A Bit of Optimism (iHeartPodcasts)

Vision, not skill, is the heart of creativity. But when a creative vision gets too big for one person, the key is to ask for help.

Logic is a platinum-selling rapper who’s made waves in the hip hop world. After a troubled childhood, he started making music with a positive, introspective message, eventually receiving nominations for two Grammy Awards. But after achieving massive popular success, he decided to branch out into something different. Today, he writes science fiction novels, makes movies, and is the only rapper to also have a New York Times bestseller.

I sat down with Logic, whose real name is Bobby Hall, for a deep dive into bringing creative visions to life — especially when you have no idea what you’re doing.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Logic and his work, check out:

his new novel, Ultra 85

@logic

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A small number of tech companies have amassed enormous power in our modern world. Do they wield that power responsibly, or do they abuse it to benefit themselves? I talked to Tristan Harris, “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience,” to better understand what we can do about our social dilemma. 

This is… A Bit of Optimism.
 

If you want to know more about Tristan and his work, check out:

About | TRISTAN HARRIS

Center for Humane Technology

https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/

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There is a very good chance that Bill Farmer has already made your life brighter and you had no idea.

That's because Bill is a Disney Legend. He has been the voice of Goofy since 1987, among countless other Disney and Looney Tunes characters. What started as a simple impression sparked an amazing career that has influenced millions with a message of optimism.

He views his work as an act of service. As a result, he brings his audience joy that they carry with them for the rest of their lives.  

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Bill Farmer and his work, check out: 

https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/its-a-dogs-life-with-bill-farmer

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What would you talk to organizational psychologist and author of Give and Take, Adam Grant, about? Everything! This was one of those conversations that went in so many directions…and I learned so much. This is … A Bit of Optimism.

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Fear and anger seem to dominate the headlines. So, to start the New Year, I thought it would be a good idea to find out if there is anything we can do to get to a resolution. And William Ury is about the best person to help figure that out. The author of "Getting to Yes" and co-founder of the Harvard Negotiation Program, he has helped negotiate disarmament pacts between nuclear superpowers, ease religious and ethnic strife in the Middle East, and find common ground among warring factions in Venezuela. So I called William to see if he could start the new year by resolving, well…all of America’s current problems. And the result made me feel quite hopeful. This is…A Bit of Optimism.

If you want to know more about William and his work, check out:

https://www.williamury.com/

https://www.xniforpeace.org/

https://www.abrahampath.org/

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Starting a company from scratch isn't easy. Doing it multiple times seems downright impossible.

Eric Ryan is one of those serial entrepreneurs. Most known as the co-founder of Method soaps, he's also the founder of Olly vitamins, Welly first aid kits, Cast jewelry, and he has more ventures planned. 

I sat down with Eric to ask him about his creative process. What follows is a conversation about serial creativity and why reinvention is the key to repeating creative success.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Eric and his work, check out:

methodproducts.com

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Our time, energy, and emotions are valuable because they are finite.

And yet conversations with Seth Godin always leave me feeling more patient, energized, and full of love.  

Seth is a prolific author and a marketing genius who knows first-hand how love can take an interaction from transactional to transformational.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Seth and his work check out: 

https://www.sethgodin.com/

A Song of Significance, out May 2023: https://geni.us/pdnqnz

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If you walk up to someone and say “you’re being unreasonable!” most people would be offended. Will Guidara, however, would take it as a compliment.  

A renowned New York restaurateur, Will transformed Eleven Madison Park into the best restaurant in the world by reinventing how they offered hospitality....they made it unreasonable.  

I had a chance to sit down and talk to him about how he learned the power of being unreasonable.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Will and his work, check out his new book Unreasonable Hospitality below or wherever you prefer to buy your books: 

https://simonsinek.com/optimism_press_books/unreasonable-hospitality/

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Authenticity is exceedingly rare.

Yet Brian Grazer embodies it with an unparalleled zest and refreshing innocence. 

Though Grazer might not be a household name, his tv shows and movies (like "A Beautiful Mind" and “Apollo 13”) have earned him 242 Emmy nominations and 47 Oscar nominations. He believes in the power of asking endless amounts of questions to shape stories that resonate on a deeply human level.

Grazer is an unparalleled storyteller and offers a unique perspective on how to engage, question, and understand the world around us.

This is…A Bit of Optimism. 

For more on Brian and his work check out: 

His new book: https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Mind-Expanded-Secret-Bigger/dp/1668025507

https://imagine-entertainment.com/

https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Brian-Grazer/410161296

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We are told from a young age to pursue love—romantic love, self-love, divine love. But how do you actually define love? And once you do, how do you find it?

Cleo Wade is the right person to ask. She's a poet whose latest book is called “Remember Love: Words for Tender Times.” Our conversation about love led down many paths: we talked about appreciating pain, staying present, and the resurgence of poetry.

This is... A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Cleo and her work check out:

her new book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724180/remember-love-by-cleo-wade/

https://cleowade.com/

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Daring to be different feels risky. There’s constant pressure to “read the room” or “tone it down.”

Kathryn Finney discovered at a young age that – when it comes to being authentic – the rewards are actually far greater than the risks.

Kathryn is a model for how being yourself can get you ahead in both business and relationships. She is: an author, an entrepreneur, a fund manager, and a celebrated non-conformist. 

And she does it all in incredible style.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Kathryn and her work check out:

kathrynfinney.com

https://www.kathrynfinney.com/build-the-damn-thing

https://www.geniusguild.co/

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Dating doesn’t have to be about finding “The One.”  At its most rewarding, modern love can be about growth, curiosity, and authenticity.  

Ana Kirova is the CEO of the dating platform 'Feeld’, a revolutionary app that helps people break free from traditional norms, explore alternative relationships, and discover the boundless potential for love that comes with accepting yourself and others without judgment.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Ana and her work check out: 

https://feeld.co/

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As the private space industry races to colonize space for profit, where does NASA fit in to the equation?

Laurie Leshin is just the person to answer that question. She's the Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the first female director in JPL's storied history. To her, NASA's future is defined by its mission — exploring the cosmos for the greater good of humankind.

Laurie and I discuss the role of Space X and Blue Origin in the new space age and why NASA should set its sights on Mars, and flying to even deeper space beyond.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To find out more about Laurie and her work, check out:

jpl.nasa.gov

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It's not just what we eat but how we eat it that counts. Eating the same meal in a different order can dramatically change how we feel!

Glucose Goddess is the viral Instagram account of Jessie Inchauspé, who's inspired millions of people to change how they eat. With simple and easy dietary hacks, Jessie teaches people how to prevent glucose spikes -- large influxes of sugar into our bodies that make us tired, stress our organs, and cause us to age.

Since adopting her eating habits, my energy has never been better. I was thrilled to talk with Jessie about creating Glucose Goddess and her personal story behind showing people a better way to eat.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Jessie and her work, check out:

@glucosegoddess

glucosegoddess.com

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When you get one of the most successful comedy writers in television history to come on your podcast, naturally the first thing to talk about is...his trip in a homemade submarine to visit the ruins of the Titanic.

You see, Mike Reiss isn't just the funniest guy in the room — he's also the most well-traveled.  He's been to Iran, the North Pole, North Korea, and everywhere in between.  

Whether he's sharing travel anecdotes or writer's room memories from his 600+ episodes of The Simpsons, one thing is very clear: when Mike tells a story, things are going to get animated.  

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Mike and his work check out: 

His travel podcast "What Am I Doing Here with Mike Reiss": https://bleav.com/shows/what-am-i-doing-here-with-mike-reiss/

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We live in a world that is increasingly polarized. Reality, however, is a lot more grey than that, which can make us feel uncomfortable. That’s why I wanted to talk to author, entrepreneur, and activist Jenna Arnold about how we can learn to accept and manage the grey. This is... A Bit of Optimism.

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In show business, Ari Emmanuel is the consummate insider. The founder and CEO of the Endeavor agency, he represents some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He’s a mover and a shaker and a philanthropist. So obviously, I called to talk to him about…family. This is…A Bit of Optimism. 

For more on Ari and his work check out:  

https://www.wmeagency.com/story/

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/04/26/ari-emanuel-takes-on-the-world

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Can we ensure that we will stay happy through every phase of our lives? Arthur Brooks discovered that there is a clear fork in the road that we will all face at some point. Some of us will struggle to find lasting happiness and the other will only get happier as time passes. The trick is knowing what to do to get on the happy path. 

The best part - Arthur tested his theory on himself…and it worked! He offers lots of words of wisdom -- and lots words I had to look up -- to help guide the rest of us in our quest for personal fulfillment and lifelong happiness.

This is...A Bit Of Optimism. 

If you enjoy the episode, visit ArthurBrooks.com and check out his new book for more on the subject, From Strength to Strength.

-----

Here are a list of some the big words Arthur uses in the episode…just in case you need it :-)

Routinized - to develop into a regular procedure.

Syndicalized - to join together as one entity, as in a labor union. 

Pedagogical - instructional, characterized by the art or science of teaching. 

Metacognitive - having to do with metacognition, high-level thinking that enables understanding.

Baroque - of or relating to the musical period following the Renaissance, extending roughly from 1600 to 1750.

Fugue - Music. a polyphonic composition based upon one, two, or more themes, which are enunciated by several voices or parts in turn, subjected to contrapuntal treatment, and gradually built up into a complex form having somewhat distinct divisions or stages of development and a marked climax at the end.

Liminality - a state of transition between one stage and the next, especially between major stages in one's life or during a rite of passage.

Disconsolate - characterized by or causing dejection; cheerless; gloomy.

Wizened - withered, shriveled.

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Gucci CEO, Marco Bizzarri, finds joy in the little things. This is his secret. His secret to a happy life, also his secret to leadership. And it works. This is… A Bit of Optimism. 

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New year, new opportunities, new questions!

We’re ringing in 2023 with more answers to the hundreds of questions our listeners sent in from all over the world.  

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on my work, check out: 

simonsinek.com

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Don’t you hate it when you’re coasting along -- not a care in the world -- and then it feels like life comes out of nowhere and hits you like a car, almost paralyzing you? Well, for Pat Berges, that wasn’t just a feeling…that actually happened.  

Like many of us, Pat is not a natural optimist. He had to learn how to find optimism during this dark period. Not only did it help him recover, but what he learned continues to help him be, well, optimistic.  

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Pat and his work, check out:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-berges

https://twitter.com/BergesPat

https://www.aarc.org/ventilator-training-alliance/

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There are precious few moments in life that guarantee joy. That’s what makes time spent with Richard Curtis or watching his films so special – you just know you’re in for a great time.  

Richard is the patron saint of love in the movies.  He’s a writer and sometimes director known for optimistic, funny, and uplifting films like: Love Actually, About Time, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Mr. Bean, and many more.

I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Richard on Valentine’s Day of all days to talk about love, joy, charity, and optimism.

This is…A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Richard and his work check out:

https://www.comicrelief.com/

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Great communicators aren't born that way. They're self-made.

Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose new book, Supercommunicators, explores how some people have unlocked the secret language of connection.

Charles and I discuss what makes these "supercommunicators" unique, why we need stories to convey ideas, and how being honest once saved a CIA recruiter his job.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Charles's work, check out:

his book Supercommunicators

charlesduhigg.com

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Apple's "1984" commercial, the Energizer Bunny, and the launch of Air Jordans all have one thing in common. They're all creations of legendary ad man Lee Clow.

As creative director of Chiat/Day, Lee spent decades making work that transcended advertising and became cultural icons. He shared a close relationship with Steve Jobs, and his Think Different campaign revitalized Apple, transforming it into the brand we recognize today.

As someone whose career started in advertising, Lee's a hero of mine, and I was thrilled to sit down with him. He shares the entertaining stories behind his most iconic work and some insights into Steve Jobs's leadership, his rare ability to fearlessly embrace creativity.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Lee and his work, check out:

Apple's "1984" Macintosh commercial

Lee in the Creative Hall of Fame

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Creative success is notoriously elusive, but those who have made the journey insist it comes down to three factors: hard work, luck, and talent. 

Steven Pressfield wants to add one more thing to that list: a muse. And he should know.

His muse guided him to incredible success as an author of fiction, nonfiction, and movies including hit books like: The Legend of Bagger Vance, The War of Art, and Gates of Fire. 

Steven’s story of the long and bumpy road he took to find his muse and his success can help the rest of us find ours a little quicker. 

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Steven and his work, check out: 

his new memoir, Govt Cheese: https://stevenpressfieldstore.kinsta.cloud/product/govt-cheese-signed-copy/

and his other published works: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/

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Are you honest? Let me ask the question a different way: have you ever told a lie? You can see the problem. Dr. Lenny Wong has spent years studying this and we talked about how pervasive this “ethical fading” is in so many aspects of modern life and what we can do about it. This is… A Bit of Optimism

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Seven years after ISIS killed her son, Diane Foley met with one of his killers. Somehow, she was able to find the humanity in her son's murderer. 

ISIS held journalist James Foley hostage for 2 years before publicly executing him in 2014, when they uploaded a YouTube video of James's beheading. After her son's murder, Diane Foley started The Foley Foundation, working to free American hostages held abroad, teach journalist safety, and inspire people to act with moral courage.

I asked Diane how she found the moral courage to meet ISIS terrorist Alexanda Kotey and see him as a human being. If Diane could find the grace to connect with her son's murderer, the rest of us can find the moral courage to see the good in those with whom we so vehemently disagree.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Diane and her work, check out:

her book American Mother

The Foley Foundation

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Engraved on the Statue of Liberty it reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...” A beautiful sentiment, indeed. The reality is a little less poetic. When refugees reach America’s shores today, they face the daunting task of rebuilding a sense of community while trying to work through a system that is ill-equipped to give them the support they need. That’s where Luma Mufleh comes in.   

Twenty-nine years ago, Luma came to the United States as a refugee and has since found herself on a path she didn’t expect - building schools to support refugee children. After hearing her TED Talk, “Don’t Feel Sorry For Refugees, Believe In Them,” I couldn’t wait to get her perspective on how to build a community devoted to taking care of each other. This is… A Bit of Optimism.  

 For more on Luma and her work visit:

 www.fugeesfamily.org   

https://www.ted.com/talks/luma_mufleh_don_t_feel_sorry_for_refugees_believe_in_them

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When life gets tough, true friends ask for help.

Christina Tosi is that kind of friend. She's someone I can trust with anything and someone I can cry with. She also happens to be a world-class pastry chef, a genius dessert maker, and the founder and CEO of Milk Bar. 

We reflect on the art of asking for help and how sometimes all we need from a true friend is 8 minutes of their time.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Christina and her work, check out: 

https://www.christinatosi.com/
https://milkbarstore.com/

For more on the power of an 8-minute phone call, check out this New York Times article.

And, by the way, I wanted to share Christina's recipe for making an Ice Cream Loaf. It's magic. 

You will need:

2 cups (1 pint) of softened ice cream

1 cup of self-rising flour

1 egg

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix the melty ice cream, self-rising flour, and egg. Do not overmix.
3. Pour the batter into loaf pan.
4. Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick clean. 

Enjoy.

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How do you run a thriving company that cares more about impact than about profit and margins?

Karissa Bodnar is a genius CEO who dedicated herself to building a cause-based company. Thrive Causemetics started out of her one-bedroom apartment and now it’s a massively successful brand that has donated over $139 million of value to those in need.

We sat down to talk about finding your purpose, leading younger generations, and so much more.  

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Karissa and her work check out: 

https://thrivecausemetics.com/pages/our-story

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With unprecedented levels of stress and depression amongst young people, I wanted to know what we, as an older generation can do to help. So I talked to psychologist,  professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Grit , Angela Duckworth. This is… A Bit of Optimism.

If you want to know more about Angela and her work, check out :

https://angeladuckworth.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Duckworth/e/B019S711S0

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The slums of Kenya are a tough place to grow up. Stealing a mango could get you killed.

Kennedy Odede grew up in Kibera, Africa's largest urban slum. A street kid at age 10, he dreamed of factory work for 10 cents a day. But after stealing a mango out of hunger, a stranger's single act of kindness changed the course of his life.

Today, Kennedy is the CEO and founder of Shining Hope for Communities, or SHOFCO. For 20 years, SHOFCO has empowered Kenya's poorest neighborhoods, helping over 4 million people access clean water, education, and Internet. In 2024, TIME Magazine named Kennedy one of the 100 most influential people in the world. 

Kennedy shares with me what it takes to see human goodness while surrounded by scarcity and anger, and how poverty taught him that being together is one of the greatest forms of wealth.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Kennedy and his work, check out:

SHOFCO.org

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Occasionally I get to meet someone whose story absolutely inspires me. Quilen Blackwell is that person. He was on the path set for him - good grades, good college, good job - but he decided to follow his own path and his journey was filled with far more difficulty than he imagined. Only through faith, conviction and the generosity of strangers was he able to rise up and become the successful social entrepreneur he is today - serving the community that took care of him. This is… A Bit of Optimism

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Confidence is this thing we all need… this thing we all want. Some seem to find it easier than others. Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, found it and it worked. This is… A Bit of Optimism.

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Spotify, Target and Twitch are just three of the brands whose identity has been significantly influenced by Brian Collins. He’s a legend in the design world and thinks about the future in ways completely different from everyone else. This is… A Bit of Optimism

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How do people become powerful? Can understanding power protect us from those who wield it too strongly?

When Robert Greene first set out to write about power, he didn’t have much of it. He worked odd jobs and was largely at the mercy of other people’s power. Now, his book “The 48 Laws of Power” has given him the power he wrote about. He sat down with me to share what he’s learned on both sides of that spectrum.

This… is a Bit of Optimism.

For more on Robert and his work, check out:

https://powerseductionandwar.com/

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Change is inevitable.  And yet fear, anger, and confusion are often our first reactions to changes. 

Cassandra Worthy experienced the negative emotions that stem from change so many times that she now sees them for what they really are: signals for opportunity. Now, she helps companies and individuals thrive during times of major change. 

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Cassandra and her work check out: 

Her book Change Enthusiasm https://a.co/d/jlB2Xnk

https://cassandraworthy.com/

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Awkwardness gets a bad rap, but the trait is often an indicator that someone is extraordinary.  

Psychologist and author Ty Tashiro has spent a great deal of time studying (and living!) social awkwardness. He's fascinated by how the same traits that cause us social embarrassment can also drive exceptional accomplishment. 

As a fellow awkward person myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Ty about the advantages of being awkward, what the socially fluent can learn from awkward people, and the best way to navigate conversations in loud clubs.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Ty and his work check out: 

His book: AWKWARD: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome.

tytashiro.com

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Carolyn Adams is an extraordinary woman. A world-renown dancer, pioneer, and teacher - she is a light that shines bright. I wanted to discover what she’s learned in her purposeful life and get her perspective on what’s going on right now. I loved our chat – I hope you do too. This is… A Bit of Optimism.

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When people want to do good they often get stuck because they don’t know what they can do. 

Mark Bustos figured out that to do good, all we need to do is what we are already good at, but to do it for someone else. 

Mark is a hairstylist turned humanitarian who will inspire anyone who hears his story to give more. 

This is…A Bit Of Optimism.

For more information on Mark and his work check out: 

https://www.instagram.com/markbustos/

https://www.mydarlingivy.com/

https://www.silvervineroom.com/

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During these times, we are all having to find new ways to connect.  Starting June 1, join me every week from my kitchen table as I talk with people that inspire me, about love, life, leadership and silver linings. The hope is that we all leave with something I think we need these days… A Bit of Optimism.

www.simonsinek.com

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I imagine a world in which the vast majority of people wake up inspired, feel safe wherever they are, and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do. Bob Chapman, legendary CEO of manufacturing company Barry-Wehmiller, has done more than most other leaders to bring that vision to life. A mentor of mine, I asked him to share his thoughts on Leadership. This is… A Bit Of Optimism 

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In 2005, Neil Strauss published The Game, a book about his years living in the pickup artist community. The Game sold millions of copies, stirred up huge controversy, and made Neil a bestselling author. 

Neil has totally reinvented himself since writing The Game, and I wanted to talk with him about walking away from that identity of success. This led to a much deeper conversation about what success even is. Is meaning tied to outcomes, or is intention enough? 

Neil and I don't see eye-to-eye on everything in this conversation, but I love talking with him because he challenges my ideas. I hope this episode challenges you as well, to continue questioning what the definition of success should be. 

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Neil and his work, check out:

neilstrauss.com

The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists

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When you show up with love and aim only to give of yourself, everyone you interact with can feel it.

Carla Hall has led a life and a career filled with zigs and zags. The two-time Top Chef contestant and current cooking contributor for Good Morning America went from accountant, to model, to author, to chef. She has done it all and shown up with love at every opportunity. She’s living proof that when you make decisions out of love—both for yourself and others—even your falls can be beautiful.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Carla and her work, check out:

https://www.carlahall.com/

https://linktr.ee/carlahall

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Remember how it was an incredible idea to get Brené Brown and Adam Grant on a call, have absolutely NO plan, and hit record?

Well, this is the second part of that lovely, free-flowing conversation where we talk about creativity, leadership, and if the three of us love each other.  

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on  Brené and Adam's work, check out: 

https://brenebrown.com/

https://adamgrant.net/

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General Stan McChrystal was the Commander of The Joint Special Operations Command under President Obama and is the author of Team of Teams. He has had a colorful and distinguished career, but what I wanted to talk to him about is how he has lived a life of Quiet Service. This… is A Bit of Optimism.

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An entrepreneur is not what most people think…that’s what I discussed with marketing guru and serial entrepreneur Seth Godin and his entrepreneur wife, Helene. I learned a lot and I laughed a lot, I really do love them. This is... A Bit of Optimism 

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“Soul” is a word that I've never really used, but it perfectly encapsulates what has made David Copperfield the most successful magician of all time.  

He has filled global audiences with awe for over 40 years.  He made the Statue of Liberty disappear, escaped from Alcatraz, and walked through the Great Wall of China.  

And it turns out, the key to great magic is also the key to any great work: a visceral, emotional connection between the act and the performer.  

You have to find and honor the soul of the idea.  

This is…A Bit of Optimism. 

For more on David and his work check out: 

https://www.davidcopperfield.com/html/

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The jump from $250 million to $2 billion in revenue doesn't happen overnight. Over 25 years, John Burke transformed Trek Bikes into a global powerhouse — one mom-and-pop bike store at a time.

The key to John's success is simple but powerful. Create value for others first, and you too shall be rewarded. 

John and I discuss why the best way to win isn't to focus on "winning," but to focus on "play," and how the principles of The Infinite Game have guided his leadership. And he tells me why creative leadership is exactly what's missing in American government.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about John and his work, check out:

his book, A Bold Plan For America

TrekBikes.com

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Some of the most successful people in the world all have a secret power. It’s not their experience or technical expertise that matter most – it’s their partnerships.   

As the President and founding CEO of Virgin Unite, Jean Oelwang has had a ringside seat to remarkable people and how they build deep business and personal relationships.   She has spent over 15 years working with some of the world's greatest partnerships as they learned to become better versions of themselves, and in doing so, multiplied their positive impact on the world. 

 In her new book Partnering, Jean illuminates the six core principles that weave through sixty of these extraordinary collaborations and shows how we can increase depth and meaning in our most important relationships.  

This is…A Bit of Optimism.    

For more on Jean and her work check out:   

https://www.amazon.com/Partnering-Forge-Connections-Things-Happen/dp/059318954X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1646661822&sr=8-2  

https://unite.virgin.com/unite/person/jean-oelwang  

https://twitter.com/JeanOelwang

instagram.com/JeanOelwang

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When should you quit a project and when should you persevere?

As one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, Steven Bartlett has thought deeply about this problem.

Steven is used to getting people to open up on his podcast, but it turns out he’s just as insightful when the focus is on him. 

This is…a Bit of Optimism.

For more on Steven and his work check out: 

His new book: https://smarturl.it/DOACbook

His website: https://stevenbartlett.com/

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What happens when someone who is obsessed with human behavior, instead of becoming a psychologist, chooses a career in entertainment? Mentalist and illusionist, Derren Brown, has mastered the ability to tap into our motivations and biases to uncover some remarkable things. These days, he’s interested in how we can all be just a little bit happier.  This is… A Bit of Optimism

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There’s something profound in life’s bitter moments. The transformative beauty of a sad song, the anguished past of a story’s hero, the unexpected turnout of a crowded funeral. Turns out we often need darkness in order to appreciate the light.  

In our modern world, we focus so much on the pursuit of happiness that we often forego an appreciation of bitterness. Susan Cain has found a way to celebrate both the sweet and the bitter… in fact she’s written a bestselling book about it.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Susan and her work check out: 

susancain.net 

https://susancain.net/book/bittersweet/

https://susancain.net/newsletter

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Minor key music sample by Musictown from Pixabay

Major key music sample by Trygve Larsen from Pixabay

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All business leaders want to make a lasting impact, but very few have the scale and tools to change the entire planet.  

Doug McMillon has the scale and the tools. He is the CEO of Walmart and employs over 2 million people across the world. But it is Doug's commitment to leading Walmart based on its core values that makes him so important.

So I sat down with him to talk about his 33-year career, in which he went from packing trucks in the loading bay to becoming the chief executive, to discuss the value of values and how Walmart can have an impact on the whole world.

This is...A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Doug and his work check out: 

https://corporate.walmart.com/about/leadership/doug-mcmillon

https://corporate.walmart.com/about/history 

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Every generation is different, but one thing currently unites Boomers, Gen X-ers, and Millennials: they are all struggling to understand Gen Z.  

David and Jonah Stillman are a father-and-son research team who specialize in generational differences and their impact on the workplace. David is Gen X, Jonah is Gen Z, and together they are helping today’s leaders understand the new generation.  

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Jonah and David's work, check out: 

genguru.com

https://www.amazon.com/Gen-Work-Generation-Transforming-Workplace-ebook/dp/B01HM27IDK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

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We all want to feel like we belong. We feel safe surrounded by people who see the world the way we see it. This is why we all have to find our tribe. Social psychologist and award winning Harvard professor, Amy Cuddy, certainly found hers - The Grateful Dead.  So I sat down with this lifelong Deadhead to talk about the value of finding your tribe. This is … A Bit of Optimism.

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Anxiety is the crown jewel of human evolution. 

That’s the professional opinion of neuroscience professor and clinical psychologist Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, who is driving a paradigm shift in how we understand anxiety. The emotion isn’t a sickness or a flaw in human design – it’s an evolved advantage that protects us and strengthens our creative and productive powers. 

So even though anxiety doesn’t feel good…it can be good to feel anxious.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Dr. Dennis-Tiwary and her work check out: 

https://www.drtracyphd.com/

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/future-tense-tracy-dennis-tiwary?variant=39708426797090

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There are only a few people in the world who have made a success out of failing. Serial entrepreneur and author of Backable, Suneel Gupta is one of them. We talked about the importance of failing and the lessons we can learn. This is…A Bit of Optimism.

If you want to know more about Suneel and his work, check out:

Suneel Gupta - LinkedIn
Backable: The surprising truth behind what makes people take a chance on you

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Lasting success requires innovation but how do we actually build teams that can keep innovation in their DNA?

Jackie Reses is Silicon Valley royalty precisely because she knows how to hire, build, and lead the best teams for the best companies. Jackie was a senior executive at Yahoo!, Alibaba, and Square and now she is the founder and CEO of a new bank disrupting retail finance.

We talked about what it takes to empower people to invent new things and how grit, paranoia, and excellence breed success.

This is...A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Jackie and her work check out: 

https://www.lead.bank/

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How would you like to be judged for the rest of your life by the worst thing you’ve ever done?

Robin Steinberg was a public defender, where she had to learn to see her clients – who were often accused of heinous crimes – as human.  

The lessons she has learned about how to find compassion for people with whom we vehemently disagree are absolutely essential for this divided world.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Robin and her work check out:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/610838/the-courage-of-compassion-by-robin-steinberg-contributions-by-camilo-ramirez/

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How would you react if you found out that your friends purposely planned a birthday party when you were out of town so you wouldn’t attend? And what if you found out from a video that went viral on TikTok? 

That’s exactly what happened to Marissa Meizz. 

Marissa's reaction was absolutely beautiful. She used the attention - and the pain - to help others. She founded No More Lonely Friends, a group dedicated to help anyone who wants to build deeper, more meaningful friendships.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more information on Marissa and her work visit: 

https://nomorelonelyfriends.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nomorelonelyfriends

https://www.instagram.com/marissameizz

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When did we get so disconnected from the world around us? How can we find our way back?

Aza Raskin thinks the answer might lie in humanity's greatest adversary - listening.

As co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and of the Earth Species Project, Aza and his team are using Artificial Intelligence to decode the language of animals, from whales to crows, while remaining dedicated to ensuring the accelerating rise of A.I. remains safe and responsibly handled.

This is...A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Aza and his work check out: 

https://www.earthspecies.org/

https://www.humanetech.com/

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What does it mean to live a long and happy life?  

David Von Drehle has spent 40 years covering big stories and important figures as an award-winning journalist. But the best lessons turned out to be right next door. David’s latest book, “The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109 Year-Old Man,” is a best-seller about resilience, American history, and what it means to live well.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on David and his work check out:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Book-of-Charlie/David-Von-Drehle/9781476773926

https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/david-von-drehle/

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Less than 5% of major crimes end in a conviction. For cold cases, that number drops to 1%.      

Those numbers won’t stay low forever.  

David Mittelman’s company, Othram Inc., is revolutionizing DNA sequencing and, in the process, greatly reducing the number of “unsolvable” cases.   

 I called David to learn more about how the new technology works, what it means for the future of crime-fighting, and maybe get some fascinating stories out of the bargain too.      

This is… A Bit of Optimism.   

 For more on David and his work visit:   

DNASolves.com 

Othram.com

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High-performing teams require more than just a leader. Great teams come from great teammates.  

Shane Battier won't be in the NBA Hall of Fame, but he was one of the greatest teammates to ever play professional basketball. He won back-to-back NBA Championships with the Miami Heat and was named the league's Teammate of the Year during their second championship run.  

His insights into trust, discomfort, and "teammateship" are essential for teams -- and teammates -- of all types.  

This is...A Bit of Optimism. 

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We are living in a polarized world filled with fear and uncertainty. There is, however, a way we can overcome all of it - Love.  Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, Aloe Blacc and I, talked about how we must Fight with Love and Fight for Love. This is… A Bit of Optimism.

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Where does optimism come from? I think it comes from an innate sense that the future is bright. Andy Grammer, an incurable optimist, thinks it starts with pain. I love his point of view. This is not a Bit of Optimism. This is… A Lot of Optimism.

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Short packets of content. That’s the world we live in. We've condensed and compressed so much of what we consume that our entertainment and our news seem to have lost any nuance or complexity.

And that’s a problem, because our world and our lives are nuanced and complex.

Phoebe Robinson is a comedian, bestselling author, actress and producer who tries to capture the nuance and complexity of life in her work. And it works. She’s funny, thought-provoking and full of heart. 

This is…A Bit of Optimism. 

For more on Phoebe and her work, visit:

https://www.phoeberobinson.com

https://www.tinyreparations.com

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On the path to fame, most rising stars abandon their morals.

Not Jimmy Darts. He’s done just the opposite.  

Jimmy started his career as a YouTuber pulling ill-advised pranks. Two decades later, he and his 20 million fans now make the world a kinder place by donating life-changing money to unsuspecting strangers who are spontaneously kind, compassionate, or generous.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Jimmy and his work, check out:

https://www.jimmydarts.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2BoMmoR5HSmz5-oS8_1ENw

www.instagram.com/jimmydarts

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When should we trust our gut and when should we depend on logic? 

Liv Boeree can actually answer that question.  She won the World Series of Poker before retiring from the game to explore big questions about game theory, competition, and how we can all find more win-wins.

This is…a Bit of Optimism.

For more on Liv and her work check out: 

https://livboeree.com/

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Business and poetry usually don't mix. But vulnerability has the power to bring teams together.

Poet IN-Q has found an unlikely audience in business. A slam poetry veteran and accomplished songwriter, companies invite IN-Q to help strengthen their cultures. He works with teams to connect on a deeper level, using poetry to share something human. As he'll tell you, winning over crowds of skeptical businesspeople is an art. 

In this conversation, IN-Q takes me through a powerful exercise in vulnerability. He shares some deeply personal poems and walks me through writing my own, and I learn that to truly connect with someone else, you must offer something of yourself first.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about IN-Q and his work, check out:

The Never Ending Now poetry journal

IN-Q.com

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How are you? It’s a question we get asked everyday, but we hardly ever answer it honestly.  

When Diego Perez — also known under his penname, Yung Pueblo — started asking himself that question and answering honestly, his entire life changed.

In this conversation, Diego opens up about his own struggles with addiction and shares hard-earned wisdom about conflict, spirituality, and so much more.

This is...A Bit of Optimism.

For more of Yung Pueblo's work check out: 

his new book out today The Way Forward

https://yungpueblo.com/

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Failure is the secret to success. Our failures are agents of inspiration, iteration, and innovation.  

Dr. Amy Edmondson is the Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School and her newest book "Right Kind of Wrong" is all about how we can change our relationship with failures and start “failing well.”  

This is…A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Dr. Amy Edmondson and her work check out:

https://www.amazon.com/Right-Kind-Wrong-Science-Failing/dp/1982195061

https://amycedmondson.com/

https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6451

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycedmondson/

https://twitter.com/AmyCEdmondson

https://www.instagram.com/amycedmondson/

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Explorers discover new worlds and perspectives that change humanity forever.

Leland Melvin has spent his life exploring.  He’s been a rocket scientist, an astronaut, and an NFL player.

Now, he’s an educator who uses the dramatic ups-and-downs of his own life to inspire the next generation of explorers.  

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Leland and his work, check out: 

lelandmelvin.com

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We've all been told in our darkest times: "Don't worry this will get better"...but what happens if everything's going right? Should we be afraid that the other shoe will drop?    

Well, for Adrian Grenier, the other shoe dropped. He was the star of Entourage, the biggest show on television for a decade. He had fame, money, and everything else.   

Until one day when his girlfriend abruptly dumped him. At that moment, he was forced to see himself in a new light -- which inspired him to follow an entirely new path: a journey of reflection, growth, and farming.    

This is…A Bit of Optimism.    

For more on Adrian and his work check out:    

EarthSpeed on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfzVslwYuraxst_RiqNvRGg 

EarthSpeed on Instagram - instagram.com/earthspeed

DuContra Ventures -https://www.ducontra.ventures/   

And a special thanks to Alo Yoga for letting us break in their brand-new podcast studio :-).

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Fierce competition can lead to burnout. How do we train ourselves to maintain excellence without giving in to the pressure to perform?

High-performance psychologist Mike Gervais has a solution. He calls it mastery. Mike's approach to mastering our thoughts and emotions has helped Olympians win gold medals, the Seattle Seahawks win the Superbowl, and CEOs take their companies to the next level.

Mike and I sat down to discuss the psychological tools to fine-tune our inner voices and why focusing on purpose instead of outcome empowers us to accomplish difficult things.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Mike's work, check out his podcast:

Finding Mastery

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Great businesses often look a lot like social movements.  

Sharmadean Reid knows this from experience—she has combined technology and culture to create multiple businesses around strong communities. She started her first business at 24, creating a nail salon that changed the beauty industry. Now she runs a media network for the next generation of women in power.  

This is…A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Sharmadean and her work, check out:

https://thestack.world

https://sharmadeanreid.com

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When we want wisdom, we turn to people older than us. But there is a lot to be learned from younger generations too.

Elizabeth English knows this. She’s the head of one of the most innovative schools in the country, The Archer School for Girls and has spent her career working with -- and learning from -- younger generations.

We sat down to talk about: the problems facing parents today, why kids need and thrive from rules, boundary setting, phone addictions, and how her students make her hopeful for the future.

This is...A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Elizabeth and her work check out: 

https://www.archer.org/about/from-the-head-of-school

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I wanted to talk about Service. Given how she lives her life, Maria Shriver was the perfect person to talk to. We went for a socially distanced walk together in LA and talked about how we can leave this world in better shape than we found it. This is... A Bit of Optimism.

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We used to care about beautiful architecture. 

Luckily, Thomas Heatherwick still does. He is on a quest to make the world less boring.

You may not know Thomas yet, but you know his work.  He's designed iconic buildings and experiences and he says our cities have become dreadfully unhuman and our lack of beauty is negatively impacting our physical and mental health. 

He's a truly original thinker with great insights into how to innovate, create, and humanize.

This is...A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Thomas and his work check out: 

His new book, Humanize: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Humanize/Thomas-Heatherwick/9781668034439

https://www.heatherwick.com/

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Most of us think that social media is the bastion of our younger generations. Until a middle-aged woman named Janis Burl proved that assumption completely wrong. She oversaw the team that built the TSA’s Instagram account (yes, the TSA has an Instagram account and it’s brilliant) into one of the most popular accounts on Instagram. And the best part of her story is how she got the job. The non-linear career path she followed may be a better way for us to find joy in our careers.  

So if you would kindly take off your shoes, take your liquids and gels out of your bag and throw away your water bottles, this is...a Bit of Optimism. 

For more on Janis and her work, check out: 

https://www.instagram.com/tsa/

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For this 4th of July, I wanted to do something special to celebrate the birth of our nation. So I invited Air Force Chief of Staff General CQ Brown, Jr. to join me on the podcast. 

General Brown is the head of the Air Force and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is also the current nominee to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. If he is confirmed as Chairman later this year, it would make him the most senior-ranked member of the United States military. 

General Brown is humble, approachable, credible, and super inspiring. 

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on General Brown and his work, check out: 

His Leadership Library: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/CSAF-Leadership-Library/

His comments in the wake of George Floyd: https://twitter.com/PACAF/status/1268794618461618177?s=20

His bio: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108485/charles-q-brown-jr/

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If great leaders are those willing to suffer for their beliefs, Leopoldo Lopez is certainly a great leader.

After he led the massive 2014 Venezuelan protests that swept the nation, the regime of Nicolás Maduro sentenced Leopoldo to over a decade of political imprisonment. He suffered four years of solitary confinement and psychological torture before he escaped. 

Leopoldo tells me about his time in prison and how he cultivated the mental strength to endure. The story of how he smuggled himself into exile is a truly remarkable one. Most of us will never experience military prison, but what Leopoldo discovered about surviving enormous stress is something each of us can learn from. 

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

To find out more about Leopoldo and his work, check out:

worldlibertycongress.org

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Drive can get you to peak performance. 

But what happens when you enter the next chapter of your life? 

Danica Patrick was one of the best drivers in the world, the only woman in a field perennially dominated by men.  But that was years ago. Now, she is finding meaning beyond wins, races, and results. 

It turns out, the best part of drive is the journey.  

This is...A Bit of Optimism. 

For more on Danica and her work check out: 

https://danicapatrick.com/

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Molly Bloom’s life story is one-of-a-kind.  

Her Olympic dreams were dashed, so she planned on going to law school. Instead, she wound up running a high-stakes poker game where hundreds of millions of dollars would change hands in a night.  

Molly made a lot of money. Celebrities, mafias, and federal informants soon took an interest in her and her game.  Eventually, she lost everything and had no one to blame but herself.

Her story later became the Academy Award nominated movie, Molly’s Game, and the lessons she learned from her extraordinary journey have tremendous value for the rest of us.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Molly and her work, check out:

twitter.com/immollybloom

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Our nation is facing a challenge unlike it’s faced in decades. There’s anger, there’s fear, there’s exhaustion. This week I’ve reached out to friends to have necessary and uncomfortable conversations. One call was to my friend, NFL Hall Of Famer Curtis Martin, who sees the world and understands people in a remarkable way.  We talked about the lessons he’s learned and the insights he has which I believe will help us navigate through this together. Because we have to go through it together. This is…. A Bit of Optimism.

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Relationships are hard. No matter how much we like, respect, or love someone, conflict seems inevitable.

But even as we fight and disagree, we can also learn the skills we need to resolve our problems. For over two decades, Shawn McBride has helped thousands of couples do the work to strengthen their relationships. And he has tons of practical advice.

Shawn sat down with me to discuss the three biggest problems couples face, why I'm a huge fan of his Instagram, and how love can keep relationships afloat, but it's often not enough.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Shawn and his work, check out:

@couples_counseling_center
@shawnmcbridespeaks

and couplescounselingcenter.org

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Want to go fast? Go alone. Want to go far? Go together.

Most entrepreneurs aren’t lone wolves. Founders like Jeff Rosenthal know that the greatest ventures come with partners, mentors, and communities.

Being enthusiastic, generous, and kind attracts people who want to help—and together you can accomplish the unreasonable. 

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Jeff and his work check out: 

https://summit.co/

https://summitimpact.org/

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On January 15th 2009, Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, against all odds, landed his US Airways Airbus safely on the Hudson River. How would you have reacted to the sound of the engines shutting down in mid-flight and the captain announcing “brace for impact”? CEO and venture capitalist, Ric Elias, was on that flight. He shared how that near-death experience transformed his views on his business and his life. This is… A Bit of Optimism.

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Every now and then, I get to meet someone who sees the world differently. Matthew Barzun is one of those people. He was early to see opportunities that others  didn’t -  in the internet, in political fundraising and even as US Ambassador. Put simply,  Matthew helps us see the world differently. This is… A Bit of Optimism

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Great comedians have the ability to point out some of the madness, ridiculousness, and nuance that exists in the world.

Alex Edelman is already one of the greats.  His current show, "Just For Us," is a transformative experience for his audiences, as he regales them with his experience as an unwelcome interloper at a meeting for white supremacists.  

Our conversation was just as enlightening. We discussed how imperfections are beautiful, how seeing humanity in others is the first step to peace, and if IHOP is good, evil, or something in-between. 

This is...A Bit of Optimism. 

For more on Alex and his work check out: 

https://www.justforusshow.com/

https://www.alexedelmancomedy.com/

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Before Elon Musk rebranded Twitter, X was already in use — at Google. Google X was Google's secret research lab, where Google's most imaginative ideas came to life.

As CEO and co-founder, Astro Teller's job is to harness X's wildest, most futuristic technology to solve the world's hardest problems. The same "moonshot factory" that created Google Brain and Waymo self-driving cars is also working on carbon capture, laser-beam Internet, delivery drones, and more.

I sat down with Astro to discuss how we build cultures of radical innovation. He shares some useful wisdom about unlearning what we know and why the counterintuitive approach is the key to landing moonshots.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Astro and his work, check out:

X, the moonshot factory

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You’ll never achieve perfect happiness. This might sound like bad news, but it’s actually a good thing. Because being happy is not a final destination, it’s an ongoing practice. In short, it’s happier-ness.

That’s a term Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey coined in their new book “Build the Life You Want” where together they lay out a blueprint for a better life. And they would know: Arthur has studied the science of happiness for over 25 years, and I have never had a conversation with him that I haven’t left with a life-changing perspective on what it means to live a meaningful life. 

This conversation was no different.

This… is a Bit of Optimism.

For more on Arthur and his work check out: 

https://www.amazon.com/Build-Life-You-Want-Science/dp/0593545400

arthurbrooks.com

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Anxiety disorders affect Gen Z at astronomically higher rates than previous generations. There's plenty to be anxious about in the modern world. But the reason behind Gen Z's mental health crisis might be simpler than you'd think.

According to social psychologist and NYU professor Jonathan Haidt, the answer lies in growing up with a combination of smartphones and social media. In his new book The Anxious Generation, he argues that Gen Z's anxiety is a symptom of being the first generation to go through puberty on Instagram and TikTok, with iPhones available to access them constantly.

Thankfully, Jonathan believes the problem is solvable. He shares some advice he has for concerned parents and tells me how we can fix the mental health crisis affecting our kids in just a few years time.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Jonathan's work, check out:

anxiousgeneration.com
jonathanhaidt.com

And for parents, visit:

letgrow.org

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We’ve seen it in the movies, someone throws themselves onto a grenade to save their buddy, but how many of us could actually do it? Kyle Carpenter, the youngest living recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, can answer that question. However, he sees what he did as the kind of responsibility we all have - to protect and take care of each other. His words are powerful and inspiring. This is…A Bit of Optimism.

If you want to know more about Kyle and his work, check out:
williamkylecarpenter.com/
You Are Worth It - Audiobook

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So many politicians say our children are our future, so why do so few nations have a cabinet level position to represent their youth? As the Minister of State for Youth Affairs for the United Arab Emirates, Shamma Al Mazrui is revolutionizing the dynamic between youth and government. At the age of 22, she became the youngest government minister in the world. Now, five years later, she has powerful insights to share about fostering a nation’s youth, the power of listening, and how hope empowers.    

This is... A Bit of Optimism.     

If you want to know more about Shamma and the Ministry for Youth Affairs, check out:  

https://youth.gov.ae/en  

https://uaecabinet.ae/en/details/cabinet-members/her-excellency-shamma-bint-suhail-faris-al-mazrui

 https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/the-uae-government/government-of-future/youth

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We live in an era in which possessions are, too often, more important than personal health and the health of our planet. That never felt right to activist, gardener, and education reformer Ron Finley. He’s been called an Eco-lutionary, a Guerrilla Gardener, the Gangsta Gardener…regardless of what you want to call him he is one thing: inspiring. 

This is… A Bit of Optimism. 

If you want to know more about Ron and his work, check out:  

https://ronfinley.com

https://www.instagram.com/ronfinleyhq

https://www.instagram.com/ronfinleyproject

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We all need courage these days. The courage to speak out, the courage to be optimistic, the courage to take care of our loved ones when we’re hurting. Guy Raz and I talked about where courage comes from and how to find it. Guy is the podcast king. He was also a war correspondent. So he knows a lot about courage. His ideas are absolutely inspiring. This is… A Bit of Optimism.

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War reporters risk their lives to document conflict. And yet, after a career living on battlefields, Sebastian Junger's closest brush with death was surviving an aneurysm.

Sebastian's story of his sudden internal hemorrhage and making sense of what he saw while dying is the subject of his new book In My Time of Dying. As someone who usually writes as an outside observer, it's an atypical and personal exploration of death.

I was privileged to speak with Sebastian about the fragility of life and why being necessary to others is one of our highest needs of all. 

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Sebastian and his work, check out:

sebastianjunger.com

his book, In My Time of Dying

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Building wealth is an unequal pursuit. Scott Galloway believes no one is getting more screwed financially than young people.

Scott argues what the U.S. is doing to the economic future of its youth is nothing less than a war on the young. The massive transfer of wealth from young to old is a topic he explores in his new book The Algebra of Wealth. 

I was delighted to have Prof G back on the show to share what's been on his mind lately, and enjoyed veering far off topic to discuss love, money, and the nature of true friendship.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Scott and his work, check out:

his book The Algebra of Wealth

his podcasts at Prof G Media

his TED Talk

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