Podcast · 163 episodes
A Bit of Optimism
by Simon Sinek · English
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.
Latest episodes
Revisited: The Power of Saying "Screw It" with Rob LoweRob Lowe discusses career longevity and personal resilience, arguing that staying relevant comes from a “serious case of fuck-its” (willingness to take risks, not self-edit, and withstand…29 Sep 2026 · 1 h 2 min
What Mentally Strong People Do on Their Worst Days with Psychotherapist Amy MorinMentally strong people handle “worst days” by practicing mental fitness, challenging common mental-health advice, and using practical strategies for depression, anxiety, grief, and avoidance.22 Sep 2026 · 1 h 2 min
The Dating Advice Making Us Worse at Love with Relationship Expert Amy ChanHow modern dating advice (types, “spark,” red flags, never settling, protecting peace, endless options) can undermine real relationship skills; why chemistry fades and “quiet qualities” and…15 Sep 2026 · 50 min
All episodes
Revisited: The Power of Saying "Screw It" with Rob LoweRob Lowe discusses career longevity and personal resilience, arguing that staying relevant comes from a “serious case of fuck-its” (willingness to take risks, not self-edit, and withstand…29 Sep 2026 · 1 h 2 min · 22 chapters
What Mentally Strong People Do on Their Worst Days with Psychotherapist Amy MorinMentally strong people handle “worst days” by practicing mental fitness, challenging common mental-health advice, and using practical strategies for depression, anxiety, grief, and avoidance.22 Sep 2026 · 1 h 2 min · 29 chapters
The Dating Advice Making Us Worse at Love with Relationship Expert Amy ChanHow modern dating advice (types, “spark,” red flags, never settling, protecting peace, endless options) can undermine real relationship skills; why chemistry fades and “quiet qualities” and…15 Sep 2026 · 50 min · 22 chapters
Why Trying to “Sound Smart” is Losing You the Room with Strategic Story Producer Rob WillisHow to hold an audience by using charisma, empathy, and authority; stop trying to “sound smart” with excessive data/slides; guide listeners to an “aha” conclusion via human stories, clear objectives,…8 Sep 2026 · 47 min · 20 chapters
Your Limits Are Learned (And They Can Be Unlearned) with Brain Coach Jim KwikHow childhood labels and learned beliefs limit people—and how they can be unlearned through mindset, learning skills (especially reading/memory), and service-driven purpose.1 Sep 2026 · 51 min · 18 chapters
How to Trust Yourself When Everyone Has an Opinion with Love Thy Nader's Mary Holland NaderTrusting yourself amid constant opinions (especially in fame, entrepreneurship, and fundraising).25 Aug 2026 · 58 min · 16 chapters
What Happens When You Bet on Yourself with Ted Lasso’s Brendan HuntTaking risks “off the plan” to build a career, using Brendan Hunt’s Amsterdam detour as the core example; how curiosity and optimism fuel growth; and how Ted Lasso was created from sports fandom and…18 Aug 2026 · 1 h 1 min · 25 chapters
How to Say the Hard Thing and Keep the Relationship | A Bit of Optimism: Feelings at Work | PART 5How to have difficult conversations at work (and in relationships) without damaging trust, using emotional intelligence skills.11 Aug 2026 · 46 min · 24 chapters
Why Being Right Is Costing You Trust | A Bit of Optimism: Feelings at Work | PART 4Accountability at work and in relationships, focusing on why apologies fail, how credit/blame distort trust, and what a real apology should include (specificity, impact, repair, and future change).4 Aug 2026 · 53 min · 19 chapters
What Is Your Team Afraid to Tell You? | A Bit of Optimism: Feelings at Work | PART 3Why teams avoid hard feedback, how to make feedback safe and useful, and specific methods to give/receive it regularly.28 Jul 2026 · 58 min · 26 chapters
The Secret to Better Conversations Isn't Talking | A Bit of Optimism: Feelings at Work | PART 2How to have better conversations by listening to understand the person (not just the argument), uncovering needs beneath strategies, and using practical techniques (body language, phone away,…21 Jul 2026 · 49 min · 25 chapters
The Hidden Cost of Always Saying Yes | A Bit of Optimism: Feelings at Work | PART 1People-pleasing at work—why saying “yes” to requests you can’t truly do feels good short-term but leads to self-betrayal, resentment, deadline failures, confusion for teammates, and burnout.14 Jul 2026 · 58 min · 24 chapters
Why We Fall for the Wrong Person with Couples Therapist Dr. Harville HendrixWhy people “fall for the wrong person” and how couples can stay in love, using Harville Hendrix’s Imago Relationship Therapy ideas: attraction is driven by an unconscious “imago” of an unmet…7 Jul 2026 · 54 min · 16 chapters
How to Tell If Fear Is Protecting You or Holding You Back with Extreme Athlete Nelly AttarHow to distinguish fear that protects from fear that blocks, and how to pursue purpose through movement, risk, and service.30 Jun 2026 · 51 min · 22 chapters
Remembering Bob Chapman: The Mentor Who Changed My LifeThe episode is a remembrance and leadership conversation about Bob Chapman, former CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, focusing on how he built a culture of “psychological safety” and long-term stewardship.23 Jun 2026 · 52 min · 30 chapters
The AI Skills Nobody is Teaching (And Everyone Needs) with AI Expert Ethan MollickHow to use AI pragmatically for work, learning, and job interviews—without falling into doom/zealot narratives—and what skills remain uniquely human as AI commoditizes quality.16 Jun 2026 · 59 min · 22 chapters
How to Stop Letting Your Own Thoughts Make You Sick, Stressed, and Stuck with Dr. Ellen LangerHow mindfulness reduces stress by changing the “story” your mind tells about what might happen; reframing events as “inconveniences” vs “tragedies,” and treating emotions (e.g., anxiety vs…9 Jun 2026 · 57 min · 25 chapters
What Happens When You Stop Optimizing and Start Committing with Former LA Lakers President Tim HarrisThe episode argues that lasting success and loyalty come from “human first” leadership and consistent small acts of genuine care, not constant optimization or conditional teamwork.2 Jun 2026 · 57 min · 24 chapters
Revisited: Choose Your Seven Humans Wisely with Author Fredrik BackmanFredrik Backman revisits his “Choose Your Seven Humans Wisely” ideas—how friendships and relationships are built through intention, time, honest communication, and repeated effort (not luck).26 May 2026 · 58 min · 24 chapters
How to Stop Being Socially Awkward (According to Science) with Behavioral Scientist Vanessa Van EdwardsWhy social awkwardness is increasing (fewer “natural” practice interactions) and how to improve social skills using science-based body-language research, micro-skills, and “social grit.”19 May 2026 · 59 min · 31 chapters
Stop Telling Us Everything Happens for a Reason with Anti-Victim Tom NashRejecting the idea that adversity “happens for a reason,” reframing trauma through agency and anti-fragility, and using structured perspective shifts (his “artist, author, alchemist” framework) to…12 May 2026 · 1 h 2 min · 28 chapters
The Real Reason You Feel Empty (Even When Life Looks Good) with Musician Mike PosnerMike Posner discusses why people feel empty despite external success, arguing that the “gap” between what you have and what you give can’t be closed by chasing validation.5 May 2026 · 53 min · 22 chapters
The Real Reason Young People Don't Have 'The Hunger' for Work (And What Leaders Need to Hear) with Generations Expert Dr. Eliza FilbyWhy young workers seem to lack “hunger” for work, and what leaders should change in an era of layoffs, insecurity, fragmented media, and “inheritocracy” (declining meritocracy).28 Apr 2026 · 1 h 25 min · 28 chapters
The Leadership Advice Nobody Follows (But Everyone Should) with Top Leadership Expert Don YaegerLeadership and human behavior through John Wooden’s philosophy, emphasizing relationship-driven performance, standards of character, and “love letters” as a practice for gratitude and timely…21 Apr 2026 · 55 min · 20 chapters