Whatever Happened to Civics? with Nick Capodice

Whatever Happened to Civics? with Nick Capodice

Author: The Progress Network with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas October 1, 2025 Duration: 55:11
It’s time for a lesson in civics! Zachary and Emma are joined by Nick Capodice, co-host of the Civics 101 podcast where he gets into the basics of how the U.S. government works and also helps teachers design lesson plans to pair with the show. Nick highlights how our collective grasp on how things work in Washington is slipping, the decrease of civics education funding since the 1950s, and the recent rise of deep divisions in American politics. He focuses on the importance of civic participation and voting and how to reclaim your voice beyond the ballot box.What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate.For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more information, visit: theprogressnetwork.orgWatch the podcast on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/theprogressnetwork⁠⁠⁠And follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @progressntwrk

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: Medical Advancements [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss lesser-known news stories that highlight positive developments and meaningful change. They cover topics such as a gel that stops bleeding from wounds in seconds, t…
The Kamala Pivot with Evan Osnos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:21
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The Two Sides of Gene Editing with Kevin Davies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:23
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The Progress Report: Smarter Insulin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Elite Gatekeepers with Musa al-Gharbi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The Progress Report: Pro-Democracy Protests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:00
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Psychedelic Sea Change with Oshan Jarow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:04
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The Progress Report: Olympic Strides Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:23
In this episode, Zachary and Emma discuss various news stories related to the Olympics. They talk about the opening ceremonies, the inclusion of new sports like breakdancing and kiteboarding, gender parity in the games,…
Beyond the Bluff with Maria Konnikova [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:28
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