
A Bit of Optimism
0 FOLLOWERS
A Bit of Optimism is on a short hiatus we'll be back with new episodes starting August 8.
During these times, we are all having to find new ways to connect. Join me every week as I talk with people that inspire me, about love, life, leadership, and silver linings. The hope is that we all leave with something I think we need these days A Bit of Optimism.
A Bit of Optimism
1w ago
We turn to ancient philosophies to help us cope with the stress of modern life. But what if ancient wisdom could use some help from the modern world?
Jay Shetty has made it his life’s work to make wisdom, peace, and purpose available to everyone. After living as a monk for 3 years, he left his monastic lifestyle with the hope of spreading what he learned to as many people as possible. Today, he’s the host of the On Purpose podcast, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a life coach, and an entrepreneur who has helped millions of people find clarity in their lives.
I was excited to talk with ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
2w ago
To recognize your own talent takes time and self-awareness. But to find the courage to pursue it? That often requires a spark of inspiration from someone else.
For Hasan Minhaj, that spark came from an unexpected trio—a teacher, a roommate, and Napster. A former correspondent on The Daily Show, Hasan’s natural gift of gab allowed him to build a wide-ranging career which spans standup, acting, Netflix shows, and, most recently, his podcast, Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hasan to discuss his journey—why gifted people crave external validation, why kids are br ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
2w ago
Most people believe the only way to lead is to become the best at something. But what if great leadership means admitting you’re not the best at anything?
Jocko Willink believes the secret to his greatest achievements come down to one thing – humility. A retired Navy SEAL commander, Jocko served 20 years in the U.S. military, leading one of the most decorated special operations units through combat in the Iraq War. A New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and entrepreneur, he now teaches those in the civilian world the skills he learned from his time in the SEAL Teams.
This was my fi ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
3w ago
Most people believe the only way to lead is to become the best at something. But what if great leadership means admitting you’re not the best at anything?
Jocko Willink believes the secret to his greatest achievements come down to one thing – humility. A retired Navy SEAL commander, Jocko served 20 years in the U.S. military, leading one of the most decorated special operations units through combat in the Iraq War. A New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and entrepreneur, he now teaches those in the civilian world the skills he learned from his time in the SEAL Teams.
This was my fi ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
1M ago
Death is a word we like to avoid. We dance around the subject or use vague euphemisms to not hurt anybody. But what if being open about our deaths meant we could live happier lives?
That’s where Alua Arthur comes in. Alua is one of the most prominent death doulas in the country, which means it’s her job to help people die. She offers support to her clients and their families as they embark on their dying journey, tackling everything from financial planning and insurance policy to emotional support and grief.
When I sat down with Alua, I was prepared for a grim conversation. Instead, I was plea ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
1M ago
People aren’t born great leaders. They learn to become great leaders.
For Brian Chesky, the learning never stops. As the co-founder of Airbnb, he had to transition from an impassioned entrepreneur with a brilliant idea into a CEO responsible for thousands of employees. To make the hard decisions necessary for Airbnb to survive the COVID pandemic, a cataclysmic event for the travel industry, Brian had to lean into the skills and thinking he’d learned and practiced for over a decade of leadership.
I’ve watched Brian grow as a leader for years, and so I was delighted to sit down with him for a co ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
1M ago
To create something truly original, do we build something new or break what came before? Perhaps the answer is both—simultaneously.
Jacob Collier does exactly that. A brilliant songwriter and musician, he’s known for transforming his live audiences into massive three-part choirs, making music with the very people who attend his concerts. His album Djesse Volume 4 was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards, alongside icons like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift. Although Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter won, Jacob snagged his seventh Grammy for his rendition of "Bridge Over Tro ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
1M ago
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 ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
2M ago
When the wildfires struck Los Angeles, turmoil quickly consumed the city. People were desperate for clear, reliable information—unsure of evacuation routes or how to track the fires as they spread in a history-making wind storm. Then, we found Watch Duty. This intuitive app became our lifeline.
The visionary behind the app is John Mills, a seasoned tech entrepreneur who created Watch Duty out of necessity after his own community in Northern California was repeatedly threatened by deadly wildfires. But John didn’t just build an app—he reimagined how business and philanthropy can intersec ..read more
A Bit of Optimism
2M ago
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when we're too drained to even get out of bed. So, how do we push through those days?
For Mel Robbins, facing this very question turned her life around. Struggling with $800,000 in debt and at rock bottom, she became obsessed with finding practical ways to regain control. Fast-forward to today, and Mel is a bestselling author and podcast host who has helped millions transform their lives. In her latest book, The Let Them Theory, she reveals how shedding the weight of others' expectations can help us live more authentically.
I sat down with Mel to dive int ..read more