A Bit of Optimism

By: Simon Sinek
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
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Episodes
  • The Cure for Nihilism with professor Suzy Welch

    The Cure for Nihilism with professor Suzy Welch
    May 6 2025

    Sometimes in life, we choose the wrong path. When we feel like we're living a lie, it's hard to know what to do next.

    That’s where Suzy Welch comes in. She’s obsessed with helping people create lives worth living. A professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, Suzy teaches a popular class called “Becoming You,” where she takes students down a brutal, but liberating, journey to live as their authentic selves.

    According to Suzy’s research, purpose is the key to unlocking the real you, but finding that purpose is often trickier than we imagine.I had a blast talking, and debating, with Suzy about what it means to craft a purpose-driven life. In this conversation, she shares with me the difference between passion and aptitude, the reason luck is overrated, and why so many people struggle to know their own values.

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

    her book, Becoming You

    and The Becoming You Podcast with Suzy Welch
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    35 mins
  • (PART 2) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards

    (PART 2) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards
    Apr 29 2025

    *Please note: At 9:01, Simon and Cory have a discussion about suicide.

    What happens after we attain success and glory? Where do you go when there's nowhere left to run from yourself?

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Cory Richards, Cory explains why reaching the summit of Everest marked the beginning of a long, painful fall from grace.

    After his tumultuous decision to retire from climbing, Cory found himself lost and confused about his true identity. At the same time, he was forced to grapple with multiple life-shattering events at once -- some of his own making.

    In this episode, we discuss the difference between identity and purpose, the skills Cory learned to cope with multiple tragedies, and why the more we ignore life’s harshest lessons, the louder they become.

    Listen to Part 1 here or watch it on YouTube.

    This…is A Bit of Optimism.

    For more on Cory Richards and his work, check out:

    coryrichards.com

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    40 mins
  • (PART 1) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards

    (PART 1) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards
    Apr 22 2025

    What happens when we reach the top? There’s only one place to go.

    Cory Richards has scaled the world’s highest peaks and fallen to life’s lowest lows. An acclaimed mountain climber, photographer, and filmmaker, Cory has literally reached the top of the world. He climbed Mount Everest with no supplemental oxygen, became the first American to summit an 8,000-meter mountain, and narrowly survived an avalanche, after which he skyrocketed to fame when his photos graced the cover of National Geographic.

    And yet, after all that success, Cory felt like an emotional wreck. As his mental health deteriorated, his volatile behavior damaged his career and his relationships. Without the identity of “climber” to give him validation, Cory was forced to confront who he really is.I

    n Part 1 of this conversation, Cory shares with me head-spinning stories from climbing the Himalayas, his struggles with mental health as a teen, and the difference between survival and resilience.

    This…is A Bit of Optimism.

    For more on Cory Richards and his work, check out:

    coryrichards.com
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    47 mins
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Profile Image for Joan Johnson

Insights to millennials

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 !

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Great Series!

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

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Profile Image for Charles Butler

What an Amazing Episode!

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!

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Your worth it...

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

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Simon’s optimism is contagious

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!

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Profile Image for Lori English Social Worker

Great Interesting Podcast .Brilliant!

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

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Profile Image for Bijou

Insightful!

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!

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A Must In Such A Pessimistic World

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

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♡

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

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Profile Image for Romina

It will fill your heart (and brain)

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.

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