Sam Bowman on how Works in Progress got started, what's striking about America, and how Britain can get its economic mojo back.

In Virginia's Podcast: Virginia Postrel interviews interesting people, author and cultural observer Virginia Postrel sits down with a wide array of thinkers, makers, and doers. These conversations explore the intersections of technology, culture, and society, digging into how creativity and enterprise shape our world and drive progress. Each episode feels like a thoughtful, meandering discussion with a curious friend, one who asks the questions that get to the heart of what people are building, thinking, and discovering. You’ll hear from innovators explaining the human side of their work, artists discussing the systems around their craft, and analysts tracing the subtle forces that transform our daily lives. The tone is engaging and substantive, avoiding simple soundbites for deeper exploration. This podcast is for anyone who finds fascination in the mechanisms of a dynamic culture, from the design of our cities to the ethics of new technologies. Virginia’s skill as an interviewer allows her guests to unfold their ideas naturally, making complex topics accessible and personally relevant. It’s a consistent source of perspective on how change happens and who is behind it, offering listeners not just information, but a framework for understanding the ongoing conversation between progress and tradition. Tune in for episodes that consistently leave you with something new to consider about the world taking shape around us.