In short
A holiday thank-you episode from A Bit of Optimism, celebrating listeners’ support and announcing a break until the new year. It also recommends several past episodes to re-listen to during travel or downtime. Guest backgrounds mentioned: Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, discussed during a visit to a factory in Phillips, Wisconsin; Jacob Collier, a Grammy Award winner known for creative, fun ideas; Trevor Noah, who joins for a humorous yet cerebral conversation.
Key claims
factory visits show what work should be like; Jacob Collier’s creativity is inspiring; Trevor Noah’s dialogue challenges assumptions and helps “stretch your mind.”
Notable examples
the Phillips, Wisconsin factory visit; Jacob Collier’s “mind buzz”; Trevor Noah’s “hilarious and very cerebral” discussion.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VORecommended Past Episodes
0:45 to 1:50
The host shares favorite past episodes and highlights their significance.
“We will be back in the new year with new episodes starting January 27th with new and wonderful guests that you won't want to miss.”
Looking Forward and Holiday Wishes
1:51 to 2:31
The host expresses excitement for the future and shares holiday wishes.
“Until then, wishing you all very happy holidays, happy new year, take care of yourself, take care of each other.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:06This year has been a wonderful year for a bit of optimism. It's been a sheer joy for me to sit down and record this podcast. And I know full well that it wouldn't be as great as it is if it wasn't for you, the listener. So I want to give you a big heartfelt thank you for making a bit of optimism what it is. Whether you listen to one episode or every episode, that you have been out there sharing the ideas, embracing the ideas. if you've sent a YouTube link to a friend or shared a clip on social, you've played a part in helping spread the message of optimism. Thank you. And like so many of you, we at A Bit of Optimism are also going to take a break for the holidays.
0:49We will be back in the new year with new episodes starting January 27th with new and wonderful guests that you won't want to miss. Until then, if you'd like something to listen to, whether you're staying at home or traveling, There's a few of my favorite episodes that I encourage you to go back and listen to if you missed them the first time, or maybe even listen to them again if you did hear them. One of my absolute favorite ones is with my dear friend and CEO of Barry Waymiller, Bob Chapman. We traveled to one of the factories in Phillips, Wisconsin, where I got to talk to Bob and meet some of his people.
1:24Visiting his factory is a lesson to all of us about what work could be like, in fact, what work should be like. If you are looking for a little creative inspiration, check out my conversation with Grammy Award winner Jacob Collier. He has lots of fun ideas and to see his mind buzz is nothing short of creatively inspiring. And then, of course, one of my favorite people to talk to, Trevor Noah. he and I sit down and have a hilarious and very cerebral conversation that will stretch your mind challenge your assumptions and make your head hurt in a good way I promise you they think we're just like walking around from room to room like oh god but in reality it's depression that's what they think again thank you to all of you who have helped support a bit of optimism and I look forward to hitting the ground running in 2026 with new ideas, new opportunities to learn, and more conversations that I know you're going to love.
2:24Until then, wishing you all very happy holidays, happy new year, take care of yourself, take care of each other.
From the publisher
Team Simon here! As the year comes to a close, A Bit of Optimism is pressing pause for a short winter break. The show will return on January 27, 2026 and we can’t wait to be back with you.
But before we go, we want to say thank you. Truly.
This show exists because of you—the listeners who show up every week, share episodes and clips, leave thoughtful comments, start conversations, and carry these ideas into your own lives and workplaces. Your support, curiosity, and generosity are what give this podcast its momentum. It wouldn’t be what it is without this community.
While we’re away, we’ll be revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the past year—conversations you helped turn into something special. We also invite you to explore the archive and revisit the episodes you loved most, the ones you shared, commented on, and helped make a success.
We’re taking all of that energy with us into the break as we prepare for the year ahead. More meaningful conversations, more inspiring guests, and more moments we hope will leave you feeling just a little more optimistic.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you in the new year!
