What Could Go Right?

What if instead of being on the brink of disaster, we’re on the cusp of a better world? No one can deny the challenges the world faces, from pandemics to climate change to authoritarianism. But pessimism and despair are too easy a response. Each week, Progress Network Founder Zachary Karabell and Executive Director Emma Varvaloucas convene a diverse panel of experts to discuss the central issues of our era, including sustainability, polarization, work, and the economy, and make the case for a brighter future. They emerge from their conversations with a counterintuitive but informed take: progress is on its way.

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Recent Reviews
  • Advocacy instead of excuses
    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 of their lives because an election did not go the way they wanted… come on. Unserious. Unprofessional. I am sad to unsubscribe having found this podcast in the wake of October 7th and appreciating what, for many topics, is a more balanced approach. But the revelation that this is just another misguided and elitist group of people who are out of touch with reality has led to me to seek other, more truthful sources of commentary.
  • tlrPNW
    We all need this hopeful outlook
    May Emma and Zachary’s efforts ripple out across the population and make this world a better place
  • Simon C72
    Fake podcast
    I was intrigued by the title, thinking it is a positive podcast that would be void of political content. I could not be more weong and more misled. The TDS emerged sooner than expected in topics not related to politics at all, and the duo could not hide their left wing talking points with quintessential left wing propaganda terms like “right wing hysteria”, “conspiracy theories”, etc. Don’t fall for this fake podcast that pretends to be non political, but is anything but. It is no different than the typical left wing boring repetitive trash.
  • ThaneKrios
    I was interested until…
    I was interested in a fresh perspective until the implicit bias of the show reared its ugly head with language like “right-wing propaganda” in the episode discussing the rise of the Democrat’s historically unpopular but recently coronated Marxist candidate, Kamala Harris. If your aim is to be fair, the kid-gloves need to come off and take aim at target-rich LEFT-WING PROPAGANDA. If you just want an optimistic echo-chamber, carry on.
  • GGXST
    Things could go right… as you as you lean left.
    The problem with all this type of podcast and media in general is that they can’t avoid the deep bias. They may tone it down but using the right words to imply a narrative that once you tune to them they are clear as day.
  • Margaret CA
    Meh
    Just another socially divisive podcast touting old ideas of Marxism and socialism. When they say "what could go right?" it's it about fresh ideas to bring people together, or new ways to think about problems in the world. It is in the framework of "we will be happy if everything could go our way". These people are too young to know how very dangerous this thinking is regardless of how you believe politically
  • The Real Zen Boy
    Classic Case of Rescuer Syndrome
    They overly catastrophize everything, so they can come in and play the White Knight and rescue everyone from their previous doom and gloom. I grew up in a proselytizing religion that was just like this. They spend all this time trying to convince people things are so bad by misrepresenting headlines and events, taking quotes from doomsayers as if they were experts, then comes their sales pitch. Jesus, pollyanneism, crystals, essential oils, more sleep, less sleep, whatever it is that will solve the problems they just tried to convince you is making you miserable. The biggest issue I have is the sheer amount of misinformation they put out. Left wing misinformation is just as harmful as right wing misinformation, they both get in the way of the people trying to get things done. They avoid true researchers and instead bring in people who wrote a book, a book that seeks facts to fit their narrative. Plenty of people available who can give you the ins and outs and the nuances, but nope, let’s get people who are on a book tour. In the few episodes I listened to - in the hopes it would get better - I literally learned nothing, and the only benefit possibly obtained was the eye exercise I got by reflexively rolling my eyes every other sentence while they spewed misinformation. I’ll save you a lot of time: everything is the fault of white males and the only solution is for white males to give all their money to everyone else - anonymously of course because otherwise it would be colonialism - and just stop existing.
  • Barberry 2023
    Weak hosts, simplistic ideas
    Seems like the got the idea from the truly ground breaking What Could Possibly Go Right podcast. Unfortunately hosts that don’t even know the definition of Capitalism? Really? It’s 2023. Kinda simple and lacking in intelligent insight AND zero sense of humor. Hard pass.
  • Nickname1792804
    Thoughtful and Realistic
    I really enjoy this podcast because it moves past the fashion of oversimplification, needless over complication, cynicism, and tribalism. I also deeply appreciate that the hosts are not Pollyannas.
  • GatsbyNYC
    Nice try
    I have to agree with an earlier review, these two don't have good enough voices for a podcast. Also, the content is presented in an overly simplistic way. It's suitable for young teens and should be promoted as such.
  • cheapazz
    Lets me escape reality!
    When faced with cold facts, instead of getting another panic attack I instead reach for the ear buds and listen to Zach and Emma’s comforting spin of how they see the world. Then I’m vaxxed for another day against the trickery of the orange Satan and his right wing minions. You too, can be as obtuse and fatuous as me by listening to these brilliant podcasters!
  • Dan1777999877
    Love this show!
    What Could Go Right? has quickly become a favorite in my feed! I'm consistently impressed by the engaging conversations, insightful content, and actionable ideas. I truly learn something every time I listen!
  • deNYS2B
    Sound and voice
    Cannot listen to this podcast. Bad and and not all voices are good for “radio” unfortunately.
  • Katelyn SL
    Refreshing perspective and conversation points
    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!
  • misslaramichaels
    The content we need!
    Love this fresh perspective - a welcome listen during these transitional times.
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