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
55 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 33min
A Lifetime of Leadership with President Joe Biden
Joe Biden, former President of the United States, shares insights from his extensive leadership journey that began in the Senate at age 29. He emphasizes that leadership is deeply personal and evolves with life's changes. Biden discusses the vital role of family values and meaningful relationships in shaping effective leaders. He reflects on the resilience of American idealism amidst political challenges and the importance of bipartisan cooperation. Additionally, he highlights advocacy against violence and the necessity of protecting others to foster empowered communities.
19 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 39min
Revisited: How To Be A Friend with chef and entrepreneur Christina Tosi
In this engaging discussion, Christina Tosi, the innovative founder of Milk Bar and Netflix's Bake Squad, dives into the many layers of friendship. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, sharing personal stories about asking for help during tough times. Christina explores how food, especially nostalgic desserts like cereal milk ice cream, fosters emotional connections. The conversation also highlights the impact of small gestures, like an 'eight-minute phone call,' in nurturing relationships and countering loneliness.
16 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 50min
Revisited: Molly's Game with Molly Bloom
Molly Bloom, a former high-stakes poker game organizer and the inspiration behind 'Molly's Game,' shares her captivating journey from aspiring Olympic athlete to running underground poker games. She reflects on the allure and pitfalls of gambling, including brushes with celebrities and crime. Molly discusses her legal battles and the quest for redemption, balancing themes of confidence and vulnerability, and emphasizes the importance of personal growth over societal expectations. Her story is a testament to resilience and finding fulfillment beyond fame.
51 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 34min
Revisited: We Cannot Heal Alone In The Loneliness Epidemic with Rabbi Sharon Brous
Rabbi Sharon Brous, an influential leader and founder of iKAR, discusses the profound impact of grief and loneliness in our lives. She explores how shared sorrow can foster genuine connections and emphasizes the critical need for community support. Through storytelling, she highlights the importance of being present for each other and embracing vulnerability as a path to healing. Rabbi Brous also addresses how the loneliness epidemic has led some to cling to conspiracy theories and underscores the necessity of compassion and mutual aid in overcoming isolation.
27 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 60min
Confident Ignorance with rapper, novelist, and filmmaker Logic
Logic, a platinum-selling rapper turned novelist and filmmaker, shares insights on merging creativity with personal growth. He emphasizes that impactful art often emerges from emotional struggles rather than formal training. The discussion highlights the importance of asking for help when creative visions grow too big and underscores the power of confident ignorance in overcoming self-doubt. Through anecdotes about his journey, Logic reflects on balancing personal fulfillment with artistic expression, encouraging listeners to seize fleeting ideas for innovation.
12 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 36min
Wealth Is Togetherness with community organizer Kennedy Odede
Kennedy Odede, founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities, grew up in Kibera, Kenya's largest slum. He shares his transformative journey from a street kid to a leader, emphasizing that true wealth lies in togetherness rather than material possessions. Odede highlights the power of community, kindness, and storytelling in overcoming poverty. He also contrasts the communal spirit of Kibera with the isolation prevalent in Western cities, illustrating how connection and shared experiences are vital for emotional fulfillment and purpose.
116 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 45min
Landing Moonshots with Google's Innovation Chief Dr. Astro Teller
Astro Teller, Co-founder and CEO of Google X, is at the forefront of radical innovation, tackling some of the world's toughest challenges. He dives into the philosophy behind 'moonshots' and the importance of a culture that embraces experimentation. Astro emphasizes the value of learning from failures and the critical role of timing in innovation. He shares insights on why open-mindedness and a playful approach are essential for creativity, all while fostering a workplace that prioritizes incremental learning and collaboration.
23 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 38min
Creativity Is Connection with poet IN-Q
IN-Q, a renowned poet and songwriter, merges the worlds of poetry and business, helping teams connect deeply through vulnerability. He shares personal poems and leads an engaging writing exercise, showcasing how storytelling fosters empathy. The conversation navigates the transformation of corporate culture via creativity, emphasizing that true connection arises from authenticity. With insights on the interplay of joy and pain in art, IN-Q inspires listeners to explore their own narratives and embrace the power of vulnerability.
19 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 45min
The Smell of Memory with scent designer Dawn Goldworm
Dawn Goldworm, the innovative Founder and CEO of 12.29, uses scent to forge powerful emotional connections with brands. She discusses how our sense of smell is closely tied to memory, revealing its potential for enhancing customer experiences. Dawn shares insights on scent branding, including the art of crafting unique fragrances for high-profile brands like Lady Gaga and Ferrari. Her thoughts on the comfort of familiar aromas and their role in shaping nostalgia are captivating. Finally, she underscores the importance of scent in creating loyalty and emotional ties with consumers.
317 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 42min
Mastery is an Infinite Game with performance psychologist Mike Gervais
In this engaging discussion, high-performance psychologist Mike Gervais shares his insights on achieving mastery without succumbing to burnout. He highlights how focusing on purpose over mere outcomes fosters sustainable excellence. Mike shares intriguing stories, including a samurai sword maker's journey, illustrating the pitfalls of conventional success metrics. He emphasizes the importance of developing a purpose-based identity and mental resilience, empowering individuals to navigate confidence, trauma, and the pressures of high performance.
