The Edgy Optimist

The Fog of War and What Could Go Right

The 8th season of my podcast kicks off with some valuable perspective, Anne Marie Slaughter-style.

Apr 16 • Zachary Karabell

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March 2026

False Prophets of Doom

RIP Paul Ehrlich and his decided lack of optimism

Mar 20 • Zachary Karabell

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What Did I Miss?

Panic is not a strategy, either.

Mar 14 • Zachary Karabell

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February 2026

The State of the Disunion

Do I detect a disturbance in the force?

Feb 28 • Zachary Karabell

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Take the W

Sometimes, Front-Page News Ends in Quiet Retreat

Feb 18 • Zachary Karabell

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January 2026

Look in the Mirror

With the dramatic and painful events in Minneapolis this past week culminating in the killing of another lawfully protesting American citizen, it’s…

Jan 28 • Zachary Karabell

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Reintroducing The Progress Network

Many readers know that I am the founder of The Progress Network (TPN), a media organization and hub for positive news — from healthcare advancements and…

Jan 23 • Zachary Karabell

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The Cassandra Complex

Why America’s flaws don’t yet add up to fascism.

Jan 13 • Zachary Karabell

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December 2025

The Shoe That Didn’t Drop

When the metrics say “fine” but people don’t feel it.

Dec 23, 2025 • Zachary Karabell

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Indy-pendence

Local Power, Long Traditions, and the Limits of Trumpism

Dec 16, 2025 • Zachary Karabell

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The Affordability Hoax

Oh, how the proverbial worm turns.

Dec 5, 2025 • Zachary Karabell

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November 2025

Context Over Outrage

I’ve often remarked in these pieces over the past year that taking a less pessimistic stance about the world today can be enraging to many people, as if…

Nov 13, 2025 • Zachary Karabell

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