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A Bit of Optimism
The future is always bright…if you know where to look. Join me each week for A Bit of Optimism! I talk to inspiring people who teach me more about life, leadership and general interesting things.
Avsnitt
Where Is Simon Going? with journalist Cal Fussman
Sometimes in life, we must stop and ask ourselves, “Where am I you going next?” Other times, it’s more fun to do a podcast takeover.
No one has ever interviewed me quite like Cal Fussman. Cal has a gift – he pulls things out of you that you didn’t even know were there. A prolific Writer At Large for Esquire, Cal has interviewed legends like Muhammad Ali and Mikhail Gorbachev, and he’s the host of the podcast Big Questions. So, to mark 15 years since writing Start With Why, I invited Cal to take over my podcast and ask me the questions I don’t usually get asked.
Cal did get me to open up in this conversation, but not in the way you might expect. We talk about where I’ve been, where I’m going, the infinite game, creativity in AI…and why I’ve become so obsessed with friendship lately.
This…is A Bit of Optimism
For more on Cal and his work, check out:
Big Questions with Cal Fussman
The Cure for Nihilism with professor Suzy Welch
Sometimes in life, we choose the wrong path. When we feel like we're living a lie, it's hard to know what to do next.
That’s where Suzy Welch comes in. She’s obsessed with helping people create lives worth living. A professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, Suzy teaches a popular class called “Becoming You,” where she takes students down a brutal, but liberating, journey to live as their authentic selves.
According to Suzy’s research, purpose is the key to unlocking the real you, but finding that purpose is often trickier than we imagine.I had a blast talking, and debating, with Suzy about what it means to craft a purpose-driven life. In this conversation, she shares with me the difference between passion and aptitude, the reason luck is overrated, and why so many people struggle to know their own values.
To learn more about Suzy and her work, check out:
her book, Becoming You
(PART 2) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards
*Please note: At 9:01, Simon and Cory have a discussion about suicide.
What happens after we attain success and glory? Where do you go when there's nowhere left to run from yourself?
In Part 2 of my conversation with Cory Richards, Cory explains why reaching the summit of Everest marked the beginning of a long, painful fall from grace.
After his tumultuous decision to retire from climbing, Cory found himself lost and confused about his true identity. At the same time, he was forced to grapple with multiple life-shattering events at once -- some of his own making.
In this episode, we discuss the difference between identity and purpose, the skills Cory learned to cope with multiple tragedies, and why the more we ignore life’s harshest lessons, the louder they become.
Listen to Part 1 here or watch it on YouTube.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Cory Richards and his work, check out:
coryrichards.com
(PART 1) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards
What happens when we reach the top? There’s only one place to go.
Cory Richards has scaled the world’s highest peaks and fallen to life’s lowest lows. An acclaimed mountain climber, photographer, and filmmaker, Cory has literally reached the top of the world. He climbed Mount Everest with no supplemental oxygen, became the first American to summit an 8,000-meter mountain, and narrowly survived an avalanche, after which he skyrocketed to fame when his photos graced the cover of National Geographic.
And yet, after all that success, Cory felt like an emotional wreck. As his mental health deteriorated, his volatile behavior damaged his career and his relationships. Without the identity of “climber” to give him validation, Cory was forced to confront who he really is.I
n Part 1 of this conversation, Cory shares with me head-spinning stories from climbing the Himalayas, his struggles with mental health as a teen, and the difference between survival and resilience.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Cory Richards and his work, check out:
Find Your Allies Fast with philanthropist Melinda French Gates
Change happens to all of us whether we choose it or not. What’s the best way to go through transition, especially when it’s something we didn’t want?
Melinda French Gates has seen her fair share of big transitions. A philanthropist, author, and champion for female empowerment, she spent decades building the Gates Foundation into one of the mightiest charitable organizations in the world. But after 25 years, she decided it was time for a change. Leaving the Foundation and her marriage to Bill Gates behind, she struck out on her own for a new decade of philanthropy.
I was delighted to sit down with Melinda to talk about how we can successfully navigate the big changes in life, and why finding your allies during tough transitions is the best way to start a new chapter.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Melinda French Gates and her work, check out:
her book, The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward
her investment and philanthropy organization, Pivotal Ventures
Who Are You, Really? with journalist Maria Shriver
We often define ourselves by what we do or who we are to other people. But at our core, who we are is often something much deeper, and sometimes wildly different, from the version that the world sees -- or projects onto you.
Maria Shriver was born into the legendary Kennedy and Shriver families, arriving with a script already written for her—an identity shaped by legacy and expectation. From the start, the world had ideas about who she should be. But after decades as a journalist, years as California’s First Lady, and raising four amazing kids, Maria has been on a lifelong journey to peel back the layers and ask Who am I now?—and answer it for herself.
Maria also happens to be my best friend. We talked about how we became each other’s “8-minute friends,” the quiet questions that shape us, and her beautiful new book of poetry—which she reads from in this episode. It’s all about identity, self-reflection, and finding your voice in a world that keeps trying to define it for you.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Maria Shriver, check out:
her book, I Am Maria
mariashriver.com
The Search for Self-Love with podcaster Lewis Howes
Self-love is never as easy as we think. Is it possible to fall in love with ourselves the way we fall for other people?
Lewis Howes knows that learning to like yourself, let alone love yourself, can take decades. After surviving a traumatic childhood, Lewis spent years working on himself to try and understand what it takes for human beings to achieve greatness. He overcame learning disabilities, insecurity, and self-loathing to become who he is today. Lewis is a New York Times bestselling author, a former pro athlete, and host of the popular podcast The School of Greatness.
After appearing several times on Lewis’s show, I was excited to finally have Lewis join me on A Bit of Optimism. Together, we unpack our insecurities, talk through our money trauma, and discuss why the first step to liking yourself is to find a little courage.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Lewis and his work, check out:
his book, Make Money Easy
his podcast, The School of Greatness
Revisited: Why Awkward Is Awesome with psychologist Ty Tashiro
A Bit of Optimism is on hiatus this week, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations! In this episode, Simon talks with psychologist Ty Tashiro about social awkwardness and why being awkward can actually be a superpower.
*****
Awkwardness gets a bad rap. But being awkward is often an indicator that someone has extraordinary.
Psychologist and author Ty Tashiro has spent a great deal of time studying (and living!) social awkwardness. He's fascinated by how the same traits that cause us social embarrassment can also drive exceptional accomplishment.
As a fellow awkward person, I was delighted to sit down with Ty and discuss the competitive advantages of social awkwardness, and how sometimes what society labels a weakness turns out to be our greatest strength.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Ty and his work check out:
his book, AWKWARD: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome
Does Gender Change How We Lead? with Retired Colonel DeDe Halfhill
Is there such a thing as female leadership? Or is gender not a factor?
DeDe Halfhill would say yes and no. A retired Air Force colonel, Dede spent 20 years in the military, where she advised some of the military’s most powerful leaders during the War in Iraq.
She was often the only woman in the room for weeks on end. And while DeDe found the principles of leadership to be universal, there was no denying her experience as a woman leader was different from the men.
DeDe is an old friend of mine, and I was excited to talk with her about what she learned during her time in the Air Force. She explained to me why people react differently to male versus female leaders, why loneliness often shows up as exhaustion, and how the ability to do emotional labor makes all leaders great, regardless of gender.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on DeDe and her work, check out:
The Myth of the Perfect Meditator with podcaster Jay Shetty
We turn to ancient philosophies to help us cope with the stress of modern life. But what if ancient wisdom could use some help from the modern world?
Jay Shetty has made it his life’s work to make wisdom, peace, and purpose available to everyone. After living as a monk for 3 years, he left his monastic lifestyle with the hope of spreading what he learned to as many people as possible. Today, he’s the host of the On Purpose podcast, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a life coach, and an entrepreneur who has helped millions of people find clarity in their lives.
I was excited to talk with Jay about the balance between ancient practices and modern life. He shared with me the three biggest lessons he learned as a monk, what people get wrong about meditation, and how we can slow down and reflect amid the bustle of modern society.
For more on Jay and his work, check out:
When Your 'Flaw' Becomes Your Edge with Comedian Hasan Minhaj
To recognize your own talent takes time and self-awareness. But to find the courage to pursue it? That often requires a spark of inspiration from someone else.
For Hasan Minhaj, that spark came from an unexpected trio—a teacher, a roommate, and Napster. A former correspondent on The Daily Show, Hasan’s natural gift of gab allowed him to build a wide-ranging career which spans standup, acting, Netflix shows, and, most recently, his podcast, Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hasan to discuss his journey—why gifted people crave external validation, why kids are braver than adults, and where comedians truly rank in the artistic hierarchy.
This… is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Hasan and his work check out:
Humble Leaders Lead Better Teams with Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink
Most people believe the only way to lead is to become the best at something. But what if great leadership means admitting you’re not the best at anything?
Jocko Willink believes the secret to his greatest achievements come down to one thing – humility. A retired Navy SEAL commander, Jocko served 20 years in the U.S. military, leading one of the most decorated special operations units through combat in the Iraq War. A New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and entrepreneur, he now teaches those in the civilian world the skills he learned from his time in the SEAL Teams.
This was my first time meeting Jocko Willink, and we discussed why new leaders should never try to prove their own competence and the difference between tyrannical and open-minded leaders.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jocko and his work, check out:
A Sweet Conversation About Dying with Death Doula Alua Arthur
Death is a word we like to avoid. We dance around the subject or use vague euphemisms to not hurt anybody. But what if being open about our deaths meant we could live happier lives?
That’s where Alua Arthur comes in. Alua is one of the most prominent death doulas in the country, which means it’s her job to help people die. She offers support to her clients and their families as they embark on their dying journey, tackling everything from financial planning and insurance policy to emotional support and grief.
When I sat down with Alua, I was prepared for a grim conversation. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by her candor and good humor about dying. She shares with me how she made a career pivot from lawyer to death dula, the most interesting stories she’s heard from people on their death bed, and why thinking about our deaths is the key to living the way we wish to live.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Alua and her work, check out: Going With Grace
The Secret Art of Micromanagement with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky
People aren’t born great leaders. They learn to become great leaders.
For Brian Chesky, the learning never stops. As the co-founder of Airbnb, he had to transition from an impassioned entrepreneur with a brilliant idea into a CEO responsible for thousands of employees. To make the hard decisions necessary for Airbnb to survive the COVID pandemic, a cataclysmic event for the travel industry, Brian had to lean into the skills and thinking he’d learned and practiced for over a decade of leadership.
I’ve watched Brian grow as a leader for years, and so I was delighted to sit down with him for a conversation on what people get wrong about great leadership. He shares with me the difference between micromanagement and “eyes on” leadership, why leaders should fight the instinct to be liked, and why an existential crisis is the best thing to put a company’s values to the test.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Brian and his work, check out:
You Are More Like Grammy-Winner Jacob Collier Than You Think
To create something truly original, do we build something new or break what came before? Perhaps the answer is both—simultaneously.
Jacob Collier does exactly that. A brilliant songwriter and musician, he’s known for transforming his live audiences into massive three-part choirs, making music with the very people who attend his concerts. His album Djesse Volume 4 was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards, alongside icons like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift. Although Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter won, Jacob snagged his seventh Grammy for his rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
I sat down with him in a music studio a few days before the Grammys, surrounded by multiple pianos, and it was a joy to hear him play. Jacob’s approach to music—blending structure with spontaneity—offers insights into creativity that are as inspiring as his sound.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jacob, check out:
Kids (And Employees) Know More Than You Think with Dr. Becky Kennedy
Parenting is the hardest job in the world—and it turns out, it’s also one of the best training grounds for leadership.
Dr. Becky Kennedy, aka the “Millennial Parent Whisperer,” became an essential voice for caretakers by offering practical, actionable parenting advice that resonated with millions during the pandemic. As a clinical psychologist and founder of Good Inside, she’s now helping parents build sturdy leadership skills that not only transform their homes but also their work lives.
In this conversation, Dr. Becky shares how understanding boundaries, emotional triggers, and big feelings can help us become more effective leaders. Whether you’re a parent or a manager (or both!), her insights will help you lead with more intention, connection, and confidence.
This… is A Bit of Optimism.
Check out Dr. Becky's work:
Spite Is The Greatest Motivator with Watch Duty founder John Mills
When the wildfires struck Los Angeles, turmoil quickly consumed the city. People were desperate for clear, reliable information—unsure of evacuation routes or how to track the fires as they spread in a history-making wind storm. Then, we found Watch Duty. This intuitive app became our lifeline.
The visionary behind the app is John Mills, a seasoned tech entrepreneur who created Watch Duty out of necessity after his own community in Northern California was repeatedly threatened by deadly wildfires. But John didn’t just build an app—he reimagined how business and philanthropy can intersect to solve real-world problems.
Watch Duty is a not-for-profit initiative that harnesses the power of technology and human talent, relying on volunteers to gather critical data from fire scanners and reporters to save lives. Despite its explosive growth, John has no plans to sell the app, because for him, the value isn’t in making money—it’s in using his skills to help others. In a world where many focus on getting rich, John is challenging us to rethink how we can use our talents to serve the greater good.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on John and his work, check out:
The First Steps to Reducing Your Anxiety with author Mel Robbins
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when we're too drained to even get out of bed. So, how do we push through those days?
For Mel Robbins, facing this very question turned her life around. Struggling with $800,000 in debt and at rock bottom, she became obsessed with finding practical ways to regain control. Fast-forward to today, and Mel is a bestselling author and podcast host who has helped millions transform their lives. In her latest book, The Let Them Theory, she reveals how shedding the weight of others' expectations can help us live more authentically.
I sat down with Mel to dive into how we can take action when we're emotionally spent, why our need for control ties us to other people's opinions, and how giving others the freedom to be themselves allows us to align with our true values.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Mel and her work, check out:
and her book, The Let Them Theory
The Cure for Loneliness with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions. Where do we go to feel like we belong?
As the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy has been a leading voice in bringing the loneliness crisis to light, stressing its devastating impact on public health. As his second term nears its end, he leaves behind a powerful reflection in his letter, My Parting Prescription for America and the World.
In an insightful conversation with Dr. Murthy, we delve into what it truly means to be healthy—not just physically, but emotionally and socially—and discuss why the pursuit of fame, wealth, and power often leads us further from what we really need.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
To read the letter, visit this link: My Parting Prescription for America and the World
To learn more about Dr. Murthy, click here: vivekmurthy.com
Trevor Noah Makes My Brain Hurt
It’s our last episode of 2024, so I decided to invite comedian Trevor Noah on…to get as serious as possible.
Most Americans know Trevor as the former host of The Daily Show, a bestselling author, and a stand-up comedian. But his brand of humor isn’t just a barrel of laughs— it’s raw, witty, thought-provoking, and often makes you see the world in a whole new way.
In this conversation, we ditched the small talk (mostly) and went deep into the paradox of choice, the public's response to the murder of United HealthCare's CEO, and why the human experience might be defined by constraint. It will make you chuckle, think, and probably question everything all at once.
This...is a Bit of Optimism.
P.S. Come back and see us on January 7, 2025 for an all new episode. Until then, take care of yourself and each other.
For more on Trevor and his work, check out:
Should You Work With Your Friends? with my friend Will Guidara
They say business and pleasure don’t mix. But what about business and friends?
My dear friend Will Guidara is the perfect person to dive into this question because we're actively trying to get into business together. And, let's just say, it requires a lot of effort.
In addition to being someone I love, Will is a renowned restaurateur, known for owning and operating Eleven Madison Park, once named the best restaurant in the world. He’s also the author of the brilliant book Unreasonable Hospitality and a co-producer of the FX television series The Bear.
Will and I have worked together before, so I was excited to chat with him about turning friends into colleagues, the reality of friendship breakups at work, and why sometimes showing respect means we have to change the way we treat a friend.
This…is A Bit of Optimism
For more on Will and his work, check out:
The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger
We all want to live a happy life, but what does research say about how to actually achieve it?
For more than 86 years, researchers at Harvard University have been trying to answer that question. In one of the longest-running and most comprehensive studies of human happiness, Harvard tracked 724 teenagers through every stage of their adult lives since 1938. Some of them are still alive today and the findings are clear: lasting happiness isn’t about wealth or fame—it’s about something much deeper.
Robert Waldinger, a professor and psychiatrist, has directed the study for over 20 years. His TED Talk about it went viral with nearly 50 million views, and in 2023, he wrote a book about it - The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.I asked Robert to share what the study has revealed about happiness over the decades, how its insights have shaped his own life, and the one essential ingredient for a joyful, meaningful existence.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Robert and his work, check out:
The First Steps to Find Love with Matthew Hussey
Finding love is a journey. We might take some wrong turns along the way.
Matthew Hussey helps people find love, and sometimes, redefine their relationship with love. Matthew is a dating coach who balances practical advice about the art of attraction with the importance of centering our own sense of self in our search for love. Starting as a teenager and working primarily with women, he’s helped thousands of people find romance and create relationships built on values which feel right for them.
I sat down with Matthew to ask him everything he’s learned about love after decades as a dating coach. He shares with me the most common mistakes people make when looking for a partner, what we ought to be looking for, and why our own happiness is ultimately our own responsibility, not anyone else’s.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Matthew and his work, check out:
his new book, Love Life
his YouTube channel
Dr. Mark Hyman: To Live Longer You Need...
Close friends are the best thing for your health. Friendship, it turns out, is one of life’s best medicines.
If you don’t believe me, believe Dr. Mark Hyman. Mark is one of the leading voices in the functional medicine movement, which is all about taking a holistic approach to our health for natural healing and preventing disease. The smallest changes in our daily lifestyle habits, or what we eat and drink, or our positive social interactions can have huge impacts on our long-term health.
I sat down with Mark to talk about my most recent obsession – friendship. I was eager to get a physician’s perspective on all the ways friendship is beneficial for our health. In this conversation, we discuss the biological benefits of talking to a good friend and why you’re only as healthy as your five closest friends.
This…is A Bit of Optimism
For more on Mark Hyman and his work, check out:
The Doctor’s Farmacy podcast
Alexis Ohanian: Why I Left Reddit and Why Greed Can Inspire Good
In 2020, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian resigned from his own company in protest. After 15 years building Reddit into a social media juggernaut, why leave?
The answer is values. Alexis is the kind of entrepreneur and investor who believes that integrity and long term profits go hand in hand. It’s the reason he started his new company 776, allowing him to invest in startups that are trying to make the world a better place. And it’s the reason he resigned from Reddit after George Floyd was killed, requesting the board replace him with a Black director.
In this conversation, Alexis shares with me his thoughts on the future of entrepreneurship, the race for AGI, climate change, and the principles that guide the way he leads. It turns out, building a business with values is the best thing for long term greed.
This...is A Bit of Optimism
For more on Alexis and his work, check out:
What can we learn from a rural school in Kenya? with principal Carol Moraa
Kenya's Maasai Mara is rugged, beautiful, and tough. Values are everything for the people who live in this rural countryside,
On a trip to Kenya, I had the opportunity to visit The Mara. The intelligence and grit of the young people there blew me away! I met incredibly driven young women determined to uplift their families from poverty. Carol Moraa is giving them that opportunity. She's the founding principal of Kisaruni Girls High School and Provost for Legacy College.
I wanted to ask Carol where her kids find the motivation to willingly sign up for 18-hour school days. It turns out when learning is a choice, not an obligation, it's possible to build schools where cultural values and community are at the heart of what people do.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Carol and her work, check out:
Peace Is A Process with negotiation expert William Ury
Peace is a process, not an outcome. It's a process that must begin with understanding the other side.
Few people on this planet have as much experience making peace as William Ury. William spent decades as a peace negotiator, resolving the world's most intractable conflicts — from avoiding nuclear catastrophe in the Cold War to mediating ethnic tensions and civil wars. Considered one of the world's pre-eminent negotiation experts, he's written several books on the subject, including the best-selling Getting To Yes. His latest book is titled Possible.
I sat down with William to discuss the possibility of peace in an increasingly conflicted world. He shares some great stories with me from his career and what he's learned about the right way to influence others.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on William and his work, check out:
his books, Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict
and Getting To Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
Creating Astonishment with Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren
Astonishment. A feeling of amazement so powerful you have to stop in wonder.
As President and CEO of the Chicago Bears, Kevin Warren's job is to astonish people with sports moments they'll never forget. A veteran executive of professional football, he's also served as COO of the Minnesota Vikings and Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference.
For Kevin, helping others experience the magic of the Bears starts with finding his own astonishment. He shares with me why ambitious high-performers need to slow down and appreciate the little things if they want to become better leaders and happier human beings.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Kevin and his work, check out:
A Lifetime of Leadership with President Joe Biden
Leadership is deeply personal. As people change, the way they lead has to change, too.
Few leaders have navigated as much change as Joe Biden. He was elected to the Senate at 29 and will end his time as President at 82. The number of things he has witnessed and been a part of over the course of his career is remarkable. His journey has been shaped by unlikely friendships and profound personal loss.
I had the honor to sit down with President Biden at the White House to reflect on how his experiences have influenced his approach to both life and leadership.
I chose to stay clear of politics and instead focused on the lessons that are applicable to all Americans…and indeed all people. I hope you find it insightful and inspiring.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
Revisited: How To Be A Friend with chef and entrepreneur Christina Tosi
Friends can help us get through life’s toughest moments. But a true friend remembers to smile about the good times.
That’s why I wanted to revisit my conversation with the founder and CEO of Milk Bar, host of Netflix’s Bake Squad, and author of several cookbooks including Dessert Can Save the World, my dear friend Christina Tosi.
Christina is the type of friend I can trust with anything, someone I can cry with. Together we reflect on the art of asking for help and why sometimes all we need from a true friend is 8 minutes of their time.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Christina and her work, check out:
her cookbook, Dessert Can Save the World
For more on the power of an 8-minute phone call, check out this New York Times article.
***
By the way, I wanted to share Christina's recipe for making an Ice Cream Loaf. It's magic.
You will need:
2 cups (1 pint) of softened ice cream
1 cup of self-rising flour
1 egg
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the melty ice cream, self-rising flour, and egg. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into loaf pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick clean.
Enjoy.
Revisited: Molly's Game with Molly Bloom
Some people’s life stories are too crazy not to tell. So today, we’re revisiting one of my favorite episodes, my conversation with Molly Bloom. Her story is so riveting it's no surprise it became a star-studded Hollywood film.
After her Olympic dreams were dashed, Molly wound up running an illegal, high-stakes poker game where hundreds of millions of dollars would change hands in a night.
Molly made a lot of money. Celebrities, mafias, and federal informants soon took an interest in her and her game. Eventually, she lost everything and had no one to blame but herself.
Her story became the Academy Award-nominated movie Molly’s Game, and the lessons she learned from her extraordinary journey have tremendous value for the rest of us.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Molly and her work, check out:
Revisited: We Cannot Heal Alone In The Loneliness Epidemic with Rabbi Sharon Brous
Grief can paralyze us. Most of us aren't given a manual about how to comfort someone grieving or how to ask for help with our own pain.
That's why I wanted to revisit one of my favorite conversations, with Rabbi Sharon Brous. I talked with her about being present to someone else's pain and what it means to heal together in the loneliness epidemic.
Considered one of the most influential rabbis in the U.S., she founded her own congregation and has led multiple White House faith events. In her book, The Amen Effect, Sharon explores how grief and heartbreak can be gateways to truly seeing each other.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Sharon and her work, check out:
her book The Amen Effect
her congregation iKAR
Confident Ignorance with rapper, novelist, and filmmaker Logic
Vision, not skill, is the heart of creativity. But when a creative vision gets too big for one person, the key is to ask for help.
Logic is a platinum-selling rapper who’s made waves in the hip hop world. After a troubled childhood, he started making music with a positive, introspective message, eventually receiving nominations for two Grammy Awards. But after achieving massive popular success, he decided to branch out into something different. Today, he writes science fiction novels, makes movies, and is the only rapper to also have a New York Times bestseller.
I sat down with Logic, whose real name is Bobby Hall, for a deep dive into bringing creative visions to life — especially when you have no idea what you’re doing.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Logic and his work, check out:
Wealth Is Togetherness with community organizer Kennedy Odede
The slums of Kenya are a tough place to grow up. Stealing a mango could get you killed.
Kennedy Odede grew up in Kibera, Africa's largest urban slum. A street kid at age 10, he dreamed of factory work for 10 cents a day. But after stealing a mango out of hunger, a stranger's single act of kindness changed the course of his life.
Today, Kennedy is the CEO and founder of Shining Hope for Communities, or SHOFCO. For 20 years, SHOFCO has empowered Kenya's poorest neighborhoods, helping over 4 million people access clean water, education, and Internet. In 2024, TIME Magazine named Kennedy one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Kennedy shares with me what it takes to see human goodness while surrounded by scarcity and anger, and how poverty taught him that being together is one of the greatest forms of wealth.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Kennedy and his work, check out:
Landing Moonshots with Google's Innovation Chief Dr. Astro Teller
Before Elon Musk rebranded Twitter, X was already in use — at Google. Google X was Google's secret research lab, where Google's most imaginative ideas came to life.
As CEO and co-founder, Astro Teller's job is to harness X's wildest, most futuristic technology to solve the world's hardest problems. The same "moonshot factory" that created Google Brain and Waymo self-driving cars is also working on carbon capture, laser-beam Internet, delivery drones, and more.
I sat down with Astro to discuss how we build cultures of radical innovation. He shares some useful wisdom about unlearning what we know and why the counterintuitive approach is the key to landing moonshots.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Astro and his work, check out:
Creativity Is Connection with poet IN-Q
Business and poetry usually don't mix. But vulnerability has the power to bring teams together.
Poet IN-Q has found an unlikely audience in business. A slam poetry veteran and accomplished songwriter, companies invite IN-Q to help strengthen their cultures. He works with teams to connect on a deeper level, using poetry to share something human. As he'll tell you, winning over crowds of skeptical businesspeople is an art.
In this conversation, IN-Q takes me through a powerful exercise in vulnerability. He shares some deeply personal poems and walks me through writing my own, and I learn that to truly connect with someone else, you must offer something of yourself first.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about IN-Q and his work, check out:
The Never Ending Now poetry journal
The Smell of Memory with scent designer Dawn Goldworm
Our sense of smell has the deepest tie to emotion and memory. But it's also the most overlooked. In business, that's a giant missed opportunity.
Dawn Goldworm knows how to use scent to evoke emotion and create loyalty. From Lady Gaga to Ferrari to books, Dawn designs signature fragrances that allow customers to connect with brands in a more meaningful way. A perfumer turned entrepreneur, her company 12.29 works with some of the biggest names in hospitality, fashion, automotive, and beyond.
Many years ago, Dawn helped me create the Scent of Optimism. I was excited to talk with her about what it takes to compose a new smell from scratch and why smell has the unique ability to make a brand instantly memorable.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Dawn and her work, check out:
Mastery is an Infinite Game with performance psychologist Mike Gervais
Fierce competition can lead to burnout. How do we train ourselves to maintain excellence without giving in to the pressure to perform?
High-performance psychologist Mike Gervais has a solution. He calls it mastery. Mike's approach to mastering our thoughts and emotions has helped Olympians win gold medals, the Seattle Seahawks win the Superbowl, and CEOs take their companies to the next level.
Mike and I sat down to discuss the psychological tools to fine-tune our inner voices and why focusing on purpose instead of outcome empowers us to accomplish difficult things.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Mike's work, check out his podcast:
Finding Mastery
Breaking Tradition with cellist Anastasia Kobekina
Classical music could use a little disruption. For Anastasia Kobekina, that means playing outside of its rigid forms.
An accomplished soloist, Anastasia has played with prestigious orchestras all over the world. She also bangs on her cello, improvises with Vivaldi, and sings.
I was thrilled to sit down with Anastasia to discuss her musical experimentations and to hear her play some pieces from her remarkable new album Venice.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Anastasia and her music, check out:
How to Breathe Out Fear with freediver Li Karlsen
Courage isn't about bravado. It's about staying calm.
Li Karlsen knows a lot about staying calm under the most inhospitable conditions. One of the most accomplished freedivers in the world, Li is a record-holding champion at holding her breath and diving hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface.
I wanted to ask Li what freediving has taught her about managing stress and fear. It turns out the lessons she's learned in the ocean work just as well above the water. Something as simple as changing the way we breathe can have a huge impact on our own fear and stress.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Li, check out:
and her latest venture bkm.health
More Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part Two
In Part 2 of our conversation, Brené Brown, Adam Grant, and I continue our journey of out loud self-reflection.
We discuss identifying our values, the two types of narcissists, explanation-based parenting, and exercising judgment over our own judgment.
Listen to Part 1 here or wherever you listen to podcasts.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Brené and Adam's work, check out:
Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part One
To become more self-aware, sometimes you need a friend. Two friends is even better.
Brené Brown and Adam Grant swing by the podcast for one of our trademark conversations with no plan. It turns into a deep dive about knowing our selves and how self-reflection is sometimes best done with others. What's a little metacognition between friends?
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more from Brené and Adam, check out:
The War On The Young with Professor Scott Galloway
Building wealth is an unequal pursuit. Scott Galloway believes no one is getting more screwed financially than young people.
Scott argues what the U.S. is doing to the economic future of its youth is nothing less than a war on the young. The massive transfer of wealth from young to old is a topic he explores in his new book The Algebra of Wealth.
I was delighted to have Prof G back on the show to share what's been on his mind lately, and enjoyed veering far off topic to discuss love, money, and the nature of true friendship.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Scott and his work, check out:
his book The Algebra of Wealth
his podcasts at Prof G Media
his TED Talk
Moral Courage with Diane Foley, mother of executed journalist James Foley
Seven years after ISIS killed her son, Diane Foley met with one of his killers. Somehow, she was able to find the humanity in her son's murderer.
ISIS held journalist James Foley hostage for 2 years before publicly executing him in 2014, when they uploaded a YouTube video of James's beheading. After her son's murder, Diane Foley started The Foley Foundation, working to free American hostages held abroad, teach journalist safety, and inspire people to act with moral courage.
I asked Diane how she found the moral courage to meet ISIS terrorist Alexanda Kotey and see him as a human being. If Diane could find the grace to connect with her son's murderer, the rest of us can find the moral courage to see the good in those with whom we so vehemently disagree.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Diane and her work, check out:
her book American Mother
Humble Confidence with veteran and entrepreneur Blake Hall
Humility stems from confidence. Confident leaders can admit when they're not the smartest person in the room.
Blake Hall exemplifies the type of leadership we need more of in business. A former Army Ranger, Blake was awarded the Bronze Star for leading his platoon in combat during the Iraq War. Now he's the CEO and co-founder of ID.me, a digital wallet that simplifies online identity verification.
I sat down with Blake to discuss how his combat experience informed his journey as an entrepreneur and why the smartest leaders lead with humility.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Blake and his work, check out:
The Ultimate Infinite-Minded CEO with Trek Bicycle CEO John Burke
The jump from $250 million to $2 billion in revenue doesn't happen overnight. Over 25 years, John Burke transformed Trek Bikes into a global powerhouse — one mom-and-pop bike store at a time.
The key to John's success is simple but powerful. Create value for others first, and you too shall be rewarded.
John and I discuss why the best way to win isn't to focus on "winning," but to focus on "play," and how the principles of The Infinite Game have guided his leadership. And he tells me why creative leadership is exactly what's missing in American government.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about John and his work, check out:
his book, A Bold Plan For America
Be Necessary with war journalist Sebastian Junger
War reporters risk their lives to document conflict. And yet, after a career living on battlefields, Sebastian Junger's closest brush with death was surviving an aneurysm.
Sebastian's story of his sudden internal hemorrhage and making sense of what he saw while dying is the subject of his new book In My Time of Dying. As someone who usually writes as an outside observer, it's an atypical and personal exploration of death.
I was privileged to speak with Sebastian about the fragility of life and why being necessary to others is one of our highest needs of all.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Sebastian and his work, check out:
sebastianjunger.com
his book, In My Time of Dying
Invention is Reinvention with entrepreneur Eric Ryan
Starting a company from scratch isn't easy. Doing it multiple times seems downright impossible.
Eric Ryan is one of those serial entrepreneurs. Most known as the co-founder of Method soaps, he's also the founder of Olly vitamins, Welly first aid kits, Cast jewelry, and he has more ventures planned.
I sat down with Eric to ask him about his creative process. What follows is a conversation about serial creativity and why reinvention is the key to repeating creative success.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Eric and his work, check out:
The Definition of Success with author Neil Strauss
In 2005, Neil Strauss published The Game, a book about his years living in the pickup artist community. The Game sold millions of copies, stirred up huge controversy, and made Neil a bestselling author.
Neil has totally reinvented himself since writing The Game, and I wanted to talk with him about walking away from that identity of success. This led to a much deeper conversation about what success even is. Is meaning tied to outcomes, or is intention enough?
Neil and I don't see eye-to-eye on everything in this conversation, but I love talking with him because he challenges my ideas. I hope this episode challenges you as well, to continue questioning what the definition of success should be.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Neil and his work, check out:
The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists
Happily Friended with author Rhaina Cohen
Society treats marriage like the end goal of human intimacy. Platonic friends can never be as important as romantic partners.
What would life look like if we made friendship the goal? Journalist and producer Rhaina Cohen tackles this question in her book The Other Significant Others. She tells the stories of people who made platonic friends the closest people in their lives, doing things together like buying houses, executing a will, and raising children.
I wanted to talk with Rhaina because redefining what friendship means in our lives lets us connect in new and deeper ways outside the rigid boundaries of a marriage or relationship. And it might take the pressure off our romantic partners to fulfill every one of our social needs.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Rhaina and her work, check out:
her book The Other Significant Others
How To Eat with Glucose Goddess Jessie Inchauspé
It's not just what we eat but how we eat it that counts. Eating the same meal in a different order can dramatically change how we feel!
Glucose Goddess is the viral Instagram account of Jessie Inchauspé, who's inspired millions of people to change how they eat. With simple and easy dietary hacks, Jessie teaches people how to prevent glucose spikes -- large influxes of sugar into our bodies that make us tired, stress our organs, and cause us to age.
Since adopting her eating habits, my energy has never been better. I was thrilled to talk with Jessie about creating Glucose Goddess and her personal story behind showing people a better way to eat.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jessie and her work, check out:
Love Is Not Enough with couples therapist Shawn McBride
Relationships are hard. No matter how much we like, respect, or love someone, conflict seems inevitable.
But even as we fight and disagree, we can also learn the skills we need to resolve our problems. For over two decades, Shawn McBride has helped thousands of couples do the work to strengthen their relationships. And he has tons of practical advice.
Shawn sat down with me to discuss the three biggest problems couples face, why I'm a huge fan of his Instagram, and how love can keep relationships afloat, but it's often not enough.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Shawn and his work, check out:
@couples_counseling_center
@shawnmcbridespeaks
and couplescounselingcenter.org
We Cannot Heal Alone with Rabbi Sharon Brous
Loneliness is now an epidemic, with devastating impacts on our health. How can we rekindle the deep human connection we need now more than ever?
For Rabbi Sharon Brous, this question is the focus of her work. Considered one of the most influential rabbis in the U.S., she's founded her own congregation and has led multiple White House faith events. In her new book, The Amen Effect, Sharon explores how grief and heartbreak can be gateways to truly seeing each other.
Sharon and I talk about what it means to be present to someone else's pain and how a 2,000-year old ritual taught her the meaning of healing together.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Sharon and her work, check out:
her book The Amen Effect
her congregation iKAR
Ideas That Stick with advertising legend Lee Clow
Apple's "1984" commercial, the Energizer Bunny, and the launch of Air Jordans all have one thing in common. They're all creations of legendary ad man Lee Clow.
As creative director of Chiat/Day, Lee spent decades making work that transcended advertising and became cultural icons. He shared a close relationship with Steve Jobs, and his Think Different campaign revitalized Apple, transforming it into the brand we recognize today.
As someone whose career started in advertising, Lee's a hero of mine, and I was thrilled to sit down with him. He shares the entertaining stories behind his most iconic work and some insights into Steve Jobs's leadership, his rare ability to fearlessly embrace creativity.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Lee and his work, check out:
Apple's "1984" Macintosh commercial
Lee in the Creative Hall of Fame
The Anxious Generation with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt
Anxiety disorders affect Gen Z at astronomically higher rates than previous generations. There's plenty to be anxious about in the modern world. But the reason behind Gen Z's mental health crisis might be simpler than you'd think.
According to social psychologist and NYU professor Jonathan Haidt, the answer lies in growing up with a combination of smartphones and social media. In his new book The Anxious Generation, he argues that Gen Z's anxiety is a symptom of being the first generation to go through puberty on Instagram and TikTok, with iPhones available to access them constantly.
Thankfully, Jonathan believes the problem is solvable. He shares some advice he has for concerned parents and tells me how we can fix the mental health crisis affecting our kids in just a few years time.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Jonathan's work, check out:
anxiousgeneration.com
jonathanhaidt.com
And for parents, visit:
letgrow.org
How to Live to 100 with Blue Zones explorer Dan Buettner
Most of us would count ourselves lucky to live to age 80. And yet, there are places on Earth where people regularly live to 100, suffer virtually no chronic disease, and live life with a sense of purpose.
These "Blue Zones" are the focus of Dan Buettner's work. He's a National Geographic explorer, an author, and a documentarian. He spent years traveling and studying the Blue Zones to understand why these 5 places on Earth produce some of the happiest, and longest-lived, people in the world.
Dan and I discuss why happiness is the key to longevity, creating Blue Zones in our own lives, and how a longer life can begin with simply rearranging your kitchen.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Dan Buettner and his work, check out:
his Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones
Going To Mars with NASA director Laurie Leshin
As the private space industry races to colonize space for profit, where does NASA fit in to the equation?
Laurie Leshin is just the person to answer that question. She's the Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the first female director in JPL's storied history. To her, NASA's future is defined by its mission — exploring the cosmos for the greater good of humankind.
Laurie and I discuss the role of Space X and Blue Origin in the new space age and why NASA should set its sights on Mars, and flying to even deeper space beyond.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To find out more about Laurie and her work, check out:
jpl.nasa.gov
Four Years in Solitary Confinement with political prisoner Leopoldo Lopez
If great leaders are those willing to suffer for their beliefs, Leopoldo Lopez is certainly a great leader.
After he led the massive 2014 Venezuelan protests that swept the nation, the regime of Nicolás Maduro sentenced Leopoldo to over a decade of political imprisonment. He suffered four years of solitary confinement and psychological torture before he escaped.
Leopoldo tells me about his time in prison and how he cultivated the mental strength to endure. The story of how he smuggled himself into exile is a truly remarkable one. Most of us will never experience military prison, but what Leopoldo discovered about surviving enormous stress is something each of us can learn from.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
To find out more about Leopoldo and his work, check out:
Redemption with charity founder Scott Harrison
Life as a nightclub promoter in New York City was an unending cycle of drinking, drugs, models, and fast cars. After ten years, Scott Harrison's vices caught up with him, and a health scare forced him to reflect on his life.
Scott felt decadent, wasteful, and morally bankrupt. He decided to completely reverse course. Scott spent the next 2 years in West Africa on board a nonprofit hospital ship, where he saw a level of human suffering that led him to his true calling.
Today, solving the global water crisis is Scott's life's work, and he's built one of the most trusted nonprofits in the world to do just that. His organization charity: water has raised over $750 million, helping more than 17.4 million people access clean drinking water.
Scott shares with me the painful road that led to his transformation and why living a life of service can be a path toward redemption.
This...is A Bit of Optimism
If you would like to help solve the global water crisis, visit:
For more on Scott, check out:
his book Thirst
Supercommunicators with journalist Charles Duhigg
Great communicators aren't born that way. They're self-made.
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose new book, Supercommunicators, explores how some people have unlocked the secret language of connection.
Charles and I discuss what makes these "supercommunicators" unique, why we need stories to convey ideas, and how being honest once saved a CIA recruiter his job.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Charles's work, check out:
his book Supercommunicators
Community Starts at Home with author Alexandra Hudson
In a divided society, idealists believe we can overcome our differences.
Alexandra Hudson is one of those idealists. Disillusioned by the backstabbing she witnessed in federal government, she began to research how we can repair the divisions keeping us apart.
We discuss what being civil means in a dog-eat-dog culture and why building a more connected community can start on the front porch.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about Alexandra and her work, check out:
her book: The Soul of Civility
How To Be A Friend with chef Christina Tosi
When life gets tough, true friends ask for help.
Christina Tosi is that kind of friend. She's someone I can trust with anything and someone I can cry with. She also happens to be a world-class pastry chef, a genius dessert maker, and the founder and CEO of Milk Bar.
We reflect on the art of asking for help and how sometimes all we need from a true friend is 8 minutes of their time.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Christina and her work, check out:
https://www.christinatosi.com/
https://milkbarstore.com/
For more on the power of an 8-minute phone call, check out this New York Times article.
And, by the way, I wanted to share Christina's recipe for making an Ice Cream Loaf. It's magic.
You will need:
2 cups (1 pint) of softened ice cream
1 cup of self-rising flour
1 egg
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the melty ice cream, self-rising flour, and egg. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into loaf pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick clean.
Enjoy.
Why Awkward is Awesome with psychologist Ty Tashiro
Awkwardness gets a bad rap, but the trait is often an indicator that someone is extraordinary.
Psychologist and author Ty Tashiro has spent a great deal of time studying (and living!) social awkwardness. He's fascinated by how the same traits that cause us social embarrassment can also drive exceptional accomplishment.
As a fellow awkward person myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Ty about the advantages of being awkward, what the socially fluent can learn from awkward people, and the best way to navigate conversations in loud clubs.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Ty and his work check out:
His book: AWKWARD: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome.
tytashiro.com
A Theory of Everyone with behavioral researcher Dr. Michael Muthukrishna
What makes humanity unique?
Dr. Michael Muthukrishna is fascinated by why our species behaves the way it does. In his book, A Theory of Everyone, Michael seeks to answer some of the deepest questions humans have about ourselves and how our cultures came to be. Why do humans create culture? What do all our societies have in common? And how can this knowledge help us build a better future?
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
In our conversation, Michael references a paper published in Science titled "The Church, intensive kinship, and global psychological variation." You can read it here.
To learn more about Michael's work, check out:
michael.muthukrishna.com
Atomic Habits with author James Clear
In the New Year, we all aspire to become better versions of ourselves. But how do we change our behavior so new habits actually stick?
Well, James Clear is THE expert on habits. His book, Atomic Habits, is the #1 New York Times bestseller with over 15 million copies sold.
Together, James and I break down his powerful approach to forming better habits, breaking the bad ones, and living the life we desire.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To learn more about James and his work, check out:
Excellence with Silicon Valley Legend Jackie Reses
Lasting success requires innovation. But how do we build teams that keep innovation in their DNA?
Jackie Reses is Silicon Valley royalty precisely because she knows how to hire, build, and lead the best teams for the best companies. Jackie was a senior executive at Yahoo!, Alibaba, and Square and now she is the founder and CEO of a new bank disrupting retail finance.
We talked about what it takes to empower people to invent new things and how grit, paranoia, and excellence breed success.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jackie and her work check out:
Imperfections, Nuance, and Humanity with comedian Alex Edelman
Great comedians have the ability to point out some of the madness, ridiculousness, and nuance that exists in the world.
Alex Edelman is already one of the greats. His current show, "Just For Us," is a transformative experience for his audiences, as he regales them with his experience as an unwelcome interloper at a meeting for white supremacists.
Our conversation was just as enlightening. We discussed how imperfections are beautiful, how seeing humanity in others is the first step to peace, and if IHOP is good, evil, or something in-between.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Alex and his work check out:
https://www.justforusshow.com/
https://www.alexedelmancomedy.com/
Drive with professional racer Danica Patrick
Drive can get you to peak performance.
But what happens when you enter the next chapter of your life?
Danica Patrick was one of the best drivers in the world, the only woman in a field perennially dominated by men. But that was years ago. Now, she is finding meaning beyond wins, races, and results.
It turns out, the best part of drive is the journey.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Danica and her work check out:
The Value of Values with Walmart CEO Doug McMillon
All business leaders want to make a lasting impact, but very few have the scale and tools to change the entire planet.
Doug McMillon has the scale and the tools. He is the CEO of Walmart and employs over 2 million people across the world. But it is Doug's commitment to leading Walmart based on its core values that makes him so important.
So I sat down with him to talk about his 33-year career, in which he went from packing trucks in the loading bay to becoming the chief executive, to discuss the value of values and how Walmart can have an impact on the whole world.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Doug and his work check out:
https://corporate.walmart.com/about/leadership/doug-mcmillon
https://corporate.walmart.com/about/history
A Curious Mind with movie producer Brian Grazer
Authenticity is exceedingly rare.
Yet Brian Grazer embodies it with an unparalleled zest and refreshing innocence.
Though Grazer might not be a household name, his tv shows and movies (like "A Beautiful Mind" and “Apollo 13”) have earned him 242 Emmy nominations and 47 Oscar nominations. He believes in the power of asking endless amounts of questions to shape stories that resonate on a deeply human level.
Grazer is an unparalleled storyteller and offers a unique perspective on how to engage, question, and understand the world around us.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Brian and his work check out:
His new book: https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Mind-Expanded-Secret-Bigger/dp/1668025507
https://imagine-entertainment.com/
https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Brian-Grazer/410161296
Talking to Animals with A.I. ethicist Aza Raskin
When did we get so disconnected from the world around us? How can we find our way back?
Aza Raskin thinks the answer might lie in humanity's greatest adversary - listening.
As co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and of the Earth Species Project, Aza and his team are using Artificial Intelligence to decode the language of animals, from whales to crows, while remaining dedicated to ensuring the accelerating rise of A.I. remains safe and responsibly handled.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Aza and his work check out:
A New Paradigm for Trust with entrepreneur Yat Siu
We have lost trust in almost everything.
Yat Siu has a clear vision for how we can solve our large-scale trust issues and enhance human coordination.
For every problem technology creates, technology also has a solution.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Yat Siu and his work check out:
https://www.animocabrands.com/
Humanize with designer Thomas Heatherwick
We used to care about beautiful architecture.
Luckily, Thomas Heatherwick still does. He is on a quest to make the world less boring.
You may not know Thomas yet, but you know his work. He's designed iconic buildings and experiences and he says our cities have become dreadfully unhuman and our lack of beauty is negatively impacting our physical and mental health.
He's a truly original thinker with great insights into how to innovate, create, and humanize.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Thomas and his work check out:
His new book, Humanize: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Humanize/Thomas-Heatherwick/9781668034439
Teammateship with NBA champion Shane Battier
High-performing teams require more than just a leader. Great teams come from great teammates.
Shane Battier won't be in the NBA Hall of Fame, but he was one of the greatest teammates to ever play professional basketball. He won back-to-back NBA Championships with the Miami Heat and was named the league's Teammate of the Year during their second championship run.
His insights into trust, discomfort, and "teammateship" are essential for teams -- and teammates -- of all types.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
The Future of Leadership with educator Elizabeth English
When we want wisdom, we turn to people older than us. But there is a lot to be learned from younger generations too.
Elizabeth English knows this. She’s the head of one of the most innovative schools in the country, The Archer School for Girls and has spent her career working with -- and learning from -- younger generations.
We sat down to talk about: the problems facing parents today, why kids need and thrive from rules, boundary setting, phone addictions, and how her students make her hopeful for the future.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Elizabeth and her work check out:
https://www.archer.org/about/from-the-head-of-school
Remember Love with the poet Cleo Wade
We are told from a young age to pursue love—romantic love, self-love, divine love. But how do you actually define love? And once you do, how do you find it?
Cleo Wade is the right person to ask. She's a poet whose latest book is called “Remember Love: Words for Tender Times.” Our conversation about love led down many paths: we talked about appreciating pain, staying present, and the resurgence of poetry.
This is... A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Cleo and her work check out:
her new book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724180/remember-love-by-cleo-wade/
Purpose over Profit with Thrive Causemetics CEO Karissa Bodnar
How do you run a thriving company that cares more about impact than about profit and margins?
Karissa Bodnar is a genius CEO who dedicated herself to building a cause-based company. Thrive Causemetics started out of her one-bedroom apartment and now it’s a massively successful brand that has donated over $139 million of value to those in need.
We sat down to talk about finding your purpose, leading younger generations, and so much more.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Karissa and her work check out:
https://thrivecausemetics.com/pages/our-story
Beautiful Conflict with the poet Yung Pueblo
How are you? It’s a question we get asked everyday, but we hardly ever answer it honestly.
When Diego Perez — also known under his penname, Yung Pueblo — started asking himself that question and answering honestly, his entire life changed.
In this conversation, Diego opens up about his own struggles with addiction and shares hard-earned wisdom about conflict, spirituality, and so much more.
This is...A Bit of Optimism.
For more of Yung Pueblo's work check out:
his new book out today The Way Forward
Power with author Robert Greene
How do people become powerful? Can understanding power protect us from those who wield it too strongly?
When Robert Greene first set out to write about power, he didn’t have much of it. He worked odd jobs and was largely at the mercy of other people’s power. Now, his book “The 48 Laws of Power” has given him the power he wrote about. He sat down with me to share what he’s learned on both sides of that spectrum.
This… is a Bit of Optimism.
For more on Robert and his work, check out:
https://powerseductionandwar.com/
Failing Well with professor of leadership Dr. Amy Edmondson
Failure is the secret to success. Our failures are agents of inspiration, iteration, and innovation.
Dr. Amy Edmondson is the Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School and her newest book "Right Kind of Wrong" is all about how we can change our relationship with failures and start “failing well.”
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Dr. Amy Edmondson and her work check out:
https://www.amazon.com/Right-Kind-Wrong-Science-Failing/dp/1982195061
https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6451
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycedmondson/
https://twitter.com/AmyCEdmondson
https://www.instagram.com/amycedmondson/
Happier-ness with author Arthur Brooks
You’ll never achieve perfect happiness. This might sound like bad news, but it’s actually a good thing. Because being happy is not a final destination, it’s an ongoing practice. In short, it’s happier-ness.
That’s a term Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey coined in their new book “Build the Life You Want” where together they lay out a blueprint for a better life. And they would know: Arthur has studied the science of happiness for over 25 years, and I have never had a conversation with him that I haven’t left with a life-changing perspective on what it means to live a meaningful life.
This conversation was no different.
This… is a Bit of Optimism.
For more on Arthur and his work check out:
https://www.amazon.com/Build-Life-You-Want-Science/dp/0593545400
2
Intuition vs. Reason with poker champion Liv Boeree
When should we trust our gut and when should we depend on logic?
Liv Boeree can actually answer that question. She won the World Series of Poker before retiring from the game to explore big questions about game theory, competition, and how we can all find more win-wins.
This is…a Bit of Optimism.
For more on Liv and her work check out:
When to Quit with Steven Bartlett (Part 2)
When should you quit a project and when should you persevere?
As one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, Steven Bartlett has thought deeply about this problem.
Steven is used to getting people to open up on his podcast, but it turns out he’s just as insightful when the focus is on him.
This is…a Bit of Optimism.
For more on Steven and his work check out:
His new book: https://smarturl.it/DOACbook
His website: https://stevenbartlett.com/
Sweating the Small Stuff with Steven Bartlett (Part 1)
How you do anything is how you do everything.
Steven Bartlett embodies this old adage. His high standards and focus on the finest details launched him from a broke university dropout to one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.
At 30-years-old he has already founded multiple companies, starred on Britain’s hit tv show Dragon’s Den, and he is now the host of one of the planet’s most popular podcasts, Diary of a CEO.
He is a leader for the new era. It was a joy to turn the tables on him and have him talk about himself for a change.
His new book, Diary of a CEO, is available for pre-order now.
This is…a Bit of Optimism.
For more on Steven and his work check out:
His new book: https://smarturl.it/DOACbook
His website: https://stevenbartlett.com/
Community and Empowerment with Sharmadean Reid
Great businesses often look a lot like social movements.
Sharmadean Reid knows this from experience—she has combined technology and culture to create multiple businesses around strong communities. She started her first business at 24, creating a nail salon that changed the beauty industry. Now she runs a media network for the next generation of women in power.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Sharmadean and her work, check out:
The Book of Charlie with David Von Drehle
What does it mean to live a long and happy life?
David Von Drehle has spent 40 years covering big stories and important figures as an award-winning journalist. But the best lessons turned out to be right next door. David’s latest book, “The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109 Year-Old Man,” is a best-seller about resilience, American history, and what it means to live well.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on David and his work check out:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Book-of-Charlie/David-Von-Drehle/9781476773926
https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/david-von-drehle/
Leadership with General CQ Brown, Jr.
For this 4th of July, I wanted to do something special to celebrate the birth of our nation. So I invited Air Force Chief of Staff General CQ Brown, Jr. to join me on the podcast.
General Brown is the head of the Air Force and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is also the current nominee to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. If he is confirmed as Chairman later this year, it would make him the most senior-ranked member of the United States military.
General Brown is humble, approachable, credible, and super inspiring.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on General Brown and his work, check out:
His Leadership Library: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/CSAF-Leadership-Library/
His comments in the wake of George Floyd: https://twitter.com/PACAF/status/1268794618461618177?s=20
His bio: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108485/charles-q-brown-jr/
Preparing for Change with Cassandra Worthy
Change is inevitable. And yet fear, anger, and confusion are often our first reactions to changes.
Cassandra Worthy experienced the negative emotions that stem from change so many times that she now sees them for what they really are: signals for opportunity. Now, she helps companies and individuals thrive during times of major change.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Cassandra and her work check out:
Her book Change Enthusiasm https://a.co/d/jlB2Xnk
Trust with Jimmy Wales
Information is power. But how do we adapt now that most of the information we consume comes with a heavy bias?
In an ironic twist of fate, it’s Wikipedia — the encyclopedia that anyone can edit — that has done one of the best jobs maintaining public trust in our polarized era.
I sat down with the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, in front of a live studio audience to explore how we got here and how Wikipedia’s transparency and vulnerability may be a model for a better future.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jimmy, his work, and the Founders Forum summit that hosted our conversation, check out:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Wales
https://twitter.com/jimmy_wales
Life Worth Living with Miroslav Volf
What does it mean for a life to go well? What matters most in our time on Earth?
These are the most important questions of our lives and yet most of us have no clue how to answer them.
Miroslav Volf is a theologian and professor who has been grappling with these ideas for decades. He is the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture where he teaches a class called “Life Worth Living,” and recently wrote a book by the same name.
It turns out, life worth living is life helping others.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more information on Miroslav and his work check out:
https://faith.yale.edu/people/miroslav-volf
Determination with Steven Pressfield
Creative success is notoriously elusive, but those who have made the journey insist it comes down to three factors: hard work, luck, and talent.
Steven Pressfield wants to add one more thing to that list: a muse. And he should know.
His muse guided him to incredible success as an author of fiction, nonfiction, and movies including hit books like: The Legend of Bagger Vance, The War of Art, and Gates of Fire.
Steven’s story of the long and bumpy road he took to find his muse and his success can help the rest of us find ours a little quicker.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Steven and his work, check out:
his new memoir, Govt Cheese: https://stevenpressfieldstore.kinsta.cloud/product/govt-cheese-signed-copy/
and his other published works: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/
Rewarding Kindness with Jimmy Darts
On the path to fame, most rising stars abandon their morals.
Not Jimmy Darts. He’s done just the opposite.
Jimmy started his career as a YouTuber pulling ill-advised pranks. Two decades later, he and his 20 million fans now make the world a kinder place by donating life-changing money to unsuspecting strangers who are spontaneously kind, compassionate, or generous.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jimmy and his work, check out:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2BoMmoR5HSmz5-oS8_1ENw
Love Without Judgment with Ana Kirova
Dating doesn’t have to be about finding “The One.” At its most rewarding, modern love can be about growth, curiosity, and authenticity.
Ana Kirova is the CEO of the dating platform 'Feeld’, a revolutionary app that helps people break free from traditional norms, explore alternative relationships, and discover the boundless potential for love that comes with accepting yourself and others without judgment.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Ana and her work check out:
The Soul of an Idea with David Copperfield
“Soul” is a word that I've never really used, but it perfectly encapsulates what has made David Copperfield the most successful magician of all time.
He has filled global audiences with awe for over 40 years. He made the Statue of Liberty disappear, escaped from Alcatraz, and walked through the Great Wall of China.
And it turns out, the key to great magic is also the key to any great work: a visceral, emotional connection between the act and the performer.
You have to find and honor the soul of the idea.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on David and his work check out:
https://www.davidcopperfield.com/html/
Molly's Game with Molly Bloom
Molly Bloom’s life story is one-of-a-kind.
Her Olympic dreams were dashed, so she planned on going to law school. Instead, she wound up running a high-stakes poker game where hundreds of millions of dollars would change hands in a night.
Molly made a lot of money. Celebrities, mafias, and federal informants soon took an interest in her and her game. Eventually, she lost everything and had no one to blame but herself.
Her story later became the Academy Award nominated movie, Molly’s Game, and the lessons she learned from her extraordinary journey have tremendous value for the rest of us.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Molly and her work, check out:
The Courage of Compassion with Robin Steinberg
How would you like to be judged for the rest of your life by the worst thing you’ve ever done?
Robin Steinberg was a public defender, where she had to learn to see her clients – who were often accused of heinous crimes – as human.
The lessons she has learned about how to find compassion for people with whom we vehemently disagree are absolutely essential for this divided world.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Robin and her work check out:
A Goofy Episode with Bill Farmer
There is a very good chance that Bill Farmer has already made your life brighter and you had no idea.
That's because Bill is a Disney Legend. He has been the voice of Goofy since 1987, among countless other Disney and Looney Tunes characters. What started as a simple impression sparked an amazing career that has influenced millions with a message of optimism.
He views his work as an act of service. As a result, he brings his audience joy that they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Bill Farmer and his work, check out:
https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/its-a-dogs-life-with-bill-farmer
Insane Vacations with Mike Reiss
When you get one of the most successful comedy writers in television history to come on your podcast, naturally the first thing to talk about is...his trip in a homemade submarine to visit the ruins of the Titanic.
You see, Mike Reiss isn't just the funniest guy in the room — he's also the most well-traveled. He's been to Iran, the North Pole, North Korea, and everywhere in between.
Whether he's sharing travel anecdotes or writer's room memories from his 600+ episodes of The Simpsons, one thing is very clear: when Mike tells a story, things are going to get animated.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Mike and his work check out:
His travel podcast "What Am I Doing Here with Mike Reiss": https://bleav.com/shows/what-am-i-doing-here-with-mike-reiss/
Down A Rabbit Hole with Seth Godin
Our time, energy, and emotions are valuable because they are finite.
And yet conversations with Seth Godin always leave me feeling more patient, energized, and full of love.
Seth is a prolific author and a marketing genius who knows first-hand how love can take an interaction from transactional to transformational.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Seth and his work check out:
A Song of Significance, out May 2023: https://geni.us/pdnqnz
How To Be An Entrepreneur with Jeff Rosenthal
Want to go fast? Go alone. Want to go far? Go together.
Most entrepreneurs aren’t lone wolves. Founders like Jeff Rosenthal know that the greatest ventures come with partners, mentors, and communities.
Being enthusiastic, generous, and kind attracts people who want to help—and together you can accomplish the unreasonable.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jeff and his work check out:
The Wisdom of Anxiety with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary
Anxiety is the crown jewel of human evolution.
That’s the professional opinion of neuroscience professor and clinical psychologist Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, who is driving a paradigm shift in how we understand anxiety. The emotion isn’t a sickness or a flaw in human design – it’s an evolved advantage that protects us and strengthens our creative and productive powers.
So even though anxiety doesn’t feel good…it can be good to feel anxious.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Dr. Dennis-Tiwary and her work check out:
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/future-tense-tracy-dennis-tiwary?variant=39708426797090
Guaranteed Joy with Richard Curtis
There are precious few moments in life that guarantee joy. That’s what makes time spent with Richard Curtis or watching his films so special – you just know you’re in for a great time.
Richard is the patron saint of love in the movies. He’s a writer and sometimes director known for optimistic, funny, and uplifting films like: Love Actually, About Time, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Mr. Bean, and many more.
I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Richard on Valentine’s Day of all days to talk about love, joy, charity, and optimism.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Richard and his work check out:
Exploration with Leland Melvin
Explorers discover new worlds and perspectives that change humanity forever.
Leland Melvin has spent his life exploring. He’s been a rocket scientist, an astronaut, and an NFL player.
Now, he’s an educator who uses the dramatic ups-and-downs of his own life to inspire the next generation of explorers.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Leland and his work, check out:
Taking Comfortable Risks with Scott Galloway
When is a risk worth taking? We have to learn to embrace the comfortable risks - the ones where the pain of failure is worthwhile or even valuable.
Podcaster, author and NYU professor, Scott Galloway and I talk about a lot of things, including our concern that the youngest generation is too afraid of the risks worth taking and how that may be adversely affecting them.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Scott and his work check out:
https://profgmedia.com/the-pod/
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/713560/adrift-by-scott-galloway/
Digging Up the Past with Sarah Parcak
Sarah has the coolest job: Space Archaeologist.
She uses satellites to find undiscovered sites buried deep beneath the ground. But the real interesting stuff is what we can learn about ourselves from studying our past.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
Watch Sarah's first TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFC5CwZVCEw&themeRefresh=1
Watch Egypt's Lost Cities on the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011pwms
High Performance with Divesh Makan
Divesh is one of the most connected people I know. Charming and opinionated, he advises and invests the fortunes of the most successful and wealthiest people on the planet.
So I wanted to ask him what he's learned along the way and what we can learn from him.
This is... A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Divesh and his work check out:
https://www.iconiqcapital.com/
Embracing The Fall with Carla Hall
When you show up with love and aim only to give of yourself, everyone you interact with can feel it.
Carla Hall has led a life and a career filled with zigs and zags. The two-time Top Chef contestant and current cooking contributor for Good Morning America went from accountant, to model, to author, to chef. She has done it all and shown up with love at every opportunity. She’s living proof that when you make decisions out of love—both for yourself and others—even your falls can be beautiful.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Carla and her work, check out:
Gen Z in the Workplace with Jonah and David Stillman
Every generation is different, but one thing currently unites Boomers, Gen X-ers, and Millennials: they are all struggling to understand Gen Z.
David and Jonah Stillman are a father-and-son research team who specialize in generational differences and their impact on the workplace. David is Gen X, Jonah is Gen Z, and together they are helping today’s leaders understand the new generation.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jonah and David's work, check out:
Ask Simon Anything: Part Two
New year, new opportunities, new questions!
We’re ringing in 2023 with more answers to the hundreds of questions our listeners sent in from all over the world.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on my work, check out:
Ask Simon Anything: Part One
A few weeks ago, I put out an open call on social media to see what questions my listeners have for me. And there were a LOT of responses.
So, as an end-of-the-year special, our next two episodes will be dedicated to answering your burning questions.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on my work, check out:
Two Bits of Optimism with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part Two
Remember how it was an incredible idea to get Brené Brown and Adam Grant on a call, have absolutely NO plan, and hit record?
Well, this is the second part of that lovely, free-flowing conversation where we talk about creativity, leadership, and if the three of us love each other.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Brené and Adam's work, check out:
Two Bits of Optimism with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part One
What separates exceptional ideas from good ideas?
Here’s an example of a good idea: Book two podcast guests and meticulously plan a conversation about creativity.
Now, here’s an exceptional idea: Get Brené Brown and Adam Grant to join you on a call, have absolutely NO plan, and hit record.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Brené and Adam's work check out:
Being Yourself with Kathryn Finney
Daring to be different feels risky. There’s constant pressure to “read the room” or “tone it down.”
Kathryn Finney discovered at a young age that – when it comes to being authentic – the rewards are actually far greater than the risks.
Kathryn is a model for how being yourself can get you ahead in both business and relationships. She is: an author, an entrepreneur, a fund manager, and a celebrated non-conformist.
And she does it all in incredible style.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Kathryn and her work check out:
https://www.kathrynfinney.com/build-the-damn-thing
Live A Long, Happy Life with physician Mark Hyman
Turns out laughter isn't the best medicine. Medicine might not even be the best medicine. If you were to ask Dr Mark Hyman, he would tell you that food is the best medicine.
Some would say Mark is a modern age miracle worker. In reality, he has figured out ways to help the body perform its own miracles. From curing diseases to extending our lifespans, his approach to wellness is unlike what most of us are used to. His work is inspirational, anthropological and downright fascinating.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Mark and his work check out:
his forthcoming book, Young Forever, at www.youngforeverbook.com
The Value of Interruptions with Janis Burl
Most of us think that social media is the bastion of our younger generations. Until a middle-aged woman named Janis Burl proved that assumption completely wrong. She oversaw the team that built the TSA’s Instagram account (yes, the TSA has an Instagram account and it’s brilliant) into one of the most popular accounts on Instagram. And the best part of her story is how she got the job. The non-linear career path she followed may be a better way for us to find joy in our careers.
So if you would kindly take off your shoes, take your liquids and gels out of your bag and throw away your water bottles, this is...a Bit of Optimism.
For more on Janis and her work, check out:
https://www.instagram.com/tsa/
The Sweet Bitter with Susan Cain
There’s something profound in life’s bitter moments. The transformative beauty of a sad song, the anguished past of a story’s hero, the unexpected turnout of a crowded funeral. Turns out we often need darkness in order to appreciate the light.
In our modern world, we focus so much on the pursuit of happiness that we often forego an appreciation of bitterness. Susan Cain has found a way to celebrate both the sweet and the bitter… in fact she’s written a bestselling book about it.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Susan and her work check out:
https://susancain.net/book/bittersweet/
https://susancain.net/newsletter
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Minor key music sample by Musictown from Pixabay
Major key music sample by Trygve Larsen from Pixabay
Kindness with James Rhee
You went to Harvard undergrad, you went to Harvard Law, you became a hot-shot Private Equity guy. So your next move is obviously…?
If you’re James Rhee, you walk away from all of it and discover what really makes a business grow: the intangibles.
What started out as a six month project to help a company avoid liquidation turned into a seven year passion filled with new friends, compassion, and lots of goodwill. And the results were profound. It turns out intangibles can be measured and kindness is good for business.
This is… A Bit Of Optimism.
For more on James and his work check out:
Redhelicopter.com for news on upcoming projects, including a forthcoming book.
https://www.ted.com/talks/james_rhee_the_value_of_kindness_at_work?language=en
https://www.ashleystewart.com/strongtogether.html
How To Be An Optimist with Pat Berges
Don’t you hate it when you’re coasting along -- not a care in the world -- and then it feels like life comes out of nowhere and hits you like a car, almost paralyzing you? Well, for Pat Berges, that wasn’t just a feeling…that actually happened.
Like many of us, Pat is not a natural optimist. He had to learn how to find optimism during this dark period. Not only did it help him recover, but what he learned continues to help him be, well, optimistic.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Pat and his work, check out:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-berges
https://www.aarc.org/ventilator-training-alliance/
The Labor of Love with Francesca Hogi
It’s what all the poets write about, all the musicians sing about, and all the brokenhearted cry about. That’s right… It's time to talk about love.
I was lucky enough to talk to Francesca Hogi, a love coach and all around incredible person, about how we can traverse through the world of digital dating, rejection, and modern day love.
So… care to join us? Great. It’s a date.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Francesca and her work check out:
https://www.instagram.com/dearfranny/
Unreasonable Hospitality with Will Guidara
If you walk up to someone and say “you’re being unreasonable!” most people would be offended. Will Guidara, however, would take it as a compliment.
A renowned New York restaurateur, Will transformed Eleven Madison Park into the best restaurant in the world by reinventing how they offered hospitality....they made it unreasonable.
I had a chance to sit down and talk to him about how he learned the power of being unreasonable.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Will and his work, check out his new book Unreasonable Hospitality below or wherever you prefer to buy your books:
https://simonsinek.com/optimism_press_books/unreasonable-hospitality/
Partnering with Jean Oelwang
Some of the most successful people in the world all have a secret power. It’s not their experience or technical expertise that matter most – it’s their partnerships.
As the President and founding CEO of Virgin Unite, Jean Oelwang has had a ringside seat to remarkable people and how they build deep business and personal relationships. She has spent over 15 years working with some of the world's greatest partnerships as they learned to become better versions of themselves, and in doing so, multiplied their positive impact on the world.
In her new book Partnering, Jean illuminates the six core principles that weave through sixty of these extraordinary collaborations and shows how we can increase depth and meaning in our most important relationships.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jean and her work check out:
https://unite.virgin.com/unite/person/jean-oelwang
https://twitter.com/JeanOelwang
Vulnerability and Redemption with Adrian Grenier
We've all been told in our darkest times: "Don't worry this will get better"...but what happens if everything's going right? Should we be afraid that the other shoe will drop?
Well, for Adrian Grenier, the other shoe dropped. He was the star of Entourage, the biggest show on television for a decade. He had fame, money, and everything else.
Until one day when his girlfriend abruptly dumped him. At that moment, he was forced to see himself in a new light -- which inspired him to follow an entirely new path: a journey of reflection, growth, and farming.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Adrian and his work check out:
EarthSpeed on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfzVslwYuraxst_RiqNvRGg
EarthSpeed on Instagram - instagram.com/earthspeed
DuContra Ventures -https://www.ducontra.ventures/
And a special thanks to Alo Yoga for letting us break in their brand-new podcast studio :-).
Obscure Presidential History with Jeremy Deutsch
We all know a bit about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, but which President was drunk at his inauguration? Who was the first gay president? And what kind of parent would name their kid “Millard Fillmore”?
For this Presidents' Day, I called the brilliant Jeremy Deutsch, the king of presidential history, to drop some obscure presidential knowledge and give a couple hints about our presidential future as well.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Jeremy and his work check out:
https://www.capitolventurellc.com/
Happiness with Arthur Brooks
Can we ensure that we will stay happy through every phase of our lives? Arthur Brooks discovered that there is a clear fork in the road that we will all face at some point. Some of us will struggle to find lasting happiness and the other will only get happier as time passes. The trick is knowing what to do to get on the happy path.
The best part - Arthur tested his theory on himself…and it worked! He offers lots of words of wisdom -- and lots words I had to look up -- to help guide the rest of us in our quest for personal fulfillment and lifelong happiness.
This is...A Bit Of Optimism.
If you enjoy the episode, visit ArthurBrooks.com and check out his new book for more on the subject, From Strength to Strength.
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Here are a list of some the big words Arthur uses in the episode…just in case you need it :-)
Routinized - to develop into a regular procedure.
Syndicalized - to join together as one entity, as in a labor union.
Pedagogical - instructional, characterized by the art or science of teaching.
Metacognitive - having to do with metacognition, high-level thinking that enables understanding.
Baroque - of or relating to the musical period following the Renaissance, extending roughly from 1600 to 1750.
Fugue - Music. a polyphonic composition based upon one, two, or more themes, which are enunciated by several voices or parts in turn, subjected to contrapuntal treatment, and gradually built up into a complex form having somewhat distinct divisions or stages of development and a marked climax at the end.
Liminality - a state of transition between one stage and the next, especially between major stages in one's life or during a rite of passage.
Disconsolate - characterized by or causing dejection; cheerless; gloomy.
Wizened - withered, shriveled.
Giving What You Have with Mark Bustos
When people want to do good they often get stuck because they don’t know what they can do.
Mark Bustos figured out that to do good, all we need to do is what we are already good at, but to do it for someone else.
Mark is a hairstylist turned humanitarian who will inspire anyone who hears his story to give more.
This is…A Bit Of Optimism.
For more information on Mark and his work check out:
https://www.instagram.com/markbustos/
https://www.silvervineroom.com/
Giving A Sh*t with Phoebe Robinson
Short packets of content. That’s the world we live in. We've condensed and compressed so much of what we consume that our entertainment and our news seem to have lost any nuance or complexity.
And that’s a problem, because our world and our lives are nuanced and complex.
Phoebe Robinson is a comedian, bestselling author, actress and producer who tries to capture the nuance and complexity of life in her work. And it works. She’s funny, thought-provoking and full of heart.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Phoebe and her work, visit:
https://www.phoeberobinson.com
https://www.tinyreparations.com
My True Crime Episode with David Mittelman
Less than 5% of major crimes end in a conviction. For cold cases, that number drops to 1%.
Those numbers won’t stay low forever.
David Mittelman’s company, Othram Inc., is revolutionizing DNA sequencing and, in the process, greatly reducing the number of “unsolvable” cases.
I called David to learn more about how the new technology works, what it means for the future of crime-fighting, and maybe get some fascinating stories out of the bargain too.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on David and his work visit:
Rebuilding Community with Luma Mufleh
Engraved on the Statue of Liberty it reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...” A beautiful sentiment, indeed. The reality is a little less poetic. When refugees reach America’s shores today, they face the daunting task of rebuilding a sense of community while trying to work through a system that is ill-equipped to give them the support they need. That’s where Luma Mufleh comes in.
Twenty-nine years ago, Luma came to the United States as a refugee and has since found herself on a path she didn’t expect - building schools to support refugee children. After hearing her TED Talk, “Don’t Feel Sorry For Refugees, Believe In Them,” I couldn’t wait to get her perspective on how to build a community devoted to taking care of each other. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Luma and her work visit:
https://www.ted.com/talks/luma_mufleh_don_t_feel_sorry_for_refugees_believe_in_them
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No More Lonely Friends with Marissa Meizz
How would you react if you found out that your friends purposely planned a birthday party when you were out of town so you wouldn’t attend? And what if you found out from a video that went viral on TikTok?
That’s exactly what happened to Marissa Meizz.
Marissa's reaction was absolutely beautiful. She used the attention - and the pain - to help others. She founded No More Lonely Friends, a group dedicated to help anyone who wants to build deeper, more meaningful friendships.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
For more information on Marissa and her work visit:
https://nomorelonelyfriends.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nomorelonelyfriends
https://www.instagram.com/marissameizz
Resolving Conflict with William Ury
Fear and anger seem to dominate the headlines. So, to start the New Year, I thought it would be a good idea to find out if there is anything we can do to get to a resolution. And William Ury is about the best person to help figure that out. The author of "Getting to Yes" and co-founder of the Harvard Negotiation Program, he has helped negotiate disarmament pacts between nuclear superpowers, ease religious and ethnic strife in the Middle East, and find common ground among warring factions in Venezuela. So I called William to see if he could start the new year by resolving, well…all of America’s current problems. And the result made me feel quite hopeful. This is…A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about William and his work, check out:
Gratitude with Omar Brownson
Stressed from work? Stressed from life? For all the talk of mindfulness and meditation, a lot of us still struggle to find that calm we want. Omar Brownson tapped into an entirely new way to find peace that may surprise you: gratitude. It was so powerful, he left his high visibility, high stress job to share the power of being grateful with as many people as possible. This…is A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Omar and his work, check out:
https://simonsinek.com/product/the-gratitude-class
https://www.gratitudeblooming.com/
https://www.gratitudeblooming.com/podcast
Setting Boundaries with Sara Kuburic
Despite all our “social” media, more and more people report feeling lonelier, more stressed and more adrift than ever before. How can we protect our mental health and still engage with friends on Instagram, etc? To find out, I called Sara Kuburic – an existential psychotherapist, war survivor, and the mind behind the massive and brilliant Instagram account @Millennial.Therapist. Her insights on self-love, trauma and authenticity reveal both a kind heart and profound wisdom.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Sara and her work, check out:
https://www.instagram.com/millennial.therapist/
https://twitter.com/SaraKuburic
Being Rich with Ron Finley
We live in an era in which possessions are, too often, more important than personal health and the health of our planet. That never felt right to activist, gardener, and education reformer Ron Finley. He’s been called an Eco-lutionary, a Guerrilla Gardener, the Gangsta Gardener…regardless of what you want to call him he is one thing: inspiring.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Ron and his work, check out:
https://www.instagram.com/ronfinleyhq
https://www.instagram.com/ronfinleyproject
Hope with Shamma Al Mazrui
So many politicians say our children are our future, so why do so few nations have a cabinet level position to represent their youth? As the Minister of State for Youth Affairs for the United Arab Emirates, Shamma Al Mazrui is revolutionizing the dynamic between youth and government. At the age of 22, she became the youngest government minister in the world. Now, five years later, she has powerful insights to share about fostering a nation’s youth, the power of listening, and how hope empowers.
This is... A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Shamma and the Ministry for Youth Affairs, check out:
https://uaecabinet.ae/en/details/cabinet-members/her-excellency-shamma-bint-suhail-faris-al-mazrui
https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/the-uae-government/government-of-future/youth
The Asymmetry of Power with Tristan Harris
A small number of tech companies have amassed enormous power in our modern world. Do they wield that power responsibly, or do they abuse it to benefit themselves? I talked to Tristan Harris, “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience,” to better understand what we can do about our social dilemma.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Tristan and his work, check out:
https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/
Family with Ari Emanuel
In show business, Ari Emmanuel is the consummate insider. The founder and CEO of the Endeavor agency, he represents some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He’s a mover and a shaker and a philanthropist. So obviously, I called to talk to him about…family. This is…A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Ari and his work check out:
https://www.wmeagency.com/story/
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/04/26/ari-emanuel-takes-on-the-world
Enchantment with Chloe Valdary
What is the best way to navigate the world of diversity, equity and inclusion? Chloe Valdary’s point of view is different from the norm. The founder of the Theory of Enchantment believes the best way for us to come together is to first find love within ourselves. And the results are...enchanting. This is…A Bit of Optimism.
The Theory of Enchantment - Website
Chloe's feature in The Atlantic
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The Value of Failing with Suneel Gupta
There are only a few people in the world who have made a success out of failing. Serial entrepreneur and author of Backable, Suneel Gupta is one of them. We talked about the importance of failing and the lessons we can learn. This is…A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Suneel and his work, check out:
Suneel Gupta - LinkedIn
Backable: The surprising truth behind what makes people take a chance on you
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Awesome Responsibility with Kyle Carpenter
We’ve seen it in the movies, someone throws themselves onto a grenade to save their buddy, but how many of us could actually do it? Kyle Carpenter, the youngest living recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, can answer that question. However, he sees what he did as the kind of responsibility we all have - to protect and take care of each other. His words are powerful and inspiring.
This is…A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Kyle and his work, check out:
williamkylecarpenter.com/
You Are Worth It - Audiobook
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Raising Resilient Kids with Angela Duckworth
With unprecedented levels of stress and depression amongst young people, I wanted to know what we, as an older generation can do to help. So I talked to psychologist, professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Grit , Angela Duckworth. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Angela and her work, check out :
https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Duckworth/e/B019S711S0
Learning to Love with Tim Shriver
Most people know him as a disability rights activist, chairman of Special Olympics or for his book The Call to Unite. But when we talked, our conversation took a turn. We ended up talking about what it means to learn to love. And it was wonderful.
This is ... A Bit of Optimism.
If you want to know more about Tim and his work, check out :
www.amazon.com/Call-Unite-Voices-Hope-Awakening/dp/B08M8DY4XC
Thinking Differently with Matthew Barzun
Every now and then, I get to meet someone who sees the world differently. Matthew Barzun is one of those people. He was early to see opportunities that others didn’t - in the internet, in political fundraising and even as US Ambassador. Put simply, Matthew helps us see the world differently.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Having a Laugh with Michael McIntyre
In high stress times it helps to laugh, which is why I called Michael McIntyre, one of the most successful comedians in the world. And that’s what we did…we laughed. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Respect with Nicole Avant
In a world that’s increasingly polarized, it’s harder and harder to bridge the divide between ourselves and those we disagree with. Filmmaker and former US Ambassador, Nicole Avant and I chatted about the importance of reaching out beyond the divide and showing fellow humans a little respect. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Designing the Future with Brian Collins
Spotify, Target and Twitch are just three of the brands whose identity has been significantly influenced by Brian Collins. He’s a legend in the design world and thinks about the future in ways completely different from everyone else. This is… A Bit of Optimism
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Confidence with Sara Blakely
Confidence is this thing we all need… this thing we all want. Some seem to find it easier than others. Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, found it and it worked. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Vulnerability with Brigadier General Michael “Johnny Bravo” Drowley
If you ask people in the military what makes them willing to sacrifice themselves for each other, the answer may surprise you. It’s not God or country… it's LOVE.
In business we have colleagues and co-workers, in the military, they have brothers and sisters. Bonds like that inspire people to do remarkable things for each other. I sat down with Brigadier General Michael “Johnny Bravo” Drowley, to understand what it takes to build a bond of love on a team.
This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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The One With Brené Brown
People tell me that Brené Brown’s work, more than anyone else, is the perfect companion to my work. So what a treat for me to talk to Brené to further explore… and debate, well, a whole lot of things. This is… A Bit of Optimism
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Faith with Quilen Blackwell
Occasionally I get to meet someone whose story absolutely inspires me. Quilen Blackwell is that person. He was on the path set for him - good grades, good college, good job - but he decided to follow his own path and his journey was filled with far more difficulty than he imagined. Only through faith, conviction and the generosity of strangers was he able to rise up and become the successful social entrepreneur he is today - serving the community that took care of him. This is… A Bit of Optimism
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A Tension Deficit with James Harding
Where do we find the truth? As the business of news has become, well, a business…it seems to have become more and more difficult to actually find the truth. Even search engines are no help. So I called James Harding, former Director of BBC News and the founder and editor-in-chief of Tortoise, a new news service, to uncover the truth about the truth. This is …A Bit of Optimism.
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The Infinite Game with Dr. James Carse
Many people have theories, but what philosopher, Dr. James Carse, figured out is more profound. He articulated a basic truth about how the world actually works. His work has had a profound impact on me and my work. So much so, I wrote a book to pick up where he left off. Sadly, Dr. Carse died in September 2020. Fortunately I had a chance to sit down with him a few months before, to chat with him about belief, fulfillment and the Infinite Game. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Happying with Derren Brown
What happens when someone who is obsessed with human behavior, instead of becoming a psychologist, chooses a career in entertainment? Mentalist and illusionist, Derren Brown, has mastered the ability to tap into our motivations and biases to uncover some remarkable things. These days, he’s interested in how we can all be just a little bit happier. This is… A Bit of Optimism
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Conversion with Ric Elias
On January 15th 2009, Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, against all odds, landed his US Airways Airbus safely on the Hudson River. How would you have reacted to the sound of the engines shutting down in mid-flight and the captain announcing “brace for impact”? CEO and venture capitalist, Ric Elias, was on that flight. He shared how that near-death experience transformed his views on his business and his life. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Generosity with Ann Marie Scichili
In life we learn different things from different people. From my friend, retail executive Ann Marie Scichili, I learned about generosity. So, in the spirit of generosity I wanted to share her with you. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Joy with Marco Bizzarri
Gucci CEO, Marco Bizzarri, finds joy in the little things. This is his secret. His secret to a happy life, also his secret to leadership. And it works. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Fight with Love, Fight for Love with Aloe Blacc
We are living in a polarized world filled with fear and uncertainty. There is, however, a way we can overcome all of it - Love. Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, Aloe Blacc and I, talked about how we must Fight with Love and Fight for Love. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Finding your Tribe with Amy Cuddy
We all want to feel like we belong. We feel safe surrounded by people who see the world the way we see it. This is why we all have to find our tribe. Social psychologist and award winning Harvard professor, Amy Cuddy, certainly found hers - The Grateful Dead. So I sat down with this lifelong Deadhead to talk about the value of finding your tribe. This is … A Bit of Optimism.
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A Bit of Everything with Adam Grant
What would you talk to organizational psychologist and author of Give and Take, Adam Grant, about? Everything! This was one of those conversations that went in so many directions…and I learned so much. This is … A Bit of Optimism.
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Moving Forward with my sister Sara
Twenty years ago my sister and our family suffered a tragedy that we don’t talk about very often. She wanted to talk about it with the hope that it helps someone. I think it will help a lot of people. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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A Lot of Optimism (Or The One Where I Met Andy Grammer)
Where does optimism come from? I think it comes from an innate sense that the future is bright. Andy Grammer, an incurable optimist, thinks it starts with pain. I love his point of view. This is not a Bit of Optimism. This is… A Lot of Optimism.
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Ethical Fading with Lenny Wong
Are you honest? Let me ask the question a different way: have you ever told a lie? You can see the problem. Dr. Lenny Wong has spent years studying this and we talked about how pervasive this “ethical fading” is in so many aspects of modern life and what we can do about it. This is… A Bit of Optimism
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Second Chances with Bruce Deel
It’s often easier to learn lessons when we look at extreme cases. I turned to the military to understand trust. To learn about compassion, I turned to Bruce Deel. He’s an extraordinary man and the second chances his organization, City of Refuge, gives people can teach the rest of us how we can do the same. This is… A Bit of Optimism
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Challenging Authority with Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss
Two things - money and the internet - influence and impact almost everything in our lives. Which is a problem when both are run by just a few companies. Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, co-founders of Facebook and early investors in Bitcoin, have an idea how to give the people back their power. This is … A Bit of Optimism.
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Extreme Listening with Deeyah Khan
Extreme listening are two words that don’t usually go together. But there is no other way to describe what Deeyah Khan does. A Muslim woman, she made a documentary, White Right: Meeting the Enemy, about spending time with white supremacists. Her results were so profound, it raises the question, what if we all had the capacity for extreme listening? This is…A Bit of Optimism.
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Quiet Service with General Stan McChrystal
General Stan McChrystal was the Commander of The Joint Special Operations Command under President Obama and is the author of Team of Teams. He has had a colorful and distinguished career, but what I wanted to talk to him about is how he has lived a life of Quiet Service. This… is A Bit of Optimism.
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Courage with Guy Raz
We all need courage these days. The courage to speak out, the courage to be optimistic, the courage to take care of our loved ones when we’re hurting. Guy Raz and I talked about where courage comes from and how to find it. Guy is the podcast king. He was also a war correspondent. So he knows a lot about courage. His ideas are absolutely inspiring. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Gratitude with Carolyn Adams
Carolyn Adams is an extraordinary woman. A world-renown dancer, pioneer, and teacher - she is a light that shines bright. I wanted to discover what she’s learned in her purposeful life and get her perspective on what’s going on right now. I loved our chat – I hope you do too. This is… A Bit of Optimism.
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Shades of Grey with Jenna Arnold
We live in a world that is increasingly polarized. Reality, however, is a lot more grey than that, which can make us feel uncomfortable. That’s why I wanted to talk to author, entrepreneur, and activist Jenna Arnold about how we can learn to accept and manage the grey. This is... A Bit of Optimism.
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Entrepreneurship with Helene and Seth Godin
An entrepreneur is not what most people think…that’s what I discussed with marketing guru and serial entrepreneur Seth Godin and his entrepreneur wife, Helene. I learned a lot and I laughed a lot, I really do love them. This is... A Bit of Optimism
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Leadership with Bob Chapman
I imagine a world in which the vast majority of people wake up inspired, feel safe wherever they are, and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do. Bob Chapman, legendary CEO of manufacturing company Barry-Wehmiller, has done more than most other leaders to bring that vision to life. A mentor of mine, I asked him to share his thoughts on Leadership. This is… A Bit Of Optimism
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Service with Maria Shriver
I wanted to talk about Service. Given how she lives her life, Maria Shriver was the perfect person to talk to. We went for a socially distanced walk together in LA and talked about how we can leave this world in better shape than we found it. This is... A Bit of Optimism.
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How To Have Difficult Conversations with David Harris
I have a desire to have necessary and difficult conversations. But I don’t always know how to start them. My brilliant friend and colleague David Harris helped and guided me. My goal is that this podcast helps others start those uncomfortable conversations that need to be had right now for us all to move forward. This is… A Bit Of Optimism.
YouTube: http://youtube.com/simonsinek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonsinek
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Hope with Curtis Martin
Our nation is facing a challenge unlike it’s faced in decades. There’s anger, there’s fear, there’s exhaustion. This week I’ve reached out to friends to have necessary and uncomfortable conversations. One call was to my friend, NFL Hall Of Famer Curtis Martin, who sees the world and understands people in a remarkable way. We talked about the lessons he’s learned and the insights he has which I believe will help us navigate through this together. Because we have to go through it together. This is…. A Bit of Optimism.
YouTube: http://youtube.com/simonsinek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonsinek
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/simonsinek/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/simonsinek/
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Relationships with Christina Tosi and Will Guidara
The best way to learn more about what it takes to build a great relationship is to spend time with people who have a great relationship. That’s why I called my favorite couple - Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar, and Will Guidara, co-founder of Eleven Madison Park and the Welcome Conference. Everything the three of us talked about sparked new insights into what it means to have and build a great relationship. Take a listen and enjoy A Bit of Optimism.
YouTube: http://youtube.com/simonsinek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonsinek
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/simonsinek/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/simonsinek/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonsinek
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/officialsimonsinek/
This is... A Bit of Optimism
During these times, we are all having to find new ways to connect. Starting June 1, join me every week from my kitchen table as I talk with people that inspire me, about love, life, leadership and silver linings. The hope is that we all leave with something I think we need these days… A Bit of Optimism.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Podcasten A Bit of Optimism är skapad av Simon Sinek. Podcastens innehåll och bilderna på den här sidan hämtas med hjälp av det offentliga podcastflödet (RSS).
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.