What if instead of being on the brink of disaster, we’re on the cusp of a better world? No one can deny the challenges the world faces, from pandemics to climate change to authoritarianism. But pessimism and despair are too easy a response. Each week, Progress Network Founder Zachary Karabell and Executive Director Emma Varvaloucas convene a diverse panel of experts to discuss the central issues of our era, including sustainability, polarization, work, and the economy, and make the case for ...
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Author Zachary Steele and the man of "mystery" (ahem), Germ, delve into their favorite new and old movies, generally acting in a way that might make you question the "intelligence" on display. The only subjects closed to discussion are religion, politics and, naturally, web browsers, because we’re all tired all the time and don’t need to make things worse by getting worked up over such things.
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In this weekly show, GamePolitics writers Andrew Eisen and E. Zachary Knight discuss all the super important happenings in video games, movies, comics, politics and everything else under the sun.
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Zach and his not-so-disguised co-host Germ kick off the initial episode with an introduction to Objectively Intelligent, introduce their EVR system of movie ratings, break down the new movie Twisters, and get generally distracted by dumb things they did in their twenties.By Zachary Steele
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The Progress Report: Pro-Democracy Protests
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In this episode of The Progress Report, Emma discusses three news stories: the pro-democracy protests in Bangladesh, the projected peak of world population, and state-level initiatives in the United States. The main themes include political unrest and democratic movements, population growth and sustainability, and state-level experimentation and re…
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Psychedelic Sea Change with Oshan Jarow
57:04
57:04
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Should psychedelics be legal nationwide? Are they a bipartisan topic? And if they become a retail product like marijuana, how would screening and licensing work? Join Zachary and Emma as they speak with Oshan Jarow, a staff writer at Vox's Future Perfect. Oshan discusses psychedelics in politics, cultures using these drugs therapeutically and spiri…
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The Progress Report: Olympic Strides Forward
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18:23
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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, the introduction of a nursery in the Olympic Village, and the impact of technology on shooting scores. They also reflect on the si…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 377 – Let’s See What We Can SDCC
56:31
56:31
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Less comics, more con? 0:00 – The Legend of Nayuta is a perfectly okay game, though it does overstay its welcome 13:32 – Behold! The long and tortured rational I used to predict Fie and Sara’s origins in Trails of Cold Steel! 33:41 – San Diego Comic Con is happening RIGHT NOW!!! If you missed ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode 377 – Le…
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Can anyone truly read a poker face? Join Zachary and Emma as they speak with Maria Konnikova, who takes us on her journey from earning a PhD in psychology to becoming a professional poker player. Maria sheds light on the gender disparities within poker, detailing the unique challenges women face in this male-dominated arena and sharing her triumphs…
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The Progress Report: Green Steel Revolution
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In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma delve into the hidden positive stories often overshadowed by mainstream news. They discuss the groundbreaking discovery of a deep cave on the moon, which could pave the way for future human habitation. The conversation then shifts to the exciting advancements in green steel production, promising a mo…
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What does an assassination attempt mean for the United States in an already emotionally charged presidential campaign? Zachary and Emma speak with Bret Stephens, a columnist at The New York Times, about the current political climate and the rush to assumptions about political violence. They discuss the cultural temperature, the degradation of civil…
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In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump and its implications for society. They highlight the response from both leaders and ordinary Americans, noting the overall unity and calmness in the aftermath of the event. They also discuss other news stories, including Gambia upholding the ba…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 376 – Predictions of Cold Steel
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New game. New predictions. Same batting average. 0:00 – A small issue with the otherwise spiffy Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess demo 12:47 – Here are my Trails of Cold Steel predictions before I start streaming the game tomorrow If you missed Saturday’s live broadcast of Molehill Mountain, you can watch the video replay on YouTube. ... Continue r…
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1
The Impact of Therapy Culture with Abigail K. Shrier
53:28
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Does there need to be a change in the way we approach mental health and therapy? Zachary and Emma speak with Abigail Shrier about the evolving landscape of mental health narratives among younger generations. Abigail's new book 'Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up' challenges the orthodoxy that more therapy is the solution to our rising ment…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 375 – A Good Guess
1:13:23
1:13:23
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Technically a failing grade in being right. 0:00 – How accurate were my Trails to Azure predictions? 14:30 – I finally beat Persona 5 Royal. What did I think? 51:46 – Some anime has red flags. So let’s talk about the first two episodes of My Wife Has No Emotion If you missed Saturday’s live ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode 375 – A Go…
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The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of New Media with Ben Smith
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Has social media peaked? How is media different now compared to the early days of Twitter and Facebook? Are there too many social media options? Zachary and Emma speak with Ben Smith, editor-in-chief of Semafor, founding editor-in-chief of Buzzfeed, and author of "Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral." Journ…
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Introducing Say More: Beating Burnout with Krista Tippett
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This week we’re sharing an episode of a podcast we think you’ll really like – The Boston Globe’s Say More. We are living in a time of deep uncertainty, marked by global conflicts, economic anxiety, and societal divisions. No wonder we're so uneasy. Progress Network member, and host of the “On Being” podcast Krista Tippett sits down with host Shirle…
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The Progress Report: Emotional Sea Change
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In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss the emotional state of the world, the decriminalization of marijuana in Brazil, and the surprising resilience of small islands to rising sea levels. They highlight the disconnect between individual experiences and collective perceptions, as well as the need for more positive stories in the me…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 374 – There Is No Zuul, Only Nintendo!
1:20:27
1:20:27
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Not-E3 saved the best for last. 0:00 – I wanted to hook up an external mic to my camera but I bought the wrong cable. Oops! 4:30 – I bought a box of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Mac ‘N Cheese. It’s… colorful! 11:10 – I bought a set of 50 lb dumbbells. They’re very expensive! 25:46 ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode 374 – There Is No Zuul, Only …
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What does the surprising outcome of the Indian elections mean for the state of democracy there? Zachary and Emma delve into the failure of polling predictions and discuss the implications of the election results with Ravi Agrawal, the editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy. The conversation looks towards India's future growth and the challenges it faces…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 373 – Armchair Marketing Consultant
1:11:50
1:11:50
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All lanes are my lane! 0:00 – There were more video game trailers this week. Some of them caught my attention 47:10 – The Lollipop Chainsaw RePop trailer and why it is the worst trailer in the history of video game marketing If you missed Saturday’s live broadcast of Molehill Mountain, you can watch the ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episo…
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1
The Progress Report: Positive Drones and Smaller Holes
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In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma look at a recent study that people are choosing to avoid the news due to its focus on negative stories. Efforts to repair the ozone hole have been successful, demonstrating the potential for positive change in environmental issues. The use of drones in agriculture can reduce pesticide use and have po…
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How to Be a Supercommunicator with Charles Duhigg
52:56
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How meaningful are our discussions with others? Are we truly listening to the other person? What are supercommunicators? Zachary and Emma speak with Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection." Supercommunication methods, listening skills, and tools for measur…
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In the first episode of our new weekly news podcast, Emma and Zachary look into the recent EU elections, school lunches in America, and how a YouTuber in Cyprus possibly won a seat in European Parliament by accident. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Progress Network and The Podglomerate. For transcripts, to join the newsletter, and for more …
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Molehill Mountain Episode 372 – Games, Games Everywhere
1:04:03
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Thank goodness for gameplay-less game trailers or I’d never get through them all! No timestamps this week as I spend the entire episode talking about the various video game trailers that caught my eye. If you missed Saturday’s live broadcast of Molehill Mountain, you can watch the video replay on YouTube. Alternatively, you can catch audio ... Cont…
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Progress and Backlash with Fareed Zakaria
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When we hear the word ‘revolution,’ we often think of the bloody conflicts of the past. But what constitutes a modern-day revolution within our current economic system and forms of government? Both parties within American politics have seen cultural revolutions and shifting value sets with each decade. Zachary and Emma discuss these changes with CN…
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I beat Persona 5’s Okumura. But at what cost? 0:00 – Netflix used some pretty silly thumbnail art for Godzilla Minus One 12:56 – I finally beat Okumura in Persona 5! Of course, now I have to play the rest of the game… 44:42 – Sony showed more than just Monster Hunter Wilds at its ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode 371 – Never Give Up U…
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The Social Media Generation with Jonathan Haidt
1:02:51
1:02:51
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Is social media safe for children? How old do kids need to be to have smartphones? Is Gen Z's mental health declining because of TikTok? Zachary and Emma speak with Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Anxious Generation." Social media's effect on brain development, TV Parental Guidelines and the internet's lack thereof, and the i…
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The Jurassic World cartoon is back! 0:00 – After two years, I’ve finally thrown in the towel on Persona 5 20:00 – It’s not good when your stove breaks. It’s even less good when it starts pumping gas into your home 24:43 – My car isn’t supposed to shake violently when I idle in gear, ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode 370 – But Hey, Tha…
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Red, White, and Due: Talking Taxes with Vanessa Williamson
52:20
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Why do people hate taxes but seem proud to pay them? When did taxation in the US become such a lightning rod issue? And are American feelings about taxes unique? Today Zachary and Emma talk to Vanessa Williamson, senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and a senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. The discus…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 369 – Ding-Dong Dash For Jesus?
1:10:26
1:10:26
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I’m not in marketing but I sure do have opinions on movie and game trailers! 0:00 – Spaceships, aliens, and laser swords are neat but Tales of the Empire is not very good 34:10 – I was ding-dong dashed by a religious person in a grocery store 40:50 – The trailer for the new Assassin’s ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode 369 – Ding-Dong …
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How do we properly mine for public opinion? Can we trust polls again? And is there a "secret Biden voter" out there? Zachary and Emma speak with John Gerzema, CEO of The Harris Poll and columnist. The 2024 US presidential election, the mood of America, and major flaws of polling are discussed here today. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Prog…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 368 – Day 17,027 Patch
54:23
54:23
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Was Voyager 1 CENSORED?!!! 0:00 – Stellar Blade patched out some potentially naughty graffiti 8:22 – Voyager 1 broke last fall. They patched it from 15 billion miles away and now it’s working again. Neat! 15:47 – The City Hunter movie isn’t great but the lead performance sure it! 24:48 – Thankfully, I didn’t end ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mount…
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1
Being Jewish Today with Noah Feldman
1:04:30
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What does it mean to be a modern Jew? How do Jews in America handle their relationship to Israel, especially after the atrocities of October 7 and the subsequent war with Hamas? Zachary and Emma speak with Noah Feldman, Harvard professor and author of the new book 'To Be a Jew Today: A New Guide to God, Israel, and the Jewish People.' The Israel-Ha…
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America's Next Economy with Natalie Foster
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57:10
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What is the cost of not investing in families in America? How can economic security be guaranteed? Zachary and Emma speak with Natalie Foster, President of the Economic Security Project and author of the new book ‘The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America’s Next Economy.’ Baby bonds, student loans, why so many Americans dislike dealing with the g…
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Veterans and Invisible War with Phil Klay
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59:45
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In the modern age of warfare, what does it mean for Americans to enter the armed forces? Zachary and Emma speak with veteran and author Phil Klay about the disconnect many people who serve in our current wars feel when they return back home, as well as the lack of understanding that American civilians have toward the complexities of these conflicts…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 367 – Stellar Blade, Funky Marketing
1:04:45
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I wanna be in the room where it happened! 0:00 – Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: A Ubisoft Exclusive has a lot to like but overall is a pretty average metroidvania 18:01 – Stellar Blade’s marketing continues to flabbergast me 47:00 – I saw Godzilla kiss Kong. That’s the movie’s title, right? 53:58 – ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode…
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The Honesty of Our Economy with Allison Schrager
54:03
54:03
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Many news stories tend to focus on the doom and gloom of our current economy. Zachary and Emma speak with economist and author Allison Schrager, who tends to see things differently. Climbing wages, retirement planning, and even the current state of inflation are all positive elements of today's economy. TikTok and the rise of younger generations li…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 366 – Filling the Gaps
1:06:04
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Catching up on a few 80s sci-fi franchises. 0:00 – I haven’t seen all the Terminator movies. I have now! 32:31 – I haven’t seen all the Alien and Predator movies. And I still haven’t. But I’m getting closer! If you missed Saturday’s live broadcast of Molehill Mountain, you can watch the video replay on YouTube. ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mounta…
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1
A Colorblind Nation with Coleman Hughes
1:02:07
1:02:07
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Can the idea of America looking beyond race work in such a divided time? Are there reasons we should still use race as a basis for public policy? Have colleges gone too far in their actions to confront racist actions in the past? Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas talk to Coleman Hughes, the author behind the new book 'The End of Race Politics: …
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Molehill Mountain Episode 365 – The Book Wasn’t Better
1:10:18
1:10:18
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I’m not talking about Jaws. Though, that would be an example. 0:00 – I’m playing a LOT of RPGs simultaneously. Progress is slow. So let’s talk about how much I’m just not that into Tears of the Kingdom! 32:07 – Hays Code got your movie down? Fear not; Barbara Stanwyck will save it! 43:24 – ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode 365 – The B…
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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. Let's strive for a more balanced view of what's happening today. Whether you need a change of perspective or change of heart, chec…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 364 – When In Doubt, Talk About Movies
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I’m in doubt. 0:00 – Remember that animated Gremlins show that came out last year? It’s pretty good! 6:15 – I’m a big ‘ol dork for Ghostbusters. I’m afraid to see the new movie because it looks… not very good. 35:12 – If The Acolyte, the new Star Wars show, is about stabbing Jedi, I ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain Episode 364 – When In Doub…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 363 – Stellar Buns
1:07:44
1:07:44
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I watched a movie. Then I watched its sequels. 0:00 – Warner Bros. really wants Live Service games to work 37:03 – Argylle’s marketing left me cold but its social media haters piqued my interest! 44:01 – I watched the first three Nemesis movies and I have thoughts! If you missed Saturday’s live broadcast of ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain E…
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Introducing The Ongoing Transformation: Finding Collective Advantage in Shared Knowledge
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While we are hard at work on season six of What Could Go Right, we wanted to share another show we think you’ll really enjoy – The Ongoing Transformation. The Ongoing Transformation is produced by our friends at Issues in Science and Technology. Each episode features conversations about science, technology, policy, and society. This episode explore…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 362 – Downhill
1:17:24
1:17:24
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I watched a movie. Then I watched its sequels. 0:00 – Warner Bros. really wants Live Service games to work 37:03 – Argylle’s marketing left me cold but its social media haters piqued my interest! 44:01 – I watched the first three Nemesis movies and I have thoughts! If you missed Saturday’s live broadcast of ... Continue reading ‘Molehill Mountain E…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 361 – I’m Going to Show and Tell On You!
1:08:04
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Wanna see something utterly underwhelming? 0:00 – Every month I treat myself to sushi. So I bought my own reusable chopsticks! 8:25 – I played The Room. It’s pretty cool! 12:12 – I watched Aquaman 2. It’s pretty cool! 21:20 – Honestly? I think “Ghostbusters: Frozen Summer” is a better title. 24:38 – Publishers’ ability ... Continue reading ‘Molehil…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 360 – Movies, TV, and Game Demos
1:49:18
1:49:18
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I’ve seen things. 0:00 – So, I played a few video game demos this week 33:02 – So, I watched a few movies this week If you missed Saturday’s live broadcast of Molehill Mountain, you can watch the video replay on YouTube. Alternatively, you can catch audio versions of the show on iTunes. Molehill Mountain streams live ... Continue reading ‘Molehill …
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Progress Check: Season 5 Recap with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas
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Are our fears about the future grounded in facts on the ground today? Will conflict and war wax or wane this century? And what global progress can we look to as examples of unexpected good occurring? Today, for our season finale, Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas reflect on lessons gleaned from this season's episodes. What Could Go Right? is pr…
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Molehill Mountain Episode 359 – Carano’s Crap Complaint
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2:00:54
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Let’s read through a legal document. That’ll be fun, right? 0:00 – So, about my federal tax refund… 2:08 – Carano’s legal complaint reads like it was written by a fourteen-year-old. Let’s have a laugh, shall we? If you missed Saturday’s live broadcast of Molehill Mountain, you can watch the video replay on YouTube. Alternatively, you ... Continue r…
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Lessons From Former Presidents with Jared Cohen
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Are we defined by our jobs? What happens to ex-presidents after they leave office? And how does that apply to the current political landscape as we head into the 2024 election? Today, we're joined by Jared Cohen, author of the book 'Life After Power: Seven Presidents and Their Search for Purpose Beyond the White House,' to explore how these leaders…
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Inside Election Administration with Arizona's Secretary of State with Adrian Fontes
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How are states like Arizona preparing for the 2024 presidential election in the United States? How do they ensure the public our votes are safe? And why can't we track our mail-in votes like Uber Eats? Today, we talk with Adrian Fontes, the Secretary of State of Arizona, to discuss the functioning and importance of the electoral process in the Unit…
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Marxism and Modern Society with Freddie deBoer
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Will the labor class change with AI? What actually is Marxism? And what, if anything, can we learn from it? Freddie deBoer, author and "Marxist of an old-school variety," shares why he thinks Marxist thought on capitalism, labor, and societal structures is still relevant and how he applies its principles to contemporary politics. What Could Go Righ…
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