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Simon Sinek

Hi listeners! We're taking some time off to bring you even more episodes of A Bit of Optimism that you're going to love! We'll be back from hiatus on June 3.

The future is always bright…if you know where to look. Join me each week for A Bit of Optimism! I talk to inspiring people who teach me more about life, leadership and general interesting things.

A Bit of Optimism

Sometimes in life, we must stop and ask ourselves, “Where am I you going next?” Other times, it’s more fun to do a podcast takeover.

No one has ever interviewed me quite like Cal Fussman. Cal has a gift – he pulls things out of you that you didn’t even know were there. A prolific Writer At Large for Esquire, Cal has interviewed legends like Muhammad Ali and Mikhail Gorbachev, and he’s the host of the podcast Big Questions. So, to mark 15 years since writing Start With Why, I invited Cal to take over my podcast and ask me the questions I don’t usually get asked.

Cal did get me to open up in this conversation, but not in the way you might expect. We talk about where I’ve been, where I’m going, the infinite game, creativity in AI…and why I’ve become so obsessed with friendship lately.

This…is A Bit of Optimism

For more on Cal and his work, check out:

Big Questions with Cal Fussman

Where Is Simon Going? with journalist Cal Fussman

We're taking some time off to bring you even more episodes of A Bit of Optimism that you're going to love! In the meantime, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes, like this one with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger.

We all want to live a happy life. But what does the research say about how to achieve it?

For more than 86 years, researchers at Harvard University have been trying to figure out how humans can live happier lives. In one of the longest-running and most comprehensive studies of human happiness, Harvard tracked 724 teenagers through every stage of their adult lives since 1938. Some of them are still alive today and the findings are clear: lasting happiness isn’t about wealth or fame—it’s about something much deeper.

Robert Waldinger, a professor and psychiatrist, has directed the study for over 20 years. His TED Talk about it went viral with nearly 50 million views, and in 2023, he wrote a book about it - The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.I asked Robert to share what the study has revealed about happiness over the decades, how its insights have shaped his own life, and the one essential ingredient for a joyful, meaningful existence.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about Robert and his work, check out:

The Harvard Study of Adult Development

robertwaldinger.com

Revisited: The Secret to Happiness with Harvard professor Robert Waldinger

It’s our last episode of 2024, so I decided to invite comedian Trevor Noah on…to get as serious as possible.

Most Americans know Trevor as the former host of The Daily Show, a bestselling author, and a stand-up comedian. But his brand of humor isn’t just a barrel of laughs— it’s raw, witty, thought-provoking, and often makes you see the world in a whole new way.

In this conversation, we ditched the small talk (mostly) and went deep into the paradox of choice, the public's response to the murder of United HealthCare's CEO, and why the human experience might be defined by constraint. It will make you chuckle, think, and probably question everything all at once.

This...is a Bit of Optimism.

P.S. Come back and see us on January 7, 2025 for an all new episode. Until then, take care of yourself and each other.
 

For more on Trevor and his work, check out:

trevornoah.com

Trevor Noah Makes My Brain Hurt

Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions. Where do we go to feel like we belong?

As the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy has been a leading voice in bringing the loneliness crisis to light, stressing its devastating impact on public health. As his second term nears its end, he leaves behind a powerful reflection in his letter, My Parting Prescription for America and the World.

In an insightful conversation with Dr. Murthy, we delve into what it truly means to be healthy—not just physically, but emotionally and socially—and discuss why the pursuit of fame, wealth, and power often leads us further from what we really need.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

To read the letter, visit this link: My Parting Prescription for America and the World 

To learn more about Dr. Murthy, click here: vivekmurthy.com

The Cure for Loneliness with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

Parenting is the hardest job in the world—and it turns out, it’s also one of the best training grounds for leadership.

Dr. Becky Kennedy, aka the “Millennial Parent Whisperer,” became an essential voice for caretakers by offering practical, actionable parenting advice that resonated with millions during the pandemic. As a clinical psychologist and founder of Good Inside, she’s now helping parents build sturdy leadership skills that not only transform their homes but also their work lives.

In this conversation, Dr. Becky shares how understanding boundaries, emotional triggers, and big feelings can help us become more effective leaders. Whether you’re a parent or a manager (or both!), her insights will help you lead with more intention, connection, and confidence.

This… is A Bit of Optimism.

 

Check out Dr. Becky's work:

https://www.goodinside.com/

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

*Please note: At 9:01, Simon and Cory have a discussion about suicide.

What happens after we attain success and glory? Where do you go when there's nowhere left to run from yourself?

In Part 2 of my conversation with Cory Richards, Cory explains why reaching the summit of Everest marked the beginning of a long, painful fall from grace. 

After his tumultuous decision to retire from climbing, Cory found himself lost and confused about his true identity. At the same time, he was forced to grapple with multiple life-shattering events at once -- some of his own making.

In this episode, we discuss the difference between identity and purpose, the skills Cory learned to cope with multiple tragedies, and why the more we ignore life’s harshest lessons, the louder they become.

Listen to Part 1 here or watch it on YouTube.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Cory Richards and his work, check out:

coryrichards.com

(PART 2) The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest with National Geographic photographer Cory Richards

We're taking some time off to bring you even more episodes of A Bit of Optimism that you're going to love! In the meantime, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes, like this one with couples counselor Shawn McBride.
 

Relationships are hard. No matter how much we like, respect, or love someone, conflict seems inevitable.

But even as we fight and disagree, we can also learn the skills we need to resolve our problems. For over two decades, Shawn McBride has helped thousands of couples do the work to strengthen their relationships. And he has tons of practical advice.

Shawn sat down with me to discuss the three biggest problems couples face, why I'm a huge fan of his Instagram, and how love can keep relationships afloat, but it's often not enough.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Shawn and his work, check out:

@couples_counseling_center
@shawnmcbridespeaks
and couplescounselingcenter.org

Revisited: Love Is Not Enough with couples therapist Shawn McBride

In the New Year, we all aspire to become better versions of ourselves. But how do we change our behavior so new habits actually stick?

Well, James Clear is THE expert on habits. His book, Atomic Habits, is the #1 New York Times bestseller with over 15 million copies sold.

Together, James and I break down his powerful approach to forming better habits, breaking the bad ones, and living the life we desire.

This...is A Bit of Optimism.

To learn more about James and his work, check out:

jamesclear.com

Atomic Habits with author James Clear

Close friends are the best thing for your health. Friendship, it turns out, is one of life’s best medicines.

If you don’t believe me, believe Dr. Mark Hyman. Mark is one of the leading voices in the functional medicine movement, which is all about taking a holistic approach to our health for natural healing and preventing disease. The smallest changes in our daily lifestyle habits, or what we eat and drink, or our positive social interactions can have huge impacts on our long-term health.

I sat down with Mark to talk about my most recent obsession – friendship. I was eager to get a physician’s perspective on all the ways friendship is beneficial for our health. In this conversation, we discuss the biological benefits of talking to a good friend and why you’re only as healthy as your five closest friends.

This…is A Bit of Optimism

For more on Mark Hyman and his work, check out:

The Doctor’s Farmacy podcast

Function Health

drhyman.com

Dr. Mark Hyman: To Live Longer You Need...

They say business and pleasure don’t mix. But what about business and friends?

My dear friend Will Guidara is the perfect person to dive into this question because we're actively trying to get into business together. And, let's just say, it requires a lot of effort. 

In addition to being someone I love, Will is a renowned restaurateur, known for owning and operating Eleven Madison Park, once named the best restaurant in the world. He’s also the author of the brilliant book Unreasonable Hospitality and a co-producer of the FX television series The Bear. 

Will and I have worked together before, so I was excited to chat with him about turning friends into colleagues, the reality of friendship breakups at work, and why sometimes showing respect means we have to change the way we treat a friend.

This…is A Bit of Optimism

For more on Will and his work, check out:

Unreasonable Hospitality

The Art of Creating Fiercely Loyal Customers

Should You Work With Your Friends? with my friend Will Guidara

Great comedians have the ability to point out some of the madness, ridiculousness, and nuance that exists in the world.

Alex Edelman is already one of the greats. His current show, "Just For Us," is a transformative experience for his audiences, as he regales them with his experience as an unwelcome interloper at a meeting for white supremacists. 

Our conversation was just as enlightening. We discussed how imperfections are beautiful, how seeing humanity in others is the first step to peace, and if IHOP is good, evil, or something in-between. 

This is...A Bit of Optimism. 

For more on Alex and his work check out: 

https://www.justforusshow.com/

https://www.alexedelmancomedy.com/

Imperfections, Nuance, and Humanity with comedian Alex Edelman

Lyssna när som helst, var som helst

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