What if being a more optimistic person has nothing to do with “staying positive”? In this conversation, we unpack the real psychology of optimism — and why it’s less about feeling good, and more about building resilience, curiosity, and emotional flexibility. If you’ve ever struggled with negative thoughts, anxiety, or your mental health, this episode will bring encouragement, hope, and helpful tools. You will learn… why nostalgia can actually regulate your nervous system and support optimism the real definition of optimism (and why it’s not the same as positivity) how anxiety fills in uncertainty with worst-case scenarios — and what to do instead what optimism looks like when you’re struggling, depressed, or barely getting through the day how curiosity — not confidence — might be the most powerful mindset shift Remember: being a more positive person isn’t about forcing yourself to feel good — it’s about learning how to stay open, grounded, and resilient through the full range of your human experience. Dr. Deepika Chopra, widely known as The Optimism Doctor®, is not your average shrink. A behavioral scientist, health psychologist, national best selling author, podcast host, visual imagery expert and sought after speaker, she holds a doctorate in clinical health psychology and completed a double postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her book The Power of Real Optimism (Simon and Schuster 2026) is a practical science based guide to staying resilient, curious, and open even when life is hard. Dr. Chopra is a recurring guest on NBC’s TODAY Show and her innovative and science based work on Optimism, Hope and Resiliency has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, NPR, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Goop, Variety, Fast Company, Newsweek, New York Times, The Boston Globe and more. She has led workshops and consulted for companies including Google, Amazon, Live Nation, UPenn Health, BCG, and Amex, and spoken at events such as the Aspen Ideas Festival, SXSW, and The Atlantic’sIn Pursuit of Happiness. Dr. Chopra is the founder of Things Are Looking Up®️, a consultancy devoted to the intersection of science and soul, and the creator of the hit optimism card deck of the same name. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with the women in your life! Or on social media! Be sure to tag @maryspodcast and @drdeepikachopra Mentioned in this episode: 200 Reasons to Choose Self-Love Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
