A Bit of Optimism

By: Simon Sinek
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • The future is always bright…if you know where to look. Join me each week for A Bit of Optimism! I talk to inspiring people who teach me more about life, leadership and general interesting things.
    Show more Show less
Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • The Search for Self-Love with podcaster Lewis Howes

    The Search for Self-Love with podcaster Lewis Howes
    Apr 1 2025

    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?

    Lewis Howes knows that learning to like yourself, let alone love yourself, can take decades. After surviving a traumatic childhood, Lewis spent years working on himself to try and understand what it takes for human beings to achieve greatness. He overcame learning disabilities, insecurity, and self-loathing to become who he is today. Lewis is a New York Times bestselling author, a former pro athlete, and host of the popular podcast The School of Greatness.

    After appearing several times on Lewis’s show, I was excited to finally have Lewis join me on A Bit of Optimism. Together, we unpack our insecurities, talk through our money trauma, and discuss why the first step to liking yourself is to find a little courage.

    This…is A Bit of Optimism.

    For more on Lewis and his work, check out:

    his book, Make Money Easy

    his podcast, The School of Greatness
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • Revisited: Why Awkward Is Awesome with psychologist Ty Tashiro

    Revisited: Why Awkward Is Awesome with psychologist Ty Tashiro
    Mar 25 2025

    A Bit of Optimism is on hiatus this week, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations! In this episode, Simon talks with psychologist Ty Tashiro about social awkwardness and why being awkward can actually be a superpower.

    *****

    Awkwardness gets a bad rap. But being awkward is often an indicator that someone has extraordinary.

    Psychologist and author Ty Tashiro has spent a great deal of time studying (and living!) social awkwardness. He's fascinated by how the same traits that cause us social embarrassment can also drive exceptional accomplishment.

    As a fellow awkward person, I was delighted to sit down with Ty and discuss the competitive advantages of social awkwardness, and how sometimes what society labels a weakness turns out to be our greatest strength.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    For more on Ty and his work check out:

    his book, AWKWARD: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome

    tytashiro.com
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • Does Gender Change How We Lead? with retired colonel DeDe Halfhill

    Does Gender Change How We Lead? with retired colonel DeDe Halfhill
    Mar 18 2025

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

    DeDe Halfhill would say yes and no. A retired Air Force colonel, Dede spent 20 years in the military, where she advised some of the military’s most powerful leaders during the War in Iraq.

    She was often the only woman in the room for weeks on end. And while DeDe found the principles of leadership to be universal, there was no denying her experience as a woman leader was different from the men.

    DeDe is an old friend of mine, and I was excited to talk with her about what she learned during her time in the Air Force. She explained to me why people react differently to male versus female leaders, why loneliness often shows up as exhaustion, and how the ability to do emotional labor makes all leaders great, regardless of gender.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    For more on DeDe and her work, check out:

    dedehalfhill.com
    Show more Show less
    41 mins

What listeners say about A Bit of Optimism

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    76
  • 4 Stars
    4
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    2
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    69
  • 4 Stars
    9
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    2
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    71
  • 4 Stars
    5
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    2

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Joan Johnson

Insights to millennials

I wasn’t aware of Sara Kuburic before this podcast but am so glad I listened. My children are millennials and so much of what Sara says resonates with my understanding of their struggles. Very helpful to me to increase my awareness of what questions and tools can help. Thanks !

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Shaqeel Baksh

Your worth it...

I was actively listening for the entire thing. It was captivating. A story filled with lessons and learning.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Simon’s optimism is contagious

I was having a bit of a slump at work where I wasn’t happy coming into work. I started seeing videos of Simon discussing a plethora of topics. normally I don’t buy in, but something about his approach pierced through and struck home for me. Since listening to the podcast and buying his books, I’ve rediscovered Why I like going to work. Supporting my Team as their manager and helping them grow to achieve what they aspire to. While I don’t think he’ll see it, thank you Simon!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Jerry Cullins

Great Series!

Love too many of the episodes to list. Even the episodes I did not love taught me. Great job Simon!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Charles Butler

What an Amazing Episode!

I loved this episode! Simon is such an amazing conversationalist and listener! This episode shows and shares the power of listening, slowing down, and being present. I will be sharing this episode with many people! THANK YOU!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Lori English Social Worker

Great Interesting Podcast .Brilliant!

I really LoveSimon as I listen to him in Ted and His Podcast is Amazing. I truly love his work is brilliant! Thank You !

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Bijou

Insightful!

I very much enjoy Simon and his guests. He has a wide array of topics to discuss and I appreciate his mindfulness while interviewing. I especially loved the episode with the TSA lady and the guy who did the voice of Goofy! So much fun!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User

A Must In Such A Pessimistic World

I always love Simon's teachings, these podcasts are a powerful mix of individual/social improvement advices

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for myrtle

♡

This was delivered so wonderfully, great information and educating piece paired with a wonderful message.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Romina

It will fill your heart (and brain)

This podcast fills me with hope, love, ideas and optimism. I just love Simon and his amazing guests. Thank you so much for such inspirational conversations.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!