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
24 snips
Nov 1, 2022 • 27min
How To Be An Optimist with Pat Berges
Pat Berges, a resilience expert who turned his life around after a severe bicycle accident, shares his journey from despair to optimism. He discusses how he learned to cultivate positivity as a skill, emphasizing strategies for managing pain and practicing gratitude. Pat highlights the strength found in community and relationships, and the role of intentional effort in developing an optimistic mindset. His insights inspire listeners to embrace life’s challenges with courage and a proactive approach to personal growth.
20 snips
Oct 25, 2022 • 33min
The Labor of Love with Francesca Hogi
Francesca Hogi, a love coach and author known for her insightful approach to relationships, dives deep into the world of modern romance. She discusses the evolution of dating from arranged marriages to today’s digital connections. Rejection becomes a journey of self-discovery as she encourages reframing it for growth. Francesca also highlights the necessity of personal responsibility in relationships, emphasizing that every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to our emotional maturity and understanding of love.
134 snips
Oct 18, 2022 • 33min
Unreasonable Hospitality with Will Guidara
Will Guidara, a renowned New York restaurateur known for transforming Eleven Madison Park, discusses the concept of 'unreasonable hospitality.' He explores how going above and beyond in service fosters authentic human connections. Guidara shares inspiring stories about the ripple effect of kindness and the introduction of innovative roles, like 'Dreamweaver,' to create memorable dining experiences. He emphasizes the power of small, intentional gestures in cultivating meaningful relationships between staff and guests.
33 snips
Mar 8, 2022 • 22min
Partnering with Jean Oelwang
Jean Oelwang, President and founding CEO of Virgin Unite and author of "Partnering," shares her insights on the extraordinary power of partnerships. She discusses how collaboration can tackle societal challenges like loneliness and drive impactful change, notably in fighting malaria. Oelwang emphasizes that friction in relationships can enhance personal growth and illustrates the importance of active listening and mutual respect. By putting helping others first, she inspires listeners to cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections.
9 snips
Mar 1, 2022 • 24min
Vulnerability and Redemption with Adrian Grenier
Adrian Grenier, famed for his role in Entourage, shares his transformative journey from Hollywood stardom to farming and self-reflection. He reveals how a sudden breakup prompted deep personal growth and a commitment to community through gardening. Adrian discusses navigating self-discovery during the pandemic and the balance of life's complexities. He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with meaningful relationships and how farming has played a pivotal role in his ongoing quest for clarity and purpose.
5 snips
Feb 22, 2022 • 25min
Obscure Presidential History with Jeremy Deutsch
In this engaging discussion, Jeremy Deutsch, an expert in presidential history, shares his wealth of obscure knowledge about U.S. presidents. He reveals delightful trivia, like which president showed up intoxicated for their inauguration and uncovers the identity of the first gay president. Jeremy also highlights the quirks of lesser-known leaders, including the eccentricities of Chester Arthur and controversial figures like Millard Fillmore. This dive into history sparks fascinating perspectives on the moral courage of past leaders and the relevance of their legacies today.
49 snips
Feb 15, 2022 • 30min
Happiness with Arthur Brooks
Arthur Brooks, an author and former president of the American Enterprise Institute, shares profound insights on happiness and fulfillment. He discusses the pivotal fork we all face in life between lasting happiness and fleeting joy. Brooks emphasizes the importance of appreciating what we have instead of chasing more, introducing the idea of a 'reverse bucket list.' He also explores the impact of learning styles on happiness and reflects on the wisdom gained through life's transitions, urging listeners to embrace temporary successes.
28 snips
Feb 8, 2022 • 19min
Giving What You Have with Mark Bustos
Mark Bustos, a hairstylist and humanitarian, shares his inspiring journey of giving back by providing free haircuts to homeless individuals in New York City. He discusses how doing what you're already good at can create real change. His story reflects on success redefined through acts of kindness, emphasizing empathy and community. Mark reveals the transformative power of a simple haircut and the meaningful connections that emerge from his selfless actions, showcasing the dignity and confidence they restore to those in need.
27 snips
Feb 1, 2022 • 30min
Giving A Sh*t with Phoebe Robinson
Phoebe Robinson, a talented comedian, bestselling author, and producer, discusses the essential complexity of communication in today's oversimplified world. She shares her insights on balancing life and career post-pandemic, emphasizing the value of emotional connections. Through humor, she highlights the need for empathy in divisive times and the effort required to maintain meaningful relationships. Additionally, Phoebe reflects on the importance of collaboration in creative spaces and the transformative power of mutual support fostered by childhood memories.
8 snips
Jan 25, 2022 • 28min
My True Crime Episode with David Mittelman
David Mittelman, founder of Othram Inc., is at the forefront of solving cold cases through groundbreaking DNA sequencing technology. He discusses the staggering low conviction rates in major crimes and how his innovations aim to change that. Listeners learn about a chilling true crime story, emotional breakthroughs in cold case investigations, and how new forensic methods are helping to identify victims long lost to time. Mittelman also shares insights on the future of crime detection, hinting at a world with fewer repeat offenses thanks to advanced DNA techniques.
