The Gist: "What Could Go Right, And Why We Rarely Hear About It"
Host: Mike Pesca
Guest: Zachary Carabella, Head of the Progress Network and Host of "What Could Go Right"
Release Date: June 16, 2025

1. Introduction

Mike Pesca opens the episode by introducing the guest, Zachary Carabella, emphasizing his role in promoting "edgy optimism" in a culture dominated by pessimism and doom-laden narratives. Carabella is the head of the Progress Network and hosts the podcast "What Could Go Right." The conversation is framed around exploring positive developments and underreported good news in various sectors.

2. Defining Optimism

Zachary Carabella delves into his optimistic outlook, clarifying that it stems from his inherent disposition rather than an uncritical assessment of positive outcomes. He distinguishes his optimism from Pollyannishness by referencing David Deutsch’s definition:

"Optimism is not the certainty that things are going to get better in the future. Pessimism is the certainty that things are going to get worse. Optimism is just the humble awareness that the future is unknown and we have the capacity to make it better, not that it will be better."
[07:33]

Carabella emphasizes that recognizing the potential for improvement does not negate the existence of substantial challenges but counters the predominant focus on negative outcomes.

3. The Media's Negative Focus

The discussion shifts to the media's disproportionate emphasis on negative news, which Carabella argues fosters a skewed perception of reality. He points out that while incidents like climate change, authoritarianism, and AI-related concerns are legitimate, the relentless negative coverage can overshadow positive developments.

"The media concentrates 90% of its attention on the glass part and not the water part."
[09:34]

Carabella critiques how media narratives often ignore or underreport positive stories, contributing to a societal mindset overwhelmed by pessimism.

4. Organizations Promoting Positive News

Carabella highlights several organizations dedicated to spotlighting positive news and progress:

• Good Good Good
• Roots of Progress by Patrick Collison
• Institute of Progress
• Reasons to Be Cheerful by David Byrne
• John Krasinski’s Initiative

Additionally, he mentions his own Substack column, "Edgy Optimists," which reaches approximately 25,000 subscribers weekly.

"If you’re allowed to believe that things are only getting worse, then you're missing out on recognizing the good that's also happening."
[10:13]

These platforms aim to balance the negative bias in mainstream media by actively seeking and disseminating stories of improvement and innovation.

5. Case Study: New Mexico’s Child Care Policy

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on New Mexico's successful implementation of state-level child care policies funded by surplus revenue from oil and gas taxes.

"New Mexico uses its surplus revenue from oil and gas, which is a tax... to provide free education and pre-K education."
[19:01]

Carabella praises this model as an example of collective investment in the commons, demonstrating how government policy can effectively enhance public welfare when guided by a recognition of communal responsibility.

6. Federal Government Progress Amid Dysfunction

Despite acknowledging the deep dysfunction within national politics, Carabella points out instances of bipartisan legislative achievements:

"Criminal justice reform in the First Step Act in December of 2018... was Republicans and Democrats agreeing to reduce mass incarceration."
[21:59]

He notes that while many federal actions may appear minor or lack media attention, they contribute to meaningful incremental progress. This underscores his argument that progress often occurs beneath the surface of headline-driven narratives.

7. The Role of Optimism in Social Perception

Carabella discusses the psychological impact of optimism, suggesting that societal belief in progress can influence actual outcomes. He argues that without a positive outlook, collective action to improve conditions may be hampered by overwhelming pessimism.

"Presumptuous to think that we know future outcomes... future is unknown, and we have the capacity to make it better."
[07:33]

This perspective advocates for a balanced view that acknowledges both challenges and opportunities, fostering a proactive approach to societal issues.

8. Military Parade Analysis

Transitioning to current events, Pesca describes a recent military parade led by Donald Trump, critiquing its lackluster execution and absence of traditional military pomp.

"The parade was oddly beige... emotionless, formless. Nothing much."
[25:06]

He contrasts this with the "No Kings" protest, highlighting the effectiveness and energy of grassroots movements compared to state-sponsored displays of power. This comparison illustrates the broader theme of constructive versus performative actions in shaping public sentiment and political discourse.

9. "No Kings" Protests and Democratic Resilience

The conversation turns to the "No Kings" protests, which express concern over Trump's adherence to constitutional norms. Pesca and Carabella analyze the protests' significance in demonstrating democratic resilience and public engagement.

"These protests were very productive... tells people, we hear you."
[26:48]

Carabella emphasizes that such peaceful demonstrations are vital for allowing citizens to express dissent and maintain accountability within a democratic framework. He also reflects on the historical context of protests and their role in societal progress.

10. Conclusion and Reflections

Mike Pesca wraps up the episode by acknowledging the nuanced discussions on optimism and the underreported positive developments. He underscores the importance of recognizing and promoting good news to counterbalance the pervasive negativity in media and public discourse.

Notable Quotes

• Zachary Carabella:

  "Optimism is just the humble awareness that future is unknown and we have the capacity to make it better, not that it will be better."
  [07:33]

• Zachary Carabella:

  "Our leader is a lot like Putin or Xi Jinping."
  [26:48]

Key Takeaways

1. Edgy Optimism: Carabella advocates for a balanced optimism that acknowledges challenges while actively seeking and promoting positive developments.
2. Media Influence: The media's focus on negative news shapes public perception, often overshadowing real progress and successes.
3. State-Level Successes: Examples like New Mexico’s child care policy demonstrate how state initiatives can lead to significant societal improvements.
4. Federal Progress Amid Dysfunction: Even within a dysfunctional national government, bipartisan efforts can result in meaningful legislative achievements.
5. Importance of Protests: Peaceful demonstrations like "No Kings" play a crucial role in maintaining democratic accountability and public engagement.
6. Constructive vs. Performative Actions: Genuine, grassroots efforts are often more impactful in driving societal change compared to state-sponsored displays.

About the Guest

Zachary Carabella is an influential voice in promoting optimism and progress through his role as head of the Progress Network and his podcast "What Could Go Right." With a background spanning academia, writing, and finance, Carabella brings a multifaceted perspective to discussions on societal improvement and the underreporting of positive news.

Produced by:
Corey War, Astrid Green (Social Media), Kathleen Sykes (The Gist List), Ashley Khan (Production Coordinator), Michelle Pesca (CBSO), Leo Baum (Intern)

Special Thanks:
Improved Peru. Do Peru.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.