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.

What if this podcast turned into a baking show? For Christina Tosi’s third visit to A Bit of Optimism, we decided to find out.

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.

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.

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

Sometimes in life, we choose the wrong path. When we feel like we're living a lie, it's hard to know what to do next.

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

What happens when we reach the top? There’s only one place to go.

Change happens to all of us whether we choose it or not. What’s the best way to go through transition, especially when it’s something we didn’t want?

We often define ourselves by what we do or who we are to other people. But at our core, who we are is often something much deeper, and sometimes wildly different, from the version that the world sees -- or projects onto you.

Self-love is never as easy as we think. Is it possible to fall in love with ourselves the way we fall for other people?

Simon talks with psychologist Ty Tashiro about social awkwardness and why being awkward can actually be a superpower.

Is there such a thing as female leadership? Or is gender not a factor?

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?

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.

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?

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?

People aren’t born great leaders. They learn to become great leaders.

To create something truly original, do we build something new or break what came before? Perhaps the answer is both—simultaneously.

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