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
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.
360 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.
8 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 38min
Breaking Tradition with cellist Anastasia Kobekina
Anastasia Kobekina, an innovative cellist known for her experimental approach to classical music, dives into the need for disruption in the genre. She discusses her journey of redefining classical performances for modern audiences, blending improvisation with tradition. Anastasia reflects on her emotional connections to music and the challenges of performing as a solo artist. The conversation touches on the shift from albums to playlists, emphasizing the importance of personal expression in reaching new listeners. A soulful performance of 'Hallelujah' caps off the inspiring dialogue.
67 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 47min
How to Breathe Out Fear with freediver Li Karlsen
Li Karlsen, a record-holding freediver, shares her incredible insights on managing stress and fear through breath control. She highlights how overcoming fears underwater translates to life above the surface. Li discusses the mental resilience gained from freediving, touching on her challenging ice diving experiences. The podcast dives into the transformative power of breathing techniques, including nostril breathing and mouth taping, emphasizing their role in enhancing emotional well-being and tackling anxiety.
375 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 38min
More Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part Two
In this engaging discussion, Brené Brown, a research professor renowned for her insights on vulnerability, and Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist celebrated for his work on originality, explore the depths of self-reflection. They tackle the significance of identifying core values in leadership and the impact of misalignment between values and behaviors. The conversation delves into the complexities of narcissism, social dynamics, and the critical role of self-awareness in effective thinking. Humor and personal anecdotes add a delightful touch to their profound insights.
288 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 43min
Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part One
Join Brené Brown, a research professor known for her work on vulnerability, and Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, as they dive deep into self-awareness and the power of self-reflection. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in building connections and how to navigate emotional intelligence, especially in leadership. The conversation also touches on the significance of gratitude, resilience, and questioning our assumptions around aging and beauty, all while fostering curiosity and empathy in interpersonal dynamics.
