A Bit of Optimism podcast

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.

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.

 

#214

Revisited: What Dying Teaches Us About Living with Death Doula Alua Arthur

Team Simon here! While A Bit of Optimism is on a short break, we’re revisiting a few episo... more

20 hrs Ago

45 MINS

45:07

20 hrs Ago


#213

Revisited: The Kennedy Family and the Search for Self with Journalist Maria Shriver

Hello from Team Simon! We’re taking a short hiatus, but A Bit of Optimism will return with... more

10 Mar 2026

43 MINS

43:48

10 Mar 2026


#212

Revisited: How to Turn Stress Into Creativity With Grammy-Winner Jacob Collier

Team Simon here! As we take a short hiatus, A Bit of Optimism will return with brand-new e... more

03 Mar 2026

58 MINS

58:33

03 Mar 2026


#211

The Confidence Conversation We Need to Have with Scott Galloway

Scott Galloway and I don’t always see the world the same way, but our friendly debates alm... more

24 Feb 2026

54 MINS

54:53

24 Feb 2026


#210

28 Years on the Force: Chief Angela Averiett on What It Really Takes to Change Police Culture

It’s often true that the most challenging conversations are often the ones most worth havi... more

16 Feb 2026

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:00

16 Feb 2026


#209

When Pop Fandom Becomes a Force for Good with AJR’s Adam Met

Fanbases are some of the most powerful forces on the planet. They show up. They buy the ti... more

10 Feb 2026

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:15

10 Feb 2026


#208

What Grit Really Teaches Us About Happiness with Professor Angela Duckworth

We’re often told that the secret to success is grit - more discipline, more perseverance, ... more

03 Feb 2026

56 MINS

56:05

03 Feb 2026


#207

Matthew McConaughey on How to Fall Back in Love with Your Life

In a world defined by constant change, reinvention isn’t optional - it’s essential. We oft... more

27 Jan 2026

59 MINS

59:00

27 Jan 2026


#206

Revisited: Trevor Noah Makes My Brain Hurt

Hello from Team Simon! We’ll be back next week—January 27, 2026—with brand-new episodes of... more

20 Jan 2026

56 MINS

56:18

20 Jan 2026


#205

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

Team Simon here! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from 2025. But we'll be ba... more

13 Jan 2026

43 MINS

43:55

13 Jan 2026


#204

Revisited: The First Steps To Reducing Your Anxiety with Author Mel Robbins

Happy New Year from Team Simon! We’re so excited to bring you more new episodes of A Bit o... more

06 Jan 2026

57 MINS

57:13

06 Jan 2026


#203

Revisited: The Beautiful Brilliance of Boredom with Creative Polymath Elle Cordova

Team Simon is revisiting some of the episodes you helped make our favorites of the year un... more

30 Dec 2025

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:10

30 Dec 2025


#202

Revisited: Your Unhappy Brain Needs Some Assistance with Happiness Expert Mo Gawdat

Team Simon here! Thank you for being part of such an incredible year—and for helping us gr... more

23 Dec 2025

1 HR 30 MINS

1:30:38

23 Dec 2025


#201

A Bit of Optimism Will Return in the New Year

Team Simon here! As the year comes to a close, A Bit of Optimism is pressing pause for a s... more

23 Dec 2025

02 MINS

02:37

23 Dec 2025