We're just a few months away from 2024, and things are getting...bad. Horrible wars, mass civilian casualties, the worsening specter of climate change, and much more that rightly makes people feel hopeless and helpless (and we’re not even in the thick of the U.S. election). When things look bleak (and they are), your best course of action is to look for hope wherever you can—and these podcasts can help.
These shows remind us that even in times of great conflict and suffering, there are good people in the world and we can all do our part to create change for the better for ourselves and the world.
I am America
In "I Am America," Tracee Ellis Ross offers a portrait of ordinary people making a huge difference in the world by living their lives well. The telling of the story is vulnerable, insightful, and authentic: a family works together to support a young boy's dream of becoming a baker. An immigrant woman finds freedom in accepting her disability. A former businessman recounts what he learned when he decided to volunteer at an elementary school in Harlem. These stories make me melt because they are full of hope and because they are a joy to listen to.
everyone in the pool
It seems impossible not to be nihilistic about climate change. Everyone in the pool is sharing reasons for hope. This is a show all about climate solutions and the people who create them. Host Molly Wood talks about floating airships that can transport goods in a zero-emission or even carbon-negative way, imagining an ocean without plastic, and focusing on innovations that will help us adapt and be more resilient. It's a reminder that focusing on smart people working to find solutions might make for a better movie than obsessing over it.
blue sky
If you need to find more silver linings in your life, there's no one better to turn to than Bill Burke, founder of the Optimism Institute. On Blue Sky , he talks with inspiring leaders, authors, researchers and big thinkers who are thinking about how to effect positive change in everything from media and politics to big tech. You'll sleep better at night after listening to these conversations.
when the people decide
Part storytelling, part civics lesson, When the People Decide is a podcast that provides rare evidence that our government can actually do the right thing by exploring allowing citizens in certain states to directly weigh in on policy Initiative and referendum processes to vote and co-develop policy. Issues they care about on the ballot. Host Jenna Spinelle tells the stories of citizens protecting libraries, supporting queer community rights, supporting local journalism, and more. There are pros and cons to this process, but ultimately, it's about living in a democracy and working together.
Make peace visible
The fear-mongering media knows conflict creates clicks, but peace is happening all around us. Making peace visible is a great reminder. In each episode, award-winning documentary filmmaker and peace activist Jamil Simon engages in thoughtful conversations with journalists and peacebuilders about the human side of war and ongoing peace efforts around the world.
Anger + Optimism
If you're angry about climate change, tune into Anger + Optimism , which will help you channel your anger into something positive. The show hosts hopeful conversations about the path to building a sustainable future. This isn’t about turning away our frowns, but using storytelling to show us that some of the innovations happening today in energy, tree planting, shipping and more give us reason to hope that our best days are not behind us.
Future Hindsight
Future hindsight will allow you to get out of your own way and focus on civic action and making the changes you want to see in the world. It will help you understand the power of voting and the importance of active participation in civic life, and share important ideas about action items people can implement every day. Host Mila Atmos is smart and curious, and her conversations are powerful, informative, and inspiring.
What can be done right?
What if, instead of teetering on the edge of disaster, we stood on the threshold of a more hopeful world? We face daily news about pandemics, climate change, and the rise of authoritarianism. It's tempting to curl up into a ball on the floor, but it's too easy. About what can be done right? , Progress Network Founder Zachary Karabell and Executive Director Emma Varvaloucas convened a diverse panel of experts for a deep dive into sustainability, polarization, jobs, the economy and other key questions, seeking help showing you a future that isn’t all doom and gloom.
Daily TED Talk
Perhaps the best way to combat doomsayers is to listen to talented and curious people explain how they see the world today. Daily TED Talks puts the microphone in the hands of everyone from speakers who have given explosive TED talks to veteran podcasters, doctors, and academics, so they can share what fuels their passion and inspires them to work for change , keeping them up all night. , in a good and challenging way. Learn how extraordinary people are bridging political divides, turning pain into strength, fighting hunger, designing for dignity, and more.
How my vision grew
In a time when political discourse is more divisive than ever, How My View Grew explores the power of nuanced thinking. Hosted by veteran executive coach, author and seasoned interviewer Amiel Handelsman, the show delves into the challenges facing humanity by considering the stories of key figures whose perspectives follow. A fundamental transformation has occurred over time - at least proving that change is possible, but we cannot. All must remain rooted and fearful. Guests include essayist William Deresiewicz, who discusses the findings of unorthodox thinkers, and Yale historian Marci Shore, who provides insights into the development of democracy in Ukraine.
