A Bit of Optimism
Simon Sinek
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
42 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 57min
Revisited: The First Steps To Reducing Your Anxiety with Author Mel Robbins
In this engaging discussion, Mel Robbins, a bestselling author and speaker known for her transformative Five Second Rule, shares her personal journey from financial struggle to empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of simple tools for overcoming anxiety and inactivity. Mel encourages listeners to act despite their emotions and to stop controlling others’ choices, thereby reducing stress. She also highlights the value of supportive relationships and co-writing her book with her daughter as a healing experience. Tune in for practical insights to live authentically!
28 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
Revisited: The Beautiful Brilliance of Boredom with Creative Polymath Elle Cordova
Elle Cordova, a talented singer-songwriter and creative polymath known for her viral comedy-poetry, dives into the fascinating world of boredom and creativity. She shares how the pandemic shifted her path from touring musician to comedic creator, sparking viral fame. Their discussion explores how boredom fuels innovation, the importance of creative pauses, and strategies for capturing ideas. Elle also discusses her personal journey with anxiety, and they nerd out over Star Wars characters while enjoying a live performance of her song 'Roswell'.
15 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 3min
A Bit of Optimism Will Return in the New Year
As the year wraps up, heartfelt gratitude fills the air as the host thanks listeners for their incredible support. The impact of sharing episodes and uplifting conversations is celebrated, highlighting community-driven optimism. A winter break is announced, with a promise to return in 2026 with even more inspiring guests and meaningful discussions. Listeners are encouraged to revisit favorite past episodes, ensuring the spirit of the show continues even during the break. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season!
142 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 31min
Revisited: Your Unhappy Brain Needs Some Assistance with Happiness Expert Mo Gawdat
Mo Gawdat, a former Chief Business Officer at Google X and bestselling author, shares insights from his journey through tragedy to find happiness. He reveals that happiness is a choice and our natural default but often buried under survival instincts. Mo discusses how joy and grief can coexist, the importance of living in the present, and actionable strategies for removing unhappiness. He emphasizes that focusing on small joys and embracing change can transform our lives and even create a ripple effect towards making a billion people happy.
142 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
Prepare for the Life You’re Meant to Live With Chaplain John Fox
John Fox, a former finance professional turned chaplain, shares his journey from a high-stress career to finding meaning in service. He discusses the gradual transformation triggered by loss and reflection, explaining how life prepares us for profound changes. John highlights the power of listening, the struggle to address unfixable pain in families, and the importance of community. He emphasizes that fulfillment lies in service rather than success and the necessity of being seen, especially in times of crisis.
47 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 51min
How Losing Everything Taught Her to Help Everyone: Joan Howard’s Story
Joan Howard, a long-time volunteer and advocate with lived experience of homelessness, shares her inspiring journey from wealth to adversity. She discusses the transformative power of service and how Food on Foot provides essential support for those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. Joan breaks down misconceptions about homelessness, emphasizing its various forms, and highlights the importance of dignity in service. Through mentorship and community connection, she illustrates how both recipients and volunteers find purpose and rebuild their lives.
48 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 53min
A Rebel With a Cause (and a Cone) with Jeni’s Ice Cream Founder Jeni Britton
Jeni Britton, the creative founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, shares her journey from art school dropout to ice cream mogul. She discusses how she built a community-focused brand through rebellion, resilience, and a love for service. Jeni emphasizes the importance of empathy over investor demands, iterating on customer feedback, and learning from young employees. She also unveils her latest venture, Floura, born from a walk in the woods and a passion for health, showcasing the power of food as a connector and healer.
254 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 57min
The Culture That Converts Even the Biggest Cynics with former WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge
Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, shares his extraordinary journey from a traditional manager to a culture-driven leader. He transformed WD-40 into a place where employees thrive, focusing on purpose and psychological safety. Garry discusses the importance of creating a loving work environment, even amid chaos. He emphasizes values over command, coaching over managing, and the role of incremental change in building a strong culture. The conversation reveals how engaging employees leads to lasting success, making leaders rethink their approach to workplace culture.
294 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 58min
Choose Your Seven Humans Wisely with author Fredrik Backman
Bestselling novelist Fredrik Backman, known for his heartfelt stories, shares insights about friendship and connection. He reveals that cultivating meaningful friendships takes effort, not luck. Fredrik discusses how true friends support and celebrate each other, acting as emotional editors. He emphasizes the importance of investing time in relationships and choosing friends who complement our flaws. With warmth and humor, he offers lessons on being a better friend, underscoring that depth trumps quantity in friendships.
181 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Smartest Way To Be Stupid with comedian Matthew Broussard
Matthew Broussard—a stand-up comedian, math enthusiast, and former financial analyst—explores the intriguing relationship between comedy and vulnerability. He emphasizes the importance of fresh perspectives in learning, arguing that feeling 'stupid' can lead to growth. Matthew details his transition from finance to comedy, the impact of social media on exposure, and how personal anecdotes connect with audiences. He also discusses the necessity of dynamic math education and shares tips for balancing creativity with professional integrity.
