A Bit of Optimism cover art
Podcast · 163 episodes

A Bit of Optimism, page 3

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.

All episodes, page 3

The Man Who Proved Me Right with CEO Bob Chapman and the Barry-Wehmiller Team“Truly human leadership” at Barry-Wehmiller—how empathy, trust, and relationships drive performance, and why leaders should treat employees like “precious children” rather than line items.4 Nov 2025 · 1 h 12 min · 26 chapters
Rob Lowe Names Names: The Power of ‘Screw It’Rob Lowe discusses career longevity and “the power of ‘fuck it’” (a willingness to take risks and not self-edit), plus how authenticity is built through humor, vulnerability-as-availability, and…23 Sep 2025 · 1 h 2 min · 27 chapters
The Future You Avoid Is Riskier Than the One You Face with LinkedIn co-founder Reid HoffmanReid Hoffman discusses why science fiction should imagine hopeful futures, how to think about AI risk using “acceptable risk” (red-teaming, not paralysis), and how technology changes human skills and…16 Sep 2025 · 1 h 7 min · 26 chapters
What Your Love Life Can Teach You About Work Relationships with psychotherapist Esther PerelHow the quality of relationships shapes life and work; how cultural shifts (divorce, sexuality, work becoming identity-centered) changed love and workplace dynamics; why “happiness” is now a glue;…9 Sep 2025 · 1 h 2 min · 31 chapters
Your Instincts Know What You Want with Author Arthur BrooksHow to find and sustain happiness and meaning by using “why” questions and intuition, prioritizing process over outcomes, and using technology without letting it erode meaning.2 Sep 2025 · 56 min · 21 chapters
The Power of Doing One Thing Exceptionally Well with Gymshark Founder and CEO Ben FrancisIn this episode, Ben Francis, the founder and CEO of Gymshark, shares his journey of creating a billion-dollar brand from scratch.26 Aug 2025 · 1 h 1 min
Simon Goes Nuclear with nuclear energy influencer Isabelle BoemekeSimon Sinek explores why people do what they do, seeking joy, meaning, and inspiration through honest conversations with various guests.19 Aug 2025 · 1 h 6 min
The Brilliance of Boredom with creative polymath Elle CordovaIn this episode, host Simon Sinek sits down with creative polymath Elle Cordova to discuss the often underrated power of boredom as a catalyst for creativity.12 Aug 2025 · 1 h 5 min
The Privilege of Bad Experiences with NASA astronaut Jonny KimThe Privilege of Bad Experiences5 Aug 2025 · 26 min
The Business Case for Good Manners with etiquette coach William HansonIn this episode of *A Bit of Optimism*, Simon Sinek is joined by William Hanson, a leading etiquette coach who provides insights into the relevance and importance of good manners in contemporary…15 Jul 2025 · 55 min
Live Like You Have 2 Years Left with dancer and cancer survivor Angela TrimburThe podcast "A Bit of Optimism" hosted by Simon Sinek explores themes of joy, meaning, and personal growth through honest conversations with various guests.8 Jul 2025 · 54 min
The Quiet Power of the Empathetic Leader with Navy SEAL turned rowing coach Gordon SchmidtGordon Schmidt, a retired Navy SEAL and high school rowing coach1 Jul 2025 · 1 h 10 min
Your Unhappy Brain Needs Some Assistance with happiness expert Mo GawdatIn this episode of *A Bit of Optimism*, host Simon Sinek engages in a deep and heartfelt conversation with Mo Gawdat, a happiness expert and author.24 Jun 2025 · 1 h 33 min
We All Get Cancelled One Day with Somebody Feed Phil’s Phil Rosenthal"A Bit of Optimism" is hosted by Simon Sinek, who aims to explore human motivations and the pursuit of joy and meaning in life through engaging conversations with various guests.17 Jun 2025 · 1 h 8 min
The Extraordinary Magic of Ordinary People with author Brad MeltzerIn this episode of "A Bit of Optimism," host Simon Sinek engages in a profound conversation with bestselling author Brad Meltzer.10 Jun 2025 · 53 min
This Is... A Bit of Optimism(Name not provided in transcript)3 Jun 2025 · 1 min
Ask Yourself "What If?" with Milk Bar Founder Christina TosiIn this experimental episode, Simon Sinek invites Christina Tosi, the founder of Milk Bar, back for her third visit.3 Jun 2025 · 48 min
Revisited: Love Is Not Enough with couples therapist Shawn McBride"A Bit of Optimism" is hosted by Simon Sinek, who explores themes of joy, meaning, and personal growth through conversations with various guests.27 May 2025 · 48 min
Revisited: The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert WaldingerThe Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger20 May 2025 · 46 min
Where Is Simon Going? with journalist Cal FussmanIn this episode, host Simon Sinek hands over the reins to journalist Cal Fussman to explore Simon's journey over the past years, reflecting on his work, ideas, and the concept of friendship.13 May 2025 · 50 min
The Cure for Nihilism with professor Suzy WelchSuzy Welch, Professor at NYU Stern School of Business6 May 2025 · 35 min
(PART 2) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory RichardsIn this second part of the conversation with Cory Richards, a National Geographic photographer and climber, Simon Sinek explores the aftermath of success and the personal battles that can follow.29 Apr 2025 · 40 min
(PART 1) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory RichardsIn this episode of "A Bit of Optimism," host Simon Sinek interviews National Geographic photographer and acclaimed mountain climber, Cory Richards.22 Apr 2025 · 47 min
Find Your Allies Fast with philanthropist Melinda French GatesThe podcast explores human motivations, joy, and meaning through honest conversations with various guests, including well-known figures and newcomers.15 Apr 2025 · 39 min