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.
NEWEST EPISODES
Is Free Expression Actually Under Attack?
We hear often that freedom of speech is under threat. And it’s easy to feel like things have never been worse in that regard. But is that really true? Dinaw Mengestu, an acclaimed novelist, MacArthur Genius grant recipient, and president of PEN America, joins host Zachary Karabell to examine the true state of free speech in the United States and abroad.
Surviving the 80-Year Cycle of American Crises
Famous for his turbulent eleven-day stint in the Trump White House, Anthony Scaramucci joins Zachary to ask the big questions: Are we just trapped in a predictable 80-year cycle of national crisis? And if so, how do we push through the chaos to reach an era of renewal? Moving past the usual partisan talking points, the two discuss the future of the Republican party, the heavily debated utility of cryptocurrency, and the responsibility of the wealthy.
What Really Happened After the Affirmative Action Ban
The Supreme Court ruling banning race-based affirmative action is almost three years old, and almost nothing has played out as expected. Black and Hispanic enrollment dropped at the country’s most elite universities, but rose at the vast majority of colleges across the US. And in a twist nobody planned for, the end of race-based admissions may have quietly accelerated the rise of class-based affirmative action.
ALL EPISODES
Is Free Expression Actually Under Attack?
We hear often that freedom of speech is under threat. And it’s easy to feel like things have never been worse in that regard. But is that really true? Dinaw Mengestu, an acclaimed novelist, MacArthur Genius grant recipient, and president of PEN America, joins host Zachary Karabell to examine the true state of free speech in the United States and abroad.
Surviving the 80-Year Cycle of American Crises
Famous for his turbulent eleven-day stint in the Trump White House, Anthony Scaramucci joins Zachary to ask the big questions: Are we just trapped in a predictable 80-year cycle of national crisis? And if so, how do we push through the chaos to reach an era of renewal? Moving past the usual partisan talking points, the two discuss the future of the Republican party, the heavily debated utility of cryptocurrency, and the responsibility of the wealthy.
What Really Happened After the Affirmative Action Ban
The Supreme Court ruling banning race-based affirmative action is almost three years old, and almost nothing has played out as expected. Black and Hispanic enrollment dropped at the country’s most elite universities, but rose at the vast majority of colleges across the US. And in a twist nobody planned for, the end of race-based admissions may have quietly accelerated the rise of class-based affirmative action.
MEET OUR
HOSTS
Zachary Karabell
Zachary Karabell is the founder of the Progress Network. He is an author, columnist, and investor and president of River Twice Capital. He is also the author of 13 books, most recently Inside Money: Brown Brothers Harriman and the American Way of Power.
Emma Varvaloucas
Emma Varvaloucas is the Executive Director of The Progress Network. An editor and writer specializing in nonprofit media, she was formerly Executive Editor of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and is the editor of two books from Wisdom Publications.
Testimonials
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!
Katelyn
Love this fresh perspective—a welcome listen during these transitional times.
Lara
What Could Go Right? is one of the best projects on the Internet. Chin up, people—believe it or not, we're somehow moving in the right direction in many ways.
Chris
Your podcast with Anne-Marie Slaughter was fabulous. . . . More things like this and thank you for your platform of caring, brilliant leaders. We need your perspective to heal!
Cheryl