Sumit Paul-Choudhury, former editor-in-chief of New Scientist and author of 'The Bright Side,' discusses how optimism shapes our lives and enhances well-being. He explores whether optimism is innate or learned and highlights its benefits for health and success. Joining him is Dr. Sunita Saw, an award-winning Cornell professor and author of 'Defy,' who champions the power of saying 'no' in a world that pressures conformity. She redefines defiance as a means to uphold one's values and encourages listeners to embrace constructive dissent.

Agnes Callard, a philosopher specializing in Socratic thought, emphasizes the power of questioning to navigate identity and ethics. Sumit Paul-Choudhury, a science writer, champions optimism as a tool for overcoming modern challenges. Keon West, a social psychologist, counters by using data to expose the persistence of racism in society, disputing the notion that it’s a fading issue. Together, they explore the interplay of philosophy, psychology, and empirical evidence in addressing these critical topics.

Sumit Paul-Choudhury, a science writer and author of "The Bright Side," discusses the transformative power of optimism. He explores how optimism isn't just a human trait; even animals like chickens and bumblebees exhibit hopeful behaviors. Sumit highlights the role of optimistic thinking in overcoming 21st-century challenges, from pandemics to climate change. He also delves into the complexities of optimism, debunking biases and advocating for innovative policymaking driven by collective hope.