A Bit of Optimism
Hosted by Simon Sinek · 9 decoded episodes · newest Oct 6, 2026
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.
Episodes 9
- Oct 6, 2026 · 56 minReinvention beats arrival in the search for happinessThe conversation argues that meaning and sound judgment grow through lived experience, not through optimized shortcuts or imagined finish lines.
- Sep 29, 2026 · 1h 2mRob Lowe turns career embarrassment into a longevity strategyThe conversation examines how risk, emotional openness, humor, and gratitude can keep public work—and the person behind it—adaptable.
- Sep 22, 2026 · 1h 2mAmy Morin reframes resilience as a daily practiceThe conversation examines how grief, avoidance, labels, and self-pity can either deepen distress or become openings for deliberate change.
- Sep 15, 2026 · 50 minDating advice may be sabotaging lasting loveThe episode examines how chemistry, choice, and red-flag culture can reward avoidance while leaving people unprepared for commitment and conflict.
- Sep 8, 2026 · 47 minGreat speakers guide audiences instead of displaying knowledgeThe episode argues that persuasive communication depends on conviction, preparation, and audience awareness more than performance or information density.
- Sep 1, 2026 · 51 minJim Kwik challenges the limits people learn to believeThe conversation connects childhood labels and learning struggles to practical methods for rebuilding attention, confidence, and capability without turning self-improvement into self-rejection.
- Aug 25, 2026 · 58 minMary Holland Nader turns visibility into financial independenceThe conversation examines how founders can use attention, intuition, and vulnerability to advance a mission without surrendering control.
- Aug 18, 2026 · 1h 1mBrendan Hunt traces Ted Lasso’s unlikely creative pathThe conversation examines how craft, curiosity, and meaningful work can turn detours into the foundation for unexpected success.
- Aug 11, 2026 · 46 minTreat workplace conflict as a shared problemAvoided tension breeds resentment and distorted stories, while a well-timed conversation can protect both the relationship and the work.