The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi

SiriusXM Podcasts
The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi

Host Yara Shahidi sits down with incredible changemakers to unlock their secrets to conquering life, love, career, and everything in between with unwavering confidence and hope. We often discuss joy and happiness, but this podcast goes deeper. Optimism is where the magic happens! Join us as we find ways to cultivate the practice of optimism in our own lives.

Episodes

  1. Healing, Giving, and Finding Balance with Christine Platt. The Afro-minimalist

    1 DAY AGO

    Healing, Giving, and Finding Balance with Christine Platt. The Afro-minimalist

    It's the perfect time of year to renew and reinvent, and that's why I'm in conversation this week with Christine Platt. Author of The Afro-minimalist's Guide to Living With Less, Christine Platt shares what Afro-minimalism is and how we can all rethink our living spaces, which helps to declutter our minds.  She lets us in on the inspiring twists and turns with her career, and how a spur-of-the-moment decision to write a book changed her life. Also, our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating wildfires impacting Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Please know that our thoughts are with you, your loved ones, and your communities. Here are some vital resources: 211 LA: 211la.org The American Red Cross Shelter Locator: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html California Fire Foundation: cafirefoundation.org Mutual Aid LA Network : https://www.mutualaidhub.org Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom!  @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @iamchristineplatt // Christine Platt @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

    52 min
  2. Preparing for Life's Lemons with Courtney B. Vance

    8 JAN

    Preparing for Life's Lemons with Courtney B. Vance

    I'm in conversation this week with actor Courtney B. Vance, who shares how life's ups and downs have conditioned him to lean into optimism. He opens up about how grief and a mother's prodding nudged him into therapy, and why he advocates for others to do the work of dealing with themselves. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @courtneybvance // Courtney B Vance

    54 min
  3. Preserving our Peace with Dr. Allycin Powell - Hicks

    1 JAN

    Preserving our Peace with Dr. Allycin Powell - Hicks

    I'm in conversation this week with Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks, who comes from a long line of physicians but still had to find her own way in the health arena. These days, she mixes her medical and media backgrounds into her own business. She shares the way she counsels people about how to practice optimism as part of mental health. And she encourages us to try a new way to meditate -- with love and kindness at its center. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @allycinhicks // Dr Ally

    49 min
  4. Purpose, Laughter, and Faith: A soul filling Conversation with Ego Nwodim

    25/12/2024

    Purpose, Laughter, and Faith: A soul filling Conversation with Ego Nwodim

    This week, I sit down with Ego Nwodim, Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian, and actress, for an inspiring conversation on the power of optimism. Ego opens up about how embracing a positive mindset has transformed her well-being and why it’s a gift to both mind and body. We talk about the pressures of work, how Ego stays grounded in the chaos, and her journey toward setting boundaries while nurturing her desire to help others. Tune in for a candid and uplifting discussion on staying true to yourself in a demanding world—and why optimism is the ultimate tool for self-care. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Shahidi @eggyboom // Ego Nwodim

    49 min
  5. Unlocking Positive Thinking:: The Psychology of Optimism with Dr. Laurie Santos

    18/12/2024

    Unlocking Positive Thinking:: The Psychology of Optimism with Dr. Laurie Santos

    Join me this week as we tap into the literal science of well-being with the brilliant Dr. Laurie Santos—THE Yale psychology professor who’s revolutionized how we think about happiness. As the creator of Yale’s most popular course EVER, The Science of Well-Being, and host of the hit podcast The Happiness Lab, Dr. Santos breaks down the psychology of optimism and introduces us to the “Beautiful Mess Effect.” We also explore why happiness can feel so tricky to achieve—and she shares practical tools to help us rewire our approach to well-being. Want to share your experience or ask a question? Call us at (323) 761-0837 or email askoptimistproject@gmail.com. Looking for more? Dr. Santos offers a free Coursera course, The Science of Well-Being. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! Dr. Laurie Santos // @lauriesantosofficial The Optimist Project Podcast // @theoptimistprojectpod Yara Shahidi // @yarashahidi Keri Shahidi // @chocolatemommyluv

    48 min
  6. Finding Seeds of Optimism in Storytelling with Ari Shapiro

    11/12/2024

    Finding Seeds of Optimism in Storytelling with Ari Shapiro

    In this week’s episode of The Optimist Project, I’m joined by veteran journalist Ari Shapiro, host of NPR's All Things Considered. Ari has actively rooted his life’s work and his experiences in the belief that optimism isn’t about avoiding struggle, but about our collective ability to navigate struggle with hope, creativity, and curiosity. Whether you listen to Ari’s nightly newscast, are new to his work, or simply believe in the transformative power of thoughtful journalism, this conversation will remind you that we can strive for a deeper appreciation for the human stories that connect us all. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @arishapiro // Ari Shapiro @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

    42 min
  7. Writing Our Own Stories: Keke Palmer on Mastering Self-Esteem and Empowerment

    04/12/2024

    Writing Our Own Stories: Keke Palmer on Mastering Self-Esteem and Empowerment

    Keke Palmer has made her way into our hearts, beginning as a young actor with a resume as long as my arm - and continues to blossom into an entrepreneurially inspired actor, author, mother, host and so much more. Join the Optimist Project as Keke shares insights from her journey - how family and community shape her, and how in moments of doubt, her mindset keeps her stepping into her power. If you’ve ever wondered what fuels Keke’s magic—or better yet, her optimism—you’re in the right place. She shares the power of taking control of and taking pride in our own narrative and knowing what you desire is worth it. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @keke // Keke Palmer @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

    40 min
  8. Faith, Fatherhood and Finding Optimism with Hasan Minhaj

    27/11/2024

    Faith, Fatherhood and Finding Optimism with Hasan Minhaj

    This week, comedian and social commentator Hasan Minhaj joins us for a moving conversation about how his faith has been foundational in shaping his sense of optimism. We explore how Hasan's ever-deepening belief system influences his approach to life as a father, brother, caregiver, and partner to his brilliant wife—each role guiding his broader personal journey. Hasan shares how he moves with purpose, actively seeks growth moments, and explains why he believes it's important to "keep receipts". As we continue adding new ideas—or seeds—to our optimism garden, Hasan reminds us that the answers we seek may already be within us. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leave a voice message at (323) 761-0837 or email us at askoptimistproject@gmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to share your own seeds of optimism and wisdom! @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi @hasanminhaj // Hasan Minhaj

    49 min
  9. Optimism Through Art and Identity with Janelle Monáe

    20/11/2024

    Optimism Through Art and Identity with Janelle Monáe

    In this episode, I am excited to be in conversation with the phenomenal Janelle Monáe—she is a singer, songwriter, producer, actress and more. In this inspiring conversation, Janelle Monáe shares her personal take on optimism, the pure potentiality of believing in yourself and her must-have items that support her emotional health and boundless creativity while on tour and at home. The Optimist Project always LOVES hearing from our OP community! Share your Journey with us- You can leave a message at (323) 761-0837 or - email askoptimistproject@gmail.com - Your thoughts may be featured in a future episode!

    50 min

  10. 01/11/2024

    The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi | Coming November 20th!

    On this podcast, we’ll discover: what gives you hope? Join Yara Shahidi as she sits down with some of the best thought leaders of our time - artists, comedians, scientists, and more - to find out how optimism plays a role in their lives. Together, we’ll unpack how to access resilience and joy in our everyday lives. Join us every Wednesday starting November 20th for your weekly optimism drop!

    1 min

  11. 05/10/2024

    This Show Will Keep You Lifted

    Welcome to the Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi, a show that asks: what gives you hope? You’ll hear from some of the best thought leaders of our era — artists, comedians, scientists, musicians and more. Together, we’ll unpack how to access resilience and joy in our everyday lives. Meet us back here November 20th for your weekly optimism drop!

    1 min

Trailers

About

Host Yara Shahidi sits down with incredible changemakers to unlock their secrets to conquering life, love, career, and everything in between with unwavering confidence and hope. We often discuss joy and happiness, but this podcast goes deeper. Optimism is where the magic happens! Join us as we find ways to cultivate the practice of optimism in our own lives.

Information

More From SiriusXM Podcasts

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada