AI Experts Are Warning About Human Extinction. Here’s What They’re Missing

AI Experts Are Warning About Human Extinction. Here’s What They’re Missing

Author: The Progress Network with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas September 28, 2026 Duration: 19:59
After a former Anthropic researcher quit and gave a doomsday warning about artificial intelligence, a debate on a human extinction event is raging in the media. Could AI get too smart too fast? Are we really in danger of AI going rogue and killing off humanity, or is it all an overblown distraction? That’s our main story, and we’re also talking about a brand new way to stop sand erosion that's being tested in the Maldives. Could this save beaches all over the world? Last but not least, in This Week in History, we explain why you should thank the Beatles the next time you get a CT scan. For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.org Subscribe to our (FREE) Substack newsletter: https://theprogressnetwork.org/newsletter/ Watch the podcast on YouTube: / theprogressnetwork Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk Follow Emma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyemmavarv/

It’s easy to feel that everything is falling apart, but what if the dominant narrative of decline is missing a crucial piece of the story? What Could Go Right? asks that question directly, offering a necessary counterpoint to the daily drumbeat of crises. Hosted by The Progress Network’s Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas, this podcast operates from a simple but radical premise: while the problems are real, so is the human capacity for ingenuity and constructive change. Each episode brings together a diverse group of thinkers, from scientists and activists to policymakers and cultural commentators, for conversations that go beyond diagnosing issues to exploring tangible solutions and underreported advances. You’ll hear nuanced discussions on everything from climate technology and economic innovation to the reshaping of governance and culture, all grounded in a realistic sense of possibility. This isn’t about blind optimism; it’s about engaged, evidence-based hope. Tuning in means joining a community that believes understanding what’s working is just as important as understanding what’s broken. If you’re weary of doomscrolling and looking for substantive dialogue that charts a path forward, this is the podcast for you.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

What Could Go Right?
Podcast Episodes
Why the Experts Were Wrong about India [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Winston Churchill predicted this nation would collapse, but today India is experiencing a massive economic glow up as it rapidly lifts hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty. We also investigate why crucial historic…
How Haters Can Accidentally Make You Happier | with Ronda Rousey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
The concept of the American Dream calls up images of enormous money and fame that most of us will never see. But what happens to someone who actually becomes mega famous? Is it truly something to strive for? Is the cost…
The Case for Rewriting Nature's Code | with Ben Lamm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:58
Words like "de-extinction" and "cloning" are often associated with dystopian science fiction stories, but reality tells a more hopeful tale.Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, joins host Zachary Karabel…
Global Shark Conservation Sees Historic Regulatory Breakthroughs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:23
After decades of facing severe overfishing and cultural stigma, global shark populations are finally rebounding thanks to strict new international trade bans and expanding marine sanctuaries. Emma Varvaloucas, Executive…
Why the Economic Numbers Don't Match How You Feel | With Mark Zandi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:39
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 t…
The Invisible Arms Race Against Wildfire Smoke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:07
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, Executiv…
The Case for Embracing Limits | with David Epstein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:47
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, jo…