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
13 snips
Jan 18, 2022 • 29min
Rebuilding Community with Luma Mufleh
Luma Mufleh, the founder of Fugees Family, shares her inspiring journey as a former refugee turned advocate for children facing similar struggles. She discusses the power of community in supporting education for refugee kids, emphasizing that resilience and teamwork can transform lives. Luma highlights the importance of adaptive schooling and collective responsibility, illustrating how shared experience in sports, like soccer, fosters strong communities. She also calls for urgent action to address the global refugee crisis, urging listeners to believe in the potential of refugees.
9 snips
Jan 11, 2022 • 22min
No More Lonely Friends with Marissa Meizz
Marissa Meizz, founder of No More Lonely Friends, gained fame after a TikTok revealed her exclusion from a birthday party. She turned her heartbreak into a mission, highlighting the importance of genuine friendships. The conversation explores how social media affects our connections, tackling issues of trust and loneliness. Marissa shares insights on creating meaningful bonds, the power of vulnerability, and how community can transform isolation into belonging. Her mission encourages all to seek deeper relationships and foster a supportive network.
24 snips
Jan 4, 2022 • 37min
Resolving Conflict with William Ury
William Ury, renowned for his groundbreaking work in peace negotiations and author of "Getting to Yes", shares powerful insights on conflict resolution. He discusses the irony of seeking international peace amid domestic divisions and the importance of community in resolving conflicts. Ury breaks down how existential threats can fuel division and emphasizes fostering a collective identity. He advocates for accountability in dialogue, revealing how transformative conversations can bridge divides and lead to healing in polarized environments.
42 snips
Dec 28, 2021 • 31min
Gratitude with Omar Brownson
Omar Brownson, a businessman and urban planner, advocates for gratitude as a powerful tool for peace and well-being. He shares how embracing gratitude transformed his life and led him to leave a stressful job. The conversation highlights gratitude's role in enhancing resilience, fostering emotional freedom, and strengthening relationships. Brownson also reflects on how gratitude evolves through life's decades, showing its impact during significant life moments and the collective responsibility we have to cultivate a more grateful world.
38 snips
Dec 21, 2021 • 29min
Setting Boundaries with Sara Kuburic
Sara Kuburic, an existential psychotherapist and the voice behind @Millennial.Therapist, shares her insights on mental health amidst the isolation of social media. She delves into the struggle for authentic living in crisis and the misconceptions surrounding millennials' work ethic. Sara highlights the importance of setting boundaries and engaging in introspection to combat feelings of loneliness. Through personal stories, she emphasizes building safe havens and the responsibility to support one another in challenging times, advocating for genuine connections in a digital world.
6 snips
Dec 14, 2021 • 29min
Being Rich with Ron Finley
Special guest Ron Finley, an activist and education reformer, shares his journey of transforming urban spaces into thriving gardens. He discusses the detrimental effects of materialism on identity and community, advocating for a shift towards valuing intrinsic worth. Ron highlights how gardening empowers youth, fostering personal growth and nutritional awareness. He reflects on parenting, emphasizing love and freedom for children to explore, and stresses the importance of nurturing relationships alongside nature.
Dec 7, 2021 • 33min
Hope with Shamma Al Mazrui
In this enlightening discussion, Shamma Al Mazrui, the UAE's Minister of State for Youth Affairs and the youngest government minister globally, shares her vision for empowering youth. She emphasizes the critical need for youth representation in government and the art of listening to bridge generational divides. Al Mazrui advocates for a new youth empowerment policy, highlighting how diversity enhances problem-solving. She also reflects on her journey, illustrating how motherhood has shaped her infinite mindset and belief in a hopeful future.
20 snips
Nov 30, 2021 • 22min
The Asymmetry of Power with Tristan Harris
Tristan Harris, a former tech employee and advocate for responsible technology, dives into the immense power held by a few tech companies. He discusses the manipulative effects of social media on society, drawing from insights in 'The Social Dilemma.' Tristan explores how algorithm-driven content can lead to radicalization, and the paradox of powerful innovations that can either empower or destroy. He emphasizes personal responsibility in navigating the tech landscape, urging listeners to foster meaningful connections and moral accountability in our digital age.
13 snips
Nov 23, 2021 • 24min
Family with Ari Emanuel
Ari Emanuel, the powerhouse founder and CEO of WME Endeavor, dives deep into family dynamics and personal identity. He shares how contrasting parenting styles influenced his and his brothers' paths, shaping their success. Ari emphasizes the importance of viewing pressure as a growth opportunity, and redefines failure as a stepping stone to resilience. He also highlights the need for strong support systems for children with learning differences, showing that true independence comes from community, not isolation.
37 snips
Jun 29, 2021 • 36min
Enchantment with Chloe Valdary
Chloe Valdary, founder of the Theory of Enchantment, brings a refreshing take on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She argues that self-love is key to uniting people and critiques traditional DEI methods that may deepen divides. Chloe shares transformative experiences where genuine connections prompted ideological shifts, even within KKK members. She emphasizes the importance of humility in learning and navigating complex human behaviors, advocating for personal accountability and empathy to foster community understanding.
