Best Buzzfeed India Podcasts (2025)

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BONUS: We want to hear from YOU 0:49

2M ago0:49

0:49

Can you do us a favor? We’re looking for your feedback on our show. If you’ve enjoyed listening to it, please take a moment to fill out this quick survey: theprogressnetwork.org/survey. Happy Holidays! We’ll see you in the New Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Progress Network with Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas

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Looking Back and Moving Forward 49:19

2M ago49:19

49:19

How many U.S. states have increased their minimum wage in 2024? Have greenhouse gas emissions gone down in the EU this year? Has the ozone layer begun to heal itself? Zachary and Emma wrap up 2024 by reflecting on positive developments around the world in the past year, one that many consider a year to forget. They revisit conversations with memora…

1
Introducing What’s Your Problem: The World Is Getting Better with Hannah Ritchie 50:47

2M ago50:47

50:47

Today we're bringing you an episode from our friends at Pushkin Industries. The show is called What's Your Problem. In this episode, host Jacob Goldstein sits down with data scientist Hannah Ritchie. Hannah is the deputy editor of Our World in Data, and the author of Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainabl…

1
The Progress Report: Legislative Transplants 12:53

3M ago12:53

12:53

In this week's Progress Report, Emma discusses significant advancements in medical science, particularly in bone marrow transplants, highlighting a startup called Ossium that is innovating donor matching. She also covers Colombia's legislative success in banning child marriage after a long campaign, the discovery of the world's largest single piece…

1
Election Reflection with Robert Wright 52:01

3M ago52:01

52:01

How do Americans overcome political polarization? Is not having a monolithic Latino or Black vote good for America? What are some benefits and drawbacks to a Trump presidency? Zachary and Emma speak with Robert Wright, author of "Why Buddhism is True” and host of the podcast and newsletter "NonZero.” They discuss Trump's possible impact and strateg…

1
The Progress Report: Recovered Life Expectancy 19:24

3M ago19:24

19:24

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various stories that highlight progress in society. They cover the cloning of the black-footed ferret as a conservation effort, innovations in breast pump technology, trends in American life expectancy, and the recent developments in sexually transmitted infections. What Could Go Right? is pr…

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The Throes of Trumplandia with Ana Marie Cox 1:01:03

3M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

How can Americans interact with the opposing political party after such a divisive election? Can community building help Americans look past what is happening at the federal level? Are there groups of people that should now be looking to leave the United States? In their first conversation since the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, Zachary and Emma…

1
The Progress Report: Here and Now 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

In this Progress Report, Zachary and Emma reflect on the recent election results, discussing the implications of Donald Trump's potential second term and the broader political landscape in the U.S. They emphasize the importance of moving beyond outrage and focusing on constructive governance while acknowledging the complexities of American democrac…

1
Maggots, Monkeys, and Mars with Mary Roach 48:09

3M ago48:09

48:09

Why are the elderly our top candidates for a Mars mission? How bad is sexual intercourse while researchers are asking questions? What's it like to be mugged by monkeys? Zachary and Emma speak with Mary Roach, the eclectic and quirky author of several books about what she calls "curious science," including "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers…

1
The Progress Report: Looming Changes 20:34

3M ago20:34

20:34

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various topics including the upcoming US presidential election, concerns about political violence, historical context of such violence, recent changes in citizenship rights in Malaysia, and innovations in aviation regulations. They emphasize the importance of focusing on positive developments…

1
Past and Present Power with Peter Frankopan 56:55

3M ago56:55

56:55

Has western civilization fallen behind the rest of the world? Should the United States and Great Britain establish better foreign policy with the rising Global South? What can history teach us about global viewpoints? Zachary and Emma speak with Peter Frankopan, global history professor at Oxford and author of several books including his recent tit…

1
The Progress Report: Advancements and Deposits 18:20

4M ago18:20

18:20

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss positive developments in various sectors, including election insights, advancements in mRNA vaccine technology, the environmental impact of COVID-19 on flu strains, and the discovery of lithium deposits in the U.S. They emphasize the importance of focusing on constructive news amidst a landsc…

1
Undertaking Utopia with Kristen R. Ghodsee 1:04:21

4M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

How does one define utopia? Is it a place, a plan, or a proposal? Have we come closer to utopia through progress in feminism? Zachary and Emma speak with Kristen R. Ghodsee, ethnographer, professor, and author of "Everyday Utopia: What 2,000 Years of Wild Experiments Can Teach Us About the Good Life." They discuss the history of utopian movements, …

1
The Progress Report: Improving Communication 18:27

4M ago18:27

18:27

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various positive developments in the world, including breakthroughs in drug development for schizophrenia and lung cancer, advancements in weather forecasting, and the importance of effective public communication during emergencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic…

1
The Beleaguered Club of Eternal Optimists with Bill Burke 58:59

4M ago58:59

58:59

Why is there a need for optimism? Are we really worse off than we were decades and centuries ago? How could the next generation be the "greatest generation"? Zachary and Emma speak with Bill Burke, founder of the Optimism Institute and host of its Blue Sky podcast. They discuss the world's shift from utopian technology glee to dystopian AI fear, th…

1
The Progress Report: Good Decreases 20:55

4M ago20:55

20:55

In this episode of the Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss positive news stories that highlight progress in various areas. They explore the recent stabilization of obesity rates in the US, the decline in fentanyl overdose deaths, conservation efforts for Florida manatees, and the global increase in marine protected areas as part of the UN sus…

1
From Hamas to Hezbollah with Steven A. Cook 58:04

4M ago58:04

58:04

What is going on in the Middle East now that the conflict has expanded to include Hezbollah? How has the United States struggled to bring resolution and peace to this part of the world? And where does the region go from here? Zachary and Emma speak with Steven A. Cook, expert on U.S.-Middle East policy and Arab politics, and author of "The End of A…

1
A Community Fight in Wisconsin, From To See Each Other 31:22

4M ago31:22

31:22

Sharing an episode of To See Each Other, a show that complicates the narrative about small town Americans in our most misunderstood, and often abandoned, communities. This season, host George Goehl travels to Lincoln County, Wisconsin to follow a small town battle for the last remaining public nursing home in the community. It’s a heart-pounding ro…

1
The Progress Report: Positive Innovation 18:33

4M ago18:33

18:33

In this week's Progress Report Zachary and Emma discuss positive developments in the world amidst grim headlines. They explore innovative energy solutions in urban transit, breakthroughs in diabetes treatment using stem cells, and the latest trends in global poverty, highlighting the resilience and progress being made in various sectors. What Could…

1
The Dish on Disinformation with Jiore Craig 57:44

4M ago57:44

57:44

How do we know which information on social media is real? How can we overcome campaigns of disinformation and misinformation? Zachary and Emma speak with Jiore Craig, global and political media strategist. They discuss the formats that disinformation campaigns use, how they target age groups differently, and various ways for users to combat these c…

1
The Progress Report: Interest Rates of Social Change 17:07

4M ago17:07

17:07

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various positive developments around the world, including economic updates on interest rates and inflation, the introduction of an at-home flu vaccine, and social changes in reproductive rights. They also touch on the significance of Jordan's achievement in eliminating leprosy, emphasizing th…

1
The Attention Deficit with Gloria Mark 52:38

5M ago52:38

52:38

What are the effects of having so much technology at our fingertips? Are we connected to too much information at once? Is technology shortening our attention spans? Zachary and Emma speak with Gloria Mark, psychologist and author of "Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity." They discuss the decrease of a…

1
The Progress Report: New Discoveries 18:01

5M ago18:01

18:01

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss news stories including the recognition of new species in Australia and the significant anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. They discuss the implications of these events on society and the importance of reporting in understanding crime statistics. What Could Go Right? is produced by…

1
What's So Good About Immigration? with Zeke Hernandez 1:00:21

5M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Are Americans really opposed to immigration? Zachary and Emma speak to author and professor Zeke Hernandez about immigration in the United States, and how it impacts the culture and economics of our society. They talk about the current legal immigration system and how the failures therein lead to illegal immigration, and discuss how public percepti…

1
The Progress Report: Shifting Attitudes 15:55

5M ago15:55

15:55

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss some positive news and developments happening around the world. They highlight the surprising optimism among likely voters in the US, the decrease in extreme poverty in Brazil, and the useful climate change tools provided by Google. The conversation touches on the shifting attitudes towards p…

1
The Politics of Ranked Choice with Andrew Yang 58:25

5M ago58:25

58:25

Is fundamental change possible in a polarized two-party system? Zachary and Emma speak with Forward Party Founder Andrew Yang to discuss the current state of the primary system in the United States and what positive change might look like. They talk about what ranked choice voting is, some key benefits of that system, and the hurdles it faces. They…

1
The Progress Report: Expect the Unexpected 18:54

5M ago18:54

18:54

This week's Progress Report covers a range of topics, including the banning of wild animals in circuses, the reduction of air pollution in China, and the ban on ghost guns in Oregon. The conversation also touches on the future of zoos and the potential for changes in gun laws. Despite the polarizing nature of the gun control debate, there seems to …

1
Introducing The Global Story 31:48

5M ago31:48

31:48

This week we’re sharing an episode of a podcast we think you’ll really like – BBC’s The Global Story. Indonesia is building a brand-new capital city - twice the size of New York – in the middle of a rainforest. The current capital city, Jakarta, suffers from pollution, congestion, flooding, is prone to earthquakes and is also one of the fastest sin…

1
The Progress Report: Medical Advancements 17:12

5M ago17:12

17:12

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss lesser-known news stories that highlight positive developments and meaningful change. They cover topics such as a gel that stops bleeding from wounds in seconds, the world's first trial for an mRNA-based vaccine against lung cancer, the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in Guinea, …

1
The Kamala Pivot with Evan Osnos 53:21

5M ago53:21

53:21

How has the Democrats' shift to Kamala Harris upended the election cycle? Zachary and Emma speak with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author Evan Osnos to discuss the current state of the Biden presidency and the rise of Kamala Harris. They look at the factors that led to Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race and the impact of…

1
The Two Sides of Gene Editing with Kevin Davies 58:23

6M ago58:23

58:23

Where should humans draw the line with gene editing? Is CRISPR the "holy grail" of science, or is editing human DNA ethical at all? Zachary and Emma speak with Kevin Davies, executive editor of The CRISPR Journal and author of "Editing Humanity." They discuss gene editing, specifically CRISPR, and its implications for mankind's future, the successe…

1
The Progress Report: Smarter Insulin 15:44

6M ago15:44

15:44

In this week's Progress Report, Zachary and Emma discuss various news stories, highlighting both the good and bad news. They cover topics such as the development of smart insulin, Europe warming faster than the rest of the globe, human adaptation to heat, and a decrease in opioid overdose deaths in the US. What Could Go Right? is produced by The Pr…

1
Elite Gatekeepers with Musa al-Gharbi 57:00

6M ago57:00

57:00

Why have leading publications been obsessed with Donald Trump for so long? What's the master thesis behind political and cultural schisms in the US? And why are the nation's elite all talk and no walk about social justice? Zachary and Emma speak with Musa Al-Gharbi, sociologist and author of "We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of …

1
The Progress Report: Pro-Democracy Protests 11:00

6M ago11:00

11:00

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…

1
Psychedelic Sea Change with Oshan Jarow 57:04

6M ago57:04

57:04

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…

1
The Progress Report: Olympic Strides Forward 18:23

6M ago18:23

18:23

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…

1
Beyond the Bluff with Maria Konnikova 56:28

6M ago56:28

56:28

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…

1
The Progress Report: Green Steel Revolution 12:49

7M ago12:49

12:49

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…

1
The Wild Week with Bret Stephens 49:53

7M ago49:53

49:53

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…

1
The Progress Report: The Implications of an Assassination Attempt and A Global News Roundup 15:11

7M ago15:11

15:11

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…

1
Mental Health & the Impact of Therapy Culture with Author Abigail K. Shrier 53:28

7M ago53:28

53:28

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…

1
The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of New Media with Buzzfeed's Founding Editor Ben Smith 44:27

7M ago44:27

44:27

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…

1
Introducing Say More: Beating Burnout with Krista Tippett 32:14

7M ago32:14

32:14

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…

1
The Progress Report: Decriminalizion of Marijuana & A Global News Roundup 15:28

7M ago15:28

15:28

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…

1
India Rising with Ravi Agrawal 52:32

8M ago52:32

52:32

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…

1
The Progress Report: Repairs to the Ozone & A Global News Roundup 16:17

8M ago16:17

16:17

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…

1
How to Be a Supercommunicator with Journalist & Author Charles Duhigg 52:56

8M ago52:56

52:56

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…

1
The Progress Report: Elections in the EU and A Global News Roundup 17:13

8M ago17:13

17:13

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 …

1
Progress, Polarization, and Backlash with CNN host Fareed Zakaria 53:11

8M ago53:11

53:11

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…

1
The Social Media Generation with Psychologist Jonathan Haidt 1:02:51

8M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

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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