci
Former communications director for the first Trump administration, entrepreneur, and investor
Episode: Surviving the 80-Year Cycle of American Crises | with Anthony Scaramucci
Sarah Kreps
Professor at Cornell University, former US Air Force officer
Cornell University
Episode: Why AI and Drones Won’t Bring the Apocalypse | with Sarah Kreps

Hosts

Emma Varvaloucas
Executive Director, The Progress Network; host of weekly insights and partner-focused discussions.
Zachary Karabell
Founder of The Progress Network; host of content-focused discussions on progress, policy, and governance.

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars from 164 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 States2 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 States6 months ago
  • See you in 2026!!

    Can’t wait for more GOOD NEWS!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    artist/anne
    United States10 months 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 States10 months 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.

Listeners praise the hopeful, evidence-based framing and in-depth interviews with experts.
A subset of reviews expresses strong disagreement with viewpoints and tone, indicating polarized reception among some listeners.
Some critiques note a perceived bias and strong personality tones from hosts.
Fans appreciate practical takeaways and real-world examples that illustrate progress in diverse fields.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#231
Austria/Society & Culture

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Era of Mass Incarceration May Actually Be Ending | with Alex Duran
Q: Tell us about something that went unexpectedly right for you in your life.
I served 12 years in prison and unexpectedly earned a world class liberal arts education through Bard College Prison Initiative, which opened doors I never imagined and set the foundation for my later work in philanthropy and reform.
How to Read Economic News Without Spiraling | with Alex Mayyasi
Q: Where do you come down on the gig economy and its impact on workers?
The gig economy is larger than a few apps suggest; it reshapes labor markets by moving work outside traditional employment, changing how benefits and protections are provided, and prompting reassessment of labor laws. It's not just about Uber-like rideshare tasks but about a broader trend of contract work, which has wide implications for wages, job security, and benefits.
How to Read Economic News Without Spiraling | with Alex Mayyasi
Q: What are three things people should know about the economy?
First, that big macro numbers don't directly measure your personal financial reality, and spending patterns can reveal what people actually do rather than what they say. Second, compounding effects—whether in finance, networks, or careers—build over time and can unlock sizable benefits. Third, cost disease helps explain why we see rising prices in labor-intensive services even as technology makes other sectors cheaper, shaping how households experience inflation and wage dynamics.
Is Free Expression Actually Under Attack? | with Dinaw Mengestu
Q: What grade would you give the United States today for supporting free expression?
A nuanced assessment that weighs both progress and repression, with a cautious recommendation to view the country's record as a curve that has improved relative to certain eras but remains imperfect relative to others and to the ideal of broad, inclusive speech for all.
The Surprising Ritual Renaissance | with Bruce Feiler
Q: Why this book? Why now?
Feiler argues that we are in a period of renewal as traditional rituals fade, yet new, more personal rituals are emerging that better meet contemporary needs for meaning, connection, and belonging.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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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 thoughtful, progress-forward show that pairs data-driven optimism with expert analysis across science, economics, governance, and technology. Listeners hear conversations that weigh evidence for positive trends in climate, health, and innovation, while also tackling how headlines shape public perception. Episodes frequently feature researchers, policymakers, and authors who provide practical insights, concrete case studies, and nuanced takes on big issues. The format often blends long-form interviews with hopeful, I-can-do-it attitude, making it useful for professionals seeking balanced perspectives and actionable takeaways for strategy, communications, or policy work. A notable strength is its willingness to feature diverse viewpoints—fr... more

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1. The Ezra Klein Show
2. On with Kara Swisher
3. The Daily
4. The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan
5. Radio Atlantic

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

What Could Go Right? launched 5 years ago and published 236 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. Alex Duran
2. Greg Jackson
3. Steven Johnson
4. Zachary Karabell
5. Alexis Coe
6. Alex Mayyasi
7. Dina Mengestu
8. Anthony Scaramucci

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