A Bit of Optimism Will Return in the New Year

Podcast: A Bit of Optimism
Host: Simon Sinek
Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special year-end episode, Simon Sinek reflects on the journey of his podcast, A Bit of Optimism, expresses gratitude to listeners, and looks ahead to new episodes in the coming year. He also shares personal recommendations for past episodes to revisit during the holiday break. The tone is warm, appreciative, and hopeful for the future—embodying the core values of optimism and growth.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Gratitude for the Community

• Simon opens by sharing deep appreciation for his listeners, attributing the podcast’s positive impact and reach to their engagement and support.
  • "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." (00:10)
• Highlights the power of sharing optimism, as listeners have helped spread ideas through sharing episodes and clips.

2. Upcoming Break and Return Announcement

• Announces a brief pause for the holidays, with new episodes resuming January 27, 2026.
  • "We at A Bit of Optimism are also going to take a break for the holidays. We will be back in the new year with new episodes starting January 27." (00:40)
• Promises exciting new guests and conversations set to launch the new year.

3. Recommended Episodes for Inspiration

Simon suggests a few significant past episodes for listeners to revisit:

• Bob Chapman – CEO of Barry Wehmiller (Phillips, Wisconsin Episode)

  • Simon describes his visit to a factory as a powerful experience demonstrating how meaningful and human-centric work can be.
  • "Visiting his factory is a lesson to all of us about what work could be like. In fact, what work should be like." (01:08)

• Jacob Collier – Grammy Award Winner

  • Praises Collier’s boundless creativity and encourages listeners in need of a creative spark to revisit their fun and mind-buzzing conversation.
  • "To see his mind buzz is nothing short of creatively inspiring." (01:27)

• Trevor Noah – Comedian, Author, and Host

  • Recounts their lively exchange as both hilarious and intellectually stimulating, promising listeners a mind-stretching experience.
  • "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." (01:39)

4. Closing Reflections & Well-Wishes

• Ends the episode with a forward-looking perspective, expressing excitement for fresh ideas and conversations in 2026.
  • "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." (02:04)
• Offers heartfelt holiday and new year wishes to the community, emphasizing self-care and kindness.
  • "Wishing you all very happy holidays. A Happy New Year. Take care of yourself, take care of each other." (02:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Listener Impact:
  "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."
  (00:30)

• On Meaningful Work:
  "Visiting [Bob Chapman's] factory is a lesson to all of us about what work could be like. In fact, what work should be like."
  (01:08)

• On Creativity:
  "He has lots of fun ideas and to see his mind buzz is nothing short of creatively inspiring."
  (01:27)

• On Growth and Community:
  "Let's grow together."
  (Implied throughout)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:00–00:40: Gratitude and reflection on the year
• 00:40–01:00: Announcement of holiday break and return date
• 01:00–02:00: Recommendations of favorite episodes (Bob Chapman, Jacob Collier, Trevor Noah)
• 02:00–02:30: Looking ahead to 2026 and closing wishes

Summary

This brief but heartfelt episode is less about content than connection. Simon Sinek pauses to express gratitude for his community, reflect on the podcast’s core mission, and encourage the audience to seek inspiration—both from past guests and in the year to come. For longtime fans or new listeners alike, this episode is a reminder that optimism is best nurtured together and that thoughtful conversations can inspire real change.