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.
193 episodes•
Episodes
Rob Lowe Names Names: The Power of ‘Screw It’
01:02:219/23/2025
The Future You Avoid Is Riskier Than the One You Face with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman
01:06:329/16/2025
What Your Love Life Can Teach You About Work Relationships with psychotherapist Esther Perel
01:02:249/9/2025
Your Instincts Know What You Want with Author Arthur Brooks
00:55:549/2/2025
The Power of Doing One Thing Exceptionally Well with Gymshark Founder and CEO Ben Francis
01:01:148/26/2025
Simon Goes Nuclear with nuclear energy influencer Isabelle Boemeke
01:06:208/19/2025
The Brilliance of Boredom with creative polymath Elle Cordova
01:05:228/12/2025
The Privilege of Bad Experiences with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim
00:26:108/5/2025
The Business Case for Good Manners with etiquette coach William Hanson
00:54:447/15/2025
Live Like You Have 2 Years Left with dancer and cancer survivor Angela Trimbur