The Surprising Ritual Renaissance | with Bruce Feiler

The Surprising Ritual Renaissance | with Bruce Feiler

Author: The Progress Network with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas May 27, 2026 Duration: 49:44
What happens when the traditional ways we gather and mourn start to disappear? Bestselling author Bruce Feiler joins host Zachary Karabell to discuss his latest book, A Time to Gather, and explore the modern celebration recession. Instead of yielding to isolation, Feiler reveals a surprising grassroots renaissance of human connection happening right now.Feiler shares deeply personal stories, from navigating his father's funeral to establishing a meaningful family ritual following the recent loss of his sister-in-law. Karabell and Feiler also discuss the dual nature of social media, highlighting how it acts as an amplification tool that helps democratize new traditions, like hospital honor walks for organ donors and even Taylor Swift-themed divorce parties.While acknowledging the very real threats of loneliness and the isolating effects of our digital lives, Feiler explains why he remains optimistic about our collective future. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and Kaleidoscope. 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 Subscribe to Zachary’s Substack: www.edgyoptimist.substack.com/

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: 100

What Could Go Right?
Podcast Episodes
The Progress Report: Erasing Hidden Hazards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:59
In this episode of The Progress Report, Zachary and Emma dig into the rape kit backlog, the long-term effects of war, and the idea that good news often arises from the resolution of past issues. The conversation emphasiz…
Tariffs, Trade, and TikTok with Noah Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:09
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The Return to Trumplandia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:02
Welcome to Season 7! This week, Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas discuss the duality of news, focusing on the positive amidst the negative. They explore the impact of the Trump administration on American politics, t…
What Could Go Right: New Episodes March 5th [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01
Negative news can be overwhelming, but it's important to question whether it accurately reflects our world. Join "What Could Go Right?" to hear positive stories from various experts and challenge the negative narrative.…
BONUS: We want to hear from YOU [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:49
Can you do us a favor? We’re looking for your feedback on our show. If you’ve enjoyed listening to it, please take a moment to fill out this quick survey: theprogressnetwork.org/survey. Happy Holidays! We’ll see you in t…
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Duration: 47:19
How many U.S. states have increased their minimum wage in 2024? Have greenhouse gas emissions gone down in the EU this year? Has the ozone layer begun to heal itself? Zachary and Emma wrap up 2024 by reflecting on positi…
The Progress Report: Legislative Transplants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:53
In this week's Progress Report, Emma discusses significant advancements in medical science, particularly in bone marrow transplants, highlighting a startup called Ossium that is innovating donor matching. She also covers…
Election Reflection with Robert Wright [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:01
How do Americans overcome political polarization? Is not having a monolithic Latino or Black vote good for America? What are some benefits and drawbacks to a Trump presidency? Zachary and Emma speak with Robert Wright, a…
The Progress Report: Recovered Life Expectancy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:24
In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various stories that highlight progress in society. They cover the cloning of the black-footed ferret as a conservation effort, innovations in breast pump technolo…