To build a better future, we must first imagine it. We need stories to show us the light ahead.

Produced by Beloved Economies and Avalon: Story, The Light Ahead is a podcast that creatively explores the question, “What would 2030 look like if the U.S. had an economy that truly worked and cared for everyone?” Through short narrative fiction episodes, The Light Ahead brings to life scenes from beloved economic futures.

Seen through the lens of pop culture, the future is looking pretty dystopian: Black Mirror, Westworld, The 100, 3%, and myriad other shows, movies, and books imagine what will happen if the darkest aspects of humanity win out. The Light Ahead looks in the opposite direction. What would society look like if we actually manage to get things right? What would life be like in an economy that worked for everyone?  

In the way that Star Trek inspired a generation of scientists, investors, and techies to grow up and create technologies that seemed impossible only decades ago, The Light Ahead offers listeners visionary ideas for a kinder, more inclusive, economic future.

Each episode is a scripted piece of short-fiction set in 2030 and informed by the visions of activists and justice advocates.

12 screenwriters have each paired with an individual or group of individuals leading cutting-edge work in the next economy movement.  

Each screenwriter immersed themselves in the ideas and ideals of the next-economy leaders, and then creatively spooled that thinking into an imaginative 10-15 minute episode. The  screenwriters are assembled from award-winning talent in film and television and represent a broadly diverse set of voices.