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A Bit of Optimism

My career is an accident. It started when I set out to rediscover my passion and reignite a spark I’d lost — and that journey led me to the work I do now. If you know me from my books or my speaking, you know I’m fascinated by why people do what they do. What makes someone find joy and meaning in their life, or pursue something far greater than themselves? I started A Bit of Optimism to explore those ideas and expand my own perspective. This podcast is a trove of honest conversations, with people who challenge me, teach me, or simply help me see things in a different way. Some guests are household names, and others you may be meeting for the first time. But each one of them has something to share that can help all of us grow. So if you’re looking for a spark — some insight, inspiration, or just a reminder that good things are possible — join me on A Bit of Optimism! Let’s grow together.

Perfect for a leisurely bike ride

Ideal for an extended coffee break

What can we learn from a rural school in Kenya? with principal Carol Moraa
Peace Is A Process with negotiation expert William Ury
Revisited: We Cannot Heal Alone In The Loneliness Epidemic with Rabbi Sharon Brous
Wealth Is Togetherness with community organizer Kennedy Odede
Creativity Is Connection with poet IN-Q
Mastery is an Infinite Game with performance psychologist Mike Gervais
Breaking Tradition with cellist Anastasia Kobekina
Moral Courage with Diane Foley, mother of executed journalist James Foley
Be Necessary with war journalist Sebastian Junger
Invention is Reinvention with entrepreneur Eric Ryan
The Definition of Success with author Neil Strauss
How To Eat with Glucose Goddess Jessie Inchauspé
We Cannot Heal Alone with Rabbi Sharon Brous
Ideas That Stick with advertising legend Lee Clow
The Anxious Generation with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt
How to Live to 100 with Blue Zones explorer Dan Buettner
Going To Mars with NASA director Laurie Leshin
Four Years in Solitary Confinement with political prisoner Leopoldo Lopez
Redemption with charity founder Scott Harrison
How To Be A Friend with chef Christina Tosi
Why Awkward is Awesome with psychologist Ty Tashiro
A Theory of Everyone with behavioral researcher Dr. Michael Muthukrishna
Atomic Habits with author James Clear
Excellence with Silicon Valley Legend Jackie Reses
Imperfections, Nuance, and Humanity with comedian Alex Edelman
Drive with professional racer Danica Patrick
The Value of Values with Walmart CEO Doug McMillon
A Curious Mind with movie producer Brian Grazer
A New Paradigm for Trust with entrepreneur Yat Siu

Suitable for a long workout session

Perfect for a nature hike