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A Bit of Optimism

A Bit of Optimism

By: Simon Sinek
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Hi listeners! We're taking some time off to bring you even more episodes of A Bit of Optimism that you're going to love! We'll be back from hiatus on June 3. The future is always bright…if you know where to look. Join me each week for A Bit of Optimism! I talk to inspiring people who teach me more about life, leadership and general interesting things. Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Revisited: Love Is Not Enough with couples therapist Shawn McBride
    May 27 2025

    We're taking some time off to bring you even more episodes of A Bit of Optimism that you're going to love! In the meantime, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes, like this one with couples counselor Shawn McBride.

    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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    48 mins
  • Revisited: The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger
    May 20 2025

    We're taking some time off to bring you even more episodes of A Bit of Optimism that you're going to love! In the meantime, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes, like this one with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger.

    We all want to live a happy life. But what does the research say about how to achieve it?

    For more than 86 years, researchers at Harvard University have been trying to figure out how humans can live happier lives. In one of the longest-running and most comprehensive studies of human happiness, Harvard tracked 724 teenagers through every stage of their adult lives since 1938. Some of them are still alive today and the findings are clear: lasting happiness isn’t about wealth or fame—it’s about something much deeper.

    Robert Waldinger, a professor and psychiatrist, has directed the study for over 20 years. His TED Talk about it went viral with nearly 50 million views, and in 2023, he wrote a book about it - The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.I asked Robert to share what the study has revealed about happiness over the decades, how its insights have shaped his own life, and the one essential ingredient for a joyful, meaningful existence.

    This…is A Bit of Optimism.

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

    The Harvard Study of Adult Development

    robertwaldinger.com

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    46 mins
  • Where Is Simon Going? with journalist Cal Fussman
    May 13 2025

    Sometimes in life, we must stop and ask ourselves, “Where am I you going next?” Other times, it’s more fun to do a podcast takeover.

    No one has ever interviewed me quite like Cal Fussman. Cal has a gift – he pulls things out of you that you didn’t even know were there. A prolific Writer At Large for Esquire, Cal has interviewed legends like Muhammad Ali and Mikhail Gorbachev, and he’s the host of the podcast Big Questions. So, to mark 15 years since writing Start With Why, I invited Cal to take over my podcast and ask me the questions I don’t usually get asked.

    Cal did get me to open up in this conversation, but not in the way you might expect. We talk about where I’ve been, where I’m going, the infinite game, creativity in AI…and why I’ve become so obsessed with friendship lately.

    This…is A Bit of Optimism

    For more on Cal and his work, check out:

    Big Questions with Cal Fussman

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    50 mins
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I wasn’t aware of Sara Kuburic before this podcast but am so glad I listened. My children are millennials and so much of what Sara says resonates with my understanding of their struggles. Very helpful to me to increase my awareness of what questions and tools can help. Thanks !

Insights to millennials

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Love too many of the episodes to list. Even the episodes I did not love taught me. Great job Simon!

Great Series!

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I loved this episode! Simon is such an amazing conversationalist and listener! This episode shows and shares the power of listening, slowing down, and being present. I will be sharing this episode with many people! THANK YOU!

What an Amazing Episode!

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I was actively listening for the entire thing. It was captivating. A story filled with lessons and learning.

Your worth it...

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I was having a bit of a slump at work where I wasn’t happy coming into work. I started seeing videos of Simon discussing a plethora of topics. normally I don’t buy in, but something about his approach pierced through and struck home for me. Since listening to the podcast and buying his books, I’ve rediscovered Why I like going to work. Supporting my Team as their manager and helping them grow to achieve what they aspire to. While I don’t think he’ll see it, thank you Simon!

Simon’s optimism is contagious

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I very much enjoy Simon and his guests. He has a wide array of topics to discuss and I appreciate his mindfulness while interviewing. I especially loved the episode with the TSA lady and the guy who did the voice of Goofy! So much fun!

Insightful!

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I really LoveSimon as I listen to him in Ted and His Podcast is Amazing. I truly love his work is brilliant! Thank You !

Great Interesting Podcast .Brilliant!

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I always love Simon's teachings, these podcasts are a powerful mix of individual/social improvement advices

A Must In Such A Pessimistic World

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This was delivered so wonderfully, great information and educating piece paired with a wonderful message.

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This podcast fills me with hope, love, ideas and optimism. I just love Simon and his amazing guests. Thank you so much for such inspirational conversations.

It will fill your heart (and brain)

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