2024 is just a few months away, and things are about to get worse. There are devastating wars, massive civilian casualties, the ever-worsening fear of climate change, and plenty of other reasons to feel understandably hopeless and helpless (and we're still in the midst of US election season). (Not even in the middle of it.) When things look bleak (because they are), the best course of action is to find hope wherever you can. 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 that we all play our part in creating change for the better both for ourselves and the world. It reminds us of what we can accomplish.
i am america
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upon i am america, Tracee Ellis Ross presents portraits of ordinary people who make a big difference in the world simply by living beautiful lives. The storytelling is vulnerable, insightful, and authentic. Her family works together to support the boy's dream of becoming a baker. Immigrant women embrace obstacles and find freedom. A former businessman explains what he learned when he decided to volunteer at a Harlem elementary school. These stories had hope and were so fun to hear that I was hooked.
Let's all go to the pool
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It may seem that there is nothing but nihilistic about climate change. Let's all go to the pool Sharing reasons for hope. This is a show completely about climate solutions and the people who are building them. Host Molly Wood will talk about floating airships that can move cargo in a zero-emission and even carbon-negative way, imagine a plastic-free ocean, and focus on innovations that make us more adaptable and resilient. . This is a reminder that focusing on smart people dedicated to finding solutions can be a better movie than one that plods along.
blue sky
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If you need to find more silver linings in your life, there's no better person to turn to for help than Bill Burke, founder of the Optimism Institute.upon blue sky, he speaks with inspiring leaders, writers, researchers, and great thinkers who are thinking deeply about how to drive positive change in everything from media to politics to big technology. Listening to these conversations will help you sleep better at night.
When the people decide
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Some are reading aloud, some are civics lessons, when people decide By investigating initiatives and referendum processes that allow residents in some states to vote directly on policy and work together to get the issues they care about on the ballot, we're making sure our government is actually doing something right. This is a podcast that presents rare evidence that it can be done. Host Jenna Spinel tells the stories of citizens who protect libraries, strengthen the rights of queer communities, support local news, 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
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Fear-mongering media knows that conflict will click, but peace is happening all around us. make peace visible It will be a good memory. 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. Masu.
anger and optimism
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If you're angry about climate change, pay attention to anger and optimism, helps you turn that anger into something positive. This program is a hopeful conversation about the path to building a sustainable future. It's not about raising our eyebrows, it's about using storytelling to show us why some of the innovations happening today in energy, reforestation, transportation, etc., make us hope that our best days are not behind us. It's about showing us that you can give to us.
Looking back on the future
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Looking back on the future Then you can get angry, focus on civic action, and create the change you want in the world. It helps us understand the power of voting and the importance of active participation in civic life, and shares big ideas about action items that everyday people can take. Host Mira Her Atmos is smart and curious, and her conversations are empowering, informative, and inspirational.
What would work?
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What if, instead of teetering on the brink of disaster, we stood on the threshold of a more promising world? Every day we face news of pandemics, climate change, and the rise of authoritarianism. Curling into circles on the floor is tempting, but it's too easy.upon What would work?, Progress Network Founder Zachary Karabell and Executive Director Emma Varvaloucas bring together a diverse group of experts to take a deep dive into important issues like sustainability, polarization, jobs, and the economy to make the future a reality. I'm trying to help you. It's not full of gloom and gloom.
daily TED talks
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Perhaps the best way to combat fatalism is to listen to smart, curious people explain how they see the world today. daily TED talks From speakers who've given popular TED Talks to veteran podcast producers to doctors and academics, we'll pass the microphone to everyone to find out what inspires them, inspires them to work for change, and keeps them up at night. Let's share what we want to do. A good way and a challenging way. Learn how celebrities bridge political divides, turn pain into power, fight hunger, design dignity, and more.
How my perspective has grown
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At a time when political debate is more divided than ever, How my perspective has grown Explore the power of subtle thinking. Hosted by Amiel Handelsman, an experienced executive coach, author, and seasoned interviewer, the show explores the human race by examining the stories of important people whose thinking has fundamentally changed over time. We are delving deeply into the issues. It is, after all, proof that change is possible and that we are not. You don't have to keep everything in mind and be afraid. Guests include essayist William Deresiewicz, who discusses the discoveries of heretical thinkers, and Yale University historian Marcy Shore, who provides insight into the growth of democracy in Ukraine.
