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 Success
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Episodes
  • Trevor Noah Makes My Brain Hurt

    Trevor Noah Makes My Brain Hurt
    Dec 17 2024

    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

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

    Should You Work With Your Friends? with my friend Will Guidara
    Dec 10 2024

    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
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    49 mins
  • The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger

    The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger
    Dec 3 2024

    We all want to live a happy life, but what does research say about how to actually achieve it?

    For more than 86 years, researchers at Harvard University have been trying to answer that question. 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

What listeners say about A Bit of Optimism

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Profile Image for Shaqeel Baksh

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 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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Profile Image for Jerry Cullins

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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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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Profile Image for myrtle

♡

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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Profile Image for Chester Elton

Inspiring!

Making a difference in people lives in a way that builds character and caring. Love love love it!

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