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
30 snips
Dec 6, 2022 • 23min
Being Yourself with Kathryn Finney
Kathryn Finney, an author and entrepreneur, champions the power of authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. She shares her journey of embracing uniqueness, discussing the delicate balance between individuality and belonging. Kathryn dives into themes of self-discovery, the challenges of nonconformity in the tech industry, and how these struggles can foster genuine connections. Her insights encourage listeners to celebrate their own identities while recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in leadership and innovation.
6 snips
Nov 29, 2022 • 42min
Live A Long, Happy Life with physician Mark Hyman
Mark Hyman, a physician and pioneer in functional medicine, discusses how food is the real medicine for longevity and wellness. He emphasizes the benefits of fasting and clean eating to activate natural healing processes in the body. Hyman also highlights the advantages of hot and cold therapies for boosting health and the importance of reconnecting with ancestral eating habits. Additionally, he stresses the role of social connections in enhancing life satisfaction and encourages finding balance between enjoyment and healthy living.
25 snips
Nov 22, 2022 • 23min
The Value of Interruptions with Janis Burl
In this engaging conversation, Janis Burl, a former TSA employee and creator of the agency's popular Instagram account, shares her unique journey through a non-linear career path. She discusses how humor and creativity can reshape perceptions of government agencies, making them more relatable. Janis emphasizes the importance of curiosity and being a generalist while navigating social media in public sectors. She also highlights the transformative power of interruptions and encourages embracing unexpected challenges as opportunities for growth and joy in work.
20 snips
Nov 15, 2022 • 25min
The Sweet Bitter with Susan Cain
Susan Cain, bestselling author of "Bittersweet," delves into the profound beauty of life's dualities. She explores how sorrow enriches our appreciation of joy, emphasizing the complex interplay of emotions. Discussion highlights include the importance of music in expressing feelings, navigating difficult conversations about grief, and the value of using 'I statements' for better communication. With personal stories and insights, Cain inspires a deeper understanding of embracing both the sweet and the bitter in our lives.
35 snips
Nov 8, 2022 • 19min
Kindness with James Rhee
James Rhee, a former private equity investor turned CEO of Ashley Stewart, discusses the transformative power of kindness in business. He emphasizes how intangibles like goodwill can significantly impact a company’s success. Rhee shares insights on the shift in business ethics and the importance of authentic leadership, particularly in uplifting marginalized communities. He advocates for tailoring leadership decisions with empathy and connection, illustrating how a human-centric approach fosters a thriving workplace culture.
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.
145 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.
18 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.
