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
8 snips
Aug 24, 2020 • 25min
Second Chances with Bruce Deel
Bruce Deel, the Founder of City of Refuge, shares his inspiring journey helping marginalized individuals overcome challenges like poverty and addiction. He emphasizes the power of second chances and the importance of compassion in transforming lives. Deel discusses the value of empathetic listening, arguing that we should separate identity from behavior. His insights on the detrimental effects of labeling individuals showcase the potential for personal growth. Through heartfelt stories, he illustrates how small changes can lead to remarkable transformations.
Aug 17, 2020 • 37min
Challenging Authority with Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss delve into the impact of centralized power in the realms of money and the internet. They discuss the transformative potential of decentralization, particularly with Bitcoin, challenging existing authority. The twins explore privacy concerns in the U.S. versus Europe, as well as the nuances of free speech in today’s social media landscape. They also address monopolistic behaviors hindering innovation and the significance of effective partnerships in business. It's a thought-provoking conversation on reclaiming personal power in the digital age.
24 snips
Aug 10, 2020 • 52min
Extreme Listening with Deeyah Khan
Deeyah Khan, a groundbreaking filmmaker known for her documentary on extreme ideologies, shares her profound insights on understanding and engaging with white supremacists. She discusses the transformative power of extreme listening and the importance of empathy in overcoming societal divides. Khan highlights how personal connections and sincere dialogues can challenge violent narratives and foster change. She also explores the psychological struggles faced by individuals leaving extremist groups, emphasizing the need for belonging and supportive communities.
19 snips
Aug 3, 2020 • 28min
Quiet Service with General Stan McChrystal
General Stan McChrystal, the former Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, shares his insights on the theme of Quiet Service. He contrasts the fulfillment of serving without public affirmation against today’s social media culture. Through personal stories, he discusses the importance of community responsibility and individual actions. McChrystal emphasizes effective communication in addressing existential threats and advocates for universal healthcare as a cornerstone of social justice. His reflections on humility and service offer poignant lessons on resilience in a distracting world.
11 snips
Jul 27, 2020 • 49min
Courage with Guy Raz
In a thought-provoking discussion, popular podcaster Guy Raz shares insights from his diverse career as a war correspondent and storyteller. He explores the different dimensions of courage, from personal struggles to confronting uncomfortable societal truths. Raz emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding systemic issues, and engaging in difficult conversations. The conversation also tackles the intersection of American optimism with historical accountability while highlighting the significance of forgiveness and kindness in fostering deeper connections.
6 snips
Jul 20, 2020 • 24min
Gratitude with Carolyn Adams
In this conversation, Carolyn Adams, a world-renowned dancer and educator, shares her inspiring journey through the civil rights era and the challenges of the arts. She discusses the deep connections between family, identity, and art, and the importance of addressing race and education. Carolyn emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude, showing how a positive outlook can cultivate resilience. She also explains the science behind kindness, illustrating how acts of generosity boost emotional well-being for everyone involved.
30 snips
Jul 13, 2020 • 26min
Shades of Grey with Jenna Arnold
Jenna Arnold, an author, entrepreneur, and social activist, dives into the complexities of our increasingly polarized world. She discusses the challenges of embracing the grey areas in society, urging listeners to question binary thinking. Jenna highlights the importance of authenticity in relationships and governance while advocating for vulnerability in leadership. Her insights reveal how embracing uncertainty can foster community, inviting meaningful dialogue and promoting collective growth.
31 snips
Jul 6, 2020 • 35min
Entrepreneurship with Helene and Seth Godin
Join Seth Godin, a renowned serial entrepreneur and marketing guru, alongside his wife Helene, as they redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur. They discuss the essential mindset for problem-solving and the surprising differences between entrepreneurs and small business owners. The duo dives into how meaningful relationships in both marriage and business require patience and resilience, and how grassroots movements can spark significant change. Plus, discover the art of tailored marketing and the extraordinary impact businesses can have on their communities.
30 snips
Jun 29, 2020 • 30min
Leadership with Bob Chapman
Bob Chapman, the legendary CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, is a champion of people-centric leadership. He discusses the power of a caring corporate culture, showcasing how prioritizing people enhances both satisfaction and community impact. Chapman redefines leadership by emphasizing loyalty, human dignity, and nurturing environments akin to parenting. He also addresses the disconnect between younger employees and traditional loyalty, advocating for compassionate leadership and the crucial skill of listening to foster engagement and a harmonious workplace.
Jun 22, 2020 • 36min
Service with Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver, a notable journalist, author, and activist, joins the conversation about the profound impact of service on society. They discuss the joy of commitment to change and how nurturing relationships can bring deeper fulfillment. Shriver highlights the importance of truth in life's final moments and the transformative power of suffering in serving others. The talk also emphasizes effective leadership in uniting collective visions for a better world, urging listeners to prioritize meaningful connections to foster community and connection.
