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.

 

#191

What Your Love Life Can Teach You About Work Relationships with psychotherapist Esther Perel

We’ve never had more freedom in our relationships—yet many of us feel more disconnected th... more

09 Sep 2025

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:24

09 Sep 2025


#190

Your Instincts Know What You Want with Author Arthur Brooks

Your instincts aren’t just whispers. They’re a compass pointing you toward the life you’re... more

02 Sep 2025

55 MINS

55:54

02 Sep 2025


#189

The Power of Doing One Thing Exceptionally Well with Gymshark Founder and CEO Ben Francis

We’re often told to do more, move faster, and chase the next big trend—but some of the mos... more

26 Aug 2025

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:14

26 Aug 2025


#188

Simon Goes Nuclear with nuclear energy influencer Isabelle Boemeke

“Nuclear” might make you wince—but the real problem isn’t the energy, it’s the branding. S... more

19 Aug 2025

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:20

19 Aug 2025


#187

The Brilliance of Boredom with creative polymath Elle Cordova

We’re wired to chase the next spark - scrolling, swiping, refreshing - but some of our bri... more

12 Aug 2025

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:22

12 Aug 2025


#186

The Privilege of Bad Experiences with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim

This was the most epic Zoom call we’ve ever been a part of — an incredible conversation wi... more

05 Aug 2025

26 MINS

26:10

05 Aug 2025


#185

The Business Case for Good Manners with etiquette coach William Hanson

Good manners aren’t just about being polite — they’re about making other people feel seen.... more

15 Jul 2025

54 MINS

54:44

15 Jul 2025


#184

Live Like You Have 2 Years Left with dancer and cancer survivor Angela Trimbur

You have two years left to live. What would you do?That's a real question Angela Trimbur h... more

08 Jul 2025

53 MINS

53:41

08 Jul 2025


#183

The Quiet Power of the Empathetic Leader with Navy SEAL turned rowing coach Gordon Schmidt

When morale problems affect a team, some leaders choose to make a big, rousing speech. But... more

01 Jul 2025

1 HR 10 MINS

1:10:02

01 Jul 2025


#182

Your Unhappy Brain Needs Some Assistance with happiness expert Mo Gawdat

Happiness is a choice. But it’s not always an easy choice to make.Mo Gawdat had to face an... more

24 Jun 2025

1 HR 32 MINS

1:32:39

24 Jun 2025


#181

We All Get Cancelled One Day with Somebody Feed Phil’s Phil Rosenthal

🚨  Chomp Alert! 🚨We saw your comments — loud and crunchy. Turns out not everyone wants f... more

17 Jun 2025

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:17

17 Jun 2025