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Simon Sinek

Hi Optimists! 

We're taking a short break to reset and refuel, but we'll be back with an inspiring new episode on August 5th.

Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.

- The A Bit of Optimism Team
__________________
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.

A Bit of Optimism

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.

This is... A Bit of Optimism

The best way to learn more about what it takes to build a great relationship is to spend time with people who have a great relationship. That’s why I called my favorite couple - Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar, and Will Guidara, co-founder of Eleven Madison Park and the Welcome Conference. Everything the three of us talked about sparked new insights into what it means to have and build a great relationship. Take a listen and enjoy A Bit of Optimism.

 

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Relationships with Christina Tosi and Will Guidara

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

The Sweet Bitter with Susan Cain

They say business and pleasure don’t mix. But what about business and friends?

My dear friend Will Guidara is the perfect person to dive into this question because we're actively trying to get into business together. And, let's just say, it requires a lot of effort. 

In addition to being someone I love, Will is a renowned restaurateur, known for owning and operating Eleven Madison Park, once named the best restaurant in the world. He’s also the author of the brilliant book Unreasonable Hospitality and a co-producer of the FX television series The Bear. 

Will and I have worked together before, so I was excited to chat with him about turning friends into colleagues, the reality of friendship breakups at work, and why sometimes showing respect means we have to change the way we treat a friend.

This…is A Bit of Optimism

For more on Will and his work, check out:

Unreasonable Hospitality

The Art of Creating Fiercely Loyal Customers

Should You Work With Your Friends? with my friend Will Guidara

It’s our last episode of 2024, so I decided to invite comedian Trevor Noah on…to get as serious as possible.

Most Americans know Trevor as the former host of The Daily Show, a bestselling author, and a stand-up comedian. But his brand of humor isn’t just a barrel of laughs— it’s raw, witty, thought-provoking, and often makes you see the world in a whole new way.

In this conversation, we ditched the small talk (mostly) and went deep into the paradox of choice, the public's response to the murder of United HealthCare's CEO, and why the human experience might be defined by constraint. It will make you chuckle, think, and probably question everything all at once.

This...is a Bit of Optimism.

P.S. Come back and see us on January 7, 2025 for an all new episode. Until then, take care of yourself and each other.
 

For more on Trevor and his work, check out:

trevornoah.com

Trevor Noah Makes My Brain Hurt

Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions. Where do we go to feel like we belong?

As the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy has been a leading voice in bringing the loneliness crisis to light, stressing its devastating impact on public health. As his second term nears its end, he leaves behind a powerful reflection in his letter, My Parting Prescription for America and the World.

In an insightful conversation with Dr. Murthy, we delve into what it truly means to be healthy—not just physically, but emotionally and socially—and discuss why the pursuit of fame, wealth, and power often leads us further from what we really need.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

To read the letter, visit this link: My Parting Prescription for America and the World 

To learn more about Dr. Murthy, click here: vivekmurthy.com

The Cure for Loneliness with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when we're too drained to even get out of bed. So, how do we push through those days?

For Mel Robbins, facing this very question turned her life around. Struggling with $800,000 in debt and at rock bottom, she became obsessed with finding practical ways to regain control. Fast-forward to today, and Mel is a bestselling author and podcast host who has helped millions transform their lives. In her latest book, The Let Them Theory, she reveals how shedding the weight of others' expectations can help us live more authentically.

I sat down with Mel to dive into how we can take action when we're emotionally spent, why our need for control ties us to other people's opinions, and how giving others the freedom to be themselves allows us to align with our true values.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Mel and her work, check out:

The Mel Robbins Podcast

and her book, The Let Them Theory

The First Steps to Reducing Your Anxiety with author Mel Robbins

When the wildfires struck Los Angeles, turmoil quickly consumed the city. People were desperate for clear, reliable information—unsure of evacuation routes or how to track the fires as they spread in a history-making wind storm. Then, we found Watch Duty. This intuitive app became our lifeline.
 

The visionary behind the app is John Mills, a seasoned tech entrepreneur who created Watch Duty out of necessity after his own community in Northern California was repeatedly threatened by deadly wildfires. But John didn’t just build an app—he reimagined how business and philanthropy can intersect to solve real-world problems.

Watch Duty is a not-for-profit initiative that harnesses the power of technology and human talent, relying on volunteers to gather critical data from fire scanners and reporters to save lives. Despite its explosive growth, John has no plans to sell the app, because for him, the value isn’t in making money—it’s in using his skills to help others. In a world where many focus on getting rich, John is challenging us to rethink how we can use our talents to serve the greater good.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on John and his work, check out:

Watch Duty

Spite Is The Greatest Motivator with Watch Duty founder John Mills

Parenting is the hardest job in the world—and it turns out, it’s also one of the best training grounds for leadership.

Dr. Becky Kennedy, aka the “Millennial Parent Whisperer,” became an essential voice for caretakers by offering practical, actionable parenting advice that resonated with millions during the pandemic. As a clinical psychologist and founder of Good Inside, she’s now helping parents build sturdy leadership skills that not only transform their homes but also their work lives.

In this conversation, Dr. Becky shares how understanding boundaries, emotional triggers, and big feelings can help us become more effective leaders. Whether you’re a parent or a manager (or both!), her insights will help you lead with more intention, connection, and confidence.

This… is A Bit of Optimism.

 

Check out Dr. Becky's work:

https://www.goodinside.com/

Kids (And Employees) Know More Than You Think with Dr. Becky Kennedy

To create something truly original, do we build something new or break what came before? Perhaps the answer is both—simultaneously.

Jacob Collier does exactly that. A brilliant songwriter and musician, he’s known for transforming his live audiences into massive three-part choirs, making music with the very people who attend his concerts. His album Djesse Volume 4 was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards, alongside icons like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift. Although Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter won, Jacob snagged his seventh Grammy for his rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

I sat down with him in a music studio a few days before the Grammys, surrounded by multiple pianos, and it was a joy to hear him play. Jacob’s approach to music—blending structure with spontaneity—offers insights into creativity that are as inspiring as his sound.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Jacob, check out:

jacobcollier.com

You Are More Like Grammy-Winner Jacob Collier Than You Think

You went to Harvard undergrad, you went to Harvard Law, you became a hot-shot Private Equity guy. So your next move is obviously…?

If you’re James Rhee, you walk away from all of it and discover what really makes a business grow: the intangibles.

What started out as a six month project to help a company avoid liquidation turned into a seven year passion filled with new friends, compassion, and lots of goodwill. And the results were profound. It turns out intangibles can be measured and kindness is good for business. 

This is… A Bit Of Optimism. 

For more on James and his work check out:

Redhelicopter.com for news on upcoming projects, including a forthcoming book.

https://www.ted.com/talks/james_rhee_the_value_of_kindness_at_work?language=en

https://www.ashleystewart.com/strongtogether.html

Kindness with James Rhee

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