Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast
Insight and inspiration on making the right choices for people and planet. We feature bold conversations with global leaders and innovators from government, businesses, community advocacy, foundations, and more who are charting a path for inclusive growth and sustainability. Hosted by Michael Green, CEO at Social Progress Imperative, we explore how the world must move beyond GDP metrics and economic growth to truly improve the social and environmental wellbeing of communities. ©Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast is an essential listening for decision-makers ready to do things differently.
Episodes
15 episodes
The Fall of Viktor Orbán? 15 Years of Data Reveals Hungary’s Reality
As Hungary prepares for the high-stakes April 12, 2026, general election, the world is watching to see if Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure will finally come to an end. What does nearly fifteen years of “Orbánism” actually look like for Hungarians?...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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3:34
The World's Healthiest Nations and Those Struggling
Happy World Health Day! From the top-performing leaders in Asia to the surprising decline in health indicators among rich countries, we are exploring the 2026 Social Progress Index and analyzing the countries with the best health scores and tho...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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3:21
Is Global Progress Over? The True State of the World
Is the world really doomed to decline? New data from the 2026 Global Social Progress Index shows a worrying halt in global quality of life after decades of steady progress. But what’s behind this worrying trend, and is there any hope for revers...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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3:35
Are Mexico's Best Days Ahead? Social Progress and the Future of North America
What does social progress actually look like inside one of the world's most watched and most misunderstood economies? Michael Green sits down with Sofía Ramírez Aguilar, Director of México ¿Cómo Vamos?to dig into where Mexico really stands on q...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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34:34
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Why India Is Reshaping the Global Economy
In this episode of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast, host Michael Green, CEO of the Social Progress Imperative, speaks with Dr. Amit Kapoor, Chairman of the Institute for Competitiveness, about the challenges behind India’s rise...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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29:37
How Brazil Is Fixing Its Cities From the Inside Out with IPS Brasil
Brazil is ranked 52nd in the world for social progress but behind that number are 5,570 municipalities each fighting their own hidden crises. In this episode, Michael Green sits down with Melissa Wilm from IPS Brasil to uncover four on-the-grou...
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24:14
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Belonging and the Loneliness Epidemic with Kim Samuel
Is the loneliness epidemic a policy failure?In this episode of the Beyond GDP Podcast, Michael Green speaks with Kim Samuel, founder of the Belonging Forum, about the growing crisis of social isolation, and why belonging may be...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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26:01
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Riane Eisler on Care, Partnership, and the Real Wealth of Nations
Most of our societal problems stem from an outdated dominance-based system and the solution isn’t more of the same. For episode 1 of season 2 of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast, our host Michael Green sits down with Riane Eisl...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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28:53
Social Progress Index vs Human Development Index
Michael Green, CEO of the Social Progress Imperative, explains the fundamental distinctions between the Social Progress Index and the Human Development Index, shedding light on how social and environmental factors are measured differently from ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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3:12
Is DEI Dead? Why Diversity Is Now More Essential Than Ever
Over the past year, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have faced severe backlash, especially in the United States, prompting many organizations to quietly abandon their initiatives. Some claim “mission accomplished.” The dat...
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Episode 5
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29:48
Ukraine's social progress superpower. How the world got Ukraine wrong.
The world got Ukraine wrong. Why was Ukraine underestimated and Russia overestimated for decades? It’s not just a military question, it's a social progress story.In this episode of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress ...
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Episode 4
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31:25
What is the secret of Costa Rica’s success?
Let's explore Costa Rica's remarkable social progress and the factors contributing to its success. Our special guest, Jaime Garcia, discusses the historical context, the role of institutions, and the importance of education and health in drivin...
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Episode 3
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25:15
The Ethics of Pension Funds: Investors Making Change
In this episode, we challenge the foundational purpose of modern business, asking a provocative question: Is your hard-earned pension money funding the very companies that undermine your long-term health and the stability of the planet? ...
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Episode 2
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23:06
The Promise and Peril of Philanthrocapitalism: Alternatives to Build a Better World
What are the successes and challenges of Philanthrocapitalism? We highlight the evolving role of wealthy individuals and businesses in addressing social and environmental issues, the impact of political changes on philanthropy, and the f...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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23:11
Beyond GDP: Why GDP Fails Us and What Comes Next for Measuring Progress
Learn the shifting perspectives on economic growth and the limitations of GDP as a measure of national success. Discover the origins of GDP, Gross Domestic Product, its role in guiding global economic development, and the reasons why it f...
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Season 1
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5:42