For the final episode of What’s Working in Washington, we revisit key conversations that continue to resonate — focused on creativity, technology, and leadership. Richard Powers discusses the unique emotional power of storytelling, while Ed Finn examines synergies between humans and machines. Corey Doctorow finds hope in the cautionary tales of science fiction, and ethicist Christopher DiCarlo makes the case for responsible AI governance that keeps pace with rapid innovation. Jennifer Ives emphasizes the need for public leaders to understand and guide AI with courage and clarity. Host Jonathan Aberman brings together voices with insight – and hope – for the road ahead. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Building the future isn’t just about technology—it’s about how we imagine, innovate, and take action together. Jonathan Aberman sits down with Ed Finn, professor and founding director of the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University. Together, they take a closer look at our relationship with AI and discuss why the future needs more human insight, not less. Zooming in on the D.C. area, Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, highlights the talent and energy that make the region a powerhouse for economic opportunity. And James Barlia introduces Station DC, a new hub connecting entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and academics hoping to turn big ideas into real impact. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From AI adoption to U.S. politics, we’re exploring what it means to move forward with intention, not just momentum, speaking with James Kaufman, Chloe Autio, and Cristobal Vasquez.

A closer look at how experts Amelia DeSorrento, Dave Edwards, and Richard Latendresse are adapting their approaches to technology, politics, and investing in a rapidly changing world.

New forms of policy are dramatically changing our technologies and economies, from foreign relations to AI regulation.

In this episode, we’re venturing into the unknown and exploring how to move forward when the future is unclear. Co-hosting our tech segment with Jonathan Aberman, Elizabeth Shea sits down with Doug Anderson to explore how D.C. startups are navigating new political, economic and technological tides. Then, Juliane Schäuble, US Correspondent of "Der Tagesspiegel", joins us to discuss the shockwaves that President Trump is sending in Germany and throughout Europe. Also, veteran Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin talks about his newest book AI Valley and the major questions AI is raising about data privacy, regulation, and entrepreneurship across the country.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month, we’re taking a closer look at the changing tides in technology and international affairs. Host Jonathan Aberman and Matt Howard, CMO at Virtru, discuss D.C.’s need for effective cybersecurity amid rapid tech innovation. Jonathan also interviews Dr. Christopher DiCarlo, whose new book “Building a God” explores how artificial intelligence is raising new questions about ethics, capitalism, and the limits to technological growth. Finally, Fraser Jackson returns to the show to examine how Trump’s foreign policy is affecting European security efforts and France’s diplomatic ties to the U.S. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inspired by D.C.’s thriving tech ecosystem, Jonathan Aberman tackles artificial intelligence, ethics, and how we’ll coexist with emerging technologies. This month, Cory Doctorow joins the conversation. His latest book “Picks and Shovels” explores the ongoing debate over digital rights and how to find hope in the future of AI. Also, Jonathan sits down with Sean Whelan, White House Correspondent for Irish broadcaster RTE, to explore the Irish public’s fascination with U.S. politics and Irish-American relations, from pharmaceuticals to the war in Ukraine. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, hosts Jonathan Aberman and Mark Walsh, in Mark’s final episode as co-host, explore how technology, climate change, and Elon Musk’s influence are drastically altering the path ahead. Also, hear from Greg Epstein, American Humanist chaplain at Harvard University and MIT, as he discusses his new book "Tech Agnostic". Epstein argues that technology has become a new form of religion, with its apocalyptic rhetoric and unchecked growth. Mark and Jonathan examine the impact of the L.A. fires on the entertainment industry and the ongoing debate surrounding Elon Musk. And should federal employees be forced to go back to the office five days a week? Mark and Jonathan take sides. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For our final episode of the year, hosts Jonathan Aberman and Mark Walsh look ahead, from a second Trump presidency to the rise of facial recognition. Jonathan sits down with Fraser Jackson, White House Correspondent for France24, to discuss how French leaders are preparing for Trump’s return to power. Plus, in his newest book The Social Paradox, social psychologist William Von Hippel explores the tension between our need for autonomy and our need for connection. He explains why striking that balance is key to innovation. As the holiday season kicks off, hear Jonathan and Mark’s end-of-year media picks to watch this winter break. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosts Jonathan and Mark talk government regulation, social media, and the pulse in Washington, D.C., from Capitol Hill to outer space. Jonathan Aberman sits down with White House Correspondent Richard Latendresse — calling in from Mar-a-Lago — to discuss president-elect Trump’s new administration, and what his transition can tell us about the next four years. Also, Jonathan chats with author Robin George Andrews about his new book “How to Kill an Asteroid”, a deep-dive into the world of planetary defense and the science protecting us from astronomical threats. And as always, get the scoop on book recommendations and movies of the month.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month, we're looking into our crystal ball to consider what our environmental, political, and technological futures might look like. Jonathan Aberman sits down with author Richard Powers to discuss innovation, ecology, and the art of storytelling in his new book Playground. Then, hear from Mineko Abe, producer for Yomiuri Shimbun, who joins us to discuss Japanese perspectives on new technologies and the U.S. presidential election. Hosts Mark and Jonathan also give us their media and culture predictions, from addictive apps to sports rivalries.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month’s episode explores how political expression takes shape. Introducing his new book “Paris in Ruins”, Sebastian Smee discusses how Impressionism emerged in a politically chaotic France, bringing democracy and authenticity to art. Then, Nadia Bilbassy, Bureau Chief at Al Arabiya News, describes what it's like to cover the Biden White House for a Middle Eastern audience. She sits down with Jonathan Aberman to consider how empathy and dialogue can build bridges toward peace amid the crisis in Gaza. Plus, hear hosts Mark Walsh and Jonathan Aberman talk sports, electric vehicles, and favorite movies of the month.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From AI hype to Dolly Parton releases, Jonathan Aberman and Mark Walsh explore this month’s trends in finance, culture, and politics. Also, Jonathan sits down with Paulina Bren, author of “She-Wolves”, to honor the women who defied the odds and left their mark on Wall Street in the 1960s and ‘70s. Drawing on Jonathan’s own experience on Ozempic, Jonathan and Mark then discuss the reality of life on the medication, and what it might mean for the future of American healthcare.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Longer episodes, deeper dives! In our new one hour format, hosts Jonathan Aberman and Mark Walsh explore new trends, share media recommendations, and interview author Corey Brettschneider.  "The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It" examines how citizen movements have resisted presidential abuses of power by appealing to a democratic understanding of the Constitution. From Ida B. Wells to Daniel Ellsberg, American citizens have brought the United States back from the precipice at crucial moments in our nation's history. Aberman and Brettschneider discuss how that resonates today and where to find hope for restoring a fragile democracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring and settling outer space may seem like the ultimate form of entrepreneurship – but is it a realistic ambition? Drawing from her latest book "A City on Mars", Kelly Weinersmith sits down with Jonathan to discuss the hurdles we face in our journey to space, from human physiology to resource governance. So human life on Mars is still far-fetched, but we can learn a lot about our planet and our future from outside Earth's orbit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Being your own boss" isn't just about getting rich and being independent. In his latest book “One Day I’ll Work for Myself", author and historian Benjamin Waterhouse separates the allure from the illusions of self-employment. He takes a hard look at the mythology of entrepreneurship, from colonial America and the digital revolution of the 1980s to today. His advice? Look beyond the hype and make sure you're seeking purpose and fulfillment in working for yourself. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sean Perryman is the Head of Algorithmic Fairness Policy at Uber. He sits down with Jonathan Aberman to discuss the major questions about privacy and bias raised by artificial intelligence, and how policymakers need to respond. From facial recognition technology to Google's Gemini, Perryman calls for greater tech literacy among lawmakers. He lays out his vision for a more attractive entrepreneurial future in D.C., where effective policy, meaningful professional networks and responsible technology can make an impact. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Foster is co-founder & executive chairman at Prodify. In an increasingly service-based economy, Foster makes the case for enhancing product-driven innovation and entrepreneurship in Washington, D.C.. He discusses his vision for scaleable, efficient product companies to compete with Silicon Valley’s recent interest in national security technology. According to Foster, it’s time to embrace the risk and adapt in order to stay on pace. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since its launch in 2007, Bethesda Green has been on a mission to foster innovation and community for sustainable small businesses. Today, Jonathan sits down with executive director Dave Feldman to discuss environmental entrepreneurship in Bethesda, Maryland and beyond. From start-up incubation to environmental awareness efforts, Feldman and Bethesda Green are building a supportive space for sustainability-focused, community-oriented business. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.