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The Policy Minded Podcast, cover art by Haley Okuley/RAND

Policy Minded

On Policy Minded, we pick the brains of the world's top policy experts, so you can get even smarter about the issues that shape the world.

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RAND's David Frelinger and Karl Mueller propose an “AGI Rideout” strategy to help prevent conflict, build resilience, and navigate the potential risks on a path toward artificial general intelligence.

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Recent Episodes

31:35
Back to School: Three Big Challenges
America's schools face many tough challenges—from AI in the classroom to cell phone bans to chronic absenteeism. What do these trends mean for teachers, students, and parents?
Aug 12, 2026
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Can AI Change How We Deal with Disasters?
As disasters grow more frequent, severe, and costly, America’s emergency managers are under increasing pressure. How might AI tools help them save lives, protect property, and better protect communities?
Aug 5, 2026
30:51
Deterring China from Attacking Taiwan: The Role of Economic Statecraft
If China appeared ready to move on Taiwan, could sanctions or other economic tools be used to change Beijing's calculus? In this episode of Policy Minded, RAND’s Howard Shatz and Naoko Aoki explore the promise—and limits—of economic deterrence.
Jul 16, 2026
33:27
How Societies Can Succeed in the AI Era
What will it really take to win in the AI age? The answer goes beyond technology, says RAND’s Michael Mazarr. The nations that thrive may be the ones best able to handle AI’s social shocks—and turn disruption into advantage.
Jun 25, 2026
31:56
Psychedelics Policy Is Changing. Now What?
As federal and state decisionmakers weigh changes to psychedelics policy, what should they know about how Americans use these substances—and how the public views them? RAND’s Beau Kilmer breaks down the evidence.
May 20, 2026

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