The Utopian

Episode 12 - The Amorality of Capitalism with Branko Milanović

As capitalism dominates the world as the primary economic model, it has undoubtedly fallen under increased scrutiny. From rising inequality to its inability to protect workers’ rights, many thinkers are doubting its ability to maximize human welfare. Can capitalism be saved? We speak with leading economist Dr. Branko Milanović to find out.

Episode 11 - Pandemic Uncertainties with Frank Snowden

COVID-19 has shaken up our society in more ways than one. By presenting economic crises, existential uncertainties and social unrest, it is not the first of its kind to have such a catastrophic impact. We speak with Dr. Frank Snowden about the history of pandemics and where COVID-19 fits amidst it all.

Episode 10 - Of Debt and the American Dream with Nami Baral

With so many Americans deeply entrenched in debt, the American economy has one more obstacle to overcome. We speak with socially responsible entrepreneur, Nami Baral, and what she is doing to tackle this catastrophic public debt crisis. Check out Nami's initiative here: https://www.joinharvest.com/

Episode 9 - Free Speech in the Era of Fake News with Nora Benavidez and Viktorya Vilk

The ongoing pandemic has revealed the extent to which access to reliable news could be the difference between life and death for some. Unfortunately, those trained to release this information — the reporters who staff the country's thousands of local news outlets — are on the brink of both financial and existential ruin. Nora Benavidez and Viktorya Vilk, advocates at PEN America, explain the threats facing America's newsrooms and how their further erosion harms us all. Read the report on the state of local news: https://pen.org/local-news/

Episode 8 - The Key to a Coronavirus Vaccine with Neal Browning

As new cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, researchers around the globe are working to create new treatments and vaccines that will put an end to the pandemic. We speak with Neal Browning, a Seattle resident who is one of a handful of test subjects given a vaccine. This pioneering vaccine trial ran by the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute may one day make the coronavirus a thing of the past. Follow Neal's journey: https://twitter.com/NealBrowning