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
118 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 45min
A Sweet Conversation About Dying with Death Doula Alua Arthur
Alua Arthur, a prominent death doula and New York Times bestselling author, helps people navigate life's final moments. She shares her journey from law to death work, advocating for open discussions on mortality. Alua explores the emotional and financial aspects of dying, urging a holistic approach to end-of-life planning. She emphasizes how confronting death can enrich our lives, inspire personal transformations, and encourage gratitude. With humor and candor, Alua reveals profound insights from her clients, showcasing the wisdom found in embracing mortality.
762 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 44min
The Secret Art of Micromanagement with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky
Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, shares insights on evolving leadership from an entrepreneur to a CEO. He discusses the crucial balance between micromanagement and fostering team autonomy. Chesky tackles the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing decisive leadership and the value of company core principles during crises. He also highlights the necessity of a ‘beginner's mindset’ and adapting leadership to create effective teams. This candid conversation sheds light on the continuous journey of growth in leadership.
104 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 58min
You Are More Like Grammy-Winner Jacob Collier Than You Think
Jacob Collier, a Grammy-winning musician, is celebrated for his innovative, immersive performances that transform audiences into choirs. In this conversation, he explores the balance between structure and spontaneity in music creation. Collier shares how collaboration and emotional understanding nurture artistic expression. He emphasizes the joy of blending diverse genres and recounts personal experiences that shaped his journey. Plus, delve into the chaos of creativity and how it drives innovation in his work.
452 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 43min
Kids (And Employees) Know More Than You Think with Dr. Becky Kennedy
Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and founder of Good Inside, specializes in practical parenting and leadership advice. She discusses how parenting can enhance leadership skills through emotional resilience and open communication. Dr. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of establishing boundaries and understanding emotional triggers for effective relationships. She also shares insights on the challenges of long-term relationship building versus immediate tasks, highlighting the need for authenticity and vulnerability in both personal and professional lives.
99 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 39min
Spite Is The Greatest Motivator with Watch Duty founder John Mills
John Mills, the founder of Watch Duty, a nonprofit app aimed at providing crucial information during wildfires, shares his inspiring journey. He discusses the creation of the app in response to his community's needs and highlights the significance of human connection over AI in emergencies. John emphasizes the importance of ethics and legacy in philanthropy, urging a shift towards collaboration. With a background in woodworking, he reflects on the lessons learned from childhood projects, advocating for innovative hiring and creativity in solving real-world problems.
532 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 55min
The First Steps to Reducing Your Anxiety with author Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins, bestselling author and podcast host, shares her journey from rock bottom, facing $800,000 in debt, to transformative success with her 'Five Second Rule.' She reveals how this simple technique helps combat procrastination and anxiety. Mel also discusses the hidden struggles of undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, especially in women, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability in relationships. Additionally, she explores the changes in adult friendships and the healing power of collaboration, inspiring listeners to prioritize authenticity.
158 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 47min
The Cure for Loneliness with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former U.S. Surgeon General, shines a light on the loneliness epidemic affecting millions. He emphasizes the importance of emotional and social health, advocating for deeper connections over the pursuit of wealth and fame. Dr. Murthy shares personal reflections on the joy of service and the transformative power of kindness. He discusses how love can conquer fear and the necessity of authenticity in fostering meaningful relationships. This conversation is a heartfelt call to prioritize community and connection in our lives.
1,027 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 57min
Trevor Noah Makes My Brain Hurt
In a thought-provoking chat, Trevor Noah, former host of The Daily Show and acclaimed comedian, dives deep into the paradox of choice and the emotional weight of societal constraints. He discusses the disconnect between public personas and private identities, reflecting on the pressures of maintaining a façade in comedy. Noah emphasizes empathy's importance, urging us to focus on real-world issues rather than political debates. With his signature wit, he explores how meaningful conversations can challenge perceptions and foster community, leaving listeners both entertained and enlightened.
284 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 49min
Should You Work With Your Friends? with my friend Will Guidara
Will Guidara, renowned restaurateur and author of 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' explores the challenges of mixing friendship with business. He shares insights on balancing humility and confidence, emphasizing how support enhances personal success. The discussion dives into the emotional dynamics of professional partnerships, highlighting the importance of honesty and vulnerability. They also address the complexities of friendship breakups and the necessity of effective communication in maintaining both personal and professional relationships.
317 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 46min
The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger
Robert Waldinger, a Harvard professor and psychiatrist, directs an 86-year study on what truly makes people happy. He shares that lasting happiness isn’t tied to wealth or fame; it’s rooted in deep connections and community. The conversation covers how social ties impact health and longevity, the importance of pursuing passions without societal pressure, and the true value of time over money. Waldinger emphasizes that genuine attention towards others is essential for a fulfilling life in our distraction-prone world.
