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
97 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.
34 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.
43 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.
281 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.
152 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.
160 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Man Who Proved Me Right with CEO Bob Chapman and the Barry-Wehmiller Team
Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller and author of *Everybody Matters*, champions Truly Human Leadership, emphasizing empathy in the workplace. He shares how prioritizing care transformed his company, enhancing employee well-being and productivity. Randall Fleming, a long-tenured team member, recounts his journey from skepticism to transformation through Barry-Wehmiller's leadership training. They discuss the critical link between workplace culture and personal fulfillment, advocating that caring leadership is vital for lasting business success.
143 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 2min
Rob Lowe Names Names: The Power of ‘Screw It’
Rob Lowe, a veteran actor and author known for iconic roles in films and TV like The West Wing and Parks and Recreation, shares his journey through stardom and resilience. He discusses the importance of risk-taking and how public failures have shaped his career, highlighting the infamous Oscars mishap. Lowe emphasizes the value of authenticity, both on and off camera, and offers practical insights on gratitude and managing expectations to sustain joy. Through candid storytelling, he proves that laughter and authenticity are key to longevity in Hollywood.
297 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Future You Avoid Is Riskier Than the One You Face with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman
Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn and venture capitalist, shares his insights on the power of storytelling in technology and society. He argues that optimistic futures must be imagined to be created. Hoffman discusses how AI changes our brains and the focus shifts from external to internal threats. He critiques short-term capitalism through the Kodak example, emphasizing a balance of selflessness and ambition. Ultimately, he advocates for a hopeful vision of technology while navigating the complexities of privacy and societal impact.
311 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
What Your Love Life Can Teach You About Work Relationships with psychotherapist Esther Perel
Esther Perel, renowned psychotherapist and author, shares her profound insights into modern relationships. She discusses how evolving societal norms are reshaping our understanding of intimacy, both personally and professionally. Perel emphasizes the importance of emotional connections over traditional duties. She advocates for playful interactions and the necessity of 'talking to strangers' to build lasting bonds. Additionally, she addresses challenges faced by young professionals in remote work, highlighting the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions for fostering workplace culture.
